About Ziema26

Status:

Repatriate 

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Past Expat Posts:

Germany

Lithuania

About Ziema26

For some reason, I don't seem to have any desire to live somewhere else besides Lithuania.

Advice for New Expats

Get started on networking as soon as possible.

I would love to live in...

Lithuania

Education:

Martin-Luther Universitaet
  1998 to 1999

Montana State University
  1995 to 2000

Vilnius University
  2003 to 2004

George Mason University
  2003 to 2006

Favorite Assignment:

Vilnius, Lithuania

Favorite Cuisine:

Italian

Favorite Movie:

Fiddler on the Roof

Favorite Book:

The Bible

Some Forum Posts:

Lithuania: Considering move from Chicago to LT:

Jimushkas: I am an American woman who lived in Vilnius for approximately two years. My experience may be different than 'men' in that it unless you're a foreign woman already married upon arriving in Lithuania, it is very difficult for a woman from a wealthy nation to start and maintain a relationship with a Lithuanian man or even befriend a woman. Your financial status is a HUGE barrier to establishing friendships in Lithuania. This was probably my biggest difficulty while living in Lithuania -- at one time I earned three times more than the average Lithuania (and it wasn't much). Whoever advised you to just visit Lithuania before deciding to settle there is right! I am not writing about all the other stuff like lying, cheating, deception, etc. that I encountered there. Of course, this happens in every society, as we are all human, but it seems to hurt more or hit deeper when you experience it in a foreign culture. In summary, heed the warnings! And don't forget the U.S. has 10% unemployment, but Lithuania has 18%! Of course, if you are involved in any kind of missionary work over there, forget everything I said :-).

Lithuania: english teacher:

I would have to say that Abakan -- Arturas -- is very optimistic. Lithuania is saturated with English teachers. Good luck. Jen

Lithuania: Americans or Brits in Vilnius?:

Hi, Are you in Vilnius yet? I'm American. Jen.

Lithuania: Update on Lithuania:

Anyone living in Lithuania got any updates on its economic situation right now (12/2008), unemployment rate, etc? What's the atmosphere like there? Are people generally optimistic about 2009? Thanks in advance... Ziema26

Lithuania: Cat Hotel !:

Well, here in the States we say "cat-sitting" or "dog-sitting" and I would do it if I lived in Vilnius :-). Unfortunately, I don't. This could be a potential business venture if you have the entrepreneurial spirit...

Lithuania: looking for brits in vilnius for advice:

Hello, I'm American, but I used to live in Vilnius. I tried to do the same thing as you, but I tried to work with American companies. The only thing with that is that they hire locals/natives for the majority of their positions. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have much money saved up? Have you ever thought of starting your own business in Lithuania? Or can you do consulting? Or perhaps you could get a job in the UK that would allow you to work in Lithuania? Or you could represent a UK-based company in Lithuania? Perhaps you could convince a UK company to establish a subsidiary in Vilnius and you would take all the necessary steps to get it going? Just some ideas...Also, most people in the business world in Vilnius can speak English or they're in the process of doing so. Much success! Jennifer

Lithuania: My fellow Americans:

Noel, I think you and I have a lot in common... And, actually, Lithuania does have the highest rate per capita in the world, last time I checked. Jen

Lithuania: Banking jobs in Vilnius:

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, I would suggest that you start your own business. As someone who lived in Vilnius and attempted to get a job without Lithuanian citizenship or Lithuanian fluency, I would say it's very difficult to make a living there. Unless you try to get a job with a U.K. company, but even then, they usually hire the executive in the native country and transfer him. And even if you teach English, you will need a supplemental income if you want to do anything outside of sleeping and eating. Just me two cents. Much success to you!

Lithuania: relocating to Vilnius:

Arturas did an excellent job answering your question. I would just add that if you have a background in business or are proficient in another language, you may want to check out the chambers of commerce of other countries in Vilnius. One of their members may need someone who is an English native speaker or someone with business experience in Western Europe/the U.S. Swiss Baltic Chamber of Commerce http://www.sbccchamber.com/index.php?lng=en&page_id=32 American Chamber of Commerce http://www.amcham.lt British Chamber of Commerce http://www.bccl.lt Also, you may want to check out Lithuanian products while you are there and consider exporting them to other parts of the world. I taught English in Lithuania -- didn't make much money. If you want to live comfortably in Vilnius, think BUSINESS. Good luck! Jennifer

Israel: US Expat Life in Israel?:

Shalom, Well, my first question is: Will you be going as a missionary? If not, how will you earn money? From what I've heard, the Israeli government is not too friendly toward Christians unless it is an established organization. I would also like to travel to Israel, but given that I'm not a Jew, I plan on going with an organization like Bridges for Peace and not alone. Good luck! Jennifer Chicago, USA

Date Joined:

11/30/2005

Total Posts:

19

Posts/Day:

0.00