| Let the Adventure Begin! A Week-by-Week Guide to Moving Abroad
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20 Weeks Until Overseas Move: Learning the Language - Language Training is Key for Expatriates!
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| Why Expats Should Learn the Language
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We cannot stress enough the importance of learning the language of our new country. Even if English is widely spoken there, learning the native language will benefit you enormously. It will give you a chance to truly interact with locals, show respect for the local culture and engage in the expat experience.
One member of ExpatExchange.com explains, "In order to feel 'at home,' being able to understand and speak some of the language - at least daily conversation, is important. A person can survive in a different country and culture, but to be relaxed and have a true feeling of fitting in and being aware of the feel of the culture and peoples attitudes, local language skills are important. I know many expats who never bothered to learn the local language. They never fit in, never felt at ease, and were never accepted, on a personal level, by the local people - what a pity. Those expats lost a wonderful opportunity for personal and cultural enrichment and enjoyment."
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Babylon is the world's leading provider of quick online and offline dictionary and translation software in over 75 languages in one simple click and is being used by millions of private users and organizations in more than 200 countries.
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| Ways to Learn the Language
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In terms of how to learn the langauge, you need to find the method that you feel will work best for you. Some companies will pay for you and your family to have in-person training before you move or once you've arrived. For this type of training, we recommend Inlingua, which has over 300 locations around the world.
There are also a number of great language CDs, DVDs and online courses available. Here are a few recommendations:
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Earth Class Mail lets you view your mail online, then, with a mouse click, have it either opened and scanned for your review and download, shredded to protect your privacy, recycled to help the environment or forward-shipped to you or others 24/7, wherever you are in the world. Reduces forward-shipping costs by 50-90%!
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| This Issue Written by Kendra Redman
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Kendra Redman is a well traveled writer with a B.S. in
Journalism and a Master's in Writing. She has lived in
six countries and draws on her experience to write
about her adventures and misadventures. One of her
greatest travel accomplishments was once returning
from a trip with two end tables and two lamps as her
"carry on luggage."
She has been a contributor to websites such as
InsideOutmag.com, freshome.com, iVillage.com,
Vagablond.com and was a former country host for
ExpatExchange.com. Kendra can be reached at:
kredman2001@yahoo.com
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