The Expat Exchange is a website for anyone who is, has been, or is thinking of becoming an expatriate. The site features a forum, job information. resource guides, news and information and has a section devoted to each of the countries of the world. A variety of topics are covered, such as Considering a Move, Moving Overseas, Settling in & Culture Shock, Living Abroad, Work Abroad, Repatriation, Overseas Travel, and Retire Overseas. Visitors and members also have the option to sign up for The Expat Exchange e-mail newsletter.
“My husband’s English is excellent, but we do sometimes have miscommunications due to language. Because English is not his native language, he sometimes says things that he thinks are miniscule that I find positively offensive (it’s sort of like cussing in a different language – it doesn’t seem as serious).
There’s also the difference in culture. It’s very American to get overly excited about everything. “You colored that picture? Awesome! Way to go!” It’s very Dutch to see it for exactly what it is. “Oh, did you color that picture? It’ looks nice.” I always need to stop and remember that he’s not belittling my achievements if he doesn’t light fireworks over them!”
