Life In Britain – An American Expat’s Insight
Expat Insight 02 : In conversation with Herman Santiago
In the Expat Insight series we ask expats 10 questions that give insight on expatriate experiences around the world.
What is your nationality?
American, British
Which country did you relocate to?
United Kingdom
What were your motivations to relocate?
Initially work.
Does your current city meet your prior expectations?
Yes and continues to exceed them.
What are the misconceptions of living in this country?
If you mean what are the misconceptions I had prior to living here I would say was: It rains all the time – that is not true at all. Yes when it rains, it can come for days but when its dry we pray for rain as we love our greens. Its madness to drive on the wrong side of the road. There is no wrong side, there is the legal side, learn it and live it. Then trying driving on the side you drove before now that is a challenge. The food is terrible. I can say it was challenging in the beginning but London has changed in a 20 years I’ve been here that has impacted many of the cities in the other parts to. You can find all cuisine and incredible meals. Brits are not friendly. Most of my best friends are Brits. As Americans were are loud and seek attention, that is until we are in a challenging environment that we can not command and then we are weird, then we close up. I have not only seen this in me, I saw in many of us but open it up honestly and with consideration of cultural difference worth learning about, and you invite a world of adventure.
Find out about the culture, your local neighbourhood, the language. And when you arrive, put it all in the back drawer, and appreciate the new learning of all that new life offers.
Herman Santiago (Expat)
How long do you think you’ll reside in this country?
There is a chance I will stay always but split it with another country in Europe. Remote working is amazing.
If you were to move again, which 3 countries would be top on your list?
Portugal, Spain or France
Why would you chose to live in these countries?
Portugal because I really do love the country. I do speak Portuguese although I am more fluent in the Brazilian accent of Portuguese so I need the ear to adjust. Similar to what I did with English in Britain. Spain because I secondary language is Spanish and I also love Spain. I have always loved France but very limited in the speaking department but a couple of my best friends moved over and if I had to, being next to them would be amazing for all of us.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of becoming an expat?
Be detailed about everything. Find out about the culture, your local neighbourhood, the language. And when you arrive, put it all in the back drawer, and appreciate the new learning of all that new life offers. Its not easy, you leave family, friends and a life. But you may start new ones that become part of your overall global life and family. Guilt will come, and it will come at unwelcomed times but be honest with family as if they are supporting you, they will show you how proud they feel about you and that you will be near them soon. Be aware, you are going to become the “go-to” friend B&B for about a decade or five. And enjoy it, you can be the most incredible host ever.
Do you think having connections before move internationally can be beneficial to a new expat or someone new to travelling?
Yes always, however that does not mean if you have none, you will not make new connections. In today’s connected environment there is always a chance that you will at least have an extension of the six degrees of separation.
These stories are real lived experiences of expatriates around the world. If you’d like to share your story send us an enquiry here.