10 BOOKS THAT EXPATS MUST READ WHILE LIVING OVERSEAS

Do you want to successfully integrate into the 230-million-strong global expatriate community whose members reside in different countries and contribute and support their families financially through money transfers?

That the answer to this question is in the affirmative goes without saying. But to do so, you must be aware of the basics of expatriate life. What better way to learn about these basics than seeking guidance from experienced expatriates or reading some of the books people with huge expatriate life experiences have authored?

This blog will discuss some of the books you must read while living abroad.

A brief insight into a two-ways learning process – experience or observation

Of course, you are not the first one to consider relocation, nor will you be the last. Millions of people have undergone the same experience and can be a potential help to you in the sense of sharing their experience with others about what life is like overseas.

You either have the option to learn from their experience by observing their life abroad or decide to experience something yourself. The choice is yours, of course!

Many seasoned expatriates have authored books that throw light on an overseas life, reading and learning from which you can shorten your journey to professional excellence abroad.

Learning from the experience of others through observations and what they tell you through books and otherwise saves your time from treading the path they only later realized they should not have walked. Therefore, books in this regard are a great help.

Here is a quick insight into a few major benefits of book reading, you should keep in mind to keep reading books for

The following few benefits of book reading you must not forget.

• Book reading helps you gain valuable knowledge. When asked how he learned to build rockets, Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder, said, ‘I read books.’

• Book reading is a sure recipe for success as renowned author Roald Dahl said, ‘If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.’

• Joseph Addison, a 17th-century English author, once wrote, ‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.’

• Book reading helps you improve your focus, attention, and memory.

• Book reading improves your communication skills.

• It helps you learn things without actually doing them.

• Books are great entertainment and readily available to friends.

• Books help you reduce stress and tensions caused by any issue.

• Books are a panacea for mental health issues.

These are some of the major benefits you can have by doing a simple act – reading!

Best expatriate books you must read while living overseas

Here’s a list of 10 great books that can help you clear the problems an expatriate life brings.

Katherine by Anchee Min

It is the story of an American teacher who travels to China to teach English in the 1980s. The backdrop is Mao’s death. The teacher’s style introduces new thinking methods to the students and makes them question their traditional ways. It is a must-read for you if you are taking teaching as your profession overseas.

The flame trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood by Elspeth Huxley

It is the story of 6-year-old Elspeth Huxley, who travels to Kenya with her parents. The book explores the country through the naive eyes of the child and describes expatriate life in Africa in the 20th century. This book is a must-read for those interested in the British Empire and African Anthropology.

Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald

It is the story of an Australian radio correspondent Sarah MacDonald who relocates to India to stay with her boyfriend for two years. The book gives you a deep insight into Indian culture, beliefs, and religions.

Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia by Chris Stewart

It is the personal memoirs of ex-Genesis drummer Chris Stewart. It describes the author’s life in the mountains of Andalucia in Granada, Spain. It is a humorous book about living in Southern Spain without water, electricity, etc.

It is regarded as the best expat travel book of all time.

Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris by Sarah Turnbull

This book is the writer's first-hand experience when she moves from Australia to Paris with her French boyfriend. It is a must-read for you if you are moving abroad for the first time as it discusses settling abroad, finding jobs, making friends, adapting to new cultures, etc.

Extra Virgin: A Young Woman Discovers the Italian Riviera, Where Anne Hawkes enchants every Month

The story is about a London girl who adapted to the new culture when she went to another country. It tells the story of how the girl won the hearts of the local townsfolk by purchasing a farmhouse in the hills and her efforts to run an olive farm.

Expat: Women’s True Tales of Life Abroad by Christina Henry De Tessan

It is a collection of 22 expat authors discussing their various experiences in different regions of the world. It talks about the trials and tribulations of settling in foreign countries and the impact going overseas had on their lives. It essentially offers many things to readers of different backgrounds.

The Expat Arc: An Expat’s Journey Over Culture Shock by Danielle Barkhouse

It is the author's personal story, who is a Canadian-born citizen and becomes an expatriate. The book focuses on Danielle's experience in India and how she overcomes the heavy culture shock she endures when she arrives in the country.

Schizophrenic in Japan: An American Expat's Guide to Japanese and American Society/Politics & Humour by Mike Rogers

It is a collection of essays focusing on life in Japan through the eye of an American expat. It is an insightful reading about the writer’s observations of life in Japan. The book also discusses the differences between American and Japanese cultures on various topics, including the war in Iraq, etc.

A Broad Abroad in Thailand: An Expat’s Misadventures in the Land of Smiles by Dodie Cross

It is the story of a newlywed expatriate about her efforts to integrate into life in Bangkok. It is a hilarious recollection of the writer’s misadventures ensuing from the hasty marriage with a golf instructor. Besides being hilarious, the book also highlights several serious issues regarding expat life, including navigating another country to settle in. It is a must-read if you are considering relocation abroad.

These books will help you understand every aspect of your expat life, including settling down, earning a living, global money transfer(s), navigating your way in a foreign land, etc. These books are, therefore, a must-read for you.

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