Customer Reviews

New American Expat: Thriving and Surviving Overseas in the Post-9/11 World

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am moving to Europe, and having been given 4 weeks from initial contact to the first day of work, I am ravenously devouring information about relocating as an expat. First of all, I would highly recommend these two books Expert Expatriate and GenXpat. I would not recommend Melton's book.

Excited to read this book, as supported by promising reviews, I ordered it 2nd day delivery, and tore into it tonight, when it arrived. I was met by a style of writing reminiscent of a college paper hastily written the night before its due date. Broad generalizations, cliches, and laundry lists of tips are the fabric of this work.

I normally don't write reviews of books, especially now as I am in the middle of moving, but I am so disappointed in this, that I feel compelled to say something for the sake of other inquisitive minds. Perhaps the other reviewers are friends of the author, or have different standards of literature; some of the reviews (in praise) were more articulate than William Melton could ever be! I will give specific quotes, in the hopes that the writing may speak for itself.

Introduction xvi:
Speaking on globalism, "Our new world neighborhood presents us with two divergent paths from which to choose: one based on mutual understanding and tolerance of our differences and a contrary path characterized by cultural, religious, and ethnic intolerance and the enmity that invariably follows. It is up to us which path we choose....These tensions were heightened by the events of September 11, 2001, a day that shattered our assumptions...and sent us hurtling down a path of uncertainty."

Wow, thanks Yoda. I'll try not to pick the "dark path" of "enmity." I didn't realize that a study of globalism, or the current anthropological worldview could be so easily reduced to two paths: good and bad. Personally, I think it is better not to make grandiose statements about subjects one knows little about. It might send one "hurtling down a path" of bad writing.


P. 15
"...I have developed the following attitudes ...when I am living in another country:
- It is their country, not mine.
- They have the right to run it the way the want to.
- Things aren't *always* better in the U.S. (* denotes italics)
- Most people in the world don't actually want to be just like Americans
- If I try their approach, I might like it."

Wow again. This would be great for an 5 y.o. ex-pat who's moving kindergarten classes. As an adult, I was hoping for something a little more... sophisticated? "It is their country, not mine." Is this the name of a new movement in international relations? Well, a certain president would do well to study that line, but...



Pp 96-98

Two pages worth of material are devoted to "Spouse and Partner Issues." I am moving without immediate family, but I would assume that anyone with a family will want more than two pages devoted to such considerations. May I refer you again to Expert Expatriate.



P. 113
"... as long as a good faith effort is being made to apply for and receive the required work authorization as expeditiously as possible."

The book is rife with cumbersome language, symptomatic of gratuitous use of the thesaurus. "Expeditiously?" How about "quickly"? Again, old tricks to fatten up a limp college paper.



P. 118
"Be cognizant of the restrictions and prohibitions on what can be legally brought into the country..."

Cognizant? What he really means is "aware." Cognizant implies something else. This sloppy writing is pervasive. At the risk of seeming nit-picky, I offer these as a few examples of a larger deficiency of his writing.



To be fair, there are some nuggets of information in the book that I found helpful. And in the process of moving overseas, one must piece together the planning of the journey through the kaleidoscope of opinions that one inevitably solicits. So it is helpful in that way. But The New American Expat is just that, an avuncular recount of journeys taken across the globe. A collection of tips in a quasi stream of consciousness catalog, i.e. "And don't forget to do this, and don't forget to think about that, remember to be open minded!" But it is not constructed in a way to stimulate the planning process for your own trip, and it does not aspire to organize the seemingly overwhelming mass of details associated with relocation - which is what I expect a $25 book on the subject to do.

I strongly urge you to thumb through the book in person if you still want to buy it. I bought it online because neither Barnes and Nobles nor Borders carried it. The bright side to this story is the ease with which I returned this book to Amazon.

This book offers a refreshing voice of common sense, balance and experience. Books on this subject walk a tightrope between being too politically correct to address relevant stereotypes or, conversely, too fixated on stereotypes to transcend them. Author William Russell Melton manages the task effortlessly, thanks to his experience working in more than 20 countries. Relevant for those merely contemplating work abroad, as well as for those who just sat on their suitcases in order to zip them shut, this volume should prove to be a tremendous asset to any Yankee relocating to King Arthur's Court (or anywhere else). Melton advises Americans to be themselves, but to use common sense and show a little deference. For instance, listen more and speak less (and not so loudly, please). The author's goal is to develop confident world citizens who can interact adroitly on the world scene while staying true to their American values. The 23 pages he devotes to post-9/11 security abroad are frankly insufficient given the book's subtitle - but the quality of the information is top drawer. Melton even adds advice on how to make the transition when you return back to the U.S. We very strongly recommend that any American thinking of overseas employment should study this book - otherwise, things could get ugly.

I am in the process of trying to find my first international position, and this book provides some excellent advice on how to go about finding a foreign job, and also how to position yourself to get the job after you find it.

The chapter on expat contracts is the best source I have found explaining all the various compensation issues in a clear manner - not only what the issues are, but also how compensation packages are structured and what should be covered in the contracts. There is a very complete outline of an expat contract at the end of the chapter.

Melton also talks about what the the expat's reasonable expectations should be, explains issues from the employer's perspective and describes what the recent trends are for expatriate benefits and allowances.

This book covers all the basic issues -- getting a foreign job, negotiating compensation, moving, adjusting, returning home. But the author goes way beyond the normal nuts and bolts information that you find in all the expat books.

His chapter on safety and security issues while living or traveling overseas is the only source I have found that spells out in clear detail how expats can be safe on an everyday basis as well as how to deal with special security issues in high risk countries.

He also gives the reader some very practical and obviously experienced advice on how to "stay out of trouble" while abroad.

All in all, this book is by far the most comprehensive guide I have found for an expatriate getting ready to relocate or already overseas.

Having become an Expat before 911, I delayed purchasing "The New American Expat" initially. However, I can truly say that whether you are contemplating an expat assignment opportunity or already on one, this is the BEST expat book I have ever read. I wish I had it 7 years ago when I was first confronted with the expat decision. Thanks Melton for the suggestions and references that have already saved me much more than the few dollars that this great book cost me. Even with 7 years of experience, it has helped me improve my situation. Besides the excellent information, it's a surprisingly great read as well, which is tough to do with these kind of books.

An excellent source of information, written in a very readable prose. WRM has a sense of the exact information one will need when venturing to the expat life for the first time - his experience shines through... I only wish that he had written this 9 years earlier, so I could have taken advantage of the wealth of knowledge he shares... The contract areas of the book are especially insightful...

As a Global Security Consultant, I found this book to be an excellent guide to the seasoned or new international traveler. Even if you don't travel, the insights in this book about American perceptions of foreigners and their perceptions of Americans is right on target.

I recently had the Author on my Internet Radio Show, Global Security on www.voice.voiceamerica.com and found him to be everything he says in his book.

Vic Plessner, Global Security Consultant, www.vhpconsult.com

I've traveled and lived abroad over the years, and consider myself something of a veteran. Still, on almost every trip I've taken I find myself struck by a minor detail I've forgotten.

The New American Expat is absolutely invaluable for somebody about to live abroad for the first time, but also provides necessary reminders of details that are easy to forget for people who have lived abroad before.

Melton's book can be a bit like having a diligent mother checking a child's dufflebag before sending him off to camp. Melton doesn't miss anything.

The New American Expat also captures the excitment, the adventure and the often humorous faux pas that accompany any trip abroad.

Whether you're traveling abroad for the first time or the fiftieth time, you'll find something valuable in these pages.

I have been a consultant in the I.T. world for many years, and have always had an interest working overseas. I just got my hands on The New American Expat, and have decided that it is the right time to make the move.

Obtaining a job overseas has always seemed more like a dream than a possibility. With this book, I feel like I have a step-by-step plan to make it happen. I really appreciate the check lists included in each chapter. With the help of this book, and the resources in the appendix, I believe I should be able to make this dream come true, and be prepared once I am in my new position. Thank you Mr. Melton for developing this thoughtful guide.

As a multi-linguist whose career has focused on the international technology business, I found this book to hit all the right buttons from the standpoint of business and professional expatriates. The author draws from his experience working overseas as a business executive and lawyer -- living in seven different countries in over 20 years of real-world experience. He does not take an abstract approach but instead covers the issues in a very practical way that is geared for people who will be working in foreign countries. In addition to all the usual topics, he covers in detail the issues related to adjusting to new business practices and cultures and new legal systems in a way that is designed to get you productive right away. His emphasis is always on creating the right environment to be successful in your overseas job and to achieve your business goals.