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Australian Expat in California, USA - Interview With Sarah
| Published: | 26 Sep at 10 PM |
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Filed: Interviews,USA
My name is Sarah and I am a Aussie expat, if you had asked me in high school if I would move to the USA 3 times, I would have said you are crazy. But the truth is, I have! My expat journey started in 2005 when I worked at a summer camp in Fairfax, California then moved in 2008 to Livermore California for my partner work and now in 2013 for my now husband work in Dublin California. The expat journey continues. Sarah's expat blog is called The Expat Loop (see listing here)
Meet Sarah - Australian expat in Dublin, California
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Australia, I was born in Melbourne, and then moved to Perth ( 10 years) and more recently Adelaide.
In which country and city are you living now?
I am currently living in Dublin, California, USA
How long have you lived in the USA and how long are you planning to stay?
This is my third time living in California. I have lived here on and off for 3 years. I have just returned in August 2013 and will be here for the term of the contract which is 3 years,
Why did you move to California and what do you do?
We moved to California for my husband job. He was transferred with his company from Adelaide to California. I am an Event Planner and write a blog (see link below)
Sarah & Michael in LADid you bring family with you?
No
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Initially I found it fantastic and then as time went on a little harder. However I am a big believe of you get in what you put out and for that reason I now love living in California.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Yes, it was easy. You are constantly meeting new people through work, sporting clubs, hobbie groups etc. Majority of our friends are expats that we meet through GGAFL (Golden Gate Australian Football League) and SF Stars Netball Team.
What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
The Bay Area is full of fantastic things to do, from exploring San Franscico, to wine country in Napa Valley, national park in Yosemite and beaches in Santa Cruz. There are alot of expats in the area and meet up groups that anyone can get involved with.
Aussie Christmas PartyWhat do you enjoy most about living here?
The weather, the accessibility to local attractions, the city of San Francisco, the California lifestyle and lets face it the shopping!
How does the cost of living in California compare to Australia?
In terms of day to day living it is alot cheaper ( meals at restaurants,food/ wine, travel, insurance) the most noticeable difference is the cost of renting. It is expensive,
What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
As with every expat, it would be living abroad away from family and friends. It is hard but you make your own family with other expat friends and when you go back to your homeland it makes it even more special seeing loved ones again.
The tuck shop lades at GGAFL Grand FinalIf you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
Get amongst it! Make the effort to get out there, try new things, meet new people and enjoy the California ride.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
I think the hardest thing has been getting bad news abroad- be it that someone has died, or someone is sick. It is really hard getting the news over the phone and being so far away.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
Well I have returned home, though it was only for 2 years. I loved being back in Australia, the change was hard at time but I think you adapt to your surroundings.
SF Stars Netball team at LA LA Netball TournamentWhat are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
Well I started my blog after my family and friends asked me to. It started as a way of communicating with friends back home, however it has turned into a blog not only about my journey as a expat, but also advise to other expats, to be expats and to other people in general. I tackle every day topics, expat advice and some of my favorite things food and fashion. Check it out via the link below.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Please feel free email me or comment on my blog and I am more than happy to assist in any way I can.
Sarah is an Australian expat living in USA. Blog description: So to date I haven't really spoken about myself as such, but rather my expat journey. Today I would like to get personal! You know those times when your phone rings or a text comes through and it is normally - do you wan
Meet Sarah - Australian expat in Dublin, California
Here's the interview with Sarah...
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Australia, I was born in Melbourne, and then moved to Perth ( 10 years) and more recently Adelaide.
In which country and city are you living now?
I am currently living in Dublin, California, USA
How long have you lived in the USA and how long are you planning to stay?
This is my third time living in California. I have lived here on and off for 3 years. I have just returned in August 2013 and will be here for the term of the contract which is 3 years,
Why did you move to California and what do you do?
We moved to California for my husband job. He was transferred with his company from Adelaide to California. I am an Event Planner and write a blog (see link below)
Sarah & Michael in LA
No
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Initially I found it fantastic and then as time went on a little harder. However I am a big believe of you get in what you put out and for that reason I now love living in California.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Yes, it was easy. You are constantly meeting new people through work, sporting clubs, hobbie groups etc. Majority of our friends are expats that we meet through GGAFL (Golden Gate Australian Football League) and SF Stars Netball Team.
What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
The Bay Area is full of fantastic things to do, from exploring San Franscico, to wine country in Napa Valley, national park in Yosemite and beaches in Santa Cruz. There are alot of expats in the area and meet up groups that anyone can get involved with.
Aussie Christmas Party
The weather, the accessibility to local attractions, the city of San Francisco, the California lifestyle and lets face it the shopping!
How does the cost of living in California compare to Australia?
In terms of day to day living it is alot cheaper ( meals at restaurants,food/ wine, travel, insurance) the most noticeable difference is the cost of renting. It is expensive,
What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
As with every expat, it would be living abroad away from family and friends. It is hard but you make your own family with other expat friends and when you go back to your homeland it makes it even more special seeing loved ones again.
The tuck shop lades at GGAFL Grand Final
Get amongst it! Make the effort to get out there, try new things, meet new people and enjoy the California ride.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
I think the hardest thing has been getting bad news abroad- be it that someone has died, or someone is sick. It is really hard getting the news over the phone and being so far away.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
Well I have returned home, though it was only for 2 years. I loved being back in Australia, the change was hard at time but I think you adapt to your surroundings.
SF Stars Netball team at LA LA Netball Tournament
- Make the most of the expat experience.
- Make new friends.
- Get advice from other expats in the same position .
- Get amongst and embrace the culture and festivities of the country you are living in.
- Travel as much as you can .
Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
Well I started my blog after my family and friends asked me to. It started as a way of communicating with friends back home, however it has turned into a blog not only about my journey as a expat, but also advise to other expats, to be expats and to other people in general. I tackle every day topics, expat advice and some of my favorite things food and fashion. Check it out via the link below.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Please feel free email me or comment on my blog and I am more than happy to assist in any way I can.
About the author
Sarah is an Australian expat living in USA. Blog description: So to date I haven't really spoken about myself as such, but rather my expat journey. Today I would like to get personal! You know those times when your phone rings or a text comes through and it is normally - do you wan
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