Ten do's and don'ts for prospective expats

Five years ago this month, my new bride and I stepped off a China Eastern flight at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai and into our new lives.

We were exhausted from wrapping up our lives back in the US state of Florida, and at first felt like we had been dropped into a different dimension. It's interesting to see other "newbies" go through some of the things we did.

I can say without hesitation that moving to China has turned out to have been a very good decision. We have changed and grown as people and experienced some wonderful things. But life abroad is not for everybody, whether you're a Floridian living in Beijing or a Beijinger living in Florida. For those considering such a move, I can offer a few words of advice:

1. Do lots of research, and visit first if possible. This is especially true if you've never lived abroad before. After your move, keep learning. Ask local folks about things you shouldn't do or places you shouldn't go.

2. Simplify. Try to minimize what you leave in storage back home. Storing too much is an expensive mistake a lot of us have made. Bringing a few mementos from home helps, but be very selective there, too.

3. If you work, don't imagine your life abroad as a vacation. Sure, you get to do some amazing things, but work is still work, bills are still bills, and ask not for whom the alarm clock rings. It rings for thee.

4. Flexibility is a must. If you're inflexible, stay home. Understand that "the way they do it back home" is not always the way the rest of the world does it. Stay loose. Listen. Learn. It will make you a better person.

5. Be respectful of your host country. You can show respect and remain genuine at the same time.

6. Diligently study your host country's language, but give yourself a break, too. I know I'm much too much of a perfectionist and it hasn't helped. Use your new language, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

7. Having fellow expat friends is fine, and longtime expats in your host country can help show you the ropes. But avoid the expat bubble. Open yourself to having contact with a variety of people abroad.

8. Expect ups and downs. Even if you're having a frustrating day, it's probably just temporary, and if you've done a good job choosing your host country, you'll have many more good days than bad. People are pretty much the same everywhere, so if you run into a bad apple, back away and let it go.

9. Stay in contact with family and friends back home. Prepare all your communications technology before you leave.

10. Understand that the lives of those at home will continue without you. Roll with it. When back home, don't talk too much about your adventures abroad. It can be boring.

Mostly, enjoy the precious time you have abroad, no matter how long it is.

Contact the writer at matthewprichard@chinadaily.com.cn