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What Kind of Expat Roadmap Do You Need?

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Last week I wrote about the roadmap that wasn't, and I've been mulling and pondering ever since. I know the kinds of information and guidance I was hoping to find. I wanted something that would combine coaching and practical, step-by-step information. On the coaching side, I wanted something that would help me think about the reasons for the move and help me identify what's important to me in my overseas life. There are obvious decisions like (in no particular order): climate city, small …

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Can You Build a Solid House from this Blueprint?

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Recently I purchased a publication that promised to be roadmap for expats, something that would quickly take us, step by step, through our journey from our native homes to our lives abroad. Instead of the AAA Triptik I was expecting, however, I got an envelope full of "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" from Mrs. Murphy's fourth grade. At least, that's what it felt like. "We've compiled a blueprint you can follow. The map you need to get from where you are now straight to the perfect place you …

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Expat Conferences: Valuable Tools or Expensive Hype?

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My husband and I are planning an exploratory trip to Panama in the spring. Coincidentally, one of the big names in the publishing-for-expats business is holding a conference in Panama City at the same time. I'm seriously considering attending. If I go, I'll not only be listening and taking notes for myself but for all of you as well. I've been wondering for a long time whether these events provide reasonable value for participants. Testimonial, Shmestimonial Oh, I know what the promoters say, …

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Panama Bridge Kit: A Feast of Information

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As some of you know, Panama is currently at the top of my list for possible expat destinations. (In fact, my husband and I are setting dates right now for a visit in the spring to explore.) In preparation, I’ve been looking over reams of information about the country. One of the packages I reviewed is called the Panama Bridge Kit. It’s a comprehensive rundown of the kinds of information that future Panama expats need. The kit includes six modules: First and foremost, the Live and Invest in …

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Quality of Life Index for 2011: Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics

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Wow! The January, 2011 International Living just arrived in my mailbox and I am speechless. . . stunned. They've named the 2011 Top Quality of Life countries and they've put the USA at the top of the list. Since I saw the article, I've been thinking and doing more reading, because my level of "stunned" has not gone down. How could International Living, which usually is right on target, be so far off on this one? Now, to give them credit, they issued a bunch of disclaimers in the article. In …

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Here Comes 2011 — Is This the Year You’ll Move Abroad?

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The year 2010 is almost over. Will 2011 be the year you move to a new country? I'm pretty sure it will be for me. The only reason I'm not 100% sure is because there are parts of the process that aren't totally within my control. Because of the financial beating we took during the economic meltdown of 2009, we have to sell our house before we move. The market is bad, but holding on and renting it out isn't a viable option -- the Central Florida economy is just too messy. I'm trusting we can …

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