Maria recently wrote about a 12 step program to becoming an Ugly Expat. Well written, humorous, honest and true, and I wanted to share it with you (with her permission).
You, too, can be an Ugly Expat!
Some expats come by their ugliness naturally. For those who have to work at it, here’s a handy 12-step programme. I’ve tested out a couple of these myself (all in the name of research, of course!) and can pretty much guarantee their effectiveness. If you start at #1 and repeat as needed, you’ll be an Ugly Expat in no time.1. Don’t waste your valuable time researching your destination or its people before you move — a country’s history or dominant cultural values are no concern of yours. And for heaven’s sake, don’t throw away your money on any of that cross-cultural training mumbo jumbo — everyone knows what a scam that is.2. Likewise, don’t bother reading up on the causes and symptoms of culture shock, or how to alleviate it. That’s what Valium is for. (Pack lots!)3. Isolate yourself. Shut yourself up in your compound/condo and refuse all contact with local people. If there’s an exclusive expatriate club nearby, rejoice: you’re saved! Choose your new friends with care, weeding out any prospects who have Gone Native. (Being too chummy with the locals is a dead giveaway.) Successful candidates will have already aced the 12 steps and will embrace you as a kindred spirit.
Want to read the other 9 steps? (trust me, it's great!) .... click HERE.
I once wrote about expat kids being brats ... and this brought it all to a head once again. If you still want to read more about the subject, click on that underlined portion and leave a comment!
Have you seen it happen - regardless of the nationality? Do you think Americans take the cake when it comes to a trophy for worst behavior?
