Expat World

Some destinations have rich and active expatriate circles, where it is usually easy to befriend other foreigners. In several African countries, the chore of the foreigners are linked to the aid business. In places like China, Japan and Korea, a number of foreigners come to find opportunities they could not access back home. Many entrepreneurs are taking their marks in these hyperactives environments. In other cases, the love of the culture brings some to deeply immerse themselves, sometimes as Peace Corps or volunteers, sometimes as foreign language students, sometimes as young interns in local businesses. The nature of Brasilia itself, a new capital constructed inland, away from other Brazilian economic centers, brings very little international businesses, and a rather limited number of diplomats.

In some destinations, diplomats and expatriates organized themselves. Sharing issues linked to linguistic, cultural, even economical barriers can often create a first bond. In Beijing, there was Pékin Accueil, a 300+ group of francophones (mostly French) meeting monthly and organizing a huge number of activities covering a wide range of tastes. Here there is Brasilia Connection. Yet the demographics are different, with more diplomats wives, of a different age group. Yet between Pékin Accueil and Brasilia Connection there is a common shared interested in doing volunteering, in returning some of our own luck and affluence to the poorest and neediest.

This week there was a meeting. Previously at other meetings there were guest speakers. This time it was not the case, and as I arrived late to the gathering, I found the group brainstorming on how to help new comers get integrated in Brasilia, and on how to introduce them to the city. How appropriate for me. I was in awe listening to the listing of all the good things Brasilia has to offer: Good weather all year round. Easy access to cultural events of international standards. Ease to move around the city. Access to interesting natural sanctuaries around the city. Brazilian love of families and children. The list was much longer, and I should have written it down for future references. It was a good exercise to put some of my own difficulties into perspective.