New American Expat: Thriving and Surviving Overseas in the Post-9/11 World

People are taking jobs abroad more than ever, yet overseas employment has never been more complicated or risky. New markets and new opportunities draw professionals overseas, even as the world as we understand it continues to change. For no one is this change more striking than the American Expatriate. Faced with shifting and sometimes hostile attitudes, Americans can no longer relocate expecting a warm welcome and an easy transition. Without the proper tools and preparation, working overseas can be an overwhelming proposition.The New American Expat: Thriving and Surviving Overseas in the Post 9/11 World is an essential guide that shows Americans how to be safe and secure, as well as successful, in their overseas assignments. The New American Expat provides a clear plan for thriving in the experience, with tips on how to find a job, negotiate a compensation package and set up a new home base. In addition, this is the only book to address how to be a good American while living and working abroad, highlighting the fact that we are all ambassadors for our culture and home countries.Brimming with checklists and practical advice, The New American Expat is required reading for anyone looking to turn his or her overseas assignment into both a career opportunity and a rich, fulfilling experience. As a former expatriate and the director of a company that has provided cross-cultural training to thousands of international assignees, this book should be read by any American considering an overseas assignment. Melton approaches post- 9/11 expatriation with a wealth of information that is both insightful and practical.-Diane McGreal, Director of Trainers, Berlitz Cross CulturalThe New American Expat offers much more than a narrow look at the post-9/11 expatriate environment. Melton provides an excellent overview of expatriate needs, ideal for someone heading off on his or her first assignment, as well as numerous checklists and resources that would be helpful to even the most-seasoned expat. -Tara Nielsen, Director worldwide Services, GMAC Global Relocations ServicesThe New American Expat is more than a survival kit for those embarking on an overseas assignment. It is an alphabet soup of practical information, resources and timely guidance from the author's own experience. You can be sure I will recommend this book to any member contemplating an expatriate experience. -Nelson Joyner, Chairman, Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA)I sincerely wish that Melton's book had been available to me 25 years ago when I began my off shore odyssey; adjustments would have been much easier and mistakes much less traumatic.-Marc Bradshaw, International Safety and Security Consultant, The Marcus Group Ltd.This book covers the whys and what ifs of finding and taking an overseas job....If you are thinking about work abroad this is a good starting point.-Transitions Abroad Magazine July/August 2006An in-depth guide to the challenges of living abroad in today's world. Based on his extensive experience as an expatriate, the author provides practical information and insights for Americans embarking on overseas assignments, with special focus on safety, security and topics such as 'how to be an American' while living and working abroad.-Transitions Abroad Magazine September/October 2006ContentsAcknowledgmentsPrefaceIntroduction1 The World at Your Doorstep2 Finding Your Job Overseas3 Closing the Deal: Negotiating Your Compensation Package4 Getting There: Moving Family and Belongings to Your New Home5 Being There: Living and Working in a Foreign Country6 Safety and Security in the Post-9/11 World7 Coming Home: Returning to Your U.S. Home and JobAppendix A: Recommended Reading on General Expatriate IssuesAppendix B: Expatriate Internet Resources with General Information and Advice on Expatriate IssuesAppendix C: Resources and Organizations to Contact for Information Regarding International JobsAppendix D: Government and Private Organizations that Provide Information and Assistance for Expatriates and for Companies Employing ExpatriatesAppendix E: Resources for Learning More About Specific Foreign CountriesIndexAbout the Author