The Importance of Expat Friendships by Yeong Goo
"Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods." - Ethics of Aristotle, Nicomachean
The results of the latest HSBC Bank International Expat Explorer survey were released recently.
The third report of its Expat Explorer series looked at the issue of integration, research on the challenges involved in moving abroad and the ease with which people in different countries deemed outstanding *.
Each of the 14 countries in the survey was rated according to four criteria: the extent to which expatriates involved befriended the local population, if not joined local community groups, such as a sports club or religious group, whether they learned the local language, and thus demonstrated that they were interacting with the culture, and if you bought a property there, which indicates a commitment to stay in the country.
Overall Germany topped the table, occupies the first goal for the number of expatriates who joined a local community group and those who learned the language. Also won second place in terms of friends-making within the local community, with 92% of respondents said they had done.
Canada ranked second in the standings, but was laid up in the ratings of friendship, with 95% of expatriates reporting questioned had made friends among the local population.
Australia finished third in the stakes of local friends, but placed only 11 joint general.
Meanwhile, the UK - which has something of the reputation of departure - was fourth in the level of friendship. For me at least (and I am a native) which indicates the country is more welcoming to expatriates who I had expected.
The U.S., where people have personally found to be extremely friendly and helpful, came sixth in this criterion. Other popular destinations for expatriates scored less than this measure, even friendship, with Spain coming in seventh, ninth and France, Singapore 13.
And the funds made available in this category was in the UAE. According to the survey, only 54% of foreigners reported to have local friends. That (presumably) does not mean that expatriates do not have friends there, but it is more likely to come from within its own enclave of expatriates.
The UAE was also the last joint (with China) in the overall survey, indicating that integration is generally less prevalent here. One of the interesting things about these findings is that the former HSBC Expat Explorer series, which occupied the top places to live the lifestyle factors such as income and level of luxury enjoyed, places the UAE second set on his list.
Thus, while the target is considered attractive for expatriates in terms of living standards, the integration seems to be more difficult, or at least less common than elsewhere. For me, however, is an important part of life abroad. Because without the integration that will remain outside the society that now is supposed to be home more visitors than the citizens.
And while moving abroad can bring all the money and luxury in the world, as I am concerned are not for the joy that comes from having close friends and family or to share life with. The question to ask is, then where is more likely to find such rewarding relationships are the cornerstone of happiness?
