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Sharon Gilor, expat/repat is also the Founder of expats-moving-and-relocation-guide.com, a website providing information about overseas relocation (i.e. how to search for moving companies, visa issues, pet relocation, culture shock, among other issues). She answered our questions about her expat/repat experience and how she turned her passions into a successful entreprise.
X-E: How many countries have you lived in? Isn’t it difficult to maintain a cultural identity?
SG: I have lived in 4 countries – Israel is my home country. During my childhood we lived in Fort Knox in Kentucky U.S.A. because of my dad's work. Later on, my spouse joined the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we were posted to Caracas/Venezuela, and to Ottawa/Canada.
In between we repatriated back home to Israel. Maintaining a cultural identity was not hard for me nor my family. I believe this is mainly because we represent our country when we are living abroad. So we have constant relations with Israel, its culture, its foreign policy, etc.
X-E: Many people apprehend to have to live abroad. How would you convince someone that an expatriation could enrich someone personally and professionally?
SG: That's a tough question. I wouldn't try to convince anyone to live abroad. Expatriation is not the right choice for everyone. However, I believe that when someone is considering the option of moving to another country, he/she would benefit from collecting as much information as possible about the expat lifestyle, and especially about the target country. Although expatriation can truly enrich you personally and professionally, it can also be quite challenging, especially when kids and spouse are involved. So I would recommend to make a list indicating the pros and cons of overseas relocation, to talk it over with your spouse and kids, to gather as much information as you can about the target country, and about education and work opportunities for your spouse and kids. You can also consult a psychologist, social worker or a global coach. Only then you can reach a decision, and sometimes although expatriate life could enrich someone personally and professionally the right decision would be not to expatriate.
X-E: If you had to name few foreign practices (i.e. philosophy, beliefs, customs) that you could make your own, which ones would you choose?
SG: I rather call them universal practices – tolerance, patience, broad worldview, creativity in solving problems.
X-E:What challenges did your children face during the expatriation and repatriation process that you did not anticipate?
SG: I think I was quite prepared for the expatriation challenges of our kids – No doubt that the main challenge was the language. Our kids speak Hebrew, not a very common language around the world. It took a while for them to learn the foreign languages (Spanish in Venezuela and English in Canada). A vivid memory I have is of our middle son singing the Canadian anthem in English on his first day at school. Well, trying to sing will be more accurate. Repatriation was much more challenging – Although there were no language barriers, there were sure culture differences. Our kids worked really hard to maintain their Israeli identity while living abroad, so hearing their Israeli friends refer to them as Canadians or Venezuelans did hurt them.
X-E: What advice(s) would you give to an Israeli expatriate wishing to return home?
SG: First and most important – Have patience. It takes time to settle back in and to deal with the Israeli bureaucracy. If you have kids then make sure to set a meeting with the school principal before the school year starts. Bring your kids to the meeting and show them around the school. If you are returning to the same neighborhood, try to arrange play dates with "old" friends of your kids. For trailing partners – there is no need to rush and search for a job. Take your time, arrange the house, make sure the kids are all settled, and finish dealing with paperwork and bureaucracy. You will succeed much better in finding a new job, when everything is organized. For the working partner – don't rush back to work! Your family needs you! Take some time off and help them resettle.
X-E:You currently live in Israel. Does this country offer a wide range of resources and information for people wishing to live abroad or return home upon completion of an expatriation?
SG: In general there are much more resources and assistance for Jewish people who plan to immigrate to Israel. Information for expats is a bit more complicated: Many companies (especially Hi-tech companies and government offices) have special departments that assist their employers with moving overseas tasks. Other companies use the services of private companies that specialize in overseas relocation. For private people who expatriate with no assistance from a company or a government office it is much more difficult. IGRA - The Israel Global Relocation Association is a great place for private people to start their search for resources, information and assistance (IGRA website will be available on the web soon). Resources for Repats – Unfortunately there are very little resources for repats. Many returning citizens rely on the assistance of family and friends.
X-E: Tell us about your enterprise, you could have been a writer, translator, or a coach, why did you choose this particular activity?
SG: I founded www.expats-moving-and-relocation-guide.com in October 2007.
 After being an expat and a repat twice, knowing that more posting are just around the corner, and that finding new jobs each time is very challenging, I had to search for a solution. During our posting to Canada I have worked at the consular department in our embassy, and really enjoyed helping out expats and repats. I figured out that I can take it a step further and build an information website that can help expats all over the world. Expats-moving-and-relocation-guide.com provides information about all aspects of overseas relocation – How to search for moving companies, visa issues, pet relocation, packing, finding a house, financial matters, culture shock, moving with kids, overseas employment, countries guide and more. Other than that visitors are welcome to ask questions, share their stories about life abroad, and interact with other expats. With expats-moving-and-relocation-guide.com I can not only assist expats, but I can do it from everywhere around the world.
X-E: Being an entrepreneur is not easy. Did you find the support you needed to launch and develop this venture? Would you like to share with us some of your plans for 2010?
SG: You are right! Being an entrepreneur is not easy, but I have a great support and encouragement from my spouse and kids. Other than that I have friends who are also entrepreneurs and therefore understand the challenges and difficulties. We turn to each other on "bad" days when we need a little support and understanding. For 2010 - I am creating few products of my own related to expatriate living that hopefully will be available during 2010.
X-E: Thank you Sharon for sharing your experience in the expatriation and repatriation process and the support you provide to expats.
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