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I have found living abroad difficult for two reasons.  One, I was working in a transient, English speaking industry and two, I did not (by circumstance and choice) integrate in the community. 

Keeping in touch with people with whom you work on yachts is very difficult because the nature of the work means you are constantly on the move.  Wider internet access helps to maintain contact but in many cases acquaintances  simply drift away to new boats, countries and careers. 

Life as an ex-pat is challenging because institutions that bring together communities in the home country like work, school and family are not as secure or may not exist at all in the new country.

There are clubs and groups you can join to meet new people based on your specific interests. However, if you work on the yachts it is almost impossible to have a regular community-based activity during the “season”.  I would recommend doing a “shout out” via community bulletin boards or through work to organize even a one-time meet-up. This way you can pick and choose  activities based on your interests.  I met a couple of lovely people this way.

I highly recommend taking language lessons, especially if you are going to be on your own.  Learning a foreign language is still one of my goals and I am studying via CD which I hope to take to the next level of in-class study.  I think this will be help me be more comfortable in the community and help me become employable. 

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