I have found some new expat bloggers out there to do interviews with. There will be quite a few coming up, so make sure to check back regularly for more. Or just sign up for my rss feed to keep updated.

This interview is with Bruce from the blog American in Davao. One thing that I find so interesting about doing these interviews with expats from all over the world is that I am discovering and learning about places that I never knew existed, like Davao, Philippines. He has a fun blog called (appropriately enough) American in Davao that details his life abroad. Make sure while you are there to check out his post about cultural differences. And if you are sitting there thinking. “Exactly why would I want to live in the Philippines?” just take a look at his funny article called, Why I live in the Philippines.

I might not be living in the luxury as I am used to in America, but I will be living a better life of love and caring.

~Bruce

Now, on with the interview!

1.Where are you from originally, where are you now and what brought you there?

I am originally from the United States. Last location was Palm Beach County Florida.

I was one of the victims of the housing industry that caused the international financial crises. I was an Architectural Studio Project Manager and the company I worked for went bankrupt and I could not find decent employment. So I decided, instead of bringing my fiancee to the US, I would move here.

2.What do you like/dislike about your new home overseas?

Most is my wife. She is loving and dedicated, as most Filipinas. I also like the people here, most are very friendly. The lower cost of living is a great help.

3.Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get a job in a foreign country? Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get a job in the country you are now living in? What was your experience with getting a visa/job? Was it difficult?

A tourist visa is easy to get for Americans, as a tourist, you just need to renew every 2 months. If you’re married to a Filipina, you can apply for residency. With a tourist visa you are not legal to be employed without a work permit and you cannot get one for a position that can be filled by a Filipino.

Also, if you can, try to learn some of the local language before you arrive or try to learn when you move here. You get more respect and kindness if you talk in their language.

4.What was the most challenging part about living in a foreign country when you first started out as an expat? Do you have any advice for those facing similar challenges?

First is learning peso mentality. You come here and at first, everything looks so inexpensive. Then you realize, with all your spending, you are on a fixed income and the money supply is dropping.

Advice is to come with enough funds to start out with rentals and needs. Then figure out your budget and live by it. Remember, with currency exchange rates always changing, you might have less next time you get your money.

Learn as much of custom differences to live in peace and get along with the people you meet.

There are many foreigners who have come here and are happy with the life here, and many who have given up and moved back, of continued their quest by trying other countries.
~Bruce

5.If you were to do it all again (moving to and living in another country), what would you do different?

I would have spent more time as a visitor and learned the differences. Read more from others who moved here. Been less candid with other foreigners you meet with. Too much jealousies and attitudes.

6.Do you want to move back to where you came from? If not, what is it about the expat life that makes it all worth it to you?

If the economy was better and I could get a decent job and income I would move back with my wife.

With the lower cost of living, even in a limited fixed income, you can live an easier life. It is hard for me because I was a work-a-haulic type and get bored easily.

7.What are some of the good, the bad, the ugly…and the funny things you have experienced living overseas? Please share any funny or fun stories you have about the place you are living.

The good is the people, the kindness from most.

The bad is the poverty and beggars seeing a foreigner and always coming up to you with a handout, insane drivers and the pollution. Filipinos see a foreigner and think we all rich. I tell some when we talk, if I was a millionaire, why would I move here.

One funny story, I have learned a saying, which is used as an expression in the language “Sagpa Kakaron” which means “I will slap your face”. I was in a store with a Filipino, we had to wait for a price check at the cashier. I joked “Well we get more time to see the pretty simile. She looked at the Filipino and mumbled “Sagpa Kakaron”. I looked and said back, “You Sagpa Kakaron, I Sagpa Kakaron” She looked so embarrassed that I understood. I laughed and now when I shop there we always say hello.

8. Did you experience culture shock when you moved? What was that like? How did you overcome it?

At first I was shocked how so many live, small poor housing with many family members in the house. Then I realized we are so used to an easier life, and they are happy with a good family.

Then there is the heavy traffic with all the Jeepneys and motorcycles passing on both sides. Driving here, there is very little courtesy.

Also in America children are not expected to support their parents/family but here it is the custom.

I try to live by my motto here: There are things I do not like, but I cannot change a country or their people, so just accept the way things are and help where you can.

9.Any practical tips for the new expats out there?

Before you decide to move, do your research and visits and make sure this is what you want. Do not just stay in 5 star hotels, eat in restaurants that cater to the foreign customers and experience the “Real” life there.

10.Where do you think you’ll go next?

I do not plan to move anywhere else. I will be buried here.

Thanks Bruce for sharing your experiences with us!  Check out these helpful links about Davao.