You can actually read large extracts of it here on the Google books site.
I'm not sure if there are any Aussies reading my blog but I say if you are young, and single, or even if you are just young(ish) with no kids - do it! I would say that 99% of people would not regret having moved/lived overseas for some time of their life.
This book is really helpful. It covers legalities, technicalities and features lots of interviews with people working in different fields in different countries.
I'll quote some interesting comments:
(page 38):
London has been undoubtedly the best thing I've ever done. I think immersing yourself in another culture - even one that your own culture is based upon - is a massively rewarding and eye-opening experience. Living away from the comforts of home forces you to learn and grown as a person. For me, it kind of puts the world (and where I belong) into perspective. I've always loved Australia and seeing through the eyes of another culture has, in a way, made me love it even more. What I never expected to happen is that I've grown to love England too, and I know I'll take that feeling home with me when I go.
(page 51):
It was very hard to adjust to the difference in lifestyle. Although the people in the UK are a lot like Australians (similar sense of humour, friendly), I found it hard to get used to the different climate. I know it sounds a bit silly, but a few friends who came to live and work in the UK chose to go home early, because they missed the beaches and outdoor lifestyle!
Having said that, I like living over here and the UK feels like home now - it is actually hard for me to remember what it was like to live and work in Australia!
(page 57):
What is the process of going overseas on a company transfer?
First of all, you need to secure a job, and this generally involves an internal interview and selection process. The company then arranges work permits, visas, and so on. Depending on the country it can take two to three months to have everything in order.
Once you arrive, it probably takes around three months to settle in and find your way around.
(page 60):
Are the Sydney and San Francisco offices similar to work in?
You'd think that, moving to another English-speaking country, you wouldn't encounter an language problems but some terms and phrases are not interchangeable! I often need to ask people exactly what they mean, to clarify things and thus avoid misunderstandings.
(page 76):
Any tips for people hoping to work in the USA?
The all-important thing is finding a way to work here. Once you've got the visa, definitely come. Australians are very well received. We always attract a crowd at parties, and a lot of business comes from referrals.
The day-to-day mechanics of life can be difficult at first. There are all these little things you have to stop and think about. But I love being a little bit different to everyone else!
(page 89):
There is an interview with Shawn Grogan - a senior research associate at the Scripps Research Institute but they spelt La Jolla La Jollas! Oh dear.
Is the life-work balance adequate?
Moving to California, starting a new job, purchasing a home with my wife and adapting to a new lifestyle - I would say that the balance has been all over the place. Now that I have been here one year, I would rate it as fair and I hope to spend more time with my wife - that would make it excellent.
I have flexible hours. There is no specific time when I should be in the lab, except for preplanned meetings. In most cases, I can take off time when needed. I do not have to see patients or stick to a fixed schedule. I can put my work in the freezer and come back to it later.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spend time with my wife. Home renovations. Go to the gym, swim and try to roller-blade. Hope to swim and go boogie boarding in the summer.
(page 103):
How did you go about the search for journalism work in Amsterdam?
When I arrived in the Netherlands, I had to start work urgently and was offered a job by my Dutch brother-in-law as an assistant air-conditioning installation mechanic. The funny thing is, I knew nothing about the trade, couldn't speak Dutch and was sent to work with a mechanic who couldn't speak English... The message is that the right job can be hard to come by overseas, so you have to be patient, play your cards right and build up contacts. Don't head overseas thinking it will be easy street because it's not. It's hard work, but rewarding work...
Contacts are a journalist's lifeblood. the media is a small world, where you are accepted on recommendations. I hire freelancers primarily via recommendations from other journalists I know. It is important to build good contacts and make sure you respect those contacts. Never burn bridges, as they say. I found my present job through and old colleague who put me in touch with financial news service Bridge (which later went bankrupt). Am Amsterdam Bridge employee eventually introduced me to Expatica.
(page 110):
What is it like living and working in other cultures?
...One benefit of being a foreigner in this situation is the 'expat' community - the support and understanding you receive from other foreigners might surprise you. Sometimes the sense of isolation is still a bit overwhelming. But in the case of Sweden, people seem delighted to introduce you to local customs, from kayaking to pagan festivals.
There is also lots of information on applying for jobs in general. I highly recommend it. It's a great read!
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