I am currently a PhD student at Clemson University and am studying the types of coping strategies that are most effective when adjusting to the German Culture as part of my degree requirements.
I am currently looking for people to complete my simple, online, ANONYMOUS survey. The survey has been approved by a committee of professors as well as the Institutional Review Board at Clemson.
If you are American and are in Germany on a business expatriate assignment please take 25 mintues to complete my survey.
http://people.clemson.edu/~survey/expatgermany.htm
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Feel free to pass this along to anyone that meets the requirements. Thank you for your time and effort!
Moira
hanna_moira@yahoo.com
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Survey: US expatriate adjustment to German culture
Please help with my PhD research
Ahh - why does it have to be somone here on a business assignment?
What about us carpet baggers?
What about us carpet baggers?
Why only Americans?
seems a bit strange...
still, if that's what she wants, i suppose there are prob a few people on here that fall into that category
i can't fill it in though, soz
still, if that's what she wants, i suppose there are prob a few people on here that fall into that category
i can't fill it in though, soz
I understand the criticisms of the research, unfortunately, for a thesis research project I had to focus in on one little aspect (or else I would never graduate!). I ended up choosing American business expats in Germany because there is so little research in this area. Many companies think that Germany and America are similar and therefore don't train the people they send on assignment -- therefore the information should help future expats immensely. Additionally, my degree program requires that my research be business related (hence the reason for focusing on Americans in Germany on business).
bah - those over here on business assignments have it cushy.
Can't imagine them having any major problems, not like those of us who did it all on our own
hiding under my desk now
Can't imagine them having any major problems, not like those of us who did it all on our own
hiding under my desk now
I agree. Clemson professors should have known this already. Business assignments are not like actually moving here. They get way too much help. Try moving overseas for love and in only 13 suitcases. Now that study is a degree worth having. GO VOLS!
13? I had 2 (and 2 carry ons). And not even a lover here waiting ...
Maybe mom was right and I always have to do things the difficult way...
Edit : wouldn't have changed (much of) it.
Maybe mom was right and I always have to do things the difficult way...
Edit : wouldn't have changed (much of) it.
QUOTE
Try moving overseas for love and in only 13 suitcases
Wow 13?!?! ...Man I had only two, and one was full of photo trays.
QUOTE (doctoralstudent @ Jun 29 2005, 10:48 pm)
I ended up choosing American business expats in Germany because there is so little research in this area.
What's to research? They're sent over to live in housing which has already been found and paid for. Their utilities and services have already been set up. They're given English maps and lists of English-speaking resources,. They never have to learn anything about the country, the language, the people or the culture.
Some do go out and learn a bit, but as Eurovol said, it's a lot different when you come over with two suitcases and have to figure out everything for yourself, as I also did.
woof.
QUOTE (BadDoggie @ Jun 30 2005, 8:21 am)
They're sent over to live in housing which has already been found and paid for. Their utilities and services have already been set up. They're given English maps and lists of English-speaking resources,. They never have to learn anything about the country, the language, the people or the culture.
You may think that is the norm, but not all people sent to Germany are given this complete set up.
We are among several families I am acquainted with here in Munich who did do it all on our own. The only thing that was "set up" was the employment.
QUOTE
The only thing that was "set up" was the employment
thats quite a big only
Right now that only is my only problem.
I think some of these criticisms apply to Canadians as well. I know of one chap who has been here for years out of TO, got all set up, brought wifey and kids over and STILL doesn't speak a word of German.
I think some of these criticisms apply to Canadians as well. I know of one chap who has been here for years out of TO, got all set up, brought wifey and kids over and STILL doesn't speak a word of German.
It might be interesting to know which company's or sectors provide the best set-ups for expat workers here.
my sympathy lies with those of us who had only suitcases and hopes for a bright future.
In my own case I had a lifetimes acquisitions reduced 30 kg and I know im not the only one.
In comparrison my sister and many of our friends transferred here with their companys .They had a container loaded with their belongings, houses or apartments found, car and phone provided, huge salaries plus language lessons and help from the people the companies employed to help ease any intergration issues ie:cultural differences, finding schools,obtaining drivers license etc, supermarkets
Granted not all Firms are large or have the same resources for staff but it seems to me to arrive with work in place is in itself a huge advantage.
I think those expats have had a distinct advantage
over those of us who in true pioneer spirit arrived with the clothes on our backs and a spare change of clothes.
While Im not knocking the research or the recipients and I fully understand the reasons given, I do think its a shame that nobody seems interested in researching the real coping strategies and adaptions of true survivors
In my own case I had a lifetimes acquisitions reduced 30 kg and I know im not the only one.
In comparrison my sister and many of our friends transferred here with their companys .They had a container loaded with their belongings, houses or apartments found, car and phone provided, huge salaries plus language lessons and help from the people the companies employed to help ease any intergration issues ie:cultural differences, finding schools,obtaining drivers license etc, supermarkets
Granted not all Firms are large or have the same resources for staff but it seems to me to arrive with work in place is in itself a huge advantage.
I think those expats have had a distinct advantage
over those of us who in true pioneer spirit arrived with the clothes on our backs and a spare change of clothes.
While Im not knocking the research or the recipients and I fully understand the reasons given, I do think its a shame that nobody seems interested in researching the real coping strategies and adaptions of true survivors
QUOTE (DDBug @ Jun 29 2005, 9:54 pm)
those over here on business assignments have it cushy.
Yeah...
Yeah well, my only can beat up your only ...
Well, there are lots of carpet baggers here! And I bet we have learned the most and (in the end) adjusted the best.
Cheers to us!!!
Cheers to us!!!
Prost!
I think there are a lot of interesting comments; all true.
First off, my background.
I am American came over with a wanna-be job to start with just to get the paperwork done. (DM 2500,- brutto) I was there for a 6 month fixed contract, then off on the street. Once I landed a new job, I had to prove that there was no one on the dole could do my job. No one in the EU! I had to wait an extra month while they sent other candidates to my boss to fill the position. I had to fill out all the paperwork crap myself, worry at night that if my boss didn't sign my work permit (which needed to be renued every year), then I was out on the street. He let me know too, with lame comments like: "well, I want to see some improvement next year."
he coulda canned me by not signing my paperwork. He always let me know that. of course, I bailed when I could.
when the next company bought out a U.S. dot bomb, they brought over some of the techies, first class. of course, most complained; saying that they got paid much better wages in Boston. (uh, guys? your company went bankrupt because of all those wages... clicks don't pay bills)
Totally coosh all the way. The companies paid their way to move all their stuff over, pay for their apartment "a la mr. lodge" when they first arrive with super-expensive rent, etc.
Am I ripping? no way. they just have it easy. less bull to deal with. The secretaries took care of everything. Would I have preferred it that way? you bet.
I mean, at least they have some sort of overseas experience.
So: for the paper basically my suggestion is this: They should give them German lessons. Not much for a paper, but it's what makes sense. GOtta learn the language as much as you can to get the most out of it. Plus, your tough-as-nails german teacher is actually the way germans really are. German class for me, was in many ways, boot camp before I got over here.
And when you get sick of the natives, there's always Toytown. :-)
First off, my background.
I am American came over with a wanna-be job to start with just to get the paperwork done. (DM 2500,- brutto) I was there for a 6 month fixed contract, then off on the street. Once I landed a new job, I had to prove that there was no one on the dole could do my job. No one in the EU! I had to wait an extra month while they sent other candidates to my boss to fill the position. I had to fill out all the paperwork crap myself, worry at night that if my boss didn't sign my work permit (which needed to be renued every year), then I was out on the street. He let me know too, with lame comments like: "well, I want to see some improvement next year."
he coulda canned me by not signing my paperwork. He always let me know that. of course, I bailed when I could.
when the next company bought out a U.S. dot bomb, they brought over some of the techies, first class. of course, most complained; saying that they got paid much better wages in Boston. (uh, guys? your company went bankrupt because of all those wages... clicks don't pay bills)
Totally coosh all the way. The companies paid their way to move all their stuff over, pay for their apartment "a la mr. lodge" when they first arrive with super-expensive rent, etc.
Am I ripping? no way. they just have it easy. less bull to deal with. The secretaries took care of everything. Would I have preferred it that way? you bet.
I mean, at least they have some sort of overseas experience.
So: for the paper basically my suggestion is this: They should give them German lessons. Not much for a paper, but it's what makes sense. GOtta learn the language as much as you can to get the most out of it. Plus, your tough-as-nails german teacher is actually the way germans really are. German class for me, was in many ways, boot camp before I got over here.
And when you get sick of the natives, there's always Toytown. :-)
Im unemployed...and happy . Besides my home state of Oregon has had one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation for the last couple years. So if Im going to be unemployed...I rather be unemployed here.
. Besides my home state of Oregon has had one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation for the last couple years. So if Im going to be unemployed...I rather be unemployed here.
well, i hope some of those who fit the criteria have filled in the questionnaire, nicely
i would if i could, but i don't fit the criteria for a couple of reasons
i would if i could, but i don't fit the criteria for a couple of reasons
QUOTE (BadDoggie @ Jun 30 2005, 8:21 am)
What's to research? They're sent over to live in housing which has already been found and paid for. Their utilities and services have already been set up. They're given English maps and lists of English-speaking resources,. They never have to learn anything about the country, the language, the people or the culture.
Some do go out and learn a bit, but as Eurovol said, it's a lot different when you come over with two suitcases and have to figure out everything for yourself, as I also did.
woof.
Some do go out and learn a bit, but as Eurovol said, it's a lot different when you come over with two suitcases and have to figure out everything for yourself, as I also did.
woof.
Not to single BadDoggie out but, poor widdle babies! You had it SOOO hard. It's just too bad you were forced to come here with nothing in your pocket and 2 suitcases.
I came over the cushy route. The company took care of some things, but contrary to popular belief most companies don't know anything about bringing someone over and royally screw it up. Most of the time, they just cause problems.
But, I managed to:
1. Learn german - in a year I speak pretty darned good german. Some of us have german as a job requirement, some of us WANT to learn german. Its not just the proles who care about the local culture.
2. Find my own apartment - you can't trust a company to find you anything good, they'll go expensive and badly located.
3. Do my own visa application - the company doesn't know what to do. They live here and they make really stupid assumptions.
So, I had it easier coming over. That just means the company paid - not that they really helped.
Should I feel bad that I have a cushy job and a company that wants to take care of me? Hmm. Not feeling bad yet. No definitely never gonna feel bad about it. When I hear your stories about two suitcases and walking uphill both ways to school in 2 metres of snow in July I think just one thing - suckers.
This thread goes on much longer somebody's gonna have to call the waahmbulance.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete my survey. For those of you that haven't yet had the opportunity, I have updated the link to provide a better experience for you.
http://www.ioresearch.net/expatgermany.php
If you have not yet completed the survey and are an American expat currently in Germany, I would really appreciate your response.
Thank you
Moira
http://www.ioresearch.net/expatgermany.php
If you have not yet completed the survey and are an American expat currently in Germany, I would really appreciate your response.
Thank you
Moira
@Doctoralstudent -
I'll bet if you run down to Greenville right now and stop by BMW or Michelin, you'll find lots of people who could tell you what it is like to be an expat for business purposes. Almost everone I knew from Greenville has lived over here courtesy of BMW and all of them went back and pretty much didn't like it here. They have it way too good. Company pays for everything (apartment, car, etc).
I'll go take your survey now!!
No, not taking it, not here on assignment. Came for Love
I'll bet if you run down to Greenville right now and stop by BMW or Michelin, you'll find lots of people who could tell you what it is like to be an expat for business purposes. Almost everone I knew from Greenville has lived over here courtesy of BMW and all of them went back and pretty much didn't like it here. They have it way too good. Company pays for everything (apartment, car, etc).
I'll go take your survey now!!
No, not taking it, not here on assignment. Came for Love
Unfortunately, Michelin only has one expat currently in Germany and BMW is not able to support my research at this time. So, if you do know of anyone, please pass this message along to them. Thanks
New and improved survey!! Much shorter, it only takes 15-20 minutes. Please take the time to complete the survey if you are an American business expat in Germany.
http://www.ioresearch.net/expatgermany.php
I greatly appreciate your help in this project. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the email address below.
Thank you,
Moira Hanna
mmhanna@clemson.edu
http://www.ioresearch.net/expatgermany.php
I greatly appreciate your help in this project. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the email address below.
Thank you,
Moira Hanna
mmhanna@clemson.edu
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