Living as an expat, the joy of life abroad comes from the people you connect with. Dive into "Crossing Roots: Experience & Insights," a blog space I've created for fellow expats to open up about their unique stories, challenges, and advice!
Our inaugural participant is my brother, Fernando, now residing in the city of Miami. His journey started at age 7 when he left Brazil, his homeland. From studying and working in the USA and Asia, his experiences are rich and diverse. As his sister, I admire many qualities that he has, but there is 1 that stands out to me: how he stays connected to his roots through the language and his friendships. Fernando was alphabetized in English and he speaks Portuguese perfectly! For those who have lived abroad for many years, you know how difficult and rare this is. Here I must recognize my parents for insisting that we spoke Portuguese, every time we were speaking in English at home. Also, when you meet Fernando you know he is Brazilian. Because he speaks Portuguese so well, he is able to stay connected to his roots through his family and friends.
Expat Bio:
Name: Fernando Pereira
Born in: São Paulo, Brazil
Years living abroad: 27 years
Cities & Countries you have lived:
Singapore, Singapore
Boston, USA
Beijing, China
San Francisco, USA
Current city: Miami, USA
Current company: YouTube/Google
What motivated you to move abroad?
I didn't have a choice when I moved abroad for the first time at the age of 7. But that experience instilled in me a desire to always move to new places. I love the challenge of learning new customs, making new friends, and being uncomfortable in my day-to-day life.
What motivates you to still live abroad?
I have lived in the United States for many years, but I no longer consider it to be abroad. I have made a home here, and I am grateful for the opportunities that this country has given me. However, I am also motivated to move to a new country in the future. I want my children to have the same experiences that I had growing up, and I believe that living in a different country can give them a more well-rounded education and a deeper understanding of the world.
How do you nurture your roots and build a sense of belonging in your new home?
I stay connected to home through my passions. Soccer has always been a big part of my Brazilian identity.
No matter where I've lived, I've always made it a goal to join a soccer league. In Beijing, Singapore, and San Francisco, I've met people from all over the world who share my passion for the game. Playing soccer has allowed me to stay connected to my roots, meet new people, and learn about different cultures.
What are some unique aspects of your current country culture and lifestyle that you like?
The quality of life. Miami is relatively safe, has great weather and people are happy. Also Miami’s diverse population and I like having friends from all over the world.
What do you consider to be the influence of expat life on your personal and professional growth?
My network of contacts from different places has been instrumental in my career growth. I met a friend in Singapore during my exchange program who referred me to my first job in China. It was also a friend I made while playing soccer in Miami who later referred me to my job in San Francisco.
Being an expat forces you to step outside of your comfort zone. Trying to do basic tasks in a foreign language, such as getting a haircut or setting up a bank account, can be a challenge, but it also helps you grow as a person. It teaches you how to be a better problem solver, be more understanding and more patient.
What are some cherished cultural traditions from your home country?
The importance of family. The importance of family is especially evident when everything around you is new and different. Your immediate family provides you with stability and strength to push forward, even when things get tough.
What advice would you give someone considering becoming an expat?
Be prepared for culture shock! Moving to a new country can be a big adjustment, and it's important to be prepared for culture shock. This means being open-minded and accepting of different cultures and their norms. It’s also important to be patient with yourself as you adjust to your new surroundings.
As we conclude this interview, the shared insights offer a window into the world of expat life. Fernando's story reminds us that each journey is a unique tapestry of experiences, growth, and aspirations. Stay tuned for more conversations in our series, exploring other expat experiences!
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