Name: Steve Industry: Ship Construction Primary Residence: Dublin, CA, USA MEA Location: MEA Yeouido Park Centre, Seoul, South Korea Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 3 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Location, Fitness Center, Overall Appearance & Comfort of Hotel Why was this the most important amenity? Transit time to work is important, especially in a large city. The neighborhood should have shopping and restaurants nearby so you don't have to spend a long time driving around to find what you need. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? The GM is very attentive. The staff knows my name, which I appreciate. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language, finding food you like, work challenges What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Bring food from home, fix foods I like in my own kitchen, meeting local people, local activity clubs (running, hiking, etc.) Tell us a story about your expat experience. Dining at restaurants and not getting anything close to what you thought you ordered. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Spend a lot of effort establishing social contacts early in the assignment. Make a list of the places you want to see or do. Learn enough of the local language to get you home in a taxi. Bring maps with you at all times. Bring a VOIP system, such as Sykpe Scan all your important documents before you leave and keep them on your computer. You will need to reference these and most people don't move with their file cabinet. Bring a dozen passport photos, you'll need them. Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? "Wine and Wii" parties to get people together. Having dinner together at a favorite restaurant. Having Christmas dinner together.

Name: Anonymous Industry: Software Primary Residence: Jasper, GA, USA MEA Location: MEA Atago Forest Tower, Tokyo, Japan Family with you: Spouse Estimated Length of Stay 13-18 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Full kitchen, knowledgeable hotel staff, location/neighborhood Why was this the most important amenity? I am an American in Tokyo. I do not speak or read Japanese. It was important for me to have regular access to a staff that could help me get oriented to Tokyo and could help me with the common day-to-day matters that one has to deal with living in another What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? The staff has been very helpful with reservations at restaurants, suggestions for outings, and in arranging events that the complex residents can engage in. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language, adjusting to cultural differences, connecting with others What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fixing your own food, meeting local people through work, learning a language Tell us a story about your expat experience. Grocery shopping is one of the more significant challenges that I face on a weekly basis. I can look at chicken and beef and pork and I can recognize that. But put something in a can/bottle with Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana on it and I am 100% lost. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? That they need to find a place to live that is going to take the "edge" off of this process. They will face enough challenging in the business scenario without also complicating the day-to-day existence. "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas any more."

Name: Philip Industry: Food & Beverage Primary Residence: Pittsburgh, PA, USA MEA Location: MEA Atago Forest Tower, Tokyo, Japan Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 7-12 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Fitness center on-site, location, spaciousness of suite Why was this the most important amenity? The only exercise I consistently will do is swimming and having a pool on site was a God-send What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? The concierge staff has been extremely kind and helpful. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Connecting with others, limited time to explore the new country, work challenges What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fix own food, study foreign language, use video conferencing to connect with family Tell us a story about your expat experience. I tell them that communication is a constant challenge and that not that many Japanese speak English, how expensive food is in Japan, about the safety of Tokyo and the honesty of people who will go out of their way to return a wallet full of cash. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? 1. If your company does not provide it, get a relocation service bureau to give you three or four days of orientation so you will better know your new home. 2. If you have not already done so, take language lessons. 3. Find some way to meet local people; avoid hanging out in gaijin (foreigner) ghetto areas. 4. Take maximum advantage of your stay to get out and around and see the country. 5. Read and learn about your host country. Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? While resident in Tokyo I was an active participant of the Garden Chapel, which is a small non-denominational Christian group that meets every Sunday at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo for worship services. The group is mostly Japanese, many of whom lived overseas and want to maintain contact with Westerners, keep up their English skills as well as be a part of a dynamic Church Family. The worship services are bi-lingual (English and Japanese). Outside of church services, we would often meet for dinners in the homes of the congregation, attend cultural events such as Japanese Puppet Theater (Bunraku) or visit Japanese gardens.

Name: Vance Industry: Aerospace/Defense Primary Residence: Seattle, WA, USA MEA Location: MEA Union Square, Shanghai Pudong, China Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 7-12 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Spaciousness of suite, knowledgeable hotel staff, maid service Why was this the most important amenity? Need for long term. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? Friendly & helpful staff. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Finding food you're accustomed to, language challenges What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Take frequent trips home, socialize with other travelers at your hotel Tell us a story about your expat experience. I like to tell my family about how good it was to find a place that was within walking distance to my place of work. I also wanted to have a place where I could feel at home and not feel like I was living in a temporary place. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Find a place where you can feel at "home" away from home. Look for a place where you have good access to transportation (taxi, subway) close to some diversions like shopping, restaurants. Competent staff that is multi-lingual is a great help. Bring some DVD's from home, it's not easy to find English language entertainment. Pack less than you think you need, you don't get as much free time to "dress down" as you thought so many of your clothes don't get worn. Do you find it difficult or easy to keep up with hometown news? I am hoping to be back home by Election Day, otherwise if I am not, I have no special plans. Will catch results via CNN or other dedicated news source.

Name: Michael Industry: Entertainment Primary Residence: Los Angeles, CA, USA MEA Location: MEA Longin Center, Prague, Czech Republic Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 2-3 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Knowledgeable hotel staff, spaciousness of suite, maid service. Why was this the most important amenity? When you are new to a city or do not speak the language. It is very helpful to have a staff that can speak to you and give helpful advice. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? The manager and staff are always extremely helpful, attentive, and generally very nice people which makes my stay in the mea very enjoyable. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language challenges What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Learn a foreign language. Tell us a story about your expat experience. Take my time to try and speak the language. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? I will tell them to try and accept the people as they are and try to fit into the culture as soon as possible Do you find it difficult or easy to keep up with hometown news? I find it very easy via the internet, plus reading. MEA has capsules of news at the front desk everyday.

Name: Andre Industry: Taxation Primary Residence: Belgium MEA Location: MEA The Mayflower, Jakarta, Indonesia Family with you: Spouse Estimated Length of Stay 4-6 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Location, spaciousness of suite, knowledgeable hotel staff Why was this the most important amenity? What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? Attention presented by staff at birthday regular reception for guests. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Work challenges, limited time to explore the country, finding food you like. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fix food in your own kitchen, use video conferencing to connect with family. Tell us a story about your expat experience. Nothing in particular, as I have been on many long-term assignments over the past 25 years. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Adapt as much as possible while at work (if you are going to work with locals) but be yourself during free time.

Name: Mike Industry: Consumer Products Primary Residence: Appleton, CO, USA MEA Location: MEA Tomorrow Square, Shanghai, China Family with you: Spouse Estimated Length of Stay 3 years + What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Overall appearance of hotel, location of hotel, in-room technology Why was this the most important amenity? I will spend a great deal of time at the apartment over 3+ years. The property must have the various amenities that make living in it comfortable for that length of time. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? High level of service, friendly, knowledgeable staff and great facilities. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Work challenges, language challenges What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Meeting local people, socialize with other travelers, use video conferencing to connect with family. Tell us a story about your expat experience. I moved from an area where the largest city had a population of 70,000 to Shanghai with a population of over 20 million...that's an adjustment!! What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Keep an open mind and be willing to experience a new and exciting culture...don't look for things that are familiar. Enjoy the differences. A number of things helped me to adjust to living in Shanghai. First, I had been traveling to Asian countries, including China, since the early 1990�s, so I was familiar with Eastern culture and found it exciting, challenging�.so different from what I had been used to in the US and even my European travels. It is the difference in cultures that attracted me. Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? The MEA complex in Shanghai with all it offers in the building, restaurants, gym, pools, etc, its location in the center of Shanghai with all of the cultural benefits, restaurants, bars, etc (not to mention 10 minutes from my office) and the monthly Resident Get Togethers where expats from around the world can meet, get to know each other and share experiences made the transition to living in China relatively easy. Do you find it difficult or easy to keep up with hometown news? Will follow on CNN International and/or the internet.

Name: Jean Industry: Industrial Manufacturing Primary Residence: Strasbourg, France MEA Location: MEA Tomorrow Square, Shanghai, China Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 7-12 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Indoor & outdoor pool, terrace, comfortable bed, view through the windows. Why was this the most important amenity? I guess it might very difficult to find easily something equivalent around People's square. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? One friend stayed in my apartment on an additional bed for a couple of days and was very well welcomed and almost felt like at home. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Work challenges, adjusting to cultural differences, language challenges What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fix foods in your own kitchen, socialize with other travelers at your hotel, learn a foreign language. Tell us a story about your expat experience. Chinese People don't dare to ask questions or say no. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? It's worth to feel good at home; take your time to visit many places and use the whole (expat) budget.

Name: Anonymous Industry: Conglomerate involved in several industrial activities Primary Residence: Houston, TX, USA MEA Location: MEA Mayfair, Bangkok. Thailand Family with you: Spouse Estimated Length of Stay 25-36 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Location of hotel, overall appearance of hotel, great maintenance Why was this the most important amenity? Traffic is bad in Bangkok. Being close to work, shopping and restaurants makes it easier. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? Friendliness of staff and their willingness to help! What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Staying connected with friends and family What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Meeting local people through work, using video conferencing to connect with family. Tell us a story about your expat experience. A lot of travel (globally) that requires organization at work and stamina. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Stay at Marriott Executive Apartments; listen for quite awhile before you act; don't expect this to be like home; enjoy! Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? A mix of nationalities meeting at restaurants

Name: Andre Industry: Pharmaceuticals Primary Residence: Dusseldorf, Germany MEA Location: MEA Yeouido Park Centre, Seoul, South Korea Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 4-6 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Overall appearance of hotel, spaciousness of the suite, maid service Why was this the most important amenity? This is important to feel home away from home. Without comfort no other amenity, however good, will be able to make me feel home. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? Very friendly staff is always there to accommodate my special requests. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language challenges, limited time to explore the country, connecting with others in the country. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fixing food in your own kitchen, learning a foreign language, use video conferencing to connect with family Tell us a story about your expat experience. Story about language challenges, such as that even waiters in �expat� hangouts don't seem to understand a word of English. Stories about crazy Seoul traffic. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Learn some survival Korean before or right after coming to Korea.

Name: Anonymous Industry: Energy Primary Residence: Beijing, China MEA Location: MEA Mayfair, Bangkok, Thailand Family with you: Spouse, 2 children Estimated Length of Stay 7-12 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Good furniture, security staff Why was this the most important amenity? I have a 5-star plus house in Beijing, and I don't want my kids and family members to feel sad while staying in Bangkok. I checked several hotels, the furniture are pretty old. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? What we really cared about are: 1) Comfortable to stay by respecting each other. 2) TV system - Chinese Channel. 3) Water purification system - we used this system all the times in Beijing. 4) Family membership. 5) Food quality (breakfast is excellent). What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Work challenges, language challenges, finding foods you are accustomed to. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fix foods in your own kitchen, meeting local people, learn foreign language Tell us a story about your expat experience. 1) Water and food quality; 2) Good people here in Thailand; 3) I don't think I am an �expat� however the local residence does. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? 1) Bring water Purification system with them; 2) Learn local language; 3) Learn local culture; 4) respect each other.

Name: Steve & Patty Industry: Energy Primary Residence: Houston, TX, USA MEA Location: MEA Palm Springs, Beijing, China Family with you: Spouse Estimated Length of Stay 19-24 months NOTE: Patty is the spouse living in Beijing with her husband who is on assignment. What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Spaciousness of the suite, overall appearance of the hotel, location of the hotel Why was this the most important amenity? This is your home... it needs to be large enough to hold your belongings and comfortable without feeling shut-in. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? I am enjoying all aspects of the Marriott. We have been a part of the Marriott system for almost 25 years. We knew the standards as we have stayed worldwide at Marriott locations. My husband selected the apartments before our arrival in Beijing. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language challenges, transportation in the new country, finding foods you are accustomed to. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Bring food from home, fix foods you like in you own kitchen, meet local people through work, socialize with other travelers, learn a foreign language. Tell us a story about your expat experience. Although we have traveled overseas many times and experienced two other rotation assignments, this is our first time to live overseas. The biggest obstacle in our assignment in China is being able to communicate with others. Several English speaking staff at our apartments, co-workers at the office, and the many English speaking �expats� living in our complex have helped to make adjustments easier. However, English is not spoken by the majority and so learning Chinese has been important and challenging. The language barrier impacted every aspect of daily life - from learning to work appliances, making requests to housekeeping, shopping at markets, riding in taxis, telling the newly hired private driver where to take you, reading signs while sightseeing, and just saying hello/excuse me/thank you! After 2 months of being here and 21 hours of language lessons in two weeks time, we can communicate on survival level 1 and hope to get better. Initially there is the yearning for the comfort of the home, family, friends, etc. that you left. Change is difficult, but it is your attitude that makes it easier. We have invited all of our family and friends to come visit and enjoy the experience! We're loving it!! What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Enjoy, as the time will go by quickly! Did you bring a camera? I hope so! 1. Ask the hotel staff for assistance with your room (heating/air, water, other necessities). 2. Ask the hotel staff for a map of the city/area and inquire about grocery stores, a pharmacy, and restaurants. Also ask for a name card which gives the direction back to the hotel on it. 3. Acquire Immersion Guides - Mandarin Phrasebook. 4. Walk! When opportunity occurs and weather permits, go for a walk around the area. There are many parks, restaurants, and businesses to check out! 5. Examine the tour options in brochures in the lobby and go see the historical sites, museums, etc. 6. Meet and talk to people as they will have suggestions on places to go, things to do. 7. Register with your embassy! They need to know you are in the country and where to send communication if necessary. 8. Carry a photocopy of your passport/visa and a copy of your registry at the hotel in your wallet/on your person when going out. 9. Take Chinese lessons...I recommend at least a survival course! 10. Do more looking and listening as there is so much to learn! Take lots of photos and have fun!

More about learning the language: The Chinese are wonderful at assisting you in all regards and many times finding a colleague that can speak/understand English. However, learning a little Chinese is so beneficial as the majority do not know any English. Before I left for China, I purchased a book at Barnes and Noble entitled CHINESE in 10 minutes a day. This was a great start and the stickers/flash cards and other activities continue to help. I have also taken Survival Level 1 of a program called New Concept Mandarin. I had a private tutor for 3 hours a day for 11 days. Other friends have also taken this course in a small group setting and we are very pleased with our progress compared to others that have been tutored privately for over a year! We plan to take Levels 2 and 3 over the next few months. There is also an Immersion Guides publication called Mandarin Phrasebook which offers a very good introduction, covers a variety of topics, and has a small English/Chinese dictionary in the back. There are online activities which assist as well. The key is the desire to learn, repetition several times a week, preferably daily, using what you know in everyday situations, and patience!! Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? We actually joke about the MEA being a dorm as we have become close friends even in the short time that I have been here. Several have lived here over a year and others have arrived in the last 12 months. We eat breakfast together daily...husbands earlier as they go to work. We plan outings, exercise, shop, carpool, golf, and eat dinner together several times a week. We have had bar-b-ques, Bunko nights, and Chicken foot (dominoes) games in the common area at the MEA. Several are coming and going over the next two months, but we will continue the large gatherings for Fourth of July and in August especially for the Olympics. We also socialize with others living in the suburbs or at other apartments in our complex and surrounding area. We go to Happy Hour on Friday's, plan trips to sight see, walk the wall, attend sporting events, plays, church, and try out new restaurants. The group is largely expats from the States, but we have Brazilian, British, Australian, Italian, Norwegian, Indian, and Chinese! What a group! Do you find it difficult or easy to keep up with hometown news? Breakfast is a daily ritual where we catch up on news, plan events and enjoy our meal. It can last quite a while on some days!

Name: Anonymous Industry: Foreign Affairs Primary Residence: Rome, Italy MEA Location: MEA The Mayflower, Jakarta, Indonesia Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 25-36 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? Location of the hotel, knowledgeable hotel staff to help you feel at home, fitness center on-site Why was this the most important amenity? Because it is close to my workplace and I avoid traffic jams in Jakarta. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? Location and facilities. What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Staying connected with friends and family and language challenges. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Fixing foods in your own kitchen, meeting local people through work, socialize with other travelers at the hotel. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? To stay in a serviced apartment instead of a hotel room, the price is more or less the same but you have more space and more freedom. Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? Yes, in both formal and informal gatherings, usually of small groups (6-8). We prefer to meet in leisure places like restaurants, organized week-ends out of city, sport facilities (swimming pools, horse riding centre, sport clubs).

Name: Ray & Sally Industry: Aerospace Primary Residence: Huntington Beach, CA, USA MEA Location: MEA Palm Springs, Beijing, China Family with you: None Estimated Length of Stay 25-36 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? The overall appearance of the hotel, location of hotel, security staff Why was this the most important amenity? The place in which I reside must be a place I would feel at home for a long period of time. The apartment must be clean and attractive and have no unusual odors. The Marriott Executive Apartment has a nice overall appearance and is a comfortable place. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? The people who are employed here are friendly, helpful, and thoughtful. I did not realize how much that would mean to me and my husband! What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language challenges, transportation in the new country, adjusting to the cultural differences. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Socialize with other travelers at the hotel, learn a foreign language. Tell us a story about your expat experience. To best let my family and friends know the challenges I face on a day to day basis, I describe how I communicate with my driver and/or various service people in stores and shops who do not speak English. At first there was great frustration but now there is less and less because I can now speak some words and phrases as well as using expressions and hand movements. Expectations have changed according to timing and the way I have always done things. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Get to know the other expats! Do you have a group of friends/compatriots who get together socially on a regular basis? The expat wives meet in the breakfast room of the Beijing MEA most mornings. We are of mixed nationalities, American, British, Australian, Italian, and Canadian. We are a fluid group of expat wives as some of us are on home leave and trips and others are here enjoying our experiences right here. Since we are so varied, there are always various events, such as morning walks, visiting tourist spots, shopping, Newcomers group, British Embassy ladies group, exercise classes, language classes, and group dinners. The MEA staff and general manager are very friendly and have added greatly to the connectivity! Do you plan to be in Beijing during the Olympics? Yes, we plan on being right here in Beijing. We have entered the Olympic games lottery and won four different venues, soccer, swimming, diving, and volleyball. It should be a wonderful time!

Name: Gina Industry: Automotive Primary Residence: Boston, MA, USA MEA Location: MEA Union Square, Shanghai Pudong, China Family with you: Spouse Estimated Length of Stay 19-24 months What were the most important amenities offered by MEA during your stay? The ability to customize your apartment with your own furniture/personal items, security staff, in-room technology. Why was this the most important amenity? I expect to make some furniture purchases during my stay and want to be able to make room for them. What has MEA done to make your long-term stay more enjoyable? Helped me find a place to get passport photos! What were some challenges you faced while being away from home for an extended period? Language challenges, transportation in the new country, finding foods you like. What did you do to alleviate these challenges? Take frequent trips home, fix foods in your own kitchen, socialize with other travelers, use video conferencing technology to connect to friends and family. Tell us a story about your expat experience. Why I won't drive in Shanghai. Initially I told everyone that traffic didn't look so bad and that I would be driving in China. But after being here a few weeks I realize I can't. The rules of the road are too different. For example, there are white lines on the roads that one would assume are lane lines. So a road with three lanes should have three cars abreast, right? Not here. They drive four; five cars abreast, flow around obstacles, and pull halfway out into traffic to make a turn (as opposed to waiting for a break in traffic). It's just crazy. Yet I don't see any more accidents than I would back home. The problem if I drove is I wouldn't react to situations as the Chinese do and it would mess up the dance. So I'm sure I would cause a wreck a week if I drove in Shanghai. What advice would you give to an expat who will arrive next week for a 1-year assignment? Bring OTC (over the counter) medications from home that you are used to; antihistamines, cough drops, ibuprofen, vitamins, antibiotic cream, etc. Some stationary supplies are hard to find; slash folders, laminate sheets, etc. Don't expect to find the selection here you do at home.