There are literally hundreds of Expats community websites on the net and it can be very easy to get sidetracked while reading these expatriate community websites. I have to say that expat community sites are one of the most valuable sources of information and support for the expat community. Wherever you are in the world, you will certainly find at least one expat community website that deals with expat issues in your new city or in your new country. Your use of these expatriate community websites can really make a different on your life abroad whether you are preparing of your expatriation or already living and working overseas.
Most of these expat websites also have forums where you can interact with fellow expats and you’re able to exchange ideas and share experiences on living and working overseas. Spending time on these websites is important however there are some things that you can do in order to make the most of your time online. Here is my top 5 tips on making the most of Expat community websites:
1 – Create an account on as many forums as possible with details of your new or desired location
That way, you can start been an active player in your expatriation and not a silent listener. By creating an account, you’re also increasing your opportunities of making important contact within your new community. You never know who might have a job opening n their company or looking for partners on a new business opportunities.
2 – Sign up to their newsletter
Getting newsletters straight to your inbox, is a great way to save time during your research. I would advise to create a new email address on gmail for example and to direct all these email straight into a separate folder on your usual email address. (by doing a redirection of emails from gmail to another email address) – Learn more how to do this here
3 – Be active on forums – ask questions and answer questions
The best way to find out something is always to ask questions. Check out on expatriate websites or forums for a FAQ section or do a quick search through the archives for comments or post relating to the expat issues you’re interested in and if you cannot find the answer, post your own questions. At the same time, answering questions and helping others is a great way to create relationships with fellow expats.
4 – Promote your accounts on your blog, facebook and twitter accounts
If you have a blog, you can add a logo of the expat community forum where you are active. That way, if someone finds your blog, they will be able to interact with you on the forum as well. This will also help with your traffic generation efforts on your blog as there will be direct link between the 2 sites. You can also promote your accounts on Twitter, facebook and any other social networking platforms.
5 – Make connections by getting in touch privately with other users
Finally one of the most important actions is to interact with other expat forum members directly on the expat website and by visiting their blogs and learning from their experience. There is nothing more gratifying than getting an email from someone who’s read your blog and gets in touch privately to either congratulate you or ask for advise. Some of these connections can become very strong and turn into friendship and creation of new expat communities and expat clubs as the feeling of belonging will be intensified as you live overseas. Often, expat groups organize meet up in their cities and this is a great way to get to know the new place but also to make friends.
So, what are you waiting for?
Head over to my Expat websites list here and get connected!!!
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Sabine PanneauSkype: sabp23
Email: sabine@sabinefep.com
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