The Countries Of Expats’ Dreams

They have to live in several countries because of their jobs. Some stay in places for a long time, other just briefly. But some countries have a great impact on them. Sometimes it is the first country in which they are expats, sometimes it is cultural influences which makes places unforgettable. So which countries do expats in Turkey dream of? Here are those countries…

Living in Turkey is both useful and interesting for most expats. Turkey’s historical and cultural mosaic attracts their interest and makes them want to stay. It is not just these factors, the ease of accessing services and people’s hospitality make them feel as if they are living in their own county. DHL Express Regional Director Michel Akavi says that however much he may want to work in Paris next, France has some disadvantages compared with Turkey, particularly in terms of services. He says: “Finding a repairman can be a real problem in France. Whereas in Turkey it is very easy to find such services.” Acer Turkey Manager Terry Brown says: “Working in Turkey is great. If you become very stressed at work, you can look out through the window of your workplace and watching the Bosphorus and the ships soothes away your stresses.” Many expats agree with Brown. But, in addition to experiencing difficulties and advantages, being an expat also means not becoming too attached to a single place. So, where do expats want to live after Turkey? Although Samsonite General Manager for Turkey John Haney says that he can never leave Turkey, Novartis Finance and Systems Director Markus Pinter thinks that he would prefer to work next in interesting countries such as Brazil, Mexico or Singapore. On the other hand, DHL Express Regional Manager Michel Aktavi says he would like to live in Paris and Philip Morris Turkey Corporate Relations Director Bisharah Baroudi would like to live in Switzerland where he spent many years. Here are the countries of expats’ dreams.

“I Would Like To Live In Turkey For A Long Time”
There are those who, even if some had concerns before they came to Turkey, would never want to live anywhere else. For example. Samsonite General Manager for Turkey John Haney is very happy to be posted to Turkey. He does not even think of being able to work in another country. In reply to the question “In which country would you like to work after Turkey,” he says: “I have never asked to move to another country but I have always had lots of opportunities in countries to which I have gone for the first time. I am very happy to be in Turkey.” Haney says that he has been able to find very new ideas in Turkey and that the country has surprised him in many ways: “I want to live here for the foreseeable future. Turkey has a wonderful climate. It has a fantastic history which needs to be discovered. In addition, the people are very friendly and hospitable. Where else could I find a place like this?” he asks.

“It Has A Challenging Structure”
Istanbul is also an important location for expats who are more concerned with their work than their lifestyles. Novartis Finance and Systems Director Markus Pinter describes Turkey as a very good country to work in, particularly because of its macro-economic and social characteristics. Pinter says he will miss these characteristics in the country to which he goes after Turkey, He says: “To be frank, I don’t want to leave Turkey. Turkey is a very interesting country. It has a challenging structure both in terms of its macro economy and its medical policies. I am able to study a number of things from a technical perceptive but, more importantly, Turkey gives me the opportunity for personal development in areas as social issues, management of people and leadership.” Pinter says that he will not stay as an expat in a country until the end of his life. He adds that amongst the interesting countries he would like to like to live in after Turkey are Brazil, Mexico and Singapore.

He Dreams Of Paris
Paris, which everyone wants to see at least once in their lives, also attracts expats. It is not just the romantics. DHL Express Regional Director Michel Aktavi also dreams of Paris. Akavi says that he would like to live in France after Turkey. Moreover, he thinks that Turkey and France have many similar characteristics.

Akavi says that for expats the cultural fabric of both countries meets their social needs, and adds that this shared characteristic makes each country a pleasure for expats to work in. Michel Akavi had the following to say about why he wants to live in Paris in particular:

“Paris has a particularly wonderful nightlife, international cuisine, history and arts. These features make Paris a wonderful city for expats to live in.” Akavi says that the only negative aspect of Paris is related to everyday life and notes that it is easier and cheaper to find services in Turkey. Akavi says: “Whereas in France the situation is exactly the opposite. For example, finding a repairman in France can become a major problem. In Turkey finding such services is very easy. Moreover, people are very friendly towards expats in Turkey.”

Switzerland Is His First Love
Philip Morris is a company with locations virtually everywhere across the globe… The company’s employees have the chance to see and live in many countries. Even so, they do not forget their first experience. Philip Morris Turkey Corporate Relations Director Bisharah Baroudi is one of those who cannot forget his first experience. Switzerland is a very important country for Baroudi because it is where he spent seven of his 21 years at Philip Morris. Baroudi’s first experience as an expat was in Switzerland and he describes it as the best country in which to live. In fact, even if many expats regard Switzerland as a very quiet country, for Baroudi there is no alternative to it. He says that throughout the years he spent in Switzerland he admired its unrivalled natural beauty. In addition, because security in the country is very good, Baroudi says that it is a very peaceful place to bring up children.

Hande Yavuz
hyavuz@capital.com.tr