
Meounes83
American expat in France
Forum posts
2
About me
American
Lives in Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpe
Speaks sometimes, when it seems important.
Registration: 21 November 2012
About
Occupation
I am Retired.
My expat journey













Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-C么te d'Azur, France

Gen猫ve, Geneva, Switzerland
As a UN Staff member, I worked in the UNHCR Hqs.
Several different posts
A wonderful city and the center of Europe. I traveled to many countries while based here.
Nothing.

Sarajevo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia Herzegovine
As a UN Staff member, I worked with all international organizations and SFOR/NATO on resolving the effects of the war.
Assistant Chief of Mission
The countryside mountains, the seaside villages, the winding roads.
The difficulty in overcoming entrenched positions.

Nicosia, Lefkosia, Cyprus
As a UN Staff member, I helped to bring professionals from both sides of the Island together at my office in the Protected Area that divides the island.
Chief of Mission.
The weather. The people were nice, especially on the north side where commercial interests were not primary.
The difficulty in overcoming entrenched positions.

Damascus, Dimashq, Syria
As a UN Staff member, I oversaw a bi-communal technical project for Cypriots from both sides of the UN separation line.
Chief of Mission.
A wonderful country with kind people. Many interesting places to visit. Aleppo was magical.
a bit too hot on occasion.

Riyadh, Ar Riy膩岣, Saudi Arabia
As a UN Staff member, worked with the Saudi government to provide protection and assistance to refugees fleeing the first Iraq war.
Chief of Mission.
a bit too hot on occasion.

Gen猫ve, Geneva, Switzerland
As a UN Staff member, I worked in the UNHCR Hqs.
several different posts
A wonderful city and the center of Europe. I traveled to many countries while based here.
Nothing.

Al Qadarif, Al Qa岣懩乺if, Sudan
UNHCR refugee camps in several locations.
First as a NGO Volunteer, then as a UNHCR staff member.
The warmth and generosity of the Sudanese, the courage and strength of the refugees.
Sometimes a bit hot, sometimes floods. The food could be a bit boring.

Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo, Thailand
UNHCR refugee camps in several locations.
NGO Volunteer
The Thai and Khmer gentleness and intelligence. The food. The beaches.
Sometimes a bit hot, sometimes floods.

Auki, Malaita, Solomon Islands
As a US Peace Corps volunteer, I helped create several village water systems.
As a technical advisor to the Ministry of Public Works.
What is not to like? It was paradise.
I was there for a bit over 15 months, and was unable in that time to fully understand the animist nature of the people. The influence of some missionaries was a cultural shock to some of the Islanders.

Menzil Temine, Mukthar, Tunisia
As a US Peace Corps volunteer, I conducted surveys and planning for several village water systems.
As a technical advisor to the Ministry of Public Works.
A wonderful country with kind people. Many interesting places to visit. The village markets were a treasure to experience.
a bit too hot on occasion.

USA
Activity
Your experience of culture shock in France by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in France. What is ...
Don't forget to say 'bonjour' before anything else. Don't expect volunteerism. It happens, but not often. Don't forget to ask for advice, as it will not be offered without a specific request. Then it will be generously ... Read More