**The article was originally published in Indonesian Expatriates Forum on 21 January 2008 and recently modified according to the current situation.**Hello everyone,
You are probably wondering why I decide to start this forum.
When I moved to Scotland over a year months a go, I was not well informed about the city's what, who, where, when, and how. I had (still have) to work hard to find my own surroundings, build my own network, and find new friends. Yes, I start meeting new people and have found that there are at least 100 Indonesians living in Aberdeen. But this effort took months and I could say that I've found Indonesian fellows by accidents.
Feeling how hard it was to start a new life here in a foreign city with no one to turn to, I have tried to find Indonesian Expatriates Association, anywhere in the world, but couldn't find any. There are several organizations dedicated to mixed-marriage couples, most of them are based in Indonesia, and mostly their mission is to share information and overcome any issues about the mix Indonesian and non-Indonesian marriage. There are many student associations, work's outpost communities, and religious communities, but of course the membership would be solely, exclusively to their fellow friends.
Therefore I decided to start one. And I need help, big time, for all Indonesians living abroad. I'm looking for contributors, those who, together with me, would and could develop a comprehensive website which features all necessary information needed for Indonesian who live (or about to live) overseas.
So if you:
- are Indonesian
- are currently living in a foreign country, or have lived in one
- are student, partner, parent, volunteer, professional or simply are free spirit or traveler
- have similar forums, communities, or associations
- are keen to share your experience, have a lot of informations regarding your city or country
- love to write and love to help other fellow Indonesians
Please email me at finallywoken.blog@gmail.com for sharing more details. Mind you the blog has just been created yesterday, so there is nothing there, yet. English is chosen as the main language for greater exposures, and if your partner is non-Indonesian, s/he could contribute as well!
This article was posted on my another blog, and I have received 2 responses already from 2 ladies, one will be moving to the Philippines, and another one lives in New England, USA.
For those of you who could give me suggestions or information about Indonesians living abroad, please don't hesitate to contact me at above email.
Wish me luck and see you at Indonesian Expatriates Forum!
Post script 20 October 2008: After about 10 months Andie Summerkiss and I leave the old address and are moving to our new own home. Please update our link in your blogroll to http://indonesianexpat.com
About
Help Offer
Hi there,
I am Nina, currently living in Bahrian, but had experience living in other countries as well, like Singapore, Qatar, and Sweden, and experienced as a student lived abroad or a real expat (professional working abroad)... but never been as a partner living abroad. (check my personal blog: http://nsuwarno.wordpress.com)
I also run a similar blog, aim for expat or the indonesian who wants to work abroad, (please check it out: http://expatindon.wordpress.com)I did it in Indonesian language, because it aims for the Indonesian, who still think in that language, and it is easier for them to understand as well as to swallow.
Anyway, as you experience yourself, it is hard to maintain the interest and attract people, thus I am offering you help and merge the two blogs what about that?
Looking forward to hear from you soon,
Nina
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