Tara Foster - Expat in Sydney, Australia

We’ve had the privilege to talk to Ms. Tara Foster, a TV producer originally from New Jersey, U.S. and now an expat in Sydney Australia. Ms. Foster moved to Sydney for a job opportunity and still travels between the U.S. and Australia.

The biggest challenge as an expat in Australia for Ms. Foster is the distance from everyone else in the world. She comments “You're super far from everywhere else in the world, so plan your trips accordingly!” she continues “I would really say that living in Australia was tough. The first three months was a bit rough, but after that hump, I really embraced the culture. “. 

Living far from family and friends can now be remedied by several means of communication provided by technology, but getting used to foreign customs and culture while living abroad is something that can still take a while to get used to.

 Read more about Ms. Foster’s experiences as an expat in Sydney below.

 

Q: Where are you originally from?

A: Marlton, NJ USA.

 

Q: What made you move out of your home country?  

A: I was going to Australia to visit some friends who lived there, and while on the flight I was offered a job by my seat mate! The rest is history!  

 

Q: Where are you living now?

A: Earth!  I travel a lot - I am currently taking a few classes in North Carolina, USA, but Sydney Australia is my forever home.   

 

Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?

A: I think choosing Sydney was all about luck. I was at the right place at the right time and was offered a job. Australia and I really get along.  

 

Q: How long have you been living in your host country?

A: I've been living in Australia for about ten years.  

 

Q: What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in your host country?  

A: I would really say that living in Australia was tough. The first three months was a bit rough, but after that hump, I really embraced the culture.  

 

Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance was particularly difficult in your host country? What was your experience with these?

A: I am a queen when it comes to Aussie visas now! I've been on a lot of different ones, so I'm able to advise others though the process. The internet is a great thing - there's a whole wealth of knowlege on there. Also, find a good immigration lawyer if you've got the cash. It'll help keep your sanity.    

 

Q: Are you living alone or with your family?  

A: I’d rather not say.

 

Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people?

A: Aussies are super friendly, so you'll have no trouble finding friends! Do you mainly socialize with other expats in your host country?  Not so much. It's good to be apart of a club of people from your own country for advice on taxes and stuff... but I mostly hang out with my aussie mates now. How did you manage to find a social circle in your host country? The internet is fantastic!  

 

Q: What are the best things to do in the area?

A: Sydney is great for watersports.  

 

Q: Anything to recommend to future expats?  

A: Get Scuba ceritifed! Join a Surflifesaving club! Go camping! Enjoy the weather!  

 

Q: What do you think about the locals?  

A: Locals are awesome! There's a lot of expats from other countries in Sydney too, so everyone gets along! 

 

Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in your host country?  

A: Positive: The weather is amazing! The lifestyle is great! Negative: You're super far from everywhere else in the world, so plan your trips accordingly! Take advantage of it by having a few layovers in some cool places! Use it to your advantage!  

 

Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes? How do you cope with homesickness?  

A: I’ve been away so long and travel so readily that it doesn’t really bother me anymore. 

 

Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?  

A: I hear France is beautiful this time of year!  I'm not really sure where I'll end up in the world, but it's kinda my oyster! I'm up for any adventure!  

 

Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?  

A: Sometimes people don’t understandstand why I do what I do... just go with it.. do what feels comfortable... it'll be worth it in the end!   

 

Q: What tips can you give other expats living in that country?  

A: Take advantage of everything! Go out and explore! Go outback! It'll change your life!  

 

Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about your host country?

A: taraustralis.com