Applying for jobs in Singapore - advice needed

[sundaymorningstaple]

I'm curious frankly, why ARE you here? You come here like a little know it all who doesn't know squat considering you supposedly have family here and all you can do is brag about how much money they have, as if we give a squat.

For all you self hype, your knowledge of Singapore is woefully inadequate and considering the amount of knowledge on the web about this tiny red dot. You seem to be rather inadequate in your other abilities as well.

Sorry, but you might be in for a learning experience for sure.

One can only hope.

[Strong Eagle]

Thanks for the reply. I have to be honest, I think it's something I will have to find out myself.

Anyway, the above:

a: Pay isn't really an issue. The salaries I have seen, are on a par with what I get at the minute. It's more an experience move, than a career move. I may well head back to the uk in 2-3 years anyway, if it happens.

b: I'm not convinced this is the case at all. Countries all around the world (including my own) hire foreigners, who have chosen to base themselves in the country. As in, if you're good enough for the job, and you live there, they'll consider you.

Although I don't deny that they probably have to fill the majority of roles with locals, I don't believe that every single mid level publishing role in Singapore, HAS to be filled by a Singaporean, if there is a decent one available. Laws like this are quotas - as in, a percentage - not the rule. 100% of mid level publishing jobs in Singapore, will not have to go to a Singaporeans, just because they can fill them locally. If I made a commitment to live in Singapore, and was available for interviews in the country (as in, I was already living there), I struggle to believe that I wouldn't be considered seriously, for any applicable publishing job, just because of my passport.

As for EP, I don't see the link between "The company would have to prove they couldn't fill the position with local talent in order to get an EP" and me getting an EP, if I got a job. Speaking to the MOM when I was there, they told me, if I got offered a job, and was earning more than 2'500 a month, I would probably get one. Something my brother echoed. I can't see the link between me being from the UK, and being given an EP? Or why on earth a company not hiring a Singaporean for the job, would have anything to do with it. From what I've read into it, a permit to work, of some kind, is probably the bottom of the list, in terms of worries!

c) agreed, and I've heard the same. Very network driven. However, I wouldn't be actually targeting newspapers, or local titles. Many multi national publishers and broadcasters, base themselves in Singapore. I would almost certainly be targeting a global, multi national publisher/broadcaster's Singapore office. It wouldn't be a case of working for a small Singapore business. More a Singapore base, of a western company.

Sounds like you have it all figured out... so why ask questions... and good luck... let us know how it turns out.

[ceej1979]

I'm curious frankly, why ARE you here? You come here like a little know it all who doesn't know squat considering you supposedly have family here and all you can do is brag about how much money they have, as if we give a squat.

For all you self hype, your knowledge of Singapore is woefully inadequate and considering the amount of knowledge on the web about this tiny red dot. You seem to be rather inadequate in your other abilities as well.

Sorry, but you might be in for a learning experience for sure.

One can only hope.

Googling certain topics on the web, I've seen your name pop up time and time again in "trying to find work" topics.

And your only input seems to be:

1: mocking the person's desire to live in Singapore
2: mocking the person's chances of getting a job in Singapore
3: continually telling them that they stand no chance of ever getting a job in Singapore.

I can only assume that you're some sort of government agent, hired to try and put off Westeners from wanting to move to the country.......

That or you simply just enjoy doing the "you'll never make it hahaha" sort of thing on here.

[ceej1979]

Thanks for the reply. I have to be honest, I think it's something I will have to find out myself.

Anyway, the above:

a: Pay isn't really an issue. The salaries I have seen, are on a par with what I get at the minute. It's more an experience move, than a career move. I may well head back to the uk in 2-3 years anyway, if it happens.

b: I'm not convinced this is the case at all. Countries all around the world (including my own) hire foreigners, who have chosen to base themselves in the country. As in, if you're good enough for the job, and you live there, they'll consider you.

Although I don't deny that they probably have to fill the majority of roles with locals, I don't believe that every single mid level publishing role in Singapore, HAS to be filled by a Singaporean, if there is a decent one available. Laws like this are quotas - as in, a percentage - not the rule. 100% of mid level publishing jobs in Singapore, will not have to go to a Singaporeans, just because they can fill them locally. If I made a commitment to live in Singapore, and was available for interviews in the country (as in, I was already living there), I struggle to believe that I wouldn't be considered seriously, for any applicable publishing job, just because of my passport.

As for EP, I don't see the link between "The company would have to prove they couldn't fill the position with local talent in order to get an EP" and me getting an EP, if I got a job. Speaking to the MOM when I was there, they told me, if I got offered a job, and was earning more than 2'500 a month, I would probably get one. Something my brother echoed. I can't see the link between me being from the UK, and being given an EP? Or why on earth a company not hiring a Singaporean for the job, would have anything to do with it. From what I've read into it, a permit to work, of some kind, is probably the bottom of the list, in terms of worries!

c) agreed, and I've heard the same. Very network driven. However, I wouldn't be actually targeting newspapers, or local titles. Many multi national publishers and broadcasters, base themselves in Singapore. I would almost certainly be targeting a global, multi national publisher/broadcaster's Singapore office. It wouldn't be a case of working for a small Singapore business. More a Singapore base, of a western company.

Sounds like you have it all figured out... so why ask questions... and good luck... let us know how it turns out.

Sorry, it's just when you keep hearing different things, from different people, it's kind of hard to know what to take in.

And it doesn't really help when you keep stupid mocking messages, from people, almost taking joy in the fact that you'll struggle to get a job - see above

As in, you start asking, are they being serious, or just trying to put you off trying?

As I said, I appreciated the honest opinion, and really did take it all in. I'll just have to give it a try and see what happens

[ceej1979]

I'm curious frankly, why ARE you here? You come here like a little know it all who doesn't know squat considering you supposedly have family here and all you can do is brag about how much money they have, as if we give a squat.

For all you self hype, your knowledge of Singapore is woefully inadequate and considering the amount of knowledge on the web about this tiny red dot. You seem to be rather inadequate in your other abilities as well.

Sorry, but you might be in for a learning experience for sure.

One can only hope.

Why am I here? I made it pretty clear I feel. To ask for advice on finding jobs.

Instead I got a succession of annoying, mockery-toned little messages, from most of Singapore's ex pat mid-managers. Who seem almost insulted that someone wants to try a new job in a new country.

You know, my brother often tells me how annoying it is working in the country. And how unpopular ex pats generally are in the local communities, because of a mixture of new found ego (probably what being a white guy in a country of Asians does to you), arrogance, and general flashiness.

So much so that he refuses to socialise with said people, and really does just keep his head down at work.

I have to admit, I thought he was exaggerating. But having gone on to an ex pat forum (where I honestly expected people to be pretty helpful) and had (bar a few decent answers) little more than a few middle age men, mocking my attempts to better myself - you know........

Seriously. You may find all of this "let's burst there bubble" mockery stuff on here, pretty funny - but you really should understand that this is people's lives and futures that they are wishing to discuss on here. It's not some topic for you to get a few laughs from.

This entire site should be ashamed of itself. It's no source for ex pats to get information. People aren't helpful.

It's a site full of bullying middle aged, mid managers, who think they have made it because they have a maid............. who just come on to have a laugh at other people's expense

Seriously, this site is a disgrace, and you should all be embarrassed. People coming on here, talking about moving to Singapore, and looking for jobs.

It's life changing stuff for them. They aren't just coming on here to be the butt of someones joke

[Saint]

Why am I here? I made it pretty clear I feel. To ask for advice on finding jobs.

Instead I got a succession of annoying, mockery-toned little messages, from most of Singapore's ex pat mid-managers. Who seem almost insulted that someone wants to try a new job in a new country.

Stop embarrassing yourself with your rather childish postings and you might be taken seriously. BTW I'm not middle management

You know, my brother often tells me how annoying it is working in the country. And how unpopular ex pats generally are in the local communities, because of a mixture of new found ego (probably what being a white guy in a country of Asians does to you), arrogance, and general flashiness.

You'll probably find that most members who have commented on your postings have either lived in Singapore longer than you've been out of short pants or married to locals. It's not just the locals that find both you and your brother's attitude unpopular but many many expats

So much so that he refuses to socialise with said people, and really does just keep his head down at work.

Which is probably for the best

I have to admit, I thought he was exaggerating. But having gone on to an ex pat forum (where I honestly expected people to be pretty helpful) and had (bar a few decent answers) little more than a few middle age men, mocking my attempts to better myself - you know........

Seriously. You may find all of this "let's burst there bubble" mockery stuff on here, pretty funny - but you really should understand that this is people's lives and futures that they are wishing to discuss on here. It's not some topic for you to get a few laughs from.

This entire site should be ashamed of itself. It's no source for ex pats to get information. People aren't helpful.

You asked questions and you got honest answers, and well deserved.



It's a site full of bullying middle aged, mid managers, who think they have made it because they have a maid............. who just come on to have a laugh at other people's expense

SMS and SE are definitely not middle aged and I don't have a maid and I'm not middle management

Seriously, this site is a disgrace, and you should all be embarrassed. People coming on here, talking about moving to Singapore, and looking for jobs.

It's life changing stuff for them. They aren't just coming on here to be the butt of someones joke

It's actually more embarrassing for people here reading postings like yours, and it's not just you but you've taken first prize this month. Most of your postings have been very inaccurate that it's been left to others to mop up behind you

[littlegreenman]

Why am I here? I made it pretty clear I feel. To ask for advice on finding jobs. ...

You are asking on advice on jobs yet in another thread you are dismissing experienced user's information as faulty (see below). The fact is that these users are running their own businesses themselves and regularly try to apply for EPs for their staff and should know best about the quirks of it and the odds of being approved. You also can't blame them for not lying to you but putting things as they are, things have changed in Singapore throughout the last two years.

sundaymorningstaple wrote:
Not quite smart enough though huh. No your wife can't work on an LTSVP. Without a sponsoring company willing to employ her it will be virtually a no-go. The fact that she has 7 years experience doesn't matter if there are sufficient locals to fill those positions. The reason for bringing expats into the country is to fill jobs that either they do not have sufficient qualified people to fill or the locals refuse to do those kinds of menial labour. Why should they just open their doors and let all and sundry just waltz in an take their jobs?


Because it happens in every country on the planet? All successful economies are based on a mixture of local and ex pat work forces.

I really wish people would stop posting this "it's impossible to get a job if your're not local" rubbish on here.

It flies in the face of reason. To claridy, Singaporean employers, in my experience do not give every single job they have to nationals, just because they are Singaporean, and qualified for it.

They have quotas to fill, of course. But if you are livinig there, apply for a job, and are qualified, you'll have a decent shout, no matter what your passport says.

I can't help but think people like you just come on here trying to put people off trying.

This theory that Singapore employers will only hire Singaporeans, for all jobs, is just plain false.

We are trying to help people and are honest about things. Whoever doesn't like it here is free to not post here. One thing we are proud of is that we do not sugar coat things but tell them as they are. It is very easy to say my brother say this and that, my in laws are loaded but when it boils down to it, we do not rely on hearsay but all went through it. As mentioned SE and SMS regularly apply for foreigners' EPs and know the law inside out, Saint, KSL and myself have both gone through the PR process as spouses of Singaporeans and know the quirks of applying overseas and NS duties for PRs in this scheme... we have actually experienced the processes and corresponded with the agencies plenty of times. So if you do not want our advise, then please ignore it but do not go dismissing everything people with first hand experience say just because some hearsay you picked up is different and you actually don't have a clue what you are talking about.

Last but not least: your comment about Singaporean employers only hiring Singaporeans for jobs being wrong, well you actually have a point there. There is plenty of PRs as well and if they can't find anybody with the right skills they look overseas to fill the talent pool (not my words but those of the last three Prime Ministers). The emphasis is on talent, something you obviously do not poses as otherwise you wouldn't resolve to generally dismissing experienced users' comments and making unfounded statements just because you don't like what they say. So please as you don't like this place (you made this clear a few times already), just get lost, the mods might kick you shortly anyway.

[durain]

if you got unique skills like cold fusion (not to be confused with ColdFusion), or virtualisation or a doctor specialise in seperating conjoined twins, then you defo got a chance to work in singapore.

but if you got just bog standard quali, why would a company hire you when there are thousands of better qualified locals or other expats?

this is singapore, this is not UK where illegal immigrant can work as traffic warden, security guard, quack and even as an immigration officer!

reading some of your post, you know jack about singapore. no one is here to burst your bubble. the replies you got are reality.

[Plavt]

b: I'm not convinced this is the case at all. Countries all around the world (including my own) hire foreigners, who have chosen to base themselves in the country. As in, if you're good enough for the job, and you live there, they'll consider you. [/b]

Bullshit! Singapore is not Europe where natives from neighbouring countries may enter and take up both residence and employment. In case you haven't noticed the other nationalities in Britain, alongside European that is, are either refugees or possess skills/qualifications that Britain either or always has been short of.

As for EP, I don't see the link between "The company would have to prove they couldn't fill the position with local talent in order to get an EP"

This is standard knowledge amongst expats..........

[hibri2]

I'll send you an invite

can i have an invitation to your wedding?

make it hibri2 + 1

i will PM my postal address shortly

thanks!

[ceej1979]

"Stop embarrassing yourself with your rather childish postings and you might be taken seriously. BTW I'm not middle management [/color]"

If you took the time to read, I was not even referring to you. There is no way I would describe you as any sort of businessman. More a very bored 20 something, who probably has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and who quite obviously just comes on here to antagonise.

As I remember, you engineered this "argument" by taking offence to me saying I had sorted out accomodation?

"It's not just the locals that find both you and your brother's attitude unpopular but many many expats"

Again, probably an example of how argumentative your trying to be, but your responding to a message that wasn't even intended to you. Is it really that slow on the "wind up" front, tonight?

Well, in my time in the country, I've been told by "locals" as you put it, that most ex pats are generally unpopular in the areas they live, because of a mixture of overblown, almost colonial ego, and general protectionism. You, being a self admitted, long time ex pat - I'm glad you admit that you're probably the blueprint for this.

Sadly, I've never been there long enough to offend anyone.

.

I have to admit, I thought he was exaggerating. But having gone on to an ex pat forum (where I honestly expected people to be pretty helpful) and had (bar a few decent answers) little more than a few middle age men, mocking my attempts to better myself - you know........

You asked questions and you got honest answers, and well deserved

I didn't get answers. I got a succession of egos on here, chipping in with annoying, vague comments. Almost all of which were probably intended to just antagonise.

I may be wrong, but isn't this section of the forum to help people wanting to move out, with advice? Sadly, the long time users seem to use it a cross between entertainment, and protectionism. Sadly, I was told all of this before I even registered. And to take most of the comments "with a pinch of salt".

As in, telling people it's impossible to get a job in Singapore, I'd say you're saying it's an impossibility to get a job in Singapore? So imagine my surprise when I get not one, but 2 interviews, within a few weeks of applying.

I can't actually attend this time, but I find it sad that a lot of people are basing life choices on the words of people, who at best are maybe sensationalisng the work situation. At worst are simply on here, trying to put people off trying.

"SMS and SE are definitely not middle aged and I don't have a maid and I'm not middle management"

When you choose to involve yourself in a 2 way conversation, in which you aren't either of the people, you can't really make commen on the accuracy of some statements. They aren't accurate, as they aren't about you.

Again, probably an example of who antagonistic you are trying to be.

[ceej1979]

Why am I here? I made it pretty clear I feel. To ask for advice on finding jobs. ...

You are asking on advice on jobs yet in another thread you are dismissing experienced user's information as faulty (see below). The fact is that these users are running their own businesses themselves and regularly try to apply for EPs for their staff and should know best about the quirks of it and the odds of being approved. You also can't blame them for not lying to you but putting things as they are, things have changed in Singapore throughout the last two years.

sundaymorningstaple wrote:
Not quite smart enough though huh. No your wife can't work on an LTSVP. Without a sponsoring company willing to employ her it will be virtually a no-go. The fact that she has 7 years experience doesn't matter if there are sufficient locals to fill those positions. The reason for bringing expats into the country is to fill jobs that either they do not have sufficient qualified people to fill or the locals refuse to do those kinds of menial labour. Why should they just open their doors and let all and sundry just waltz in an take their jobs?


Because it happens in every country on the planet? All successful economies are based on a mixture of local and ex pat work forces.

I really wish people would stop posting this "it's impossible to get a job if your're not local" rubbish on here.

It flies in the face of reason. To claridy, Singaporean employers, in my experience do not give every single job they have to nationals, just because they are Singaporean, and qualified for it.

They have quotas to fill, of course. But if you are livinig there, apply for a job, and are qualified, you'll have a decent shout, no matter what your passport says.

I can't help but think people like you just come on here trying to put people off trying.

This theory that Singapore employers will only hire Singaporeans, for all jobs, is just plain false.

We are trying to help people and are honest about things. Whoever doesn't like it here is free to not post here. One thing we are proud of is that we do not sugar coat things but tell them as they are. It is very easy to say my brother say this and that, my in laws are loaded but when it boils down to it, we do not rely on hearsay but all went through it. As mentioned SE and SMS regularly apply for foreigners' EPs and know the law inside out, Saint, KSL and myself have both gone through the PR process as spouses of Singaporeans and know the quirks of applying overseas and NS duties for PRs in this scheme... we have actually experienced the processes and corresponded with the agencies plenty of times. So if you do not want our advise, then please ignore it but do not go dismissing everything people with first hand experience say just because some hearsay you picked up is different and you actually don't have a clue what you are talking about.

Last but not least: your comment about Singaporean employers only hiring Singaporeans for jobs being wrong, well you actually have a point there. There is plenty of PRs as well and if they can't find anybody with the right skills they look overseas to fill the talent pool (not my words but those of the last three Prime Ministers). The emphasis is on talent, something you obviously do not poses as otherwise you wouldn't resolve to generally dismissing experienced users' comments and making unfounded statements just because you don't like what they say. So please as you don't like this place (you made this clear a few times already), just get lost, the mods might kick you shortly anyway.

Maybe I'm not expressing myself, as intended. I actually do respect what a lot of people are saying, and have taken a surprising amount on board.

My (albeit rookie) success in web journalism thus far has probably been based on saying what I think on subjects. And I didn't really take well to what I saw as a concerted attempt by some users to "rile" rather than offer help. Anyway, it's a passion that has positives and negatives.

My only point is that publishing is a strange beast, in regards to working in it. It's a truly global industry, with most multi nationals having offices in every continent on the planet.

I've even been offered publishing work in the USA and Japan myself. Countries with probably the toughest visa application processes in the world.

I just felt that a lot of the obvious expertise (I accept these people know what they are talking about) people have been offering, was from industry far removed from publishing.

You talk about talent. Most talent , in regards to the publishing sector, is creative talent. It's not something that is just judged on what degree you have. It's not a mechnical thing, like say IT or big business.

The point I have been trying to make, is that I'm a pretty experienced junior publisher, with one of the world's leading academic publishers. A company respected around the world. I've worked for 4 years on 150 year old titles. Famous, world renowned scientific journals, with some of the top scientific publishers on the planet.

The UK is without doubt, the world leader in this field. The UK titles are decades ahead of anything else around the world, in regards to content and working skill and practices. And working on such distinguished titles is often seen as a stepping stone to high paid work, on younger titles, trying to make the grade.

Now, as much respect as I have for Singapore (I want to move there for the experience, not the job), it's just plain fact that the publishing standards, in regards to academic journals, throughout asia, are nowhere near anything in Europe, let alone the UK. They are in a developmental phase, where they are trying to match the standards the UK publishing houses set.

So I just feel that, although you may not see me as anything special (I'm not), you're not respecting what a specialist publishing field I'm talking about. And how, inadvertently, I've probably done about as strong a scholarship as you can in publishing, by working on this world renowned title.

Add to the fact that (even though I blurt out garbage most of the time), I'm actually a pretty successfull web journalist in my own right, and have had 20+ articles featured on the US TV networks web sites.

That's my point really. Although, I really understand why you don't see me as anything more than a jumped up 20 something, looking for a job.

I work in a very specialised publishing field, and simply fail to see how anyone in Singapore could be anyway near as qualified as me to work in Academich publishing. And this isn't arrogance. It's just the way of the world. There aren't any top journals in Asia. Let alone Singapore.

So, if you can answer this honestly - when I'm seeing fledgling academic publisers applying for staff, and I apply (have probably done the world's top academic publishing apprenticeship), are you saying that I'd have no chance? And that they wouldn't maybe view me as talent?

[Saint]

"Stop embarrassing yourself with your rather childish postings and you might be taken seriously. BTW I'm not middle management [/color]"

If you took the time to read, I was not even referring to you. There is no way I would describe you as any sort of businessman. More a very bored 20 something, who probably has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and who quite obviously just comes on here to antagonise.

If you took the time to read your posting you stated "messages from most of Singapore's expat mid-managers" as SMS doesn't make up most of Singapore's mid-managers, I therefore assumed you were referring to other poster as well. Maybe you should phrase your postings better, what's your profession?

Once again you managing to make sweeping judgements on people, you know absolutely nothing about me, nor do you of others on the forum. You've managed to make postings concerning various subjects including renting property, buy a car, which were so inaccurate and is left for others to sweep up the mess behind you.

As I remember, you engineered this "argument" by taking offence to me saying I had sorted out accomodation?

The are many many people like yourself you have aspirations and naive assumptions that they can just fly in to Singapore and stay as long as they like until they find a job. The statement I made was just pointing out that unless you have a job your permanent move to Singapore is no way near complete. That is fact
"It's not just the locals that find both you and your brother's attitude unpopular but many many expats"

Again, probably an example of how argumentative your trying to be, but your responding to a message that wasn't even intended to you. Is it really that slow on the "wind up" front, tonight?

It's an open forum so you leave yourself open to anyone commenting on your statements

Well, in my time in the country, I've been told by "locals" as you put it, that most ex pats are generally unpopular in the areas they live, because of a mixture of overblown, almost colonial ego, and general protectionism. You, being a self admitted, long time ex pat - I'm glad you admit that you're probably the blueprint for this.

I live in the East Coast which believe is one of the areas you are referring to where the locals find the expats unpopular? Well I've never experienced this nor have a I heard of anyone experiencing this.

Sadly, I've never been there long enough to offend anyone.

And from that statement you are implying that give you enough time you will offend.

[ceej1979]

if you got unique skills like cold fusion (not to be confused with ColdFusion), or virtualisation or a doctor specialise in seperating conjoined twins, then you defo got a chance to work in singapore.

but if you got just bog standard quali, why would a company hire you when there are thousands of better qualified locals or other expats?

this is singapore, this is not UK where illegal immigrant can work as traffic warden, security guard, quack and even as an immigration officer!

reading some of your post, you know jack about singapore. no one is here to burst your bubble. the replies you got are reality.

Sorry, but you really show little understanding how international publishing works.

I've worked for 4 years (seen as a sort of publishing apprenticeship) on one of the oldest, most distinguished titles in the world. In the world's leading publishing nation.

I'm not trying to arrogant, but there isn't (globally) a distinguished title in all of asia, in regards to UK standards. Let alone Singapore.

It's very much still a developing nation, in regards to global publishing practices. I know this as my own company is in the midst of opening Asian offices, to benefit from this total lack of local competition.

So, with the greatest respect, I'm not sure local candidates will be in any way as qualified as me, for many publishing roles advertised. And I doubt there is many established, ex pat publishers, who want to work on 20 grand a year, in a junior editorial role...........

I'd really suggest that you only make such bold claims, when you have an in depth knowledge on an industry. Most of the feedback I've had, from e-mailing multi national publishers, based in Singapore has been very positive.

By making such bold, matter-of-fact claims, on a very specialised industry, that you know nothing about, you're doing nothing but putting people off - when you are in no way qualified to talk on the subject

[sundaymorningstaple]

ceej1979,

You seem hellbent on just creating a tempest in a teacup. The things you keep saying is what is causing you the flack here. Statements about "How your "Most distinguished" titles (local publishers really don't care jack about how distinguished the titles are but ARE concerned with the quality YOU bring to the table. Even with distinguished titles, there are guys sweeping the floor and guys with titles that belie there actual job a gopher.

Another tip-off is you "bragging" on how you have had job offers from the US and Japan when talking about getting an Employment Pass here. You seem to think that the USA and Japan are the be all and end all. Frankly, what you have told us is an incomplete statement of facts as the context you were using it in was regarding the ability to get a work pass for Singapore. The fact that you had a job offer from Japan & the US doesn't mean you could have taken the job. That is just like Singapore. Your employer may want you but it's the government that determines whether you get the pass or not, not the employer.

Anyway, good luck in you search. Personally, with you penchant to take ALL that as been said as wrong when you have never lived or worked here is somewhat silly and does tend to show a certain lack of maturity, I not fault a guy for trying. But you shouldn't bite the hand that possibly feeds you. These boards and made up of ALL kinds of expats. From the uneducated but with tenacity and wits to those with multiple degrees and languages and worldwide experiences under their collective belts. Who knows, they may well work in a field related or networked to that which you desire to penetrate. Not a good thing to let a bed reputation precede you into a new country.

A little humility will take you a long way in the international arena........

sms