What is your name?Julie
What is your current age or age range?
40-45
What country are you native to?
United States
What area of Mongolia do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Ulaanbaatar
How long have you lived in Mongolia?
2 years
When you moved to Mongolia, did you bring your family? What do they think?
No, I came by myself. Fortunately, I had come here as a tourist and later I volunteered for a couple months and lived with a family before moving here.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Yes. We emailed each other a lot, sent pictures, videos and I telephoned once a week. I got some great care packages and my parents came for a visit after my first year here.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
I was bored with my job and looking for a life change.
Why did you choose Mongolia, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Mongolia?
I always wanted to visit here. When I returned to do volunteer work, I made a lot of good friends whom I had a lot in common with.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
I never thought of living in another country before this.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
I was fortunate to be invited to teach English at a school here. The school took care of my visa and work permit.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Not knowing enough of the language and choices of food. There are no fast food restaurants, no fast take out food. Some places have just started doing home deliveries, but there is the challenge of giving directions as most streets don't have names and most places don't have an actual numbered address.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Mongolia?
I don't feel like I made any huge mistakes. Language is the greatest obstacle.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
Having friends here who speak English and who could translate for me when necessary. The Internet has kept me in touch with family and friends and is a great resource/tool.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
Yes, at least for a visit.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Sure. I miss the consistency of hot water, cable tv, electricity, conveniences - things we take for granted in the U.S.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Family, friends, variety, choices of food and things.
Are there the same recreational activities in Mongolia?
Yes, but choices can be limited - only 1 cinema, 1 theater, a few museums...like that. But things are changing.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Mongolia?
Fairly easy. Most of my friends have been Mongolian, but you gradually find groups or activities outside of work and network.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Mongolia?
No.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
dancing, eating out, museums, hiking,
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
the lakefront
Do you speak the language of Mongolia?
Enough to get by.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Mongolia, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
Many people speak English and will want to practice English with you. English has become the new 2nd language there, especially for international business.
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
I am teaching English at a private school.
How do you earn your living in Mongolia?
Teaching English, editing, teaching art
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
Not really. I worked as a museum professional and later as a technical writer.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
Newspapers, websites, word of mouth
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
Sometimes the internet or power goes out.
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