What is your name?
Dianna DiBenedetto
What is your current age or age range?
48=50
What country are you native to?
I am a US citizen wishing to relocate to Tunisia in 09. I have no idea as to the cost of living, if I should just move on a three month Visa or what? I need information from anyone as to jobs, etc. I am a cosmetologist, personal stylist.
What area of Tunisia do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
I am planning to move to Sousse, Tunisia to a village where my fiancee lives.
How long have you lived in Tunisia?
I have not.
When you moved to Tunisia, did you bring your family? What do they think?
n/a
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
I will be leaving all my family behind and be alone.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
I have always wanted to live overseas. My family is from Palermo, Sicily and the middle east
Why did you choose Tunisia, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Tunisia?
I have a contact in Tunisia. It is very close to my homeland and has been a dream to see Carthage all of my life. The people are so beautiful and kind. I love Islam
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
I could find employment in Dubai. A very, very good job. However, Tunisia has won my heart. I would be able to take the ferry home to Palermo. I love the mediterrean and even if I do not choose to marry, I still would like the opportunity of living in Tunisia
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Documents to enter the country, no. I have no knowledge of the work documents. I do not know if say $1500.00 USD would be enough per month until I found a job.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
I have not made it yet. However, I have a home full of furniture that I will have to store. I will not bring my car as it is over three years old.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Tunisia?
I am sure it is coming. Can I have my computer in Tunisia and access from home?
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
The easy part, is I am in need of a change. I am single, raised my children. And this is what I want for myself. I have been in college, run a million dollar salon, worked as a platform artist and makeup artist and work as a caretaker/caregiver. I am ready for my life to begin anew.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
At this point, no. I do not plan to return unless there is an emergency and for visits. I have a son in boarding school, who may decide to live here if I can find the right educational situation.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
I am very tired of this same place and need this change for Dianna.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
I am still here.
Are there the same recreational activities in Tunisia?
there is soccer. I love the arts, and I am a amatuer artist and a writer. I love history and there is plenty. I also am a mehndi artist who uses henna. There is much for me to learn and I need friends when I arrive.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Tunisia?
I need your input
Do you have many friends from your home country in Tunisia?
I have no friends. I have a sister in Germany.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Art, caretaking animals and homes, theatre, dancing, history and hospice work.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
I have not experienced yet
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
no answer
Do you speak the language of Tunisia?
I speak french and spanish. I am learning arabic.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Tunisia, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
I am a people person. I have always been able to communicate and with my Sicilian, I use my hands alot.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
This is an issue. I am on US medicare
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
I have worked part=time for about four years to raise the children. I have always been a workaholic. It was time to change and our family experienced severe trauma and I was not able to work full time and used all my experience in networking, etc. to help us esp. children.
How do you earn your living in Tunisia?
I do not know yet
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
I would hope as a stylist or working in vocational to train stylist
How did you go about finding a job in Tunisia? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
need info
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
cannot find resources
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
many
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
I do not see a problem from what the hosts family say.
What are the top ten things you like about Tunisia?
climate, beach, people, arts, spices, cooking, gardening
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Tunisia?
I believe it will be my lifesaver
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
I cannot answer as yet
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
I will probably rent something, if I can find out if my budget will work.
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
$1200=$1500 USD in USA
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
Have not found housing
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
I cannot find information
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
yes
What is the best thing about people in Tunisia?
open to new people, loving, generous and kind
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Tunisia?
Find help from an ex-pat in area
What are the good or bad things about living in Tunisia?
I am excited to find out
Do you think you will stay in Tunisia, or it is not suitable for the long run?
who knows?
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
If I cannot support myself, Dubai UAE. I want to be in Tunisia
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Tunisia for people living there?
no
What else would you like to say?
I am really searching for some help to get to Tunisia and know I can find and afford housing until I get settled. I cannot seem to find any way to hook up with anyone who can give me this information and I am desperately looking.
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