#pic=class/Jamie_12/Tunisian_American##picWhat is your name?
Jamie
What is your current age or age range?
29
What country are you native to?
I am originally from the United States. I was born in Texas, and grew up in Colorado.
What area of Tunisia do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
I now live in Monastir, Tunisia
How long have you lived in Tunisia?
I have lived in Tunisia for 7+ years. My first day living here was 1 September 2001. I had visited Tunisia for three weeks at the end of 2000 before actually moving here.
When you moved to Tunisia, did you bring your family? What do they think?
No, I did not bring any family with me.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
I left my parents behind. While they were sad to see me go, they were also very supportive and excited for me to start a new chapter in my life.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
I had never dreamed I would ever move out of Colorado, let alone the US! In early 2000 I met a man in Colorado that was from Tunisia and we hit it off. We became friends at first, then moved on to a full relationship. He came back to Tunisia so we did the long distance relationship. Ultimately it is because of our relationship, and my love for him, that I moved here to Tunisia to continue a relationship and get married and start a family.
Why did you choose Tunisia, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Tunisia?
I chose Tunisia because it is where my husband is from, and he has a wonderful job here.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
It is so easy to get needed documents to come to Tunisia. American citizens are allowed to stay up to 4 months without the need of a visa. When my 4 months would end, my husband and I would go on a short vacation to another country (France, England, Spain, etc) and when we would come back, my 4 months would start all over again!
Recently I got a Residence Card which allows me to live here without the need to leave because we have children who are in school and I cannot just leave them behind.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
I think the hardest part of the transition was leaving my family and close friends behind. I still keep in touch over e-mail, MSN, and with phone calls, but it's not the same.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Tunisia?
The biggest mistake I made was thinking that an adapter/converter for my electronics would work! I later learned that even though they may work for a while, they will eventually fry all your electronics, and it is ultimately cheaper to buy new electronics from the beginning.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
The easiest part was the planning. I'm a very organized person and had everything planned out as soon as we decided I should come live here. I knew what to pack, what to ship, what to get rid of, etc.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
We do plan on returning to the US, but not sure yet if it will be permanently. My husbands job requires flexibility to travel to where jobs are, so that will play the deciding factor.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
I miss my family a great deal! There are some things from home that I miss, such as the variety of shops, restaurants, etc.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
The thing I miss most is my parents.
Are there the same recreational activities in Tunisia?
There is lots to do here. Everything from bowling, to quads, para sailing, boating, horseback riding, etc.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Tunisia?
It has been surprisingly easy to make friends here. The people are very open and friendly. I would have to be honest though and say that a lot of the people I keep in contact with are other women who contact me looking for advice about Tunisian men or living in Tunisia.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Tunisia?
There are a few. We don't live in the same city, but we chat by phone, e-mail, MSN, keep in contact over our blogs, etc.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
I love to go to the beach! I also really like to go horseback riding, and ride quads in the desert!
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
There honestly isn't that much I miss. The things I do miss are:
1. The mountains 2. The food 3. The shopping 4. The orderliness of things 5. The variety
Do you speak the language of Tunisia?
Yes. I speak fluent (Tunisian dialect) Arabic and French.
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?
Many many people in Tunisia speak English and it is quite easy to get by without knowing the language. However, speaking even a little bit helps. Also if you want to go to places where there are no set prices (small boutiques, souks, etc) if you speak Arabic, you will get a lower price than if you speak English.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
Medical insurance was not an issue for me. My husband put me on his insurance as soon as I arrived. Even if I were not to have insurance, medical costs here are so low that it would not have been an issue.
An Example: a one month supply of Zyrtec (yes, I have allergies) costs a little under $10 here in Tunisia. In the US, the same prescription costs a little over $100!
How do you earn your living in Tunisia?
I do not work. My husband has a good job and I am able to stay home and raise our children.
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
No, not at all. Customs here in Tunisia are pretty much based on being friendly and open to the others. Unless someone really does not other people, everyone should fit in fine.
What are the top ten things you like about Tunisia?
There are so many! Only ten? Okay, lets see:
1. The ways people treat you like family from the start 2. The fact that life here has a lot less stress than the US 3. People here take time to actually enjoy themselves, their life, and others 4. Family is very important here, and it is a wonderful place to raise kids 5. It is a safe country 6. The country is so full of history 7. Tunisia is beautiful and has many varying landscapes 8. There is so much to do/see here 9. Life is simpler and happier here 10. The food is delicious
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Tunisia?
I don't think I'd be able to come up with a full list of ten unless I were to stay thinking for a long time!
1. The disorganization of traffic 2. How people walk in the middle of the road instead of on the sidewalks 3. How you get better treatment, or go farther if you "know" people
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
When I first lived here, we rented a house. Since then we have bought a house, and just bought land so that we may build our second house
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
Where I live the cost of housing ranges from 350TND-800TND a month
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No, not at all. You can look in the papers, or ask the local hanouts (small stores). The easiest way though is just to drive around looking for houses that have a "For Rent" (A Louer) sign on them and call to inquire.
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
Cost of living here is so much cheaper! You truly get a lot more bang for your buck!
A loaf of French bread here is comparable to US 25cents
List some things that are more expensive in Tunisia
Clothes are more expensive. So is some types of baby things
List some things that are less expensive in Tunisia
Food is less expensive. Have things done by a tailor is also a LOT less expensive!
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
The locals are extremely friendly and helpful. It is very easy to meet and make friends.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Tunisia?
I would say to do some research first to make sure you are prepared. Do not expect it to be just like where you came from because it definitely is not. Be open to learning, seeing, and experiencing new things.
What else would you like to say?
I would just like to say that I LOVE living in Tunisia! If anyone is curious, has any questions or comments about life here, or if they'd just like to talk to someone who has been what they have (or are going through), they can feel free to contact me.
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