Has anyone worked overseas for a contractor (KBR, Bechtel, etc)?

[WK91]

Originally Posted by Shark01

I’ll leave you with one major difference that many Americans struggle with if you go to one of the more strict countries. You need to act very small and deferential. When in the presence of those native to that country that you don’t know, you don’t speak unless spoken to and it is best to stick with yes or no answers. When you are in public, keep your eye lines low so you don’t accidentally look a local female in the eyes.

You really have to watch your behavior because laws are slanted against foreigners.

I’ve had zero problems in 6 years in the ME. But I have seen some get fired, some get into trouble.

If you need alcohol, this is probably not the place for you. If you need nightlife, this is probably not the place for you.

But if you want to work extremely hard, make a lot of money, be a professional in all you do, both on the job and off, and strive to be the absolute best at your job, this is the place for you.

I love it out here, but I admit I may be cut different. I’m laser focused on the job.

[ndcairngorm]

It's a great eye opener. Most Americans never have to see or adapt to another culture, and believe me if you are not sensitive to the way people do things in their country, you will find out pretty quickly that you aren't fitting in.

But I would recommend it for everyone. More Europeans have done this than Americans, but this is probably changing in the decades since we were overseas. We always looked at these things as an adventure rather than anything else, and we were never disappointed. Read up on the place you're assigned to, pay attention to the advice given by your company, and you'll be fine. It's those who think they know better than others how to behave, who end up getting into messes. There's less tolerance for out-of-the-ordinary behavior in most any other country than in the US.

[2nccoast]

Originally Posted by bizkitgto

Oh please do go on!

Gestures can take on different meanings, depending on the culture. I had a local guy working on a piece of machinery, and he was doing it all wrong. I was in a hurry and asked him to stop it, by drawing my hand across my neck as I rushed away to deal with another crisis situation.

When I came back a few hours later, I was met with 2 policemen who hauled me in front of the local authorities. The guy had reported that I threatened to kill/decapitate him (hand across neck). So I had to explain that the gesture simply meant "Stop what you are doing". Luckily I had a very good relationship with the local authorities and they told me they didn't believe the story from the worker guy at all. They were sure there was a misunderstanding. And indeed there was...