EXPATRIATION: The Principles of Sustainable Expatriatism

I. Sustainable Expatriatism is Informative Expatriatism

Expatriates not only learn about the city and state to which they expatriate, they learn how to help sustain its character while deepening their own expatriate experiences. Local residents—nationals—learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of interest and value to expatriates.

II. Sustainable Expatriatism shows respect for the local inhabitants by learning the area's language, culture, and traditions.

Expatriates learn about and observe local etiquette, including learning the local language. Locals learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own but cannot do so if there is no communication. If language is the portal to the culture, then the Expatriate who practices Sustainable Expatriatism will learn the language of the host country. By the learning of the language you will show locals how much you respect them as a people as well as how much you respect their culture and traditions.

III. Sustainable Expatriatism means expatriates do not seek to isolate themselves from the local population and the local culture nor do they seek to change the local culture and traditions.

A measure of success of expatriatism on a community is how invisible the expatriates are in the community. Success is measured in how well the foreigners blend into the local background and how little attention they attract because of their foreignness.

IV. Sustainable Expatriatism conserves resources and does not abuse its product.

Stakeholders anticipate development pressures and apply limits and management techniques to prevent the "loved to death" syndrome. Expatriate-owned businesses cooperate to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.

Environmentally aware expatriates favor businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and unnecessary nighttime lighting.

V. Sustainable Expatriatism is Supportive Expatriatism that Benefits Residents.

Savvy expatriates seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale in terms of architecture, cuisine, heritage-culture, aesthetics, and ecology. Expatriatism revenues in turn raise local perceived value of those assets.

VI. Expatriate-owned businesses do their best to employ and train local people, buy local supplies, use local services, and pay local, state, and federal taxes.

VII. Sustainable Expatriatism means great experiences

Satisfied, excited expats bring new knowledge home and send friends off to experience the same thing - which provides continuing business for the destination.

Mexico as a Concept and Not a Reality