Living Abroad - Unit 8 - On the Move

B2 First · Multiple Matching · Ready for B2 First 4th Edition Workbook, Macmillan Education Limited

You are going to read an article in which four people talk about their lives abroad. For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

James

When I was given the chance to work overseas, I jumped at it. It's not something I'd really thought much about before, but my friend had been to China and she really loved all it had to offer. I was going to see it as a working holiday. It didn't take long for me to realise the error of my ways. As I was sitting on my flight to China, I was already thinking, 'It's going to be ages until I see them again.' I'm really close to my mum and dad, so that was hard. And I'll admit that the local cuisine is far from what I'd expected – a bit of a disappointment. Having said that, the people I work with are brilliant, and I've learnt so much that it should put me in a good position job hunting when I get back. I'm going to complete the year for sure.

Susanna

I've been working in Brazil now for six months. I didn't think it would be this hard, but day to day we work long hours – much more than at home. The thing is I really don't mind at all because I get to use my speaking skills. There's a lot of humour when I make a grammatical mistake in the office of course, but I try not to worry too much about it. The other thing is that the more I work, the more I can send back home. Because accommodation is reasonable, this is more than I could have wished to make in the UK. And I'm picking up some local recipes in my free time. I'm really enjoying sampling the restaurants in Rio and being invited round to friends' houses for dinner. That's a real plus.

Katya

I was on a trip around the world, but I kind of fell in love with this place, and when they offered me a job at the hotel where I was staying, I couldn't believe my luck. I made the decision right away. I've been in Thailand now for three months. Even though I keep reassuring my mum that I am coming home as planned at the end of the year, I could actually see myself settling here. I'm not sure about staying in the hotel business. It's not that it's difficult and I can't complain about my time off, I just don't think it's really for me. I'd like the chance to see more of Asia while I'm here, so a job which allows me to do that would be ideal. For now, though, I'm happy.

Daniel

I did a lot of travel in my 20s, so when my boss asked me to develop the business in South Africa, I already knew it was a beautiful location. My wife would like to stay long term, whereas I can't see us being able to survive on this salary for long. A couple of years will be enough for me. The distance is something which makes me nervous given that my parents are older and I think about the practicalities of that. I had thought I might need to brush up on my Afrikaans, but there was no need. The majority of people speak fluent English. I must say the biggest and most unexpected thing for me has been becoming sure of myself professionally. I was a bit worried about my abilities, but now I have no choice but to make speeches at conferences and lead meetings.

Living Abroad

Four people were asked about living and working in a foreign country.

they've loved trying the local cuisine?

they enjoy trying to speak the language?

they missed their family right from the start?

they don't have to work hard in their job?

they worry about being far from older relatives?

they've gained valuable work experience?

they'd love to get a job where they can travel?

they've managed to put aside some money?

they've gained confidence since working abroad?

they can imagine staying there for a long time?

Which person states

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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