Here's a real answer for you....
Unfortunately, it's not related to a flying job, but....
I lived in Germany for 11 years; 5 1/2 in the military and 5 1/2 as a civilian. As a civilian I drove trucks all over Europe, partly to see the sites for free (and get paid for it) and partly to save money for fixed wing flight training, because at the time, the VA would not reimburse under the GI Bill. Instead of telling you which countries I've been to, it's easier to tell you which ones I haven't: Portegal (I spelled that wrong), Finland, and Norway. I speak, read, and write fluent German, and at one point was fairly fluent in Polish, Hungarian, and certain forms of Czeck.
Living abroad is no big deal, if that's an adventure that you want to achieve. It's tough leaving your family if you're close to them, but it was different for me being in the military.
To succeed in a foreign country, remember that it's foreign to you, not to them. You need to learn their language, culture, and other ways of life. Don't expect anyone to learn your language or way of life because you are the guest, they are not. You will find people who speak English in many other countries and are always willing to help. Then again, you'll find the *ssholes easily, too. Between English and German, I always found someone who could understand me in a foreign country. It's an experience that I'll never forget and will never regret.
One bad thing has come out of it, though....my attitude towards other nationalities in this country. I figure since I had to learn a foreign language in a foreign country to survive, then so can everyone else that comes to my country. I have no respect for people in this country that cannot speak the English language, providing they have lived here for a while and have had a chance to learn. I am fully against ANY language besides English being spoken in the workplace, including speaking to customers unless they require a translator. It's real simple.....if you can't speak English, get the **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** out of my country.
