Thanks, Jon. You raise some undoubtedly valid issues. I'll still go ahead and make an argument for the foreigner.>Tough without:>1) language skills>2) non-employer-dependent work permit>3) local community ties1) Fluency in English and a major European language for dealings with foreigners. Plus, the local language would be picked up in the long term, perhaps good enough after a year to be able to hold a decent conversation. Nevertheless, you're right in saying that not speaking the local tongue is a major drawback.2) Depends on the country, I guess. Some places are stricter than others.3) Do you mean business contacts or generally ties to the country?>Questions you'd need to answer in the >employer's mind are:>1) why employ a foreigner who'll have higher >salary expectations when local talent is plentiful >and cheapHere I'm hoping for my answer to 1) above, plus international experience. And I'm willing to earn less than "at home".>2) can someone without the local language >communicate effectively, get on with the team >and make clients at easeCan't do that with local clients, except perhaps in India or Singapore.>3) why employ a foreigner at all (equality >legislation and equal-opportunity mindsets are >not that globally common)For a fresh perspective, unbiased by the local cultural upbringing. Perhaps also a novelty factor. "Hey, look what we've got on board!"
