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Interview with Ellen Thompson, member of the Steering Committee of the International Women Organization (IWO) Moscow by Anna Barysheva
| When speaking about reasons of relocating to another country we usually refer to the 3 main categories of expatriates:
Each of them perceives life in another country in different ways. So this time we are finding out what it is like to be an Expat for a spouse, what difficulties and joys the life in Moscow has been offering Ellen Thompson, a spouse of a foreign employee and a member of the Steering Committee of the International Women Organization (IWC) in Moscow. Ellen has been in Russia for two and a half years, and is leaving for Africa this year. Eolia Relocation wishes Ellen’s family fair wind and welcoming new home shores! Ellen, first of all, could you please tell a few words about your background: when did you come to Moscow and why? My husband, John, and I came to Moscow from our home country, Canada. This is our second expat assignment. John works as director of marketing communications. I grew up as an expat kid, but before coming to Moscow was working fulltime as a marketing director. I came for the adventure! How did it happen that you joined the IWC and become a member of its Steering Committee? When I arrived in Moscow, the wives of my husband’s business colleagues told me about the IWC. I joined 2 weeks after arriving, and signed up for one interest group every day of the week. After one year of being a participant and taking advantage of all the club activities, I offered my time to the steering committee. I was the newsletter editor for a year, helped organize various events, and then took on the position of membership chair. Do you know the legend of the IWC? How did it start, when and why? The club celebrated its 30th anniversary in Moscow last year! As I understand it, the club was started as a way of bringing together expat women, to help each other adapt to living in Moscow, at a time when living here was very different than today. I know you as an active, I would even say proactive member of the IWC, you do much to the Club and its members. So what is the Club for you? How has it changed your life? When I came to Moscow, I left behind a career and our two wonderful children (in their late teens). So, for the first time in my life, I had no “identity”. By joining the IWC and getting involved I created my own personal purpose. I love to be busy, so jumped in where I felt I could help. Volunteering on the steering committee of the IWC has allowed me to use some of my business background and develop new skills. It has been incredibly rewarding. Who may join the IWC: spouses of assignees or working women also? And what are benefits of being an IWC member? The IWC is open to all women living in Moscow. No… actually, all men AND women! (Last year, the IWC voted to allow men to join! It seems there were a few men here as the “trailing” spouses, who wanted to get involved in the IWC’s charity projects). The benefits?... well, where do I start? Firstly, for me, the IWC was a social network. The meetings, coffee mornings and interest groups all provided a wonderful opportunity to make friends. The interest groups are a great chance to participate in activities you enjoy with like-minded women, and learn about this incredible city! There are also activities you can do with your husband – like cocktail evenings and balls! If comparing your expatriate’s life and your previous life, that is before relocation, what pros and cons do you see in being an expat (you may consider both yourself and your husband)? The best things about the expat life is meeting new and interesting people all the time, and learning about different cultures. The downside to this life is having to say goodbye to these new friends, and starting all over again. What was the primary issue of your relocation, referring to The hardest part of my move to Moscow was adjusting to my new “status”. Before coming to Moscow I was working full time and had two kids at home. Here, I am not working, and have no kids to worry about. I quickly found I had to get busy and fill my days with things to do. Who helped you relocate to Russia (any relocation agency, the dedicated person/ team in the company of your husband, or you did it yourselves)? We were fortunate in that the company my husband works for, Nestl?, has a dedicated person who helps expats adjust to their new life in Moscow. Soon you are moving to Africa and are forced again to pass through all these stages. Is there anything in the relocation process that you changed based on your relocation experience? We are approaching this move much as we did when we came to Moscow. However, we did not move all our furniture and personal belongings with us here, but we are shipping them to Africa. I think having our own “stuff” with us will help us create a “home” faster. How did your viewpoint about Russia change in comparison to the one you had before relocation and first months of your residence in Moscow? And what are the worst and the best facets of living in Moscow? Quite simply, when you first arrive in Moscow you only see dirt, grime and run-down buildings. After a year, you only see the beautiful, architecturally-interesting buildings! What can you recommend women moving to Russia? Maybe you have your own recipe of “How to Be a Successful Expat”? My advice to anyone moving here is:
And the last question. What is it like for you to be an expat? Just in one sentence or even word… Exhilarating… |
