Bigmac, I have to disagree with you. Although I can see both sides of the argument, it completely depends on your outlook on life. I have worked abroad and quite often you meet the wrong type of people who will moan at anything that isn't 'like it is at home' Brits, Americans, Aussi's all of them. They play the big 'I am' expat, but quite often have no intension of trying to adapt to their new country's culture. These are the ones who, in the end come home bleating about how crap it is in this country and that country and how they miss the comforts of home . I spent a couple of years in Saudi (many years ago) and that place attracted so many of life's losers (not me lol, I was only 21) and all they did was bleat about how great home was. They never wanted to educate themselves about the culture or way of life, they just wanted to drink, gamble and try to chat up the Filipina nurses from the local hospital. I on the other hand had a great time, exploring, photographing and mixing with the locals, who are actually nice people. So, being abroad is not for all people and many will come back, but many will also adapt and stay away.