Hubby wants me to make the decision on moving to Haiti?

[mbiyemo 0]

Hello everyone!

Hubby is trying to get this job in Haiti based in port au prince, will be working for a UN as operations director for slum rehabilitation.

Its been 4 months since I am in USA, still adjusting to life here and been out of work since march He would like me to make the decision if we should move to Haiti, it a 2 yrs position.I am not sure and hence thought I should ask on the forum, I don't have many friends here and the forum has always helped :dance:

Do you guys know anyone who have worked for NGO in haiti? hows life in haiti? from clothing, medicines, housing? what should we pack? I did try to look on expat forum not much out there.I am a bit worried

It will be ideal if a local from Haiti who have traved in Usa Could help me.

Plesea help me guys. :help:

I currently live in Haiti and work for an NGO. I have been here for approximately 7 months now and I can say that of all the posts I have had (all in Africa) it is my least favorite. I do not live in Port au Prince (PaP) and I am thankful for that. Though there are nice restaurants and grocery stores, PaP in general in unappealing. I find it to be dirty and disorganized, even to some extent chaotic. Many NGOs have strict security regulations that limits staff movement such as curfews and prohibition against traveling through certain neighborhoods. PaP is dangerous. In my opinion, there is nothing beautiful or redeeming about the city. That being said, there are many expats who live in PaP and in other regions of Haiti and make it through just fine (given certain sacrifices). Yes, language will be an issue for you, but many people in PaP speak a fair level of English. By living here, you will be able to soak up enough creole to get by. Despite all I have said, I would not discourage you from coming to Haiti, if I were in your shoes, (and had the immigration part squared away), I would definitely come to Haiti to join my husband. Being separated from him, to me, would be much worse than living in PaP with him. Depending on your background, I imagine that there'd be opportunity to work for some NGOs that are here. Given that your husband will work for the UN, he may be able to make some connections for you.

Edited August 25, 2012 by mbiyemo

[mbiyemo 0]

Thank you so much.

You are in Dc too? nice.

OOh men the list is long ;)We will know how the job works out might PM if I need more help. Thanks you so much.

Best px

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions, but I do want to make it clear that while Haiti is a poor country, its proximity to the states ensures that just about everything you can find in DC (and I also reside there) you can find in Haiti. Now, it will come at an added cost, but it is available. You sound as if you are preparing for the Peace Corps and you should erase that thought. I also was a Peace Corps volunteer, so I know a little of what I speak and this is not the same situation. There are approximately 2 new grocery stores that carries just about everything you'd find in America. There is even a home goods store that sells things you'd want for your kitchen etc.. Again, I say, there will be a cost, but given that your husband is going to be working for the UN, I imagine that he will have a decent salary. Also please don't forget that Haiti is right next door, you can go to Haiti then take a look at what they don't have and bring it back on your next visit to the states.

Just breathe, it'll be alright. It won't be that hard. Just be careful and keep your wits about you and your doors locked.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions, but I do want to make it clear that while Haiti is a poor country, its proximity to the states ensures that just about everything you can find in DC (and I also reside there) you can find in Haiti. Now, it will come at an added cost, but it is available. You sound as if you are preparing for the Peace Corps and you should erase that thought. I also was a Peace Corps volunteer, so I know a little of what I speak and this is not the same situation. There are approximately 2 new grocery stores that carries just about everything you'd find in America. There is even a home goods store that sells things you'd want for your kitchen etc.. Again, I say, there will be a cost, but given that your husband is going to be working for the UN, I imagine that he will have a decent salary. Also please don't forget that Haiti DR is right next door, you can go to HaitiDR then take a look at what they don't have and bring it back on your next visit to the states.

Just breathe, it'll be alright. It won't be that hard. Just be careful and keep your wits about you and your doors locked.

[J&P! 2]

Thank you so much.

We are waiting to hear from the company for the final verdict on the interview, if we take it will PM you guys. Thank you so much. (F)

[selavi 0]

I lived in Haiti for two years, both in a relatively small town and in Port-au-Prince. It is challenging, but I absolutely loved it. I have been back in the US for three months, and not a day goes by that I don't think about Haiti or reflect upon my experience there. For nearly a year, I worked for an international development organization in PauP, and they only provided me the bare minimum. I was responsible for my own housing and transportation outside of work hours. I took tap taps and motos and integrated myself into my little community and did just fine. I had air conditioning, indoor plumbing, hot water, TV, etc. With the accommodations and benefits the UN provides, you should be fine. (I also lived in Leogane where I had far fewer western comforts, and I also did just fine. Actually preferred it in some ways.)

PauP has some very good restaurants, Western grocery stores, etc. It is much cheaper if you bring basic toiletries with you. It's also cheaper to buy fruits and vegetables at the outdoor markets. You should send a Haitian to do your bidding for you until/unless you feel comfortable haggling over price. There's not much in the way of shopping. There are a few boutiques, but the selection is small and the price high. One of the boutiques (Saga) has a sale very year, and that's the one and only time I'd recommend shopping for clothes in PauP. You can also find good stuff on the street. It's all second hand stuff, but I equate it to vintage shopping. I've purchased really cute second-hand tops for $3 max.

I did not speak Creole before going to Haiti, but with the help of locals and my fiancé, I learned the language very, very quickly. I'd advise you to learn some basic phrases before you go. It will go a long, long way. Haiti is so much more than what you see on television. It is beautiful. The people are warm and friendly. Even PauP is very diverse. Lower Delmas, upper Delmas, Petion-ville, Frere, Jacquet Toto, Cite Soleil, Silo, downtown...all PauP and all very, very different. 99% of the foreigners I met in Haiti loved it and are trying to figure out how to get back.

I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have. And when I come to PauP for my fiancé's interview in October, I'd be happy to meet you and take you to some of my favorite places.

[J&P! 2]

I lived in Haiti for two years, both in a relatively small town and in Port-au-Prince. It is challenging, but I absolutely loved it. I have been back in the US for three months, and not a day goes by that I don't think about Haiti or reflect upon my experience there. For nearly a year, I worked for an international development organization in PauP, and they only provided me the bare minimum. I was responsible for my own housing and transportation outside of work hours. I took tap taps and motos and integrated myself into my little community and did just fine. I had air conditioning, indoor plumbing, hot water, TV, etc. With the accommodations and benefits the UN provides, you should be fine. (I also lived in Leogane where I had far fewer western comforts, and I also did just fine. Actually preferred it in some ways.)

PauP has some very good restaurants, Western grocery stores, etc. It is much cheaper if you bring basic toiletries with you. It's also cheaper to buy fruits and vegetables at the outdoor markets. You should send a Haitian to do your bidding for you until/unless you feel comfortable haggling over price. There's not much in the way of shopping. There are a few boutiques, but the selection is small and the price high. One of the boutiques (Saga) has a sale very year, and that's the one and only time I'd recommend shopping for clothes in PauP. You can also find good stuff on the street. It's all second hand stuff, but I equate it to vintage shopping. I've purchased really cute second-hand tops for $3 max.

I did not speak Creole before going to Haiti, but with the help of locals and my fiancé, I learned the language very, very quickly. I'd advise you to learn some basic phrases before you go. It will go a long, long way. Haiti is so much more than what you see on television. It is beautiful. The people are warm and friendly. Even PauP is very diverse. Lower Delmas, upper Delmas, Petion-ville, Frere, Jacquet Toto, Cite Soleil, Silo, downtown...all PauP and all very, very different. 99% of the foreigners I met in Haiti loved it and are trying to figure out how to get back.

I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have. And when I come to PauP for my fiancé's interview in October, I'd be happy to meet you and take you to some of my favorite places.

Thank you so much for your reply. He has decided not to take the 1 yrs position as the company is not going to provide me any support, no accommodation or emergency support which sucks.Anyways so now he is leaving in 1 week for 3 months to work in Haiti for a international NGO not UN this time. I would be so very thankful if you could help me with some information on what to pack please I will PM you in a bit Thanks.

Best

p

[SPSguy 18]

It is possible to work overseas without abandoning your immigration status. If you or your spouse works for organizations such as UN, World vision, CARE, USAID, and a few other government recognized organizations, you will be regarded as living and being in the usa even if working overseas. Get more info from your spouse's NGO employer they will be able to help you.

[gnasa 3]

Dear Original Poster (OP),

AFTER you get your green card and possibly a re-entry permit and IF your husband is working abroad with UN/American company/etc... You should definitely look into expeditious naturalization via 319(b) if you want to become a US citizen relatively quickly. If you're eligible for 319(b) it means you do not have to wait the 3 years to apply for citizenship because you obviously wouldn't pass the residency test for normal naturalization applications.

Best of Luck

[J&P! 2]

Dear Original Poster (OP),

AFTER you get your green card and possibly a re-entry permit and IF your husband is working abroad with UN/American company/etc... You should definitely look into expeditious naturalization via 319(b) if you want to become a US citizen relatively quickly. If you're eligible for 319(b) it means you do not have to wait the 3 years to apply for citizenship because you obviously wouldn't pass the residency test for normal naturalization applications.

Best of Luck

Thank you Gnasa, we are looking at possible options

good day