Interview: Terra Robinson – London

Thank you for returning.

Describe your first trip abroad:

My first trip abroad was my last semester of college. I was going to study abroad at Oxford University through my university and decided to leave the US a week early to explore London before heading up to Oxford. When I stepped off the plane and couldn’t understand a word of what the Brits said, that’s when I realised how different American English was to British English (not to mention the accents).

Where were you born and in which countries have you lived?

I was born in Atlanta, GA and I’ve lived in the United States and the United Kingdom.

When did you realise that you had the Expat bug?

I think sometimes in the middle of my study abroad program, I set the goal (for myself) of living in another country for a little while before settling down in the US for a proper “big girl” 9-5 job…that settling 9-5 part still hasn’t happened!

…That you wanted to live abroad?

My reason for going abroad was pretty simple: I was bitten by the travel bug after I studied abroad in the UK my final semester of undergrad. Once I returned to the US, I felt restless and bored back home in Atlanta so I figured I would come to London for 6 months through a program called the BUNAC Blue Card Visa. 5 years later and I’ve been back and forth to live/work/study between the US and London so much that I’ve actually spent about 2.5 years in London, off and on since that study abroad program ended. Now I’m looking at living in a non-English speaking country In Europe, if I can clear the legal/immigration hurdles.

How did you learn about your current university and why did you select it?

From living in London previously, I knew that several London universities were top notch, which is part of the reason I applied for grad school both here and in the US. Also, the study of international relations (what I did for my MA) started in the UK. I ultimately picked my school (King’s College London) due to the excellent reputation of the War Studies Department, which is where the international relations major was based. The fact that I could complete an MA in 1 year and that my education was cheaper at UK universities (even paying the non-EU rate) also played a big role in my decision to come to London for graduate school.

What has been your most enlightening experience while living abroad?

There have been so many. I think travelling/living abroad had made me realise that Americans (the people, not the government) aren’t as hated as some media news outlets back in the US would have you to believe. I’ve only had a couple negative experiences associated with me being an American.

What has been your most disheartening experience while living abroad?

Probably walking around downtown Oxford with another black female friend and suddenly having a small group of white English teenage guys follow us and make monkey noises.

What customs have you adopted in your new country?

Most of my adopted customs are related to food. I used to be a coffee person, but now I drink hot tea with milk and sugar. The idea of garlic mayonnaise and chips (fries) used to turn my stomach, but now it’s one of my favourite dishes! Also, I’ve adopted the idea that a car is not a necessity, but a luxury. I prefer cities where I can either walk or use the transit system, like London.

Which customs from home do you miss the most?

Oddly, I miss the decorations for the holidays. At least in London, they don’t really do as much as far as decorations for Halloween and Christmas as they do back home. I especially miss Thanksgiving, since for me that’s a very family orientated holiday.

How important is knowing the local language? Do you have proficiency in the local language?

I thinking knowing the local language is extremely important. I’m lucky as the local language happens to be English (which is my mother tongue), but I could see life being more difficult here without at least a basic grasp of the language.

How have you gone about making friends?

Social life in the UK is sort of built around the pub and drinking, but I don’t drink alcohol. So for me, I mainly made friends through church, school and work. My school, in particular, has a very international population and my church is a blend of Brits and expats.

Have you connected with the expat community where you live?

I have had to some degree with the expat community, but the experience has been varied. I’ve definitely made friends with other expats, but mostly from my university and from my classes. At least as far as Black American expats in London, it’s actually a really small community. The black community as a whole tends to identify more so with either country of origins and the parents/family country of origin. Black Americans tend to do that as well…but there’s still a sense of a community of black folks from different ethnic backgrounds, but still tied together as Black Americans – the black expat community in London is much more fragmented. For example, black expats from Nigeria tend to identify and socialise more so with other Nigerian expats, Jamaicans expats tend to identify and socialise with other Jamaicans, etc. That’s definitely been an adjustment and does make it more difficult to meet and develop relationships with the UK black community.

How do you keep in touch with family and friends from home?

The internet is my best friend. My dad and most of my friends are good about checking e-mail daily, so we communicate back and forth that way. I also use Skype and Google Talk to talk to friends and family back home for free/cheap.

How hard is it to find a good place to live?

I was lucky in that it only took me a week to find a place each time I moved here. The first two times I stayed in a hostel, the third time I stayed with friends, but the housing market in London is a difficult one. For some people it can takes weeks to find a place…it really depends on how picky you are as far as location, space, price range, etc.

What are the opportunities to buy property?

I’m not sure, since I haven’t looked at buying property in London. The housing prices here did drop a few months ago due to the credit crunch, but they’re slowly rebounding. The major issue is getting money from the bank to actually buy property.

Are you working? Is it difficult to find a job?

I’m working now for a company that I worked for off and on in London and have kept in contact with for the last 5 years. Jobs aren’t impossible to come by, but they are more difficult to get.

Have you found that you have to live on less income?… And if so how have you made the adjustment?

Well, I’ve been a student for the last year, so I’ve been living on less income anyway. Because of that I haven’t had to cut my cost of living, since it was already pretty low by London standards. Several of my friends who are working have had to cut back on expenses, mainly by going out less and eating out less and entertaining folks at home instead.

What goals have you achieved while living abroad?

I really didn’t have any goals when I decided to live abroad, other than finish my MA. Living abroad has definitely allowed me to see more of the world and to develop my world view. Specifically, living in the UK has allowed me to learn more about British culture and history, as well as how both relate to the US.

What has living abroad taught you about yourself?

Living abroad has taught me that I’m a wanderer. I love learning about new places, cultures and languages from within the country. It’s also taught me that picking up and moving to a completely new location where I have no contacts or a social network is difficult, but not impossible.

View along The River Thames

How has going abroad helped you grow and conquer your fears?

Going abroad made me realise that I would be OK without my family nearby. The first time I left the country was to study abroad…before that the furthest away from my family I’d been was a 1.5 hour drive away! Living abroad made me more self-sufficient, less dependent on my family and definitely helped me to budget better (for both planned and unplanned expenses).

… Your fears?

Money! London is really expensive and at the time I was applying, the exchange £1 GBP = USD $2. Luckily the pound sterling dropped against the dollar and I found a cheap (by London standards) flat. Also being away from my family for so long. London is a big city and it’s difficult to build lasting friendships due to the transient nature of inhabitants of the city. Luckily I had friends from living in London before, which definitely helped to ease the transition this time around.

What would you say to a friend or relative who is considering moving abroad?

Do it! I think it’s a wonderful experience that gives you a wider perspective on yourself, the US and the world. In particular, you learn so much about how the US and Americans are viewed and why.

If you have moved home after living abroad how was the transition?

The first two times I moved back, the transition was interesting. On the one hand, I was happy to see my family and friends again. On the other hand, I had all of these experiences that most of my friends and family couldn’t relate to and there were things about London that I missed in the US. I dealt with it mainly by talking with other expat or former expat friends who understood the complexities of the transition.

Do you consider yourself: a permanent expatriate, temporary expatriate or an incidental expatriate… And why?

I originally answered this question by saying I considered myself a temporary expat as I only planned on being in London for a year for graduate school, but now, I would have to say I’m an incidental expat. I was chosen for an internship in Belgium that starts next September. Since I have several months down time until the internship starts, I’m heading to France at the end of the year and taking intensive French courses. After that I may head to Berlin for a few months before I head to Belgium to begin my 6 month internship. So I’m extending my expat status by another 18 months! Originally I think I was a temporary expat, but due to unplanned opportunities coming up, I would now classify myself as an incidental expat.

How has your life as an expatriate changed who you are?

Living abroad has taught me that I’m more American than I realise. Living in the US, I identified more with being black than being American, but living overseas has made me identify with being both American (culturally) and black (racially).

Do Blacks (or foreigners in general) in your view have any problems with adjustment or discrimination?

I think foreigners in general have problems some problems adjusting to London, but that’s normal. I think blacks in particular have the added consideration of discrimination. In the UK specifically, racism does exist, but I think classism is more of an issue. Yes, I’m black, but at the end of the day I’m also American which goes a long way with some Brits. It’s almost like a hierarchy: if you’re black and from Country X, you’re more likely to be accepted, if you’re black and from Country Y, you’re more likely to be looked down on.

Can you describe the general composition of the Expat population?

The expat population here is a mix of students, workers, working holiday makers and professionals, mainly from other EU countries or Commonwealth countries. As far as the American expat community, it’s mainly divided into students, government employees and professionals.

Raising of the drawbridge at the famous London landmark Tower Bridge

Where are the best places to vacation in your country or region as a single person? Couple? A family with children?

The UK is full of places that are good for single people, couples and a family with children. London has a great singles scene, but also a lot to do as a couple (bars, restaurants, plays, shows), as well as some nifty attractions for families with children both in the city and a short trip away (Thames River cruise, Legoland, amusement parks, Brighton beach). If you want to get out of London, both Oxford and Cambridge are a good scene for younger folks and those in university due to the lower priced events aimed at students. Edinburgh is a beautiful city and both children and adults would enjoy the “Underground Edinburgh” Tour as well as the nighttime Ghost Tours. The Lake District is beautiful and great for a quiet trip away with the kids, a quiet trip alone or a romantic weekend for a couple. There are many others, but not nearly enough space or time to write about them!

Living & Spending in London

Monthly rent:

Varies widely depending on your taste. It can range from £500 a month for basic accommodations to several thousand pounds a month for really decent accommodations.

Cost for meals:

Varies widely depending on your taste. It can range from £5 for a takeaway meal to £50 or more for a nice sit down meal.

Transportation costs:

£53 a month for a bus/tram travelcard to £100-£180 per month for a bus/Tube/DLR travelcard.

Compared to your home country are most things cheap/same/expensive?

Depends. If you’re being paid in dollars, it’s more expensive, but if you’re getting paid in pounds it’s comparable to living in a large city like New York. Medication is definitely cheaper here though, while black hair care products are definitely more expensive.

Recommended monthly living budget:

Varies widely depending on your taste. If you have simple taste £700 per month, but it goes up from there.

How modern are basic amenities/infrastructure?

Very modern.

Any legal hurdles all foreigners have to face to live there?

Loads. If you’re not a citizen of an EU country, have a skill in high demand but short supply or make fairly high salary at your current job it’s very difficult to get a work permit.

Top 3 things you would recommend someone to bring when they come:

A very good umbrella, your favourite black hair care products and lots of film if you use a film camera (film is oddly expensive here).

A Bobby at Buckingham Palace and "Big Ben", Houses of Parliament - London

Top 3 things you would recommend for someone visiting or living here to do:

See Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guards, visit the Tower of London, take a tour of Parliament.

Top 3 hangout places:

Regent’s Park (beautiful in the spring), South Bank/Bankside (awesome to walk around on a nice day, take in the sites, see a play, etc), Hampstead Heath (a beautiful slice of green London that most tourist don’t get to see).