“This place gives you a better perspective on life”

Last week I was in Vanuatu.  It’s an island archipelago in the South Pacific with 83 islands stretching over 12,000 square kilometers and a population around 224,500.  A beautiful place.  Sandy and coral beaches, blue waters teeming with fish of every colour, vivid flowers, fruit laden coconut trees and banana bushes; all were a feast for the eyes and some for the stomach!

So it didn’t come as a surprise when an expat I spoke with described one of the benefits of working in Vanuatu as “ better perspective on life.”  However he wasn’t referring to appreciating the beauty of nature but lessons learnt from the local people.

Life is not always easy for the local Ni-Van people. The GDP per capita in terms of purchasing power parity ($4900) places Vanuatu lower than many other Pacific tourist spots.  Infrastructure in terms of electricity, water supplies and sealed roads while available for some, cannot be taken for granted, and on many of the islands are completely non-existent.

And yet in 2006, the UK-based New Economics Foundation published the Happy Planet Index: An index of human well-being and environmental impact where countries were ranked on three indicators; well-being, life expectancy and ecological footprint.  Vanuatu ranked first in the world. Or as the local language would say “Nambawan!”

While economists, ecologists and social scientists debated the relative weightings many locals would agree that Vanuatu is the land of smiles, the land where family is important and where communities support and work together.   

The local Ni-Van dedication to family, to working hard, presenting themselves well with a cheerful attitude despite the challenges they may face can be a lesson to those of us who have come from environments where the daily chores of life may be easier but our outlook may be less positive. 

Another benefit to be gained from the expat life?  Working in places with less monetary wealth can give us an opportunity to appreciate and value other sources of wealth; family, friendships, faith and happiness. 

What new perspectives have you gained from your expat experience?