Thousands of people emigrate annually. For many, living and working abroad for extended periods of time becomes the adventure of a lifetime. Many set off to unknown lands to fill a gap of time in their lives, improve their fluency in a foreign language, meet new and interesting people, and build self-reliance. The reasons for emigration are quite different: political or religious persecution, poverty, awful living conditions, climate and many more. But the fact is that people take the plunge in search of better life. Decent conditions and the opportunity to spend more time together as a family attract them in spite of the threat of being frustrated very soon. However, I'm sure that living in a foreign country can be rather interesting, and yet has its disadvantages also.
The experience can be so powerful, and alter the traveller's way of thinking so greatly, that he can lose his cultural identity. If one integrates into a new society, he or she will almost certainly meet difficulties when they try to readjust later to their own culture. Another potential problem is that one may become a victim of discrimination, and lose their confidence as a result. Since the behaviour and customs of the guests may be very different from those of the inhabitants of the host culture, they may encounter negative reactions - unfriendliness, or even hostility, for example. However, no matter what the reasons are for working or living abroad, you are bound to meet many interesting characters, collect a wealth of tales to bring back home (well, if you are happy to return, of course!) and learn a lot more about yourself.
Any way, I don't approve of living in a foreign country. As I see it, you should work for the country that you were born in, that has brought you up, educated you. That's why I see emigration as somehow unfair. Being homesick can also be a reason. As for me, I wouldn't feel at home. So I guess that saying "Home Sweet Home" has a stronger meaning than meets the eye!
We've been walking for hours. But we've covered only an area of five miles so far. I've just finished my homework.
I've been working on this essay since two o'clock.
Jane's been going out with Bob for seven years.
Martin has dated three girls this week.
How long have you been waiting for us?
A: Have you ever played tennis?
B: I played tennis only once or twice. And you? A: I've been learning tennis for two years. B: Have you taken part in any competitions yet? A: I've participated in four contests this year.
B: Have you won any prizes so far? A: No, I haven't won anything yet. Have you ever entered a contest? B: I've been swimming for seven years and I've already received some trophies.
Tom: Hi Ana. I've tried to ring you several times today. Where have you been?Ana: I was at home all the time. But I've been cleaning the house all day, so maybe I didn't hear the phone ring. Tom: Have you cleaned everything now? Ana: No, not yet. I haven't tidied up the kitchen yet. But why are you here? Tom: Don't you remember? Jane invited us to her birthday party and we haven't bought a present for her yet. Ana: Oh, that's right. Have you already found out what she wants? Tom: Well, she's been learning Spanish for a year and wants to spend her next holiday in Mexico. Maybe we could get her a guide book. Ana: That's a good idea. There is a good bookshop in the big shopping centre. I've seen some nice books about Mexico there recently.
Thousands of people emigrate annually. For many, living and working abroad for extended periods of time becomes the adventure of a lifetime. Many set off to unknown lands to fill a gap of time in their lives, improve their fluency in a foreign language, meet new and interesting people, and build self-reliance. The reasons for emigration are quite different: political or religious persecution, poverty, awful living conditions, climate and many more. But the fact is that people take the plunge in search of better life. Decent conditions and the opportunity to spend more time together as a family attract them in spite of the threat of being frustrated very soon. However, I'm sure that living in a foreign country can be rather interesting, and yet has its disadvantages also.
The experience can be so powerful, and alter the traveller's way of thinking so greatly, that he can lose his cultural identity. If one integrates into a new society, he or she will almost certainly meet difficulties when they try to readjust later to their own culture. Another potential problem is that one may become a victim of discrimination, and lose their confidence as a result. Since the behaviour and customs of the guests may be very different from those of the inhabitants of the host culture, they may encounter negative reactions - unfriendliness, or even hostility, for example. However, no matter what the reasons are for working or living abroad, you are bound to meet many interesting characters, collect a wealth of tales to bring back home (well, if you are happy to return, of course!) and learn a lot more about yourself.
Any way, I don't approve of living in a foreign country. As I see it, you should work for the country that you were born in, that has brought you up, educated you. That's why I see emigration as somehow unfair. Being homesick can also be a reason. As for me, I wouldn't feel at home. So I guess that saying "Home Sweet Home" has a stronger meaning than meets the eye!
I've been playing football for 5 years.
My team has won only two matches so far.
The others have always been better.
We've been walking for hours.
But we've covered only an area of five miles so far.
I've just finished my homework.
I've been working on this essay since two o'clock.
Jane's been going out with Bob for seven years.
Martin has dated three girls this week.
How long have you been waiting for us?
A: Have you ever played tennis?
B: I played tennis only once or twice. And you?
A: I've been learning tennis for two years.
B: Have you taken part in any competitions yet?
A: I've participated in four contests this year.
B: Have you won any prizes so far?
A: No, I haven't won anything yet. Have you ever entered a contest?
B: I've been swimming for seven years and I've already received some trophies.
Tom: Hi Ana. I've tried to ring you several times today. Where have you been?Ana: I was at home all the time. But I've been cleaning the house all day, so maybe I didn't hear the phone ring. Tom: Have you cleaned everything now? Ana: No, not yet. I haven't tidied up the kitchen yet. But why are you here? Tom: Don't you remember? Jane invited us to her birthday party and we haven't bought a present for her yet. Ana: Oh, that's right. Have you already found out what she wants? Tom: Well, she's been learning Spanish for a year and wants to spend her next holiday in Mexico. Maybe we could get her a guide book. Ana: That's a good idea. There is a good bookshop in the big shopping centre. I've seen some nice books about Mexico there recently.