Thanks, Jon. You raise some undoubtedly valid issues. I'll still go ahead and make an argument for the foreigner.
>Tough without:
>1) language skills
>2) non-employer-dependent work permit
>3) local community ties
1) Fluency in English and a major European language for dealings with foreigners. Plus, the local language would be picked up in the long term, perhaps good enough after a year to be able to hold a decent conversation.
Nevertheless, you're right in saying that not speaking the local tongue is a major drawback.
2) Depends on the country, I guess. Some places are stricter than others.
3) Do you mean business contacts or generally ties to the country?
>Questions you'd need to answer in the >employer's mind are:
>1) why employ a foreigner who'll have higher >salary expectations when local talent is plentiful >and cheap
Here I'm hoping for my answer to 1) above, plus international experience. And I'm willing to earn less than "at home".
>2) can someone without the local language >communicate effectively, get on with the team >and make clients at ease
Can't do that with local clients, except perhaps in India or Singapore.
>3) why employ a foreigner at all (equality >legislation and equal-opportunity mindsets are >not that globally common)
For a fresh perspective, unbiased by the local cultural upbringing. Perhaps also a novelty factor. "Hey, look what we've got on board!"
