expats – Ulrike Hill

This week we introduce you to Swedish author, Per Ostberg.

Book Title: PERspective: Pros and Cons of Expat Life – Experiences from 25 years and 84 countries

Genre: Business Self-Help, Intercultural Management, Travel

What was your inspiration for writing this book?

Seeing so many fellow expats struggling with culture crash, loneliness, alcoholism, drugs and conflicting demands without asking for help or talking to other expats. I felt that if talking about one’s problems, exposed weakness rather than strength. I wanted to share my ups and downs, highlight that most expats are not alone in feeling at odds and give current and budding expats a little guidance.

What difficulties did you face when writing this book?

Combining my experiences with conveying a message that is meaningful for readers while making the book entertaining. No one wants to read “and then I did, and then I said, and and and…”.

What is your favourite part of this book?

Do I need to choose one? There has been so many hilarious happenings and some quite bad ones. Probably the part describing the evacuation from Sierra Leone during the civil war: it displays so much of the extreme situations an expat can face.

If you could give your readers one advice, what would that be and why?

Be open-minded! Working in different cultures can be stressful and sometimes frustrating. Without an open mind you will get into a negative spiral that could get out of control.

What makes your book different from other books in this genre?

It looks at the expat life from real life experiences, draws on some theoretical framework but tries to communicate my personal learnings in a humble way. It does not focus on “do this”, “don’t do that” like so many other books but tries to explain the mindset you need to have to succeed.

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Per’s business career has taken him to 84 countries in 25 years. In his debut book, PERspective, Per provides the reader with insights into his life as an expat. His account of cultural differences and life away from home positions is the perfect book for any global business person.

Per attended a writing course and it was there that the idea for this book developed. Writing support and publishing guidance helped Per to realise his dream of becoming a published author.

We are proud to be associated with Per Ostberg and his book, PERspective.