Didier and Carolina Verriest recently arrived in the Upstate to begin a second stay in the United States, and this time they have with them their twin sons. Read about their experiences in this issue's Spotlight:

Describe your family and the details of your stay.

I (Didier) am 52 years old, and I work with Faurecia at the plant in Fountain Inn. We will be staying for at least 3 years - the length of my contract. I am from Paris, France, originally while my wife Carolina was born in Caracas, Venezuela. Our twins, Diego and Daniel, are five years old. Since I have been working as an expat for years, we have been to a lot of different places like China, Germany, and Malaysia. We have also lived in the USA before. At the moment, we are still waiting for our containers to arrive (one from China, one from France), so we haven't moved into our new home in Simpsonville yet.

What is the best thing about living in Upstate SC?

Definitely one of the best things around the Upstate is the beautiful weather (which Carolina is used to anyway…), and everybody seems to be very nice and friendly.

What has been the biggest difference you have seen between here and your home country?

Everything is so different that it is hard to decide the biggest difference! The fact is, that people in different cultures have different attitudes.

We had not thought of requesting any help with all the administrative issues a person has to deal with when relocating to a different county, so we found out pretty fast how complicated – compared to other countries we've been to - it was  to do everything by ourselves. For example, we had to go to the DMV four (!) times before we finally got our licenses.

Describe your children's school experience.

The boys attend Palmetto Prep, a private school we have chosen partly  because it is a rather small school which we feel will suit the boys better than a  big one. The twins should have entered first grade, but on their first day it turned out that there had been a misunderstanding. In the USA, first graders are already supposed to be able to read and write, which is not the case in European schools. So to make it easier for the boys, we decided to let them start on a lower level. Meanwhile, they seem to be adjusting better although Carolina still has to stay some time after dropping them off at school.

How are you dealing with the language challenges?

Since we have been to so many places around the world and are used to speaking English everywhere - except for home where we speak Spanish or French - language is no problem. I (Carolina) admit that in China I used to speak with an “Asian accent” to make the Chinese understand my English.

Besides family, what things are you missing the most from back home?

Didier says he isn't missing anything, but I (Carolina) know exactly what I miss - French cuisine!

What goals do you have during this expat contract?

One of our main goals is that by the end of our time in the States, Diego and Daniel will be able to speak English fluently.

And I (Didier) want to point out that every single expat experience leads to an open-minded attitude and a better understanding for others which is desirable for everyone.

Do you feel like you have assimilated well?  Met many Americans?

I (Didier) am with the same people every day at work which is why, in total, Carolina has met a lot more Americans. We both adapt very quickly to other cultures.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

People are people, they are the same everywhere. It is important not to expect too much and to be prepared.

Any embarrassing stories?

When I (Carolina) took the twins to the County Health Department to get the boys´ immunization record updated, they were so scared of the shots that they were screaming and trying to run away. Of course, everybody was staring at the “bad mother” but at least it kept the other people entertained while they were waiting for their turn.

How has Wetzel helped with your expat experience?

I (Carolina) am amazed by how compassionate everybody at Wetzel seems to be. Paul helped a lot finding a nice home in Simpsonville. We only wish the kids had  been able to take more language classes before school started.

What have you or do you hope to see while in the USA?

We visited a lot of sights like the Grand Canyon during our first stay but would like to go to most of them again with the kids. We particularly want to take them to Okefenokee Swamp and  - of course – to some of the themeparks in Florida.

Best place for a day trip you have experienced?

Since we have been here we have only been to the mountains once, but we have gotten a couple of recommendations for where to go.

What advice can you give to other expats who may come to Upstate SC?

It is rather essential to have everything in order when you leave your home country. This will spare you a lot of headache.  Also, gather as much information about your destination as possible in order to be prepared in every way imaginable.