Interview with Jennifer D - from Virginia to Iceland to San Ramon
Jennifer Dinoia was born in New Jersey, moved to Nashville, then Memphis, then Washington DC, and then finally Virginia. She then migrated with her husband to Iceland for 3 years, before settling in San Ramon, California. She lives here with her husband and 3 children. Her family adventures are documented in her blog www.dinoiafamily.typepad.com
More information on expat life in the USA? Read the Expat Arrivals guide here or read more about expat experiences in the USA
About you
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I was born in New Jersey, and lived in a suburb of Philadelphia (Morrisville, PA) until I was seven. My family then moved to Nashville, TN, where we lived for 3 years, and followed that with a move to Memphis, TN. We stayed in Memphis until I graduated from high school. Despite growing up in the south, I still consider myself from Pennsylvania, as we still have much family there.
After I finished college in Washington, DC, I moved to Virginia. Virginia is technically our home, though we haven’t lived there in 5 years and may not for many more due to my husband’s career.
Q: Where are you living now?
A: San Ramon, CA
Q: How long you have you lived here?
A: 1.5 years
Q: Did you move with a spouse/ children?
A: Yes, with my husband, Peter, and three children: Caitlin, Kelsey & Nicholas
Q: Why did you move; what do you do?
A: We previously lived in Reykjavik, Iceland. My husband is a federal agent with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, a branch of the State Department. Overseas he is generally tasked with Embassy security. We moved as we were only posted to Iceland for an exact term of 3 years. I also worked while living there. I was able to volunteer at the International School of Iceland for a year, and then worked part-time for a semester. I took the second semester off as I had my third child in February 2008.
About California
Q: What do you enjoy most about your host city, how’s the quality of life in California?
A: Very good to excellent. Depending on where one lives, the community can be extremely walk able. Our youngest can walk to and from school, and we have a nearby shopping centre that can meet many of our needs. However, for most cultural events we need to travel further, whether to the next town or into the city of San Francisco.
Q: Any negatives? What do you miss most about home?
A: If anything, people don’t walk enough. We are very close to a major highway, and there is always a lot of congestion. Kids rarely walk or bike to and from school, despite the fact that it is an extremely safe area.
I am not sure where my home is. While now consider Virginia to be our home state, we have only lived there intermittently since 1998 when my husband began his Foreign Service career.
Q: Is the city safe?
A: Oh, absolutely.
About living in California
Q: Which are the best places/suburbs to live in the city as an expat?
A: Probably Berkeley or Oakland. We would have loved to live in one of those towns, but they were simply too expensive. They are very close to the city, appear to have a more international flavour, and might be considered “greener” than more suburban towns.
Q: How do you rate the standard of accommodation in California?
A: Very high to excellent. While some homes are older and need work, many are brand-new. However, very few are truly energy-efficient and not as many people invest in alternative energy, despite the availability. However, I should add that the homes are expensive, and while some are large, they are very expensive to maintain.
Q: What’s the cost of living compared to home? What is cheap or expensive in particular?
A: Compared to Virginia, more expensive. Compared to my true hometown in PA, the prices are absolutely outrageous. A 3 bedroom home could easily cost 600, 000 USD.
Q: What are the locals like; do you mix mainly with other expats?
A: It’s hard to find true expats, at least in my area. Most people have moved here to stay. There are many from other countries, but they intend on settling down here, not moving again soon.
Q: Was it easy meeting people and making friends?
A: Yes and no. We knew we would only be here for 2 years, and some folks have no interest when they learn that you may depart soon. Others find the lifestyle fascinating and stick around. Occasionally you find someone with a similar lifestyle (military or they simply move a lot), and tend to bond with them more easily.
About working in California
Q: Did you have a problem getting a work visa/permit?
A: It is not a problem here, as I am a U.S. citizen. However, in Iceland, it was very difficult. Jobs are given to Icelanders first, Europeans second, and then the rest of the world may apply. The only reason I was finally able to get a work permit was my diplomatic connection. Had that not existed, I would not have been able to work on the local economy.
Note that Americans can get work permits, but generally the company hiring them has to prove their qualifications (over an Icelander or member of a European nation) are much higher. It can be a long and drawn out process.
Q: What’s the economic climate like in the city, is there plenty of work?
A: In our current city, yes, as well as in San Francisco (nearest major city) from what we can tell. When we lived in Iceland the economy was thriving. However, since we departed the economy tanked and jobs are much scarcer.
Q: How does the work culture differ from home?
A: I will compare it to Iceland, as they are the most different. Work standards are not more relaxed in Iceland, but people are happier. Employees are given good benefits, the state provides health care, and everyone is given 6 weeks of vacation per year. Hours tend to be better, and over time rules are very favourable for the employee.
Please note, we did not experience the Icelandic way with regard to employment, as my husband worked for the U.S. government. Only local Icelandic citizens working for the Embassy were eligible for the above benefits.
Q: Did a relocation company help you with your move?
A: No, everything is coordinated by the Department of State.
Family and children
Q: Did your spouse or partner have problems adjusting to their new home?
A: My spouse is working full-time, so he had a much easier adjustment. His office is a ready-made community of sorts, and he was quickly immersed in work.
Q: Did your children settle in easily?
A: Yes. They made friends very quickly, especially my younger daughter.
Q: What are the schools like, any particular suggestions?
A: The schools in this part of California are strapped for money. They face constant shortages. Our district alone has to cut $30 million from their budget this year. However, they are very good and have extremely high standards. Please note, children tend to be very ‘pushed’ in this area of the country. Tutors, classes, much homework, and little time for play are not uncommon here.
Q: How would you rate the healthcare?
A: Great, if you have insurance! We have not had any issues, but have insurance through my husband’s employer.
And finally…
Q: Is there any other advice you like to offer new expat arrivals?
A: Be very open-minded, and try to learn as much about the area as you can before you move here. If you are a city person, then definitely try to live as close in as possible. I don’t mind the suburbs, but do wish we had more time to explore San Francisco!
~ interviewed February 2010
