Expat Interview: Michelle Marezu - EW’s Social Butterfly

She works very hard here at our office but always makes time to engage with friends and family around the world! She really understands what it is like to be an #ExpatWoman.

Where were you born?
Zimbabwe

I’m living in:
Dubai, UAE

A bit about me:
I was in born and raised in Zimbabwe and I left home at 17 years old to study a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance a UK degree in Malaysia. I worked and studied in Malaysia for five years and thankfully those long hours of hard-work paid off when I was offered the opportunity to move to the Middle East having worked for a French company just after a year and a half. At the age of 22 I didn't have to think twice about making the decision to relocate even though I didn't know anyone at all in Dubai or much about the country except its beautiful infrastructure.

What is your role at ExpatWoman?
Business Development Manager.

How long have you been working here?
5 months.

What do you like most about your job?
I like the fact that there is usually never a dull moment in sales, it is exciting and challenging. Every day is different as I get to interact and work with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. In the morning I could be speaking to a CEO of a fortune 500 company and in the afternoon an HR Manager, Marketing Manager or a small business owner.

How would you describe the ExpatWoman Team?
 It is truly a diverse team. Every single person in the office has a story to tell. I love the office environment everyone is positive and passionate about their projects they are working on.  I must say I didn’t find it difficult to fit in, I actually look forward to coming to work every day.

Have you worked abroad before?
I lived and worked in Malaysia for 5 years

How long have you lived in Dubai?
2 years and 5months.

Have you always wanted to live/work abroad?
Yes in order to truly experience different cultures and having lived in 3 different continents I have learnt a lot about life which has taught me to adapt to different situations.

I like living here because:
It’s a fun place and I get to embrace different cultures. I never dreamt that in my life I would experience the thrill of riding a camel, dune bashing in the desert or going on the fastest roller coast in the world. In conclusion Dubai is modern and technologically advanced. It’s a fast city at the same time very safe.

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What do you enjoy doing with your time?
I enjoy catching up with friends, brunches on the weekend, networking, attending events and once in a while throw in a workout in my schedule.

What top tips do you have for anyone considering a move?
It’s very easy to get settled here, if you love the glitz and glamour then you will fit right in, with that said I suggest doing a lot of research about the laws and regulations, accommodation, budget as it is a very expensive city.

What do you wish you’d known before you moved?
Dubai is a very competitive market and when I first moved here I was somewhat of a workaholic working long hours in the office and 6 days in a week. I wish I had set a balance in order to have a healthy lifestyle. Time moves so fast in Dubai and before you know it a year has passed. I now strive to balance my personal life and work life because it’s easy to fall into a routine.

Is there any where you would like to live that you have not explored?
I would love to one day maybe live in the States or UK given the fact that I have family there. 

Where is your favorite place to visit for a vacation?
I think I would love to explore the Asian countries a little bit more. I love the weather there and the islands are amazing as they offer a wide range of activities .The food is great, lots of variety so you never get tired of it.

Where is your favorite place you have lived and why?
I love the peace and calmness back home having grown up in Zimbabwe and I also enjoy living in Dubai but I might say Malaysia is one of my favorite countries because even though I was in Asia it never felt like it because of the diverse community. There are lots of attractions and never a reason for one to be indoors whether on a week day or weekend.

What’s the best thing about being an expat?
I enjoy meeting people from different back grounds and cultures, exploring places. After living abroad you become a more adaptable, courageous and well-rounded individual. I have learnt a lot through my journey so far being an expat in two different countries. Although I must confess it’s not been an easy journey for me as I have had no family with me alongside so your other expat friends somehow become the closest thing to family.

How do you keep a little bit of home with you as an expat?
I am always in touch with my friends and family  every single day literally and I have gone home every year since I came to Dubai and I always take back a few things with me from home and luckily I have had my family come visit me.

Anything else you’d like to share with us about your expat experience?
Having moved from a country where I made a life for myself already, I didn’t realise I would have to start all over again; I am a solo expat so had to deal with housing, new friends, culture shock and a different lifestyle all together. Dubai is a vibrant city though can be rather lonely unless you challenge yourself to connect with people. I have met people who have let years go by and who continuously say to me that they have not being able to make any friends and are stuck in the same routine.