Working in a foreign country where one does not speak the language and is unfamiliar with the context takes much strength, leap of faith, courage, sense of adventure, and motivation. I admire those functioning in different countries with minimal language skills, as to thrive in such a setting is quite the challenge. For instance, the numerous internationals working in Kosovo or Albania are quite impressive for their undertaking, motivation to make a change in the area, and ongoing continuous work in challenging settings. The locals, especially those employed in international agencies, who speak the language, enjoy great advantages for their communication abilities and knowledge of their zone.

Yet, life as a foreigner working for an international organization in developing countries versus life as a local resident are different worlds. While Pristina has a nearly 30% unemployment rate and Kosovars struggle with low wages, having the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, foreigner wages there make the cost of living in Pristina a seeming bargain. Local and foreign businesses cater to internationals by naming themselves in English so that one sees “sports center,” “investment credit,” “lawyer,” “translation services” everywhere.

Those from abroad temporarily residing in Pristina and cities throughout the developing world generally enjoy high quality services such as top-class residencies  with amenities like unlimited water and electricity,  sometimes not easily accessible by local residential homes which are also more prone to facing shortages. Other benefits include private chauffeurs, security, and sending their kids to the best possible private schools. The internationals and even locals allied with major global organizations enjoy a high status and priority within the society of the host country.

 

But in some cases, this can lead to abuse. Diplomats in the UN  headquarters in New York, through diplomatic immunity, had license to accrue parking tickets without consequence. Worse yet, foreign high-level officials in New York and Embassy Row in Washington DC were caught abusing domestic workers – these are the same international civil servants that defend “human rights.” Such events and others have altered the label “diplomatic immunity” to “diplomatic impunity.” Most notoriously, UN and other foreign soldiers and workers have been accused of eliciting sexually abusing women in their deployment locations.

In development work,  in some areas, some experts appear as saviors while locals play the role of intentionally/ unintentially placing them on pedstals. For instance, in African countries like Kenya and in South Asian states, like India, light-skinned foreigners are revered with the highest respect. Some say that this is due to a post-colonialism hangover of such countries, or simply greater wealth. Often it is sometimes believed that these newcomers hold the knowledge and key to the country’s success, and that the locals are not well positioned to resolve their problems. This paradigm is starting to change as more and more NGOs and civil society demand that international organizations listen to and be guided by the needs and voices of their constituencies.

Certainly international civil servants offer some of the most significant and essential knowledge and services. They make possible many projects and assistance provided to the people of their host country – as the newly built Pristina international airport or other numerous projects exemplify. But this comes with foreigners’ respect of and integration in their host country. For instance, respect for nature by conserving water and energy as do the locals is a responsibility for all. Sadly this is not often the case in tourist resorts in Caribbean islands for instance, an issue that strains local resources.

One must treat the man living on the streets with the same respect and kindness as he or she treats the ambassador. If one is incapable of doing so, then his or her diploma, position, wealth, etc. is for naught. For one fails in the most fundamental of causes: treating human beings with dignity and respect.

Additionally, the one who best knows his needs and land is the one who has been living there, often with family for generations, rather than the newcomer of a few months. Every day I learn much from Kosovars who I meet and am humbled by their knowledge and generosity. As international civil servants, the status as a newcomer welcomed so well must propel people to best serve those who they have been brought to assist in helping themselves. It should also not alter the fundamental premise that all people should be treated with the same respect and dignity regardless of falsely created and socially constructed statuses.