The following is an email received by us. Any members who have any views/responses, please post here.
Thanks
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am from the Uk and i would like to spend some time in Pakistan in the near future to try and learn about the people,culture and way of life but more importantly try and learn Urdu.
I am of Irish Origin and have no links with the country.
I am not sure how long a person can visit the country and whether or not i would be able to find work which would provide me with some where to sleep and enough food to eat? Do you think this would be possible.
As a westerner and a non-muslim i am wondering if locals would be happy to give me work or even welcome me? I am not sure how we are viewed at the moment and would not want to put myself in an akward situation.
If you would be able to give me some advice i would be most grateful.
Ive met a few westerners in my travels to Pakistan. I recently met a person from South Africa working at an upper class shopping mall in Clifton, Karachi. The mall goes by the name of ChenOne. Perhaps he still works there.
First of all it depends where you settle. For a westerner such as you - I'd recommend Islamabad, as the weather is quite nice, and security is tight(er). If you dont want Islamabad, my second choice would be Karachi. But only the Clifton area. Although less secure than Islamabad, the clifton region is also inhabited by several people that have relatives abroad, or live abroad themself. Clifton's culture wont be hard to settle into.
As for work, finding work will be no problem for you, but you'll notice your wage will be a fraction of what you might recieve in Ireland. Because of this I recommend you scout out jobs at hotels.Perhaps Sheraton, Ramada, Pearl Continental, or Avari. Dont work at the street markets - they are'nt very safe. Because you are a westerner they will gladly hire you - as long as you are capable of performing your duties. By working at a hotel you can communicate with the guests, and in the process learn urdu. These guests will most likely be fluent in English, and can help you. When they learn about your eagerness to learn Urdu, some might even take it upon themself to teach you.
You shall have no problem what so ever as long as you take some precautions.
I tend to agree with hkhan on the point that you should try to stay in Islamabad. I have never really been to Karachi, so can't say much about it. Lahore is also a nice option and there are some cool places to live.
As far as work is concerned - it depends what you are looking for, and what kind of expertise do you have. If you can post more information here, then I am sure you will be to receive some coordinated assistance.