Expert: Armand Boissy - 11/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi there!
I'm a college freshman currently living in the United States, though I was born in Guatemala and moved to the US when I was 10 years old (I am 18 now). Due to the complicated immigration situation here, I am now considering returning to Guatemala City to await some sort of resolution for my migratory status. This will probably take some 4 to 6 years, so I will essentially be moving back permanently.
I don't have any specific questions for you. I am just...nervous. I don't remember the country that well, if at all, and I am so nervous that I will have difficulty adjusting after basically growing up here. Any word of advice? Any warnings?
I am simply seeking an idea of what it is like to live there.
Thank you so much for your time.

ANSWER: Dear Jennifer,
Sorry it took me sometimes to answer your question but I needed to reflect on it...
I understand that you are nervous it is normal...I don't know where you are going to live but if it is in Guatemala Ciudad you might find it hard.. You have to be careful in your daily activities as there is a level of violence much higher than what you are accustomed to... but if you stay in the right zonas you will be find... Guatemala is my adoptive country of residence and I love it.. Now remember the Universe is working for you... so if you believe that what ever cross your path is for your best interest (and sometimes we cannot believe it or perceive it this way) you will be fine...
I  don't know if you are going to work or study but what ever you will do if you have the right attitude you will succeed... you see to help you a bit more I need to know more about your future situation

All the best
Armand


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If you choose to not answer this follow up, then I will completely understand. Thank you for taking the time to answer the first question.

I would be living in Zona 7 (Jardines de Tulam Tzu?). I would ideally like to go to Med School and I'm currently considering La Universidad de San Carlos (they have an incredibly extensive process!) and la Universidad Rafael Landivar. It really depends on just what works better around a number of factors.
How is the employment situation in Guatemala? I can only assume that if it's bad here, then it must twice as bad over there. I've been told by a number of people that my English would help me greatly should I want to find a job...do you think that's the case?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
I heard about Jardines de Tulam Tzu a nice project Z7 I don't know but it doesn't come up in the paper as being a particular bad place so it is a good poin.
San Carlos is the national public university and Landivar is a Jesuite UNiversity... The first one more of the people the second more emphasis on Catholic values...
The employment situation in GUatemala? Well I would say if you are professional like a doctor and you are services oriented you won't have problem to work... Health is always a profitable activity particularly if after that you go to the States to specialize.
English would help for sure and you could work in the call centers they are looking for bi lingual people... and I would suggest to do some volunteree work in your field... good for your resume
Armand