Just 'cause you're not DOMICILED in Paris, doesn't mean you won't spend 2 years there....

New hires be careful. Unless you are single or otherwise have total control over your life and the choices you make, an FDA assignment might have hidden problems. Know the LOA and realize what you're getting into with such a commitment.

Sorry for the newbie question, but what's an "FDA assignment" and what are the hidden pitfalls? Please expand and explain.

Foreign Duty Assignment, currently either in Hong Kong or Cologne. There are some contractual things that some guys have had some difficulty with in living overseas. We don't necessarily make it all that easy of a transition, from what guys are saying. BUT, on the other hand, I have heard many good stories of people who are really liking the experience. A little like being in the military without the support structure of the base. If you and your family are up for some adventure, this would be a good way to get it.

I've heard that you can only be at a FDA for 5 years due to US laws/tax reasons. Any truth to that? I have ability to obtain a German work visa (dual citizen wife) and would love to to domicile in CGN for longer than 5 years.

I believe the 5 year limit for Germany is there because after 5 years FedEx has to start paying another tax and they don't want yo do that.

Just to be clear...did it say the word Paris, CDG, or CGN? I often hear people confusing CDG with CGN...just checking.

"49. Are you willing to accept an assignment to Paris for a minimum of two years?"

To reinforce what DHC8 said above, this is copy and paste:


"Are you willing to accept an assignment to Paris for a minimum of two years?"

Yes/No

The other question is identical but says Hong Kong instead.

If I remember correctly, it seems like there were some benefits to going to an FDA as a new hire. Can anyone expound on what they were? Also, I know it would not be necessarily easy, but if you had to, could you make an FDA work as a commuter? Are there perks or benefits to Europe vs. Hong Kong? I have been talking to the wife about it and she didn't shoot it down immediately. The kids aren't so excited, but they can't know how good it would be for them down the road to live in a foreign country for a while.

It would be nice to have more info before answering yes to those questions on the questionnaire.