How do you use digital tools while working abroad?

1 Communication tools

Communication is essential when working abroad, especially when collaborating with remote teams or clients. It is important to choose the right tools that suit your needs and preferences, as well as those of your counterparts. Email is still the most widely used and accepted form of communication for professional purposes, although it can be slow, formal, and prone to misunderstandings. Therefore it should be used for important or complex messages that require documentation, confirmation, or follow-up. Instant messaging is great for quick, informal, and casual communication with colleagues or clients. However, it can also be distracting, intrusive, and ambiguous, so it should only be used for urgent or simple matters that do not require a lot of detail. Video conferencing is a powerful tool that allows you to communicate face-to-face with colleagues or clients from any distance. It can help build rapport and trust but requires a stable internet connection and suitable device. Therefore video conferencing should be used for important or collaborative matters that require interaction, discussion, or visual aids.

2 Productivity tools

Productivity is a key factor when working abroad, as you need to manage your time, tasks, and resources effectively and efficiently. To do this, you should use the right tools to organize, prioritize, and track your work, as well as collaborate with others. For instance, a calendar is essential for planning your schedule, setting deadlines, and coordinating appointments. However, it can also be overwhelming and rigid; therefore, you should use it to structure your day but also remain flexible and realistic. A task manager is another useful tool for listing tasks, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring progress. You should use it to break down projects and set priorities but also communicate with team members and report any changes. Additionally, a cloud storage is convenient for storing files online but can also be risky; thus, you should use it to secure your work but also be careful and selective when protecting passwords and respecting copyrights and privacy.

3 Learning tools

Learning is an essential part of working abroad, as you need to gain new skills, knowledge, and insights to help you grow both professionally and personally. To do this, you should use the right tools that will enable you to learn effectively and efficiently, while also being enjoyable and meaningful. Popular learning tools for working abroad include language learning apps, online courses, and podcasts.

Language learning apps are a fun and easy way to learn or improve a language. However, they can also be repetitive and inaccurate, so it's important to supplement your learning with authentic and diverse sources of language such as books, podcasts, movies, or conversations. Online courses are a flexible and affordable way to learn a new skill or topic that can help your career or interests. But they can also be challenging and isolating, so you should stay motivated, disciplined, and supportive. Podcasts are entertaining and informative ways to learn about various subjects that can broaden your perspective or spark your curiosity. But they can also be distracting or biased, so it's important to be attentive, critical, and selective when choosing podcasts that are relevant, reliable, and engaging.

These digital tools are just some of the options available for working abroad. There are many other tools you can explore depending on your needs, preferences, and goals. The key is to use tools that work for you and help you communicate, produce, and learn effectively while working abroad.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?