Expats, Business Travellers and Your Career

Welcome to my bi-weekly newsletter, published every Monday and Friday, designed to empower you to make tangible career changes and elevate your professional journey. I invite you to bookend your working week with insights and inspiration that can propel your career to new heights.

I’m starting this newsletter by offering answers to the questions I’m most commonly asked by other consultants:

1. How did you start working internationally?
2. How did you get into sustainability?
3. How do you fit in volunteering, family life and high profile work?

I’m starting with 12 ways to move your career to the International stage. In edition 13, I will move onto moving your career into Sustainability.?

In the last edition, I discussed knowledge sharing as a way to side-step into sustainability or take your career international. Today we’re looking at the often overlooked wealth of information: Expats.

In the dynamic landscape of expatriate life, settling into a new country involves more than just unpacking boxes – it's about forging meaningful connections, navigating cultural nuances, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Whether you're a seasoned expat or a newcomer to foreign shores, embracing the expat experience can be an isolating experience.

Socialising with expats entails both giving and receiving support, cultivating relationships, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. In this edition I will explore practical tips for helping expats settle in and helping business travellers make the most of their time here. You’ll make deep connections and potentially provide yourself with a side hustle in the process. Here are 5 tips for getting to know expats:

Tip 1. Providing Practical Support;

One of the most valuable ways to assist expats in their transition is by offering practical support and guidance. From navigating bureaucratic processes to finding essential services, expats often face a myriad of challenges when settling into a new country.

As a trusted resource and confidante, you could ease the burden by providing insights into housing options, transportation systems, healthcare providers, schools, and cultural norms in your region. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you empower expats to navigate the intricacies of daily life with confidence and ease, ultimately helping them to feel more at home in their new environment.

Tip 2. Create a LinkedIn or Whatsapp group and contribute to it often;

Creating opportunities for expats to connect and build relationships is essential for fostering a sense of community and belonging. Whether it's organising social gatherings, cultural events, or networking activities, these initiatives provide platforms for expats to meet and interact with one another, share experiences, and forge lasting friendships. By facilitating language exchange sessions, welcome dinners, or group outings, you can cultivate an inclusive environment where expats feel supported, valued, and accepted. Encouraging participation in community initiatives, volunteer projects, and local activities further strengthens ties and fosters a sense of belonging within the expat community.

Tip 3. Offer heritage, food or eco tours;

This advice applies anywhere, but I’ll refer to the UK here as this is something I found very successful and lucrative. Each region of the UK offers its own unique charms and opportunities for exploration. From the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the idyllic countryside of the Cotswolds, there's no shortage of enchanting destinations to discover.

By helping others enjoy the rich tapestry of local culture and heritage, you not only gain your own insights into the essence of each region but also forge genuine connections with fellow enthusiasts and expatriates alike. Whether it's embarking on guided tours of historic landmarks, engaging with local artisans and craftsmen, or sampling regional cuisine at bustling markets and village fairs, exploring the diverse landscapes of the UK provides ample opportunities for cultural exchange and personal enrichment. It can be a side hustle too - I was asked to do it so often that I had to start charging for the lengthier talks and edible walking tours I offered.

Tip 4. Embracing Maritime History, ports and places with an active shipping or trade industry;

Cities like Liverpool offer a fascinating glimpse into Britain's maritime heritage and cultural legacy. By delving into iconic landmarks such as the Albert Dock, the Liver Building, and the Tate Liverpool, expats can uncover hidden tales of exploration, trade, and immigration. Engaging with local historians, storytellers, and musicians provides further insight into Liverpool's vibrant cultural scene and storied past. Whether it's attending live music performances, exploring art galleries, or participating in guided tours of maritime museums, immersing oneself in the maritime history of Liverpool fosters connections with fellow expatriates and locals while deepening appreciation for the city's rich heritage. Socialising in these places also increases your chances of meeting people who see international work as par for the course and who can offer you advice and leads.

Tip 5. Hosting Potluck Dinners;

Organising potluck dinners is a fantastic way to bring expats together in a relaxed and informal setting, where everyone can contribute a dish from their home country or cultural background. By hosting potluck dinners, expats have the opportunity to share their culinary traditions, exchange recipes, and bond over a shared love of food. These gatherings foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation for cultural diversity, as participants come together to enjoy an array of delicious dishes from around the world. Whether it's sampling homemade delicacies, swapping cooking tips, or simply enjoying good company, potluck dinners create memorable experiences and strengthen bonds within the expat community. Additionally, rotating the hosting duties among different expats ensures that everyone has a chance to showcase their culinary skills and hospitality, further enhancing the sense of inclusivity and connection among expatriates.?

This week I was reminded of a phrase we use in North Italy - dopo pranzo - meaning ‘after lunch’, it’s a phrase that often means ‘we’ll talk after lunch’, Carlos Terol reminded me of it when he mentioned ‘La sobremesa’ on a list of Spanish concepts. Many cultures have a special relationship with food - in most rural communities - in the north of England at least - an invitation to Sunday lunch is actually an invite to a whole afternoon in someone’s house where lunch will occur at some point but talking will occur for hours!?

In conclusion, settling into expat life requires a blend of practical support, community engagement, and cultural exploration. By offering assistance, fostering connections, and embracing the diversity of regional landscapes and cultural heritage, expats can forge meaningful connections with locals like yourself and each other. Any one of these networks could become a mutually-valuable networking group.

Take a look at these websites for inspiration: travellivelearn.com, internations.org, meetup.com

On Monday I will be talking about the value of finding a mentor and ways to offer your services as a mentor to make the move to an international career.

As ever, feel free to DM me or book time with me if you need Strategy or Sustainability advice.

#sustainability #international #careertips #consultancy