Living Life as an Expat: What You Really Need To Know Before Going Global

Welcome to the beginning of my series on what it’s like to live as an expatriate.

As many of you are aware, I’ve lived 33 years of my life as an expat. My career has brought me to various countries across Europe, Asia and the USA (including becoming a “retread” in some of them) and has left me with not only memories to cherish but also a set of guiding principles and lessons which I hope to share with you. I have lived in various states in the USA and worked in 40 of them.

You see, with the recent rise in travel again, I wanted to offer up some advice for anyone considering taking the route of an expat. For, while it is an exciting and grand adventure, it can also come with a fair amount of struggles and considerations you should be aware of before signing up.?

This is why I’ve created this series. So, whether you're considering an international assignment or simply curious about the expat lifestyle, I aim to provide a comprehensive look at the many facets of living and working abroad. From navigating corporate processes to adapting to new cultures, I’ll cover it all.?

Along the way you’ll also be hearing from my wife Marta who, by being married to me also became an expat and had her own experience, as well as friends, colleagues and even experts who serve as the global coordinator and advisor of expats who insure the value to both the company and the individual.?

This article though will provide the surface level and base ground for what will be delved into for a Summer Series. Feel free to comment or send me messages about particular parts of the journey you want to hear more about and I’ll be sure to try and answer all your questions in the upcoming articles.?

Let’s start by outlining the journey.

The Corporate Process: What Companies Help With and What They Don’t

One of the first steps in becoming an expat often involves your company. Many multinational corporations offer relocation assistance to employees, but the extent of support can vary significantly. In upcoming articles I’ll share what I experienced from mine, however, it may differ from what a guest may tell you in a feature article in this series as well. The important thing to note is to ask your company specific questions.?

In this series, I’ll delve into the specifics of what you can expect from most companies, including:

What Companies Typically Assist With:

1. Visa and Work Permit Arrangements: Navigating the legalities of working in a foreign country can be complex, and most companies provide help in securing the necessary documents.
2. Relocation Packages: These often include travel expenses, temporary housing upon arrival, and even shipment of personal belongings. For instance how you negotiate will be different whether or not you are single, married, or with children. Remember you only have one chance at this, make it count before you are deployed.
3. Orientation Programs: Some companies offer cultural training and language classes to help employees and their families adjust to the new environment. You’ll understand why I believe you should not rely on your employer to fully prepare you for the new culture and circumstances in my upcoming article. Do not rely on your employer to be inside your mind and have everything laid on a plate for you, my strong recommendation is to begin your personal education of the culture and where you will go, even if this means paying for your own trip ahead of time and taking part in the culture before committing to actually moving there. You’ll learn my hidden list of checkboxes you will need to know within the article itself.?

What Companies Might Not Cover:

1. Housing: While initial support for housing may be provided, finding a suitable permanent home is usually the responsibility of the expat. Note, this is more of a geographic specific obstacle, and may not pertain to each expat.?
2. Personal Adjustments: Emotional and psychological support can be limited. Access to local mental health resources or support groups might need to be sought independently. My wife Marta will be discussing what it was like specifically for a mother who had two very young children and no family or friends nearby to assist with the everyday tasks that come with being a new mom.?
3. Family Needs: Assistance with finding schools or employment for the trailing spouse can be hit-or-miss, depending on the company.

Personal and Family Life: The Emotional and Practical Challenges

Moving abroad impacts not just the expat but their entire family. Involve any trailing spouse and children (depending on their age) early and often in the process to ensure they are part of the decision process and “buy in.”?

In this series, we’ll explore:

The Emotional Journey:

• Culture Shock: The stages of culture shock and how to cope with the initial excitement followed by potential frustration and adjustment issues.
• Homesickness: Strategies to stay connected with loved ones back home and build a new support network in the host country.

Practical Considerations:

• Schooling for Children: The pros and cons of local schools versus international schools and tips for helping children adapt.
• Spousal Employment: Navigating work permits and job markets for spouses who also wish to work abroad.?

Professional Life: Working in a New Culture

Adjusting to a new work culture can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of being an expat. I will discuss:

Workplace Culture:

• Communication Styles: Understanding different communication norms, from directness in some Western cultures to more indirect approaches in Asian cultures.
• Work-Life Balance: How expectations around working hours, vacation time, and after-hours communication vary by country.

Career Development:

• Networking: Building a professional network in a new country and leveraging global connections.
• Skill Development: The unique skills and experiences gained from working in an international environment and how they can enhance your career.

Returning Home: The Repatriation Process

Finally, I’ll cover what to expect when your international assignment ends and it’s time to return home. This phase, often overlooked, can be as challenging, if not more so, than the initial move abroad. Just remember, always have an “exit strategy.” Ask yourself whether or not you plan to return home to your outbound country, the same state, employer, school system, etc.??

Re-adjustment:

• Reverse Culture Shock: The surprising difficulties of re-adjusting to your home country and how to handle them.
• Career Reintegration: Ensuring your international experience is valued and leveraged in your career back home.

Personal and Family Re-adjustment:

• Children’s Transition: Helping children reintegrate into their home country’s education system and social environment.
• Maintaining Global Connections: Keeping in touch with friends and colleagues made during your time abroad. Your ability to navigate and accelerate cross-border business and relationships will exponentially increase based upon each assignment. The people in those countries will trust you faster because you have chosen to step into their shoes for a period of time and demonstrate a readiness to immerse yourself in their culture. In turn, you will anticipate cross-cultural roadblocks and business accelerators as though they are second nature.?

You see, living as an expat is a transformative experience that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. Through this series, I aim to provide insights and practical advice to help you navigate every stage of the journey. Whether you're about to embark on your first international assignment or are a seasoned expat, there’s something here for everyone. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each of these topics in the coming weeks with special guests who will give information you need to know.?