Working Abroad is Like Breaking in a New Pair of Shoes

How is working abroad like breaking in a new pair of shoes??Great question and I must admit I was a little uncertain until a client began to share during our English conversation practice time. She was responding to the speaking prompt- What are the challenges when working abroad? Within a few minutes I began to see her point and I too added additional insight to support her hypothesis- (Working Abroad is Like Breaking in a New Pair of Shoes).

The fit of the new shoes

?When you first begin to wear your new shoes, the fit is sort of snug and you must stretch the shoes and keep wearing the shoes then day by day the shoes begin to adjust to your feet. You begin to break them in. This is how you feel when you are working in a new country, you feel like you don’t fit in. Your accent is different, your food is different, and your culture is different. Yet, you slowly begin to fit in and adjust to the food and others begin to adjust to your accent.

The new shoes are noticeable

Have you had someone notice your new shoes and even ask the question, Are those new? Similarly, when you are in a new country you feel as if everyone is "noticing you". That may be your impression and others may agree. But you don’t have to be "a fish out of water" (idiom), instead, you can be sure to assimilate successfully in your new surroundings. It is possible to “be noticed” and still be comfortable and confident in your new environment.

The cost of the shoes?

The expense of a pair of shoes should not be compromised because shoes serve a valuable purpose especially when you are on your feet and moving around constantly. An older person once gave this advice- “don’t compromise the comfort of your feet because you want to save money.”

Well, when you transition into your new country you will need to spend the time and the necessary money to prepare for your new experiences and to minimize your feeling of being overwhelmed. Take the time to learn the language, learn the business culture, and learn about your new country. Invest in English classes so that your confidence will be built on a firm foundation. Explore the business culture of your new organization. Investigate the history and important facts about the new country.

The shoe is eventually a perfect fit

You will wear your new shoes multiple times to officially break them in and get used to the feel of the new shoes on your feet. When you are in a new country it takes time to adjust to your new surroundings and increase your comfort level. Your adjustment period does not occur overnight, and it will take time. Things to remember:

-Adjust with the right attitude

-Surround yourself with a supportive team

-Embrace the things that are the same instead of the differences

Take the time to really take advantage of all that your new country has to offer. These strategies along with good preparation will make your experiences more rewarding.

If you are presented with an opportunity to work abroad, consider the points referenced in this article and feel free to contact our team at?www.bizeempower.org?or DM me on LinkedIn if you wish to learn more about how- Working Abroad is Like Breaking in a New Pair of Shoes. Our team is equipped to support you with improved English communication skills and provide cultural adjustment strategies that ensure a great transition into your new English-speaking organization and country.

Interview impact-

(Strategy?#8)

Remember to paraphrase when you respond to the interview questions. (Note: this will provide you with more "thinking time" when necessary).

For example, Question- Tell me about a difficult situation you had to resolve.

Answer- Last month I had a difficult situation with a co-worker, and this is how I resolved the problem…. I had a one-on-one with my co-worker and we discussed the challenges of the project and then brainstormed viable solutions.