Culture shock is that feeling of confusion, disorientation, disappointment and frustration that individuals experience when exposed to a different culture. This is very common among expats and their families as they constantly are taken out of their comfort zone to enter into a new and foreign environment. Culture shock is, however, “treatable”. In order to
Although traditionally expat spouses tend to be in their majority female, it is a fact that male expat spouses are increasing in number by the day. Male expat spouses have to face as many, if not more, challenges than female expat spouses, as they are breaking the mold and not complying with the typical male
If I could only give three “quick” basic recommendations to new expats or expats embarking in a new assignment before they move, I would tell them to: Read and research as much as possible about the new place they will be establishing their home. Having a good amount of information before moving to an unfamiliar
It is very common for expat spouses to lose part of their identity when sent abroad, following their partners. While expat employees have a decent level of certainty of what they will do or which job position they will occupy as part of their international assignment, trailing partners have no idea if they will be
It is common for expats and expat spouses to be surrounded and to create a social network with other expats. This obviously comes very naturally as they look for and identify with other individuals that are facing the same issues, trying to solve the same problems, struggling to adapt to a new place or culture
Voluntarism could be crucial for expats, but most importantly, for expat spouses that tend to have more time at their disposal and that are constantly searching to take on fruitful activities. Volunteering can indeed translate into great opportunities for those living abroad. By devoting time to charitable organizations, expat spouses get the opportunity to
Gary Thomas, CEO of assist International Human Resources, interviewed Micaela Flores-Araoz for the book Interkulturelle Dialoge (Intercultural Dialogue). Gary Thomas: Micaela, how did you become an expat trainer and coach? Micaela Flores-Araoz: Being an expat spouse, I found it difficult to advance my initial career, moving constantly from country to country and having to
In today’s globalized world where relocation and international assignments are very common, cultural training takes on a crucial role. Indeed it is not an exaggeration to say that cross-cultural preparation could make or break the expatriation journey. It constitutes a win-win situation for both the expatriate and the sponsor company. For the sponsor company,
Much has been said and written about the struggles that a typical expat spouse faces during the expatriation assignment. Indeed, they most likely take the hardest part of the process, having to quit their job or to interrupt their professional advancement as well as leave friends and family at home in order to follow