10 Challenges to Working Internationally
Working in other countries is not mystifying. Good manners, good sense, and a happy family are the key ingredients. If everything else works and any member of your family hates the experience, you'll be moving home soon. If you can make them part of the advent, you and your family can become true internationalists.
Working Internationally. Source: aesta1
The key is to remember all the things that go wrong in your home organization. The same will happen when you shift jobs, but you're apt to become a grumpy complainer without the cultural comfort of known surroundings, poor-talking your new location. So your attitude, your family, your collective sense of adventure can make working an exciting component of your life internationally.
But if you're not comfortable with people from different cultures in your own country, in the name of all that's holy, stay home and savage them. At least, you share citizenship.
So, are you still interested? Is the other side of the world still calling? Many have done it, and they've survived.
But if you're not comfortable with people from different cultures in your own country, in the name of all that's holy, stay home and savage them. At least, you share citizenship.
So, are you still interested? Is the other side of the world still calling? Many have done it, and they've survived.
Working internationally can be exciting. You go beyond your comfort zone. Your skills to reach out to other cultures are tested. You get a first-hand experience of living and working with other cultures. Your mind and your imagination and your heart expand to accept things that are different, to make room for what is new.
The challenge can look enormous initially, but as you get deeper into the experience, you'll discover the skills to go through it. For your family, it can be an experience that will shape their lives.
Here are a few of these challenges:
The challenge can look enormous initially, but as you get deeper into the experience, you'll discover the skills to go through it. For your family, it can be an experience that will shape their lives.
Here are a few of these challenges:
1. Accommodation.
Many countries now have a good variety of accommodation. Many of these are currently listed online, so you'll have an idea of what is available. You can look at pictures and amenities and ask your questions on the site, forum, or from those you know already living in the country. It might even be better to stay a week or two in a hotel or until such time when you are clear about the place you want to stay. Do not immediately put a deposit on a home unless you are ready to stay there. It is hard to get your deposit back in cases when you change your mind. This case happened to our friends, and there is no recourse unless you spend more for a lawyer whose fees will be more than the deposit you're going to lose.
2. Schools.
Many countries now have international schools with standards at par with those in your own country. The teachers often come from your own country or countries with comparable education standards. However, these schools can be expensive, so negotiate with your employer. It is easy to make an online search of these schools and the fees they charge depending on your kids' level. You can also home school them as some parents do.
Many countries now have a good variety of accommodation. Many of these are currently listed online, so you'll have an idea of what is available. You can look at pictures and amenities and ask your questions on the site, forum, or from those you know already living in the country. It might even be better to stay a week or two in a hotel or until such time when you are clear about the place you want to stay. Do not immediately put a deposit on a home unless you are ready to stay there. It is hard to get your deposit back in cases when you change your mind. This case happened to our friends, and there is no recourse unless you spend more for a lawyer whose fees will be more than the deposit you're going to lose.
2. Schools.
Many countries now have international schools with standards at par with those in your own country. The teachers often come from your own country or countries with comparable education standards. However, these schools can be expensive, so negotiate with your employer. It is easy to make an online search of these schools and the fees they charge depending on your kids' level. You can also home school them as some parents do.
3. Travel and Transport.
Getting passports and visas and insurance and vaccinations when you have a family can be a stressful process. Add to this flights, hotels, and ground transport when you arrive. Also, hiring transportation for your family use or getting your license with permits allows you to drive in the country. In some countries, these are easy to arrange, but in others, this is a maze you don't want to get into as you start your assignment. Get your local office to do this for you. They often know how to go around this better than you do.
4. Phones and the Internet.
This provision can be tricky in some partner offices. Sometimes, they don't work very well, and the requirements to get a phone and internet connection can be a puzzle. Ask a local you trust in the hotel or in the office to do all these for you. Give them some money for the work they do. Recently, when we arrived in our rented apartment in Phnom Penh, we immediately asked the receptionist that evening to get us a Sim card and some load for our phone. The following day, he came, installed the Sim, and our phones were up and going. No hassle for us at all.
Getting passports and visas and insurance and vaccinations when you have a family can be a stressful process. Add to this flights, hotels, and ground transport when you arrive. Also, hiring transportation for your family use or getting your license with permits allows you to drive in the country. In some countries, these are easy to arrange, but in others, this is a maze you don't want to get into as you start your assignment. Get your local office to do this for you. They often know how to go around this better than you do.
4. Phones and the Internet.
This provision can be tricky in some partner offices. Sometimes, they don't work very well, and the requirements to get a phone and internet connection can be a puzzle. Ask a local you trust in the hotel or in the office to do all these for you. Give them some money for the work they do. Recently, when we arrived in our rented apartment in Phnom Penh, we immediately asked the receptionist that evening to get us a Sim card and some load for our phone. The following day, he came, installed the Sim, and our phones were up and going. No hassle for us at all.
5. Food.
When you have small children, this can be an issue. There are sites now to find out from other expats what you can get locally. You can also bring enough if what your kids need is not available at your destination. I once mailed a box of WASA crackers from Canada to Phnom Penh. More and more now, many of these countries have most of the essentials you need.
6. Work Expectations and Requirements.
Working with an international team has its unique challenges. You often think you're understood, but when nothing happens, you know that you missed something. Get one in your office who speaks your language well and identify the person as your go-to or ask the person to be present in meetings. This practice is even more beneficial when this person also has a strong influence and can easily approach the decision-makers. Having this person can make your life very easy and will eliminate delays and mistakes. Or, in some projects, there is a budget for a translator.
When you have small children, this can be an issue. There are sites now to find out from other expats what you can get locally. You can also bring enough if what your kids need is not available at your destination. I once mailed a box of WASA crackers from Canada to Phnom Penh. More and more now, many of these countries have most of the essentials you need.
6. Work Expectations and Requirements.
Working with an international team has its unique challenges. You often think you're understood, but when nothing happens, you know that you missed something. Get one in your office who speaks your language well and identify the person as your go-to or ask the person to be present in meetings. This practice is even more beneficial when this person also has a strong influence and can easily approach the decision-makers. Having this person can make your life very easy and will eliminate delays and mistakes. Or, in some projects, there is a budget for a translator.
7. Language.
It is always helpful to learn a few words before you get into a country, although nowadays, many locals prefer to practice their English with you if you are an English speaker or French or Japanese. However, learning the language when you can, especially when staying longer, is a big help. The locals are often helpful in helping you say it correctly.
8. Work Team.
Often your team comes from different countries. They bring along with them their own culture and past experiences of working with an international team. Please get to know and understand them. Go beyond personalities and focus on the results.
9. Health Needs.
In most countries you will be going to, there is always a top-notch hospital or clinic to serve expats. If not, an hour away by plane will give you this. Ask your embassy. They often have excellent information being in the place or search online for expat blogs in the country of your assignment.
10. Meaningful Engagement for Spouse and Kids.
It is difficult for spouses to get jobs in many destinations and for kids to find friends quickly. Although these are not work-related, you know that they can affect your success at work when these problems come. You can explore portable involvement for your spouse, volunteer activities, and other families with kids the same age before your trip. Have family discussions on how you can handle these. Your kids and spouse will have their ideas.
It is always helpful to learn a few words before you get into a country, although nowadays, many locals prefer to practice their English with you if you are an English speaker or French or Japanese. However, learning the language when you can, especially when staying longer, is a big help. The locals are often helpful in helping you say it correctly.
8. Work Team.
Often your team comes from different countries. They bring along with them their own culture and past experiences of working with an international team. Please get to know and understand them. Go beyond personalities and focus on the results.
9. Health Needs.
In most countries you will be going to, there is always a top-notch hospital or clinic to serve expats. If not, an hour away by plane will give you this. Ask your embassy. They often have excellent information being in the place or search online for expat blogs in the country of your assignment.
10. Meaningful Engagement for Spouse and Kids.
It is difficult for spouses to get jobs in many destinations and for kids to find friends quickly. Although these are not work-related, you know that they can affect your success at work when these problems come. You can explore portable involvement for your spouse, volunteer activities, and other families with kids the same age before your trip. Have family discussions on how you can handle these. Your kids and spouse will have their ideas.
Have confidence in your ability and that of your local partners to resolve these challenges. Nothing is impossible, and there are lots of help. Know that when you refrain from losing your temper and take the steps, chances are these challenges will disappear. Look at them as avenues for knowing more about the country and expanding your contacts.