A pre-departure conversation with a Global Connection consultant helps expat partners visualise and consider challenges before they are encountered. This can make a world of difference.
Time to make plans
After their spouse / partner formally accepts an international assignment, a future expat partner must start making their own plans for life in another country. No matter how ambitious or modest their plans are, every expat partner will always encounter challenges and, as a rule of thumb, the less surprising these challenges are the better. The hurdles an expat partner can face might be bureaucratic, for example, work permit restrictions. They could also be more subtle and cultural. Whatever these obstacles are, if an expat partner can better anticipate what’s to come, they will be able to manage their expectations accordingly and avoid any ‘nasty surprises’.
What’s your backup plan?
Most expat partners have a Plan A. But what if that takes longer to implement? Or what if it doesn’t work out at all? We never want to slow anyone down or demotivate a partner. However, it’s extremely important that every expat partner understands that even the best laid plans go awry when relocating to another country. For nearly 30 years, Global Connection has been supporting expat partners to adjust to a new culture. Our consultants continually see how many expat partners end up choosing to adjust their plans, if not to taking a ‘detour’ and reinventing themselves completely. If necessary, we will assign a handpicked coach so the expat partner can make an informed decision and take the next step.
Avoiding uncertainty
The situation we want to avoid is when an expat partner can’t pursue their Plan A and has no alternative plans. If this occurs, they will experience a greater sense of uncertainty. In some cases, the expat partner might be so demoralised that the assignment is thrown into jeopardy. No one can avoid challenges altogether. But everyone can be made aware of what might occur. Being one step ahead of the challenges to come will give the expat partner a head start on adjustment, perhaps even help open their eyes to opportunities that will help them thrive. That’s why we recommend Global Mobility teams urge expat partners to accept our invitation to discuss their needs with a Global Connection consultant prior to their departure.
Josien Berkenvelder is a senior consultant at Global Connection
