If working is not possible or simply not a practical option in their host country, many members of our community choose to study so they can still develop new skills and/or accumulate knowledge while on a career break.
Limited opportunities
“It is possible for expat partners to find paid employment in Papua New Guinea (PNG) but… there are very limited opportunities, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to continue on my own career path,” says expat partner Inge Oreel, a manager in welfare from the Netherlands now living in Port Moresby. “It’s also not easy to get a work permit, even if you can find a job that suits you. I have been told it’s supposed to take three months but often takes six months!”
Flexibility is key
“So in my experience, seeking paid employment is not something many expat partners go looking for here, especially if they have kids,” says Inge, a mother of two. “When one parent works full-time, the other parent needs that flexibility to support their family. Life would be too hectic or stressful if I also had a full-time job. When you live in a place like Port Moresby, it’s important to be part of the community. For example, I take an active role at the international school as a class rep for my son’s class.”
Discussing passions
“When I stepped away from my own career, I also knew there were other ways to use my time and stay fulfilled as an expat partner. Thanks to Global Connection, I actually spoke to a career coach and we discussed my passions – it turns out social care really is my calling! So we spoke about how I might add value to my career in the future through study. I then connected with an education coach to explore various options.”
Hitting the books
After being directed to Coursera, Inge has completed one 10-week course (Inspired Leadership) and is currently studying a second 10-week course (Social Pedagogy): “I’m impressed by Coursera which is a wide platform full of educational options in many different languages. You can take degrees (BA, MA, etc) but shorter courses suit me well as an expat parent living in PNG as I still need that flexibility. I’m studying online, which isn’t perfect but then even when you study in a classroom or face-to-face with a tutor, is it ever perfect?”