Working abroad is so exciting! You have
probably happily entertained this thought while you were looking for available
positions, and here it is! The trouble usually starts right before the move and
soon after you arrive. This is because you need to overcome the moment of
letting go and getting used to the new circumstances.
The language barrier
The problem number one you may have, is the
most obvious one, the language. If you are generally not good with languages
and you find it extremely difficult to learn a new one, choose a country where
your native tongue is spoken (or any other language you already speak). This
will help you cope at both, professional and the personal level. Good
communication is important for all aspects of life, and speaking
the same language is the essence of it.
Cultural differences
Cultural differences should never be overlooked
and undermined. If you are traveling to
a country which belongs to “the same world” and has similar values to where you
come from, it is easy. The differences usually seem as minor nuisances, or even
quite entertaining.
On the other hand, if you are traveling to
a country with a different system of values, then this is something which
requires a significant amount of preparation, e.g. moving from Central Europe
to South Asia. If you want to fit in,
you will have to get informed and open to their views. When in Rome, do as the
Romans do.
Professional etiquette
This is an extension of the previous
paragraph, referring to cultural differences within a workplace. Perhaps, the
office does not look the way you would expect it to look. Maybe you do not have
everything you are used to having. Hopefully, these are your biggest problems.
If you do not manage to find information
of what is considered to be “professional” in the country you are moving to,
pay close attention and implement what you see.
Of
course, there are always exceptions to certain rules, but there are countries
where people focus on punctuality, while in others they only care that the work
gets done. Other places have businesses where overtime is encouraged, as
opposed to stopping in the middle of the work and leaving at 5pm which is the
case in certain countries. Eating at your desk may seem shocking to some, while
others will share food and eat from the same dish with the same spoon in the
middle of an office.
Conflicts with coworkers
Dealing with a conflict in the workplace is
always challenging and you have to be extra careful. Any issues that may arise
can be magnified by the fact that you are new, a foreigner, with possibly poor
language skills, and potentially “stealing” someone’s job.
This type of conflict demands exceptional
professional skills from the HR department. The chances are that they do not
have enough experience to resolve this issue. This is when they should get professional workplace mediation
services to assist. If they do not do it at first, remind them. A mediator
will help you and your coworker understand each other’s point of view and
overcome the communication barrier.
Training and support
Once you get to the new country, you will
probably spend a lot of time working and learning new things. Training for a
new job position is always stressful. There is a large amount of information
you need to take in within a short period of time. You potentially even have to
learn new skills. Doing all of that while starting off almost clueless and
knowing that your position depends on it, can be very emotionally draining. It
is always hard.
However, it is particularly hard if you are
in a new country, surrounded by strangers without the professional, or
emotional support to help you through this period. This is the right time to
show confidence and ask for any further assistance you may need during the
training. This will help you learn faster. Also, arrange times for long
sessions with friends and family members at home, give them a call and let them
be there for you.
Nostalgia, loneliness, and social life
At the very beginning you will spend a lot
of time at work and with coworkers, but as you get into a routine you will have
more and more time available for yourself. This free time is when people
usually start getting lonely. Keeping in touch with people from home helps but
is not the real thing.
You should now focus on your social life.
Be open for interactions and visit events where you can meet people. Hopefully,
you will manage to befriend some of your coworkers. In order to find places
where you can meet people, take group courses and lessons. Find a discussion
group you could join or a sport you enjoy.
You are a confident person, brave enough to
leave everything behind and step into the unknown. You have been chosen by the
company for your qualities and experience. They saw value in you and so should
you. You should always remember these facts if you ever feel down. Once you
establish your professional and personal network, your troubles will go away.
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