Global Connection Expat Partner Support’s Post

Are you moving to another country for work and are worried about how to help your spouse adjust to the host country? Here are my five key tips: 🗝 1) Make sure you understand all legal obligations when applying for a residence and work permit. Make sure you have understood the legal obligations in case you are not legally married. Is your life partner allowed to reside in the country? How hard or easy is it to receive a work permit? Did you consider adequate health, accident, and life insurance coverage? Work permit legislation can be tricky, even for married couples. Make sure you understand the implications of your work permit type for your spouse/life partner. 🗝 2) Help your spouse with the job search by building your network in the host country fast. Try to find out how to build up a network in the host location fast. Speak to agencies and headhunters about job opportunities. Understand the role of agencies/headhunters in the process before you contact them. Build on- and offline networks to find a job. Help others too, so that you will be considered when it is your spouse’s turn to look for a job. 🗝3) Get intercultural training to understand cultural differences. Understand the cultural differences in how to write an application and how a resume typically looks for the host country. What are the usual ways of getting a job? How important are personal introductions? Who should sponsor your spouse? Getting a social life and making friends together will help in the transition into the new culture. Try to make time for events so that your spouse feels that you are on this adventure together. 🗝 4) Utilize support offered by your company. Utilize the resources of the company you work for. Request for help. Some companies offer spouse career coaching or job coaching. f you have a chance get coaching for your spouse. The transition into a new country is stressful. Sitting at home without a real task can trigger depression or a feeling of loneliness. 🗝 5) Discuss a fallback option with your spouse. In case your spouse cannot find a job in the host location, come up with a fallback option and value work even if it does not generate family income. Examples include volunteer work, social engagement, university degrees, freelance work, or building up a company. Sometimes I have observed that expatriates are so busy with starting a new job and a new life that they forget to listen to and support their partners. This might be more important than anything else. I have seen couples who agree that they take turns in advancing their career. After this assignment, your spouse should be able to pick the next role or location first. READ THE FULL POST HERE: https://lnkd.in/e4KNtHHh  

One turning point for expats that's not talked about enough - randomly bumping into people you know! What in the world do I mean by that? 😅 In your home country, it's just so normal you'll bump into people you know on the street, at events, or just anywhere really. You'll say hi, have a short chat, and go on with your day. Or perhaps you'll grab coffee and make it a date. Or perhaps you'll talk business and start a new collaboration. When you're thrown into a completely new country without an established network, that doesn't just happen anymore. It takes a while and a conscious effort to build it back up. And then you realize how valuable those moments were for you to feel at home, and like you belong. So in the beginning of this year, when I realized I always know at least a few people when I would show up at events - I truly did a happy dance, and then I messaged all of my friends to brag about it! 😆 A part of my network comes from Lean In Network, Netherlands Randstad where I've been a volunteer for a while now. This is a shameless plug for the organization, because it hasn't only given me a professional network, but also amazing people I've clicked with right away on a personal level (like Sameera 💝) Building a real supportive network has been a LONG road, and it's not quite over yet (is it ever really over?) So if you're an expat somewhere in the middle of this journey, I just wanted to share that it will happen for you as well. All of your small efforts will give compound results. It might take a bit longer than expected, so hang in there!

One of my most favourite quotes that I can very much relate to is “You will never be completely at home again. Because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place”. A lot of people who have taken the leap and started a new life abroad also know the feeling of wanting to go “home” for that familiar feeling but never quite finding it again and wanting to stay abroad but never truly feeling a sense of belonging. So that brings me to the question what does “belonging” actually mean? Brene Brown describes the only true belonging that exists, and the connection that underscores everything else and all other relationships in life, is that powerful sense of belonging to ourselves. We are so often trying to belong elsewhere that we turn our backs on this most important and key aspect of belonging anywhere and everywhere in life. If we do not accept and love ourselves; if we don’t belong to ourselves, how can we truly belong anywhere else? So is it about “just being yourself”? Coming back to being an expat - being bilingual, I actually believe that I kind of have two different personalities 😊 I don’t actually think I can help or change this. Am I different when I go home and hang out with my German friends and family who I have known my whole life? I think so.... A second language is a fabulous workout for the brain but it’s a double-edged sword. There are the health benefits, the expanded horizons, the sweet liberty of re-inventing yourself – but also the risk of loneliness, of being misunderstood, never being recognised or entirely felt. There is the overall believe that “Germans aren’t funny” –  Without blowing my own trumpet here – I believe that I can actually be quite funny in my own native language (think I have my sense of humor from my dad) but I often struggle getting that across in my second language.  In your own, native language, the whole body gets behind the emotion. There is somewhat of a physical intensity people experience when they swear or voice their sorrow in their own native tongue 😊 All of this can then also be translated to your workplace – do you feel like you belong and are you valued through positive connections with others at your workplace and are you able to bring the authentic self to work? Would love to hear from my fellow expats on how you feel about your sense of belonging, in your personal and work life alike! Bit of a thought for a Wednesday morning whilst I am sick in bed with Covid and all I want right now is go “home” and being looked after by my parents....Guess that never changes - doesn't matter how old you are :)

Me with my mother Traveling isn’t just about exploring 1. **Broadens Perspectives:** Exposure to different cultures and viewpoints can spark creativity and innovation in our work. 2. **Builds Resilience:** Navigating unfamiliar environments teaches adaptability and problem-solving skills. 3. **Fosters Connections:** Meeting people from diverse backgrounds enhances our networking abilities and builds meaningful relationships. 4. **Enhances Understanding:** Experiencing new ways of life deepens our empathy and global awareness. As we venture out and explore the world, let’s carry these lessons back into our careers and communities, making us not just better professionals, but also more thoughtful and connected individuals. Where has travel taken you recently, and how has it impacted your perspective? Share your experiences and let’s inspire each other to keep exploring! #Travel #ProfessionalGrowth #GlobalPerspective #Networking #LifelongLearning

In today's Zoom-obsessed world, many ask why I still travel like a madman. For me, it's simple: real relationships are built face-to-face. There's something irreplaceable about shaking hands, looking someone in the eye, and sharing a meal. You can't capture those subtleties through a screen. This belief has taken me all over the world while building Spartan. Traveling isn't just about new business opportunities. It expands horizons, introducing you to new foods, cultures, and ways of thinking. It fosters open-mindedness and makes you appreciate everything you have at home. Science also backs up the benefits of firsthand experience. In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, travel enhances creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional stability. Exposure to diverse environments stimulates cognitive flexibility - essential for leadership and innovation. Virtual meetings have their place for me too, but I believe the willingness to travel anywhere and build relationships face-to-face has given me an edge for a long time. What are your thoughts on work travel? Let me know in the comments.

In my latest blog post, I reflect on Jack London’s powerful short story, "To Build a Fire," and how its themes resonate with the journey of expats in Finland. I explore the struggles of finding work, the feelings of isolation, and the resilience that emerges from these experiences. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. #expat #resilience #JobSearch #life

🌍✨ Embracing the Adventure: Building Connections Abroad! ✨🌏 🌟 Did you know that 78% of expats believe that creating a strong social and professional network in their host country is crucial for a successful international experience? 🤝🌐 🛫 Landing in a new country can be both thrilling and challenging. 🌈 Let's make the most of this journey by tapping into the power of connections! 🚀 Whether you're a seasoned expat or a newbie, building relationships locally opens doors to endless opportunities. 🚪💼 🌐 Networking isn't just about business; it's about enriching your life with diverse perspectives, cultures, and friendships. 🤗 Join local events, connect with fellow expats, and dive into the vibrant tapestry of your host community. 🎉 Remember, your network is your net worth! 💰✨ So, let's create bridges, not just borders, and embark on this exciting adventure together! 🌏🤝 #Expats #Networking #GlobalConnections #NewBeginnings 🌟

‼️Managing an (international) team is not for everyone. ✍️A few weeks ago I told you that I am writing about how to crush it, and I have been asked why I felt to do so (so glad to have received such question). 🤔If I think about my career I am absolutely proud for my achievements as well as aware that if 10 years ago, 5 years ago or at any moment of my working journey, I’d had a manager who meant to guide me, to see my real skills and mentor me, my path would have been different. 🔑Key concepts are: - communication - skills development - inclusion - do what benefits the employees growth - be open 😮💨When you become a manager you need to balance all of it with the needs of the company and the business. It is hard! 🌍When it is about an international team, you need to add to the list culture background and it is the manager role to learn, adapt at first and create a team culture where nobody feels left out or unseen. #goingexpat supports expats and expats-wanna-be and it passes by work environment as well. It is a new chapter for my small business, but do not worries, I will keep on talking to each one of you to make your moving abroad smoother.

🎯 Are you looking for the next "BIG" thing for your career? Maybe you've always thought that working overseas would be THE thing.... But you have a partner and children and are unsure if this is a good idea.... ...or how you would do this... Deciding to move abroad as a single person, or indeed as a couple may seem less risky than doing so as a family... But whatever you do, getting the right information and support along all the steps of the way is essential. I learnt the hard way that trying to do this sort of identity and family shift alone can have serious repercussions for health, career and relationships and that's why I love collaborating with Karlijn Jacobs and the work they're doing at Expat Valley. My own experience of moving abroad whilst pregnant prompted me to evaluate my career, life choices and ultimately why I am now an International Wellbeing & Possibility Coach - supporting others with the practical AND emotional realities of pursuing your ambitions wherever and whatever they may be. Expat Valley supports organisations and individuals ensure that CHILDREN are included in the process so that the international move goes well... As any parent will relate, if your child is unsettled, unhappy it very quickly bleeds into all areas of life.... Expat Valley's practical solutions help to prevent the meltdowns, tears, traumas, tantrums and pleas of "I don't want to go, you can't make me"... which can accompany the announcement of an international move. Their simple, yet powerful adjustments to processes and information ensures EVERYONE thrives, the individuals, the families and the organisation. Working with Karlijn over the last year(ish) as an adviser, coach and challenger has been so rewarding and is a great way to support others avoid unnecessary obstacles. If you're looking for ways to ensure family friendly international careers, check out the resources that Expat Valley have already created. #leader #career #international #global #family #courageovercomfort 📷This morning's co-working session with Karlijn was a brilliant reminder of the power of community, collaboration and change that is possible when you commit and are open. 🔔 Enjoy this post? Follow me, Katherine (Kate) Gondouin 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 for more ♻ Repost to inspire your network ❤️ if you agree that families are important considerations for your career decisions

Did you know...that personality helps predict the success of an expat? 🌍 One character that has always succeeded working abroad...🎅 ...of course, it is Santa himself! 🎄 And, if we were to describe his personality... 🎭 ...we would likely come up with these traits: 🌟 1. High Openness - someone who rates high on this scale is likely to be curious and eager to embrace new experiences. Of course that would certainly help those working abroad to be open-minded to working cross-culturally and embracing new experiences. 🌟 2. High Extraversion - someone who scores high on this scale is likely to be socially proactive and seek out experiences to work and socialise with others. There has been a lot of research that has correlated the success of expats with their levels of extraversion. It makes sense that people who are outgoing and able to make friends easily are likely to embrace working abroad. What other personality traits are important in becoming an expat? 🤔 #personalityassessment #christmas #expatlife