Working abroad is both a great opportunity and a major challenge – on a professional as well as on a personal level. When the dream of working abroad suddenly comes true, many a freshly-made expat is taken by surprise. We have compiled a guide to help you deal with the challenges of working abroad.
Often the amount of time between appointment and the actual start of working abroad is far from adequate, given the amount of preparation required for a successful stay abroad. If you want to make sure that your experience of working abroad is a sustainable one, don’t follow a head-over-heels approach to working abroad. Try to embark on this adventure well-prepared, and you will find it easier to make the most of your time spent working abroad.
Articles about Working Abroad
Working AbroadInternational Etiquette for BusinesspeopleInternational etiquette is a vital ingredient of every successful expat experience. As an expat, you need a basic understanding of the culture you are about to do business in or with. We have put together a small guide …Read more
Working Abroad Types of Short-Term Work AbroadShort-term work abroad is very well-suited to younger people who want to explore the world or take a break before getting a “serious” …
Working AbroadYour Assignment Abroad: Its Career ImpactLet us show you how an assignment abroad can kick-start your career! A typical international assignment does not only provide you with …
Working AbroadNavigating International Business CultureEver really put your foot in it while doing business abroad? Knowing and understanding the unwritten rules of international business culture is important, whether you’re on a business trip or working abroad as an expat. …Read more
Working AbroadCultural Differences in BusinessAll of us global minds have been confronted with cultural differences at some point. They often lead to amusing misunderstandings, but cultural differences can also have a serious impact on your career. InterNations …Read more
Working Abroad Expatriate Benefits: Perks of an Expat JobMany an expatriate benefits greatly from the time he or she has spent abroad. Not only do language skills and intercultural competence …
Working AbroadSelf-Employed ExpatsHave you ever dreamed of starting a new life – under palm trees – in the sun? It is the dream of many expats to open a successful …
Working AbroadHow to Find a Job AbroadQuite a few self-made expats struggle to find a job abroad. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible though! With a structured, thought-out …
Working AbroadOpening a Business AbroadSo you’re thinking of opening your own business abroad? It’s easy to underestimate the financial and emotional impact, the bureaucratic …
Working Abroad Applying for a Career OverseasWhen you plan your career overseas, your application is an essential first step. After all, this is the first impression your future employer will get of you. InterNations gives you an overview of what you need to keep …Read more
Working AbroadShort-Term Overseas EmploymentShort-term overseas employment is a great opportunity for younger people looking for a time-out after college, but also for more adventurous expats who don’t want to settle down yet. Find out more about short-term …Read more
Working Abroad NPOs, NGOs and Volunteer Work AbroadNumerous people are interested in doing volunteer work abroad or working for an NPO or NGO. While this type of work will allow you to experience foreign cultures in a whole new way, it is also very demanding. Before you …Read more
Working Abroad: Preparations
When preparing for your expat assignment, you should pay attention to the following areas: administrative issues (contract, visa, work permit), practical issues (housing, health-care) and cultural issues. The latter includes international etiquette for business, which is an important aspect of working abroad. Without an awareness of social and cultural differences, you might fail to achieve the results you were hoping for during your time working abroad.
Working abroad as a self-employed person or “self-made expat” is an endeavor requiring some special attention. With traditional expat assignments, a lot of the legwork that goes into preparing for your time abroad is done by the HR department of your company. Without such assistance, however, it’s entirely up to you to make working abroad work for you. Read our articles on how to find a job abroad and self-employment overseas to learn more about working abroad as a self-made expat.
Working Abroad: Benefits
Working abroad can come with immense benefits for you and your career. The experience you gain from working abroad can be of great value not only for you but also for your company. Thus, a successful overseas posting may significantly increase your chances of promotion upon your return. You should always try to get as much out of your time spent working abroad as you can, e.g. by learning the local language, gaining extra qualifications, etc.
Working abroad often entails certain financial benefits as well. Expats tend to be on a higher salary than their colleagues back home to allow for the higher costs associated with living and working abroad. Try to get a good deal when negotiating your contract and budget your expat allowance carefully, and working abroad may enable you to afford certain luxuries which you are not used to at home.
You can find more advice on working abroad in “Your Expat Assignment Abroad”, “The Benefits of Being an Expatriate”, or any other article in our Working Abroad section.
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