While recently visiting a tourist site in Asheville, I happened to meet a man from Nepal. We got to chatting, and I mentioned that I had a friend who went to work in Nepal after working with me in Japan. He laughed and said when he was young he worked as a sherpa in the […] Continue reading… from The Value of Cultural Competence
Appropriate shopping behavior can vary between cultures, and learning the rules can be both fun and anxiety-inducing for assignees. In some countries, the vendor sets the price, with no exceptions. In others, such as is common in the Middle East and parts of Asia, a certain amount of haggling is expected. And in yet others, […] Continue reading… from Let’s Make a Deal
One of the smallest but very present irritations in a move abroad is wanting our comfort shows but not knowing how to access them or being transferred in the middle of the season of a favorite drama. For families moving with children who need their Bluey or Peppa Pig, not having their favorite screen pals […] Continue reading… from Binge-watching Around the World
The start of a new year brings a fresh slate, and with it some begin dreaming of starting a new life somewhere else, with fresh sights, novel foods, and the intangible benefit of the way you learn about yourself when immersed in a different culture. Not every company has international offices that employees with wanderlust […] Continue reading… from New Year, New Home
Every culture celebrates holidays, and many find brightness in the shortened days of fall and winter with festivals and family gatherings. While some festivals are religious and some are secular, some big and some small, one thing almost every one has in common is special food and drink, and in large amounts. One of the […] Continue reading… from Tasting Your Way Through the Holidays
In last week’s newsletter, we mentioned the importance of a smooth family adjustment to an assignment. Just as important, however, is finding a community of like-minded people, either other expatriates or with the local citizens, especially for those on assignment without family support. An AXA study showed that 9 in 10 expatriates feel isolated in their new country, which […] Continue reading… from No Assignee is an Island
We never know when disaster will strike, something I learned personally in the past month with Hurricane Helene. As a longtime western North Carolina mountain resident, we are used to being the place people evacuate to, not somewhere that needs to be evacuated from. We had no power, water, or communication for five days, and […] Continue reading… from Compounded Disasters
An international relocation is one the most overwhelming and stressful events an employee can face. Even when the transfer is wanted, excitement can soon turn to anxiety as dozens of questions come up. The hazy dream of life abroad snaps into focus with practicalities as assignees wonder how they will find apartments, what schools will […] Continue reading… from Announcing Your One-Stop Shop for Relocation Advice
One of the most difficult decisions when moving to a new country is what home furnishings to bring (or to bring any at all). Furniture is a large expense and hassle regardless of whether assignees ship their own or purchase new items locally. A few key factors can affect the decision: Climate Humidity, sun, and […] Continue reading… from Making a House a Home
