Whether it's for a short assignment or a long-term project, moving abroad is an exciting adventure, both for the company and its teams. Once the administrative, tax and medical issues have been dealt with, the next step is to integrate into the new country.
Here are a few tips to help expatriates integrate successfully.
A few rules you need to know to integrate successfully
“In Rome, do as the Romans do”
When you go abroad to work, you have to understand that you're entering a new environment.
Clearly, the key word is adaptation.
Although it may seem natural to us, Western customs can be shocking in certain countries. Leaving aside any philosophical or moral considerations, expatriates must find out how to behave in line with local customs, because their safety depends on it!
Here are some questions that future expatriates should ask themselves :
- How do you address people?
- Do you have the right to talk to women? And in what way?
- What is prohibited or authorised?
- For example, electronic cigarettes are banned in around thirty countries around the world!
- What are the religious taboos?
- What should I avoid, for my own safety?
- In any city, there are areas to avoid, especially at certain times of night.
- It is naturally inadvisable to show signs of wealth in poor areas or countries (jewellery, bundles of cash, etc.).
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A few examples of cultural differences In a country like India, you don't shake hands, but greet by joining hands under the chin. |
Integration, when it's possible !
Let's not kid ourselves: it's not always easy to integrate into certain countries, particularly those that are hostile to Westerners.
Even with all the goodwill in the world, you have to be aware that racism and rejection of other cultures exist in all societies. It is therefore essential to follow the adaptation instructions published by the government and the employer.
Curiosity and mutual respect are the keys to successful integration!
Expatriation: a decision to be taken as a family
Expatriating on your own is one thing, but doing it as a family is something completely different!
Given the cultural implications and the risk of disorientation, it's a decision that has to be taken as a family.
As a family, the integration aspect takes on a whole new meaning, as you also have to take into account your children's schooling in the host country and job opportunities for your partner.
For more information on this subject, please read this article.
How can you help expatriates integrate?
Making expatriate networks work
Some countries have strong expatriate communities. Westerners sometimes even have access to districts reserved for them. This is where they find their bearings: cafés, restaurants, etc.
Generally speaking, there is a strong sense of solidarity between Westerners abroad. For new arrivals, this is a precious help.
Turning to embassies for cultural discoveries
Embassies are often the best way to integrate and discover the local culture. In some countries, embassies can even be seen as sales representatives, whose main role is to look after nationals.
In this context, embassies almost feel like a family, so don't hesitate to turn to them.
Easy Skill helps consultants integrate
To facilitate the integration of our consultants, we provide guides detailing the cultural context of the countries concerned.
We provide a personalised welcome, accompanying them from A to Z, right up to the customer's premises, so that they are not left to fend for themselves, and we organise regular get-to-know-you events.
Pierre Bussy
Co-Founder
A man inspired to change the world who launched the company in 2014. He drives internal change and growth with an unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo. No challenge is too big to tackle. As a Frenchie living down under, he enjoys the beach and building his racing motorbike.
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