Demand for expats on the rise

While the pandemic brought almost all business travel to a standstill, research by AXA Global Healthcare found that HR decision makers are still predicting an increase in all types of future international assignments.  This is encouraging news for those who believe that the pandemic has killed their chance of an expat experience.

Boss up and change your life.

— Lizzo

Professionals confident about expat life abroad

Even in light of travel restrictions and other hurdles brought on by the pandemic, expats are confident that they will be able to continue their way of life.  In fact, Aetna International’s latest survey, states that 75% of expats are “very or fairly confident” to continue living the expat way of life.  The study goes on to state that in comparison to life at home, expats are feeling happier, safer and welcomed in their host countries. The survey also reveals that expats are experiencing improvements in their health and well-being, including eating healthier, drinking less alcohol and exercising more.

As someone living outside their home country, I can say that I agree with the findings from the Aetna survey.  And while it was challenging at the beginning of the pandemic, with a high level of uncertainty around the economy and job security, I feel confident that the global markets and the local Italian economy are turning the corner on the pandemic.

What you need to know about working abroad

Expected changes in expat assignments

While all types of expat assignments are increasing, shorter-term contracts are particularly on the rise. With the changing landscape brought on by the pandemic, virtual assignments are also gaining ground as HR and mobility experts assess how to incorporate online experiences with the overall expat package.  In fact, virtual assignments could be a good first step to introduce potential candidates to multicultural work environments.

Employee experience, especially among Millennials, is still front and center when it comes to recruitment. Look for expat and rotational experiences to get their share of the spotlight when it comes to communicating employee benefits.

Lastly, the pandemic has generated new complexities especially in the area of healthcare, which has never been more important than now.

The impact of COVID-19 on overseas assignments

COVID-19 documentation and travel restrictions

One of the more complicated aspects of your expat assignment, might be just getting there.  With the evolution of COVID-19 and the introduction of COVID-19 variants, many countries have restricted or altogether banned U.S. travelers.

Across the globe there is a mixed stance on the pandemic outlook for Americans.  

• Africa and Middle East: TripSavvy has country-by-country information in Travel to Africa and the Middle East.

• Asia: Condé Nast Traveler provides A Country-by-Country Guide to Asia’s Travel Restrictions.

• Central and South America: TripSavvy offers information for Travel to Central and South America.

• Europe: Forbes Travel To These European Countries Just Got Harder For Americans  provides a breakdown on the limitations across the old continent.

• North America: TripSavvy has country-by-country information for Travel to North America.

One thing holds true across all destinations, you should check the U.S. Embassy, Consulate or Diplomatic Mission of where you intend to travel to learn the latest requirements or restrictions.  You’ll also want to check the health department or ministry for the countries you are visiting.

Healthcare a deal breaker for international assignments

If healthcare isn’t a deal breaker when planning for your expat assignment then it should be.  Don’t just check the box.  Make sure you and your family are covered.  Next, find out what you need to do to activate your health coverage.  You don’t want to be figuring things out in the middle of a global pandemic.  Don’t let documentation or bureaucracy stand in the way of receiving healthcare services. 

I remember when I wanted to schedule my first medical visit.  It took months. I had to find a medico di base, general practitioner, and figure out how the system worked.  I should have done that as soon as I arrived.

The weight of the pandemic on your mental well-being

There is no question that the pandemic took its toll on people of all ages.  Nearly 50% of U.S. adults suffered symptoms of anxiety and depression. Just imagine what it was like for expats who had the added stress of being in a foreign country, far from family and friends. When discussing your healthcare package, be sure that you are covered both physically and mentally.    

Changes in expat spending

The pandemic has influenced how we spend our money.  Spend has shifted to consumer electronics to support working from home, food takeaway due to restaurant closures and subscriptions to streaming or premium television for more free time spent indoors.  This holds true for expat life as well. Regardless of where you are, working from home has most likely increased your electricity bill.  If you are going abroad, you will want to be ready for a hybrid workplace which includes time in the office and remote working.

It’s more than just the money, lifestyle matters

While salary is important and one of the main drivers for professionals who go abroad, lifestyle matters too.  The pandemic reinforced the importance of feeling safe and happy in our surroundings.  Many expats are eager to return to “normal” due to the benefit of a better and healthier lifestyle expat life delivers.

If you want insight on quality of expat life, check out InterNations’ Expat Insider survey.  The survey covers a number of areas including best places to work to cost of living. While I don’t agree with all the findings for Italy, the survey offers a wealth of information for those considering going overseas. 

I’m sure everyone of us remembers where we were prior to lockdown.  For me, my husband had shattered his right forearm and had just come home from the hospital when we went into complete lockdown. And while staying all day and all night at home was difficult at times, if the pandemic taught us anything, it was to respect those around us and to remind us that life is short and should be enjoyed.  Sometimes it feels like the pandemic will never end.  However, we need to appreciate what we have, even if it is not the same as pre-pandemic times. Live life as best you can. Lastly, if expat life is something you desire then don’t give up on it.

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“I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.”

Work overseas.

I often get asked the question, “when did you know that you wanted to work abroad and how did you do it”?  Growing up, I was always interested in travel and learning new things.  I studied abroad in college, and by the time I graduated, I knew I wanted a career that included an expat experience.  From there, I worked for large companies and organizations in roles that were international in scope. I returned to school for an international MBA, and that’s where I got my big break.

So, to answer the question, wanting to work abroad started as an interest that I steadily cultivated throughout my career.  In the beginning, I had no clue how I would go abroad professionally.  However, as I pursued my interests, I became more informed about the opportunities available to me, and what I needed to do to reach my goal.

So here are the steps I took to find work abroad.  I’ve also included some links to help you get started with your own journey. 

1. Study and travel abroad.

If you can manage it financially, I highly recommend you do it.  Studying or traveling to unfamiliar places will open your mind to so many things such as meeting people from all walks of life, learning a new language, experiencing a different culture, discovering new ways to approach age old problems, and, most importantly, stepping outside your comfort zone.  There is only an upside here that includes self-improvement, learning and career advancement.

Traveling abroad.

• Transitions Abroad: Transitions Abroad: Study Abroad and Educational Travel
• Go Abroad: GoAbroad
• EF: EF Education First

2. Work for an international company or organization.

More and more, I believe that working in a multinational or in an international organization not only prepares you for what is to come but also increases your chances of working overseas. Early in my career, I worked for one of the largest cruise companies which provided me with the opportunity to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and to travel extensively. Having this opportunity early on created the foundation for what would become a career filled with international experiences.  More importantly, I expanded my thinking on how vast the possibilities were when it came to career opportunities.

Find a corporate job.

• INSIDER: The 25 global companies with the best workplace cultures, according to employees
• Forbes: The World’s Best Employers
• LADDERS: These are the 50 best companies in the world to work for right now

3. Get your Master’s overseas.

At this point in my life, I was committed to getting an expat job.  I went back to school for an international MBA that included studying and interning abroad.  By this time, you have enough years of experience to have an idea what you want to do in life.  Today, there are more ways to get an advanced degree than ever before – online, part-time, executive, full-time, etc.  Regardless of what you choose, be sure to understand the commitment you are undertaking.  The outcome will depend 100 percent on you.  An advanced degree will not guarantee you get what you want.  What an advanced degree will do, is open doors. 

Get an advanced degree.

• U.S. News: Find the Best Grad Schools
• The Financial Times: FT Global MBA ranking 2021: Europe tops table but US dominate
• Forbes: The Latest Rankings Of The World’s Best Online MBA Programs

4. Stay in contact.

So, you studied abroad, traveled the world and worked in a global organization.  Now what?  Maintain and grow your network. My break came two years after finishing business school.  The company where I did my business school internship called me for a full-time job in Italy.

Network.

• Fast Company: How to feel less icky about networking
• Indeed career guide: 10 Tips To Help You Network Like a Pro
• LinkedIn: Four Tips to Network on Linked

5. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? Well, it’s easy to come up with a list of excuses of why you can’t do something.  If I’m honest, after being offered the opportunity to return to Italy, I definitely had butterflies or doubts about going back.  But after the fluttering stopped, I knew that this opportunity was right for me.  And here I am today, in Italy.  No more explanation needed.

Take chances.

• Lifehack: Top 10 Fears That Hold Us Back In Life
• Inc.: 20 Great Courage-Inspiring Quotes
• Harvard Business Review: How to Overcome Your Fear of Making Mistakes

Everyone’s journey is different, but when I look back on my career, these steps were the actions and choices that helped me reach my goal. 

Photo by Ono Kosuki from Pexels.

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March 8th marked International Women’s Day 2021, a day when we, as women, should have celebrated our achievements and brought visibility to the inequalities that still exist. As I reflect on that day and my own life, #ChooseToChallenge is such a fitting theme for so many reasons, including one area that is close to me, multicultural expat assignments.

A successful overseas work experience can accelerate your career advancement.  In Topia’s Adapt or Lose the War for Talent Report, results revealed that 57% of employees agree that international experiences are critical to career growth and mobility, especially for senior roles. And while this is promising news in itself, the presence of women on the expat circuit is low. 

According to Mercer’s Worldwide Survey of International Assignment Policies and Practices, females represent 20% of international assignments.  This number is up compared to 14% in 2017 and 11% in 2015. Even though progress is being made on the number of expat assignments going to women, growth is too slow.

This is where this year’s International Women’s Day theme comes into play. We need to choose to challenge our HR, Training and Development, and Workforce Mobility experts, and, above all, ourselves to develop and demand expat programs that are more inclusive so that more women can take advantage of these opportunities.

As a female working abroad, here are my suggestions for making expat assignments more accessible to women.

Flexible Programs

It’s not enough to offer long or short-term programs. Get creative. Customize expat assignments for women based on the woman’s needs and/or circumstances – single, care taker, single parent, or married with family.  Break up the assignment into modules where the female expat alternates modules between the host and home country.  On longer term assignments, schedule periodic travel back to the home office to review progress, and allow the expat to get face time with colleagues and management, and to take care of personal business.  If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we are more than capable of working remotely.  Incorporating remote work options into your expat program will allow candidates to take baby steps toward work abroad. It will also open the doors to more female candidates that may have ruled out an assignment due to personal obligations or fear of making the move. 

Assimilation and Support

On top of relocation, if the female expat is not traveling alone, she may need help with navigating school systems, child care or a traveling spouse.  It is not enough that the expat settles in, the entire family needs to find its place on an overseas move.  Knowing that support exists for the entire family will help alleviate the fear of going abroad.  In the case that family members decide to remain at home, break up the assignment. Allow the female expat to travel back and forth from the host and home country.  Lastly, having a point of contact on the ground throughout the assignment will be critical for a successful expat assignment. 

Defined Start and Finish Dates

Almost everything in life has a start and a finish date.  Expat assignments should too.  Be clear on milestones and deliverables, but most importantly be transparent about what comes next.  The expat shouldn’t fall off the grid. What are the female expat’s options at the end of her assignment – return home, stay or go to a new location?  Knowing that opportunities will be available after the assignment will make the experience that much more attractive.

Mentors and Sponsors

Working abroad is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Female mentors with expat experience can help prepare future expats for what they will face throughout their time abroad – differences in culture, fitting in and creating a network, unconscious biases, sentiment toward the home office or country, healthcare, finances and taxes, hidden costs, etc.  An in-country sponsor is a must.  I can speak from experience about life without one. Just on the work front alone, the experience might be 100% different than what you expected. A sponsor can provide tips on business etiquette, office culture, labor laws, etc.  For life outside the office, a sponsor can introduce you to new experiences and help you build a personal network. This is just as important as success on the job.

Clear Outcomes and Next Steps

Many expats will end up returning home, but some may stay or move onto a new location.  All assignments should have clear, quantifiable metrics with periodic reviews. There should also be a mechanism for feedback.  Before heading overseas, the expat should know her next steps or career choices upon completion of the assignment.

Make Expat Assignments for Women a Reality

It has always been my belief that you get the best out of your employees when you respect, appreciate and reward them, and are transparent.  These behaviors will drive loyalty and will attract top talent.  In these days, everyone has gotten on the inclusion and diversity bandwagon, some mean it and others are just paying lip service.  As women, let’s make a conscious choice to challenge convention and develop programs that are inclusive of women’s needs.

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Act now on your expat goals.

As we begin the new year, the first thought for many of us is to just forget about the last one.  Understandably so, 2020 was just awful.  Even after surviving, what I hope is, the worst of the pandemic COVD-19, it’s still a worthwhile exercise to reflect on what we did in 2020 and where we want to be in 2021. For those of you who are thinking about pursuing an expat experience – congratulations!  So how do you cross the proverbial finish line – get that expat assignment?  Well, I’m here to help you with that!

While COVID-19 will still be with us for a good part of 2021, the promising news is that a vaccine will be available to a majority of people around the globe. While that doesn’t mean business as usual, it does mean that we can begin to develop our new ‘normal’.  I’m confident that in some shape or form we will travel and we will conduct business in person again.

Take steps toward an expat experience.

Step 1: Research expat life.

It all starts here.   What is expat life all about?  Are you sure it is for you? This is where you’ll need to do some extensive research.  Start online with helpful resources such as the following.

• HSBC Expat Explorer is an annual study of nearly 20,000 expat professionals. HSBC also provides other valuable resources such as expat country guides.

• InterNations is a community of around 4 million members present in 420 cities around the globe helping people meet, connect and exchange information.  InterNations helps expats feel at home around the world.

• Expat Insider City Ranking is an annual survey by InterNations.  The 2020 survey included responses from more than 15,000 expats living in 181 countries or territories providing various information about expat life. 

• Expatica provides expats the information they need to turn their new country into their new home.

• Transitions Abroad  has been around since 1977, and offers comprehensive information and resources on travel, work, study, and living abroad with a purpose. 

Step 2: Network to learn more.

If after conducting your initial research you are still interested in an expat experience, you’ll want to dig deeper.

• Informational interviews with colleagues, alumni, family, friends, members of professional associations where you are active, or anyone else in your network is a great way to get first-hand information on living and working abroad.  Be sure to prepare properly and remember that networking is a two-way street that should be maintained throughout your professional career.

Step 3: Look inside first.

The return to internal recruiting has been accelerated by COVID-19.  The uncertain business climate that started in 2020 and that we are living through today has forced many companies to freeze or stop altogether external hiring, substituting it for the preferred path of internal recruiting. 

If you work for a company with offices around the globe, you’ll want to explore what your options are through your current employer. Before you check out your company’s job board, try to understand if your company has formal or informal rotational programs.  Here are some ideas which might help you open doors to an expat assignment.

• In many companies, yearly reviews, bonus talks and career development planning are all going on now.  This is the perfect opportunity to speak with your boss or the recruiting team about the likelihood of an expat experience or any kind of rotational program.

• If the option to go abroad is available but no formal program exists, engage a mentor within your company who has completed a short-term project or an overseas assignment.  As I’ve stated in an earlier post, opportunities to work in a regional office can include an M&A project to onboard the latest acquired business; opening a new office, and training and/or hiring staff; rolling out a new product or service in new geographies; introducing new internal tools or a software platform across multiple locations; or onboarding a third-party vendor or strategic partner.

Step 4: Evaluate your skill set.

Aside from what you do functionally (e.g., strategic marketing, corporate finance, supply chain management, etc.), you’ll need to assess how you measure up when it comes to the following skills:

• Adaptability

• Communications

• Cultural awareness

• Emotional intelligence

• Problem solving

• Risk taking

• Self-motivation

• Teamwork

Depending on where you go, there will be a good chance that you will need to learn a foreign language as well.  While your time abroad will enhance the above referenced skills, you will need the basics to get off to a good start. 

Step 5: Test the waters.

While it is difficult to simulate the real scenario of working abroad, there are ways to try it out.  Join a project or committee at work that allows you to engage with colleagues from different regional offices. Take an online class with geographically dispersed students.  If you’re a risk taker and your company has decided that you will work remotely for an extended period of time or maybe you are a freelancer looking for a new environment, you’ll want to look into a new trend of working from anywhere. To stimulate local economies, many countries have developed special programs for remote workers.  Check out Insider’s 16 destinations welcoming remote workers to see how you can work from anywhere.  With just a little bit of paperwork and health insurance, you can find yourself in a dream location.

After the experience, ask yourself the following questions.  Did you like interacting with people from different backgrounds? Were you open to other peoples’ ideas and approaches to problem solving? Did you learn something new about yourself or have an aha moment? Are you more inspired and better at what you do as a result of the experience?  If you answered, “Yes,” to the questions above then an expat experience is worth pursuing. 

Step 6: Study abroad.

I was lucky enough to study abroad during college and business school.  My time abroad during business school opened the door to landing a job in Milan.  Today, there are so many choices.  As educational systems evolve as a result of COVID-19, you can explore hybrid programs that combine classroom and online learning, and in-person travel abroad.  Studying abroad requires a significant commitment in time and resources.  Do your research.  U.S. News has lots of information on a wide range of advanced-degree programs.

Step 7: Be persistent.

As I’ve written in an earlier article for Transitions Abroad, landing an expat job will take lots of work.  There isn’t a mapped-out path so you’ll need to be persistent and resourceful.  Competition locally and externally is fiercer than ever before. However, I’m still a firm believer that with the right amount of work, faith, and persistence you can go as far as you want to go.  Research, plan and take action.  Pursue every possible angle and always reward yourself when you achieve milestones in pursuit of your expat goals.

With all the lockdowns, limitation on travel and waiting for the rollout of vaccination programs, use your free time wisely and move forward with your dream of working abroad.

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

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Image: iStock.com/AleksandarNakic.

Even with the ongoing pandemic, employees still show interest in expat assignments.  MetLife’s 18th annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS) states that roughly 30 percent of American employees are interested in an expat job with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way.  

This is great news, take it from someone who has greatly benefited from an expat experience.  As I’ve mentioned in an earlier blog post, an expat job is worth it.  From personal to professional development, an overseas multi-cultural experience will help you know yourself better and advance your career. 

Expats then and now

A lot has changed since I arrived in Italy 15 years ago.  The most notable change is what we are all living through today, the coronavirus disease COVID-19.  The current pandemic adds a new layer of complexity to how we approach work abroad.

Expats now have an added level of stress to manage.  Aside from the traditional stress factors such as relocation, assimilation, language, etc., today’s expats are coping with working from home (WFH), job uncertainty, severe restrictions on movement, or lockdown scenarios abroad.

As I mentioned in my first blog post, there are many benefits to taking an expat job. However, just as there are benefits, there are also personal and professional questions that you will need to ask yourself before you head overseas.  I address these issues in my survival guides one and four published on Transitions Abroad. 

The new “normal” for expats

Many of us are approaching a third wave of COVID-19 with new lockdowns and limitations on travel.  As we wait for a vaccine, it is important that we learn from this experience and apply that learning to our planning for an expat job.

Once we get COVID-19 under control, and before you step on a plane, you will want to factor in the following.

Five considerations to make before taking an expat job

1. Healthcare

COVID-19 has shown us that we need to protect ourselves.   If you are going to work abroad be sure you understand how the healthcare system works.  Read the fine points of your medical plan.  Trust me, it will not be the same as what you have now.  If you go to a country with socialized medicine, you may be covered under a national healthcare system.  As an employee of a multinational or even a mid-size company, you may have access to private insurance as well.  This is important.  While it is reassuring to know that you will be covered by the national healthcare system, some systems are overloaded and thus basic services may require months of waiting.  If you have access to private insurance you may need to use it.  You should discuss medical coverage in any scenario – pandemic or no pandemic.  Make sure you understand how to access it once you are abroad. Don’t wait for the next health crisis to figure out how your medical coverage works.

2. Financial wellbeing

Financial security is always important. You’ll want to plan for an emergency that could bring about a furlough, the abrupt end to your assignment, or even unemployment.  Employee assistance programs that include financial planning or coaching will not only help you through the good times but also will provide some peace of mind during uncertain times.  Programs that support budgeting and debt management may also be useful for your time away from home. Lastly, know your tax liability at home and in the country where you are doing your expat assignment.  If your company is sending you overseas for an extended period of time, ask about tax preparation support and bilateral tax agreements to avoid double taxation.

3. Semi and full lockdowns

Limitations on movement or being confined to your new home abroad can cause anxiety that leads to stress. Outside of confinement and limited social interaction, travel restrictions may impact your ability to return home. Restrictions on travel may also make your job difficult if you are a frequent traveler. If you require a work permit, you will want to understand the consequences of a late renewal.  Staying longer than your work permit allows, may impact your ability to obtain medical care, get paid, travel, and can even have a negative effect on your taxes.  Be sure that your employer has a plan B should you get stuck abroad. Lastly, will you be able to spend long periods of time indoors or within a short radius of your home?  You probably already know the answer to this question as almost all of us are going through this now.

4. WFH abroad

As mentioned above, being confined to your home can cause anxiety and stress.  Sometimes we take it for granted, but having reliable internet at home will be crucial for work and personal time. Make sure it is easily accessible from your new home.  On a professional front, working remotely is not for everyone.  Be sure to set up regular touch points with your supervisor and team.  Additionally, find a local buddy who can help you navigate the rules and regulations in your host country should you not be able to reach your company sponsor.  You’ll also want to set boundaries between work and personal time. When you don’t yet have a social network, it is easy to be “always on” at work.  This will only lead to burnout and health problems. Lastly, be sure to have what you need should you get stuck indoors.

5. Visiting family

There’s no substitute for family.  One of the toughest parts of being abroad is not seeing family and friends from home on a regular basis.  Prior to the pandemic, I visited with family in Italy or in the States several times per year.  With the pandemic, it will be more than one year since seeing my family in person. This has been tough, but I am thankful for the numerous ways in which I can connect with my family in the meantime.  If you decide to travel, follow to a T the rules – quarantine where it is required. Trying to go around the rules by flying through other countries to mask where you are coming from is part of the reason we are where we are today.  If it’s too difficult to get home, and if you don’t need to be there, don’t go.  The risk is too high. You could catch and spread the disease.

The expat job will live on

Given that a majority of employees still want to work abroad and the business case for employers is still strong, I’m confident that the new “normal” will include international experiences in some degree.  These are undoubtedly challenging times. Once we have turned the page on COVID-19, we can build our learnings into future plans for successful business travel or work abroad.

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