Changing countries

Expatriation (and re-entry) are classic themes of cultural adaptation, evolution and adjustment.

The challenges of changing country

Different challenges for different situations

Moving abroad to work, or to accompany your partner abroad, is an exciting, risky, disconcerting and exhilarating step in your life.

Change country, leave your country of residence, means leaving your comfort zone, encountering unavoidable difficulties, and ending up as a failure. Whether it's a momentary disappointment or a lasting setback, there are many issues at stake: for the company, for the career of the expatriate and his/her spouse, for the couple, for the family...

In addition the return stage, which is the most complex phase of the whole international mobility process. Loneliness, feelings of incomprehension, difficulty in making the most of their experience abroad, sometimes with a drop in their standard of living... The challenges of returning home are numerous, but are even less often accompanied than the challenges of leaving.

Here are two figures that reveal the difficulties encountered by companies and their international employees:

57%
employees realise afterwards that they had not properly anticipated the cultural challenges before leaving for their new country of expatriation
(Expat communication barometer, 2022).
50%
of expatriate spouses, expatriation is a hindrance to their career
(Expat communication barometer, 2022).

Good preparation for departure (expatriation) and return (impatriation) is essential to provide the right tools at the right time to make the right choices and limit professional and personal risks. Regardless of previous expatriations. And above all: it's a negligible investment compared to the time and resources put in before / during / on return from expatriation.

Today, it's easy to get support!

Moving to another country means considering the following points:

Our approach to coaching for better support during a change of country

Whether you are French nationals moving abroad or internationals arriving in FranceThe challenges are the same: adapting to a new culture, international management and preparing for the next stage of your career.

SpousesThey face the major challenge of continuing their professional lives in a country where they are not expected by anyone and have to find their place on their own.

My coaching often aims to :

Identifying the challenges of international mobility exploring the consequences of this decision on their personal and professional life

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Facilitating development abroad, particularly in the first year

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Preparing for return and reintegration in Franceby understanding the causes of 'reverse culture shock', and by identifying the levers and resources for employability in the French labour market.

Let's work together!

Coaching & Coaching can support you every step of the way with tailor-made solutions.

Risks to avoid when deciding to change country

changer de pays - réunion de 8 employés - coaching & coaching

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Find out more about expatriation

What's the best country to move to? There is no definitive answer to this question, no ideal country! Knowing which destination is the most appropriate depends on your objectives, affinities and ambitions.

  1. Industrialised, or developed, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France in the European Union, which offer attractive economic and professional opportunities.
  2. The newly industrialised countries, known as developing countries, such as China, India and Brazil, are experiencing rapid growth and economic expansion.
  3. Popular tourist destinations such as Western Europe, South-East Asia and South America can offer new cultural experiences and professional opportunities.

It is important to take into account the social, cultural, economic and political criteria of the chosen country to determine whether it suits your aspirations for international mobility or a new expatriation. It is also advisable to find out about the potential challenges of your chosen destination, such as the cost of living, quality of life and work and employment opportunities.

There are several types of mobility grants and financial aid available for those seeking to undertake international mobility:

  1. Government scholarships offered by national governments and international organisations
  2. Industry and private sector scholarships offered by companies and private sector organisations
  3. Grants from foundations and non-profit organisations to support sustainable development projects and humanitarian initiatives.

It is important to note that selection criteria and scholarship amounts vary depending on the organisation offering the scholarship, and that it may be necessary to submit an application and meet a number of conditions in order to be eligible. It is advisable to contact the various sources of scholarships to find out which are best suited to your international mobility and quality of life objectives. A scholarship certificate will also be a useful administrative tool.

Moving to another country, choosing a host country, can be a complex process, but here are some general steps to follow:

  1. Research the countries that interest you to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with each destination.

  2. Get up-to-date information on the immigration requirements of the country you want to move to, including visas, work permits and residence permits.

  3. If you need a visa, gather the necessary documents and submit an application.

  4. Finding accommodation in the new country: a new address to suit your budget and needs.

  5. If you're looking for work, start looking for job offers or business opportunities, or start making professional contacts in your field of interest.

  6. Take steps to ensure the continuity of your standard of living, such as closing your bank accounts and creating new bank accounts in the new country.

  7. If you have addicts, look for the right schools and healthcare.

  8. Prepare yourself emotionally for this major change in your life and for adapting to a new country, a new culture, a new way of life, and perhaps a different quality of life.

There is no exhaustive list of all the countries that recruit, as it depends on the sector of activity and the type of job you are looking for. However, here are a few countries with a high demand for foreign workers:

  1. Canada: Canada actively recruits skilled foreign workers in many fields, including IT, engineering, healthcare and skilled trades.

  2. Australia: Australia offers job opportunities in sectors such as construction, information technology, health and education.

  3. New Zealand: New Zealand is looking for foreign workers in fields such as IT, engineering, agriculture and hospitality.

  4. Germany: within the European Union, Germany is in demand for skilled workers in fields such as engineering, information technology and healthcare.

  5. United Arab Emirates: the United Arab Emirates are looking for foreign workers in sectors such as hotels, healthcare, engineering and information technology.

It's important to note that each country has its own visa and immigration requirements. It is therefore essential to do thorough research before deciding on your destination of choice, depending on your country of origin and the foreign language you are prepared to learn, and not to choose a country by default.

I work in an expatriation context: before departure, during expatriation, or on return during the impatriation phase. I also work on multi-country projects with multicultural teams.
I provide support for mobile employees and their spouses looking for work, as well as for French teams welcoming an international colleague.
No, of course not! I work from an 'anchor culture' that I know, the French culture. If you're an international coming to work in France, a French person going abroad or returning to France after an expatriation, I can help you. I also have a great deal of experience of Anglo-Saxon culture. But if you're asking me to support a Mexican manager working in Germany with a Turkish team, I'm not the right person for you!
Yes, I also offer training in intercultural intelligence and multicultural management, to develop intercultural skills.
Yes, after my dual Franco-British baccalauréat (A-Levels), I did part of my studies at Trinity College Dublin and worked in London.
I coach in English and French. In practical terms, as a bilingual English speaker, I use English almost like my native French.

Frequently asked questions about my international coachings

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