Tips for the accompanying expat spouse

Moving overseas is always a big challenge that can add a lot of stress to your family and marriage before it becomes an incredible and life changing experience. So, what are you supposed to do, as a supporting expat partner? You’ll have some transition time but how do you make it a smoother one?

Before we go through the more pragmatic tips, it’s important to give some thought as to how you’ll be managing foreign exchange, in the initial few months. Here are seven tips to help the accompanying spouse make the most out of the new and exciting experience.

1. Discuss your concerns with your partner

The working spouse will have their own transition and adjusting period to contend with, when moving to a new country. He/she may not be aware of their partner’s anxiety, for example, about finding a job and may not recognize how truly upset their partner is after a few months of a relentless job search. Talking about both sides’ concerns before leaving lays the foundation to continue communicating with each other during the transition. Discuss how you’ll send money to home for your dear ones back home.

2. Learn the language

One of the more challenging things new expats face on arrival to a new country is a language barrier. Without knowing the language, you can feel stuck in your home and rely on your spouse in a way you’re not normally used to. It’s often not possible to quickly become fluent in the local language, but knowing the common phrases you’ll need to get a taxi, get to grocery shopping and exchanging pleasantries with others will drastically help your transition. Try learning a bit before you leave and be prepared to focus on language classes for your first couple of months in your new country. Pay for your language lessons using international prepaid travel cards.

3. Be flexible about where your career will lead

Your career path in your home country is probably clear and defined, but in this new place, it’s something completely different. Keep an open mind and be willing to venture into a completely or slightly different direction. Many expat spouses continue to work in their fields but others end up starting their own small businesses or working or volunteering in a totally different profession during their time overseas.

4. Be patient

You may think you’re going to be working within a few months; the issue here is that you don’t have any control over when someone else hires you. Set goals for yourself that have to do with things you can control. Aim to meet two new people each week that could help you in your job search.

Don’t be afraid of taking any help offered. Whether it is of financial or practical in nature, accept offers of assistance. This way, you may be given a chance to meet other expat families, organisations and networking groups, who might later on turn into helpful acquaintances and lifetime friends.

5. Always stay positive

Avoid the habit of isolating yourself or constantly reflecting on whether you have made the right decision, just simply get on with it and make a fantastic experience out of the situation. Think about the opportunities you now have, to meet new people, get involved in voluntary work, join a social club, or take up new hobbies and pursue your interests.

6. Be proactive

Leaving your old career behind does not mean you can’t have another one, things have changed and career changes are more common now than they were 20 years ago. Do your research on organisations looking for volunteers. Check the local labour market, speaking to head hunters or recruitment consultants; you may be surprised with the employment opportunities open to you. If you look for opportunities, you will certainly find them.

7. Connect with people

It’s easy to find expat group on the internet now and reaching out and keeping up with this network will defiantly help establish yourself to your new environment quicker. If no network current exists, why not create one! If your keeping yourself busy in a hobby, then network with others who share the same common passions, this will broaden your horizons and help you get out of the expat bubble a little bit too.

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