Thriving Abroad is a book about Expats and their experience in international relocation. It guides and inspires employees and their partners who are relocating internationally for work through a three-part framework designed to create personal and professional success abroad.
Part 1 – Putting International Relocation in to Context
This section identifies key considerations for an employee whilst making their decision about whether to accept an assignment opportunity. It looks at the benefits of gaining international experience (both personal and professional), as well as some of the challenges that expats may experience, particularly in the early days. This insight is backed by stories and case studies from expats who have been through the process themselves. It also introduces the role of the corporate global mobility function (a chapter I was honoured to be asked to contribute to), which provides a concise overview of what expats can generally expect from their GM team.
Part 2 – Making It Happen
The second part of the book discusses both the practical and intangible preparations employees may consider making in the pre-assignment period. It covers logistical preparations for the moving process itself and discusses the emotional impact living and working overseas may have on an employee and their family. Throughout the book, there are examples and case studies from real expats who have been through the relocation experience with their employers. This insight should be extremely helpful to employees starting out on the expat journey, enabling them to come in to this process prepared and with appropriate expectations, therefore increasing the changes of assignment success for both the employee and their employer.
Part 3 – Arriving to Thriving Abroad
The third and final part of this book looks at that critical post-arrival period in the new overseas location. As you would expect from its apt title, it sets out strategies for integration (both at work and the local community) and building support networks quickly so that expats and their families can settle as quickly as possible.
Thriving Abroad is packed with useful advice and real-life stories from expats about their experiences during the relocation process. It is an easy read and even contains a jargon-busting glossary of relocation terminology and a list of additional online resources to support the employee. It could provide a great level of support to your expats of the future. Click here to purchase Thriving Abroad 0n Amazon.
Read more about useful tools for Expats and move management.
