The following international relocation tips are from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada. 

Avoiding Culture Shock: 4 Tips For Coping With A New Culture

If you are planning to live or work overseas, you will no doubt have heard the term ‘culture shock’. Defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes”, it is a common experience for expats.

You will of course expect things to be different in your new host country. (If not, our post The Top 5 Expat Surprises will help you get ready.) The experience of adapting to a new culture and society in all its glorious strangeness is part of the appeal, but culture shock can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Know What To Expect

No expat will travel without at least a little research into the country – and the more you do, the better placed you are to understand the country you are moving to and its people. Whether you start by talking to friends or visiting Wikipedia, Tripadvisor or any other online community, take time to learn a little before you go. Check out the history, the weather, the religions, the cuisine, the politics (and make sure the national holidays don’t catch you by surprise!). Alongside your pre-trip preparation, here are a few of FIDI’s own tips to help you make the most of your time abroad:

1. Learn The Local Language

You may have a little school learning behind you, or you may be travelling to a place where even the alphabet is baffling. The principle is the same – the more effort you make, the richer the reward since a country’s culture is inextricably linked to its language. Why limit yourself to information that has been translated for the benefit of non-native speakers? To experience the real country, aim to get at least a basic grasp of its language.

Expats tend to be adept at foreign languages. A 2015 survey by Internations found that 89% of expats spoke at least a little of the local language, but these statistics vary widely depending on the location. Also, natives of certain countries are also more multi-lingual than others: for example, 37% of Danes speak five or more foreign languages, while native speakers of English are far less likely to learn foreign languages because the need is less pressing.

There are online lessons that will help you, or you may consider private tutoring – which of course can be done before you leave or when you get there – and these will be a huge help. More practically, the trick is exposing yourself to the language as much as possible. Watch the local news, listen to people in the street, buy a local paper: whatever your level, you will find that a little of the language will gradually sink in by a process of osmosis.

2. Build Your Network

If you are travelling for professional reasons, you may have a ready-made network of colleagues waiting for you. Use this to the full, since they have a vested interest in your welfare and will be pleased to help you integrate and learn about the local culture.

If you’re moving independently for the long run, there is also of course the expat network – but this is a double-edged sword. You will find plenty of communities online (start with Facebook) that will give you introductions to fellow compatriots who have relocated in the same way you have. These fellow expats will be able to relate to you and your situation and will give you valuable advice. But there is also a danger of getting too comfortable in this cosy ‘home-from-home’, and missing out on the experiences that your new host country has to offer. After all, your aim is to avoid culture shock – not to avoid culture itself!

Personal connections with locals is also essential. In fact, psychologists suggest that culture shock is more easily accepted if you see your experience in terms of interactions with individuals, as opposed to your relationship with a culture per se.

3. Remember You’re Not On Holiday

You may already have vacation experience of your host country. But don’t assume that living there – paying the taxes, dealing with local paperwork, using medical services, and dealing with rush-hour traffic – will be the same. It simply won’t and culture shock can be most dramatic to those who fall into this trap – even though they are not new to the culture.

It is equally dangerous to treat your time there as a holiday. Apart from the fact that you may have professional obligations, expats may find it easy to spend money freely as if it were a vacation. Money worries will only add to the problem of culture shock. Go carefully and be realistic.

4. Don’t Overstretch Yourself

While this is not the same as a holiday, there is also a risk of over-committing professionally. You will be keen to get going and make an impression, but allow time for simply experiencing the place. Spending too long staring at the four walls of your office, shop or studio will alienate you from your new surroundings. Allow yourself enough time to get out there and experience it first-hand.

Vive La Difference!

Brace yourself. Your time overseas – whether temporary or for the long term – will no doubt be a fascinating and memorable experience. But don’t fool yourself into thinking it will all be plain sailing. In extreme circumstances, expats can suffer from depression but if you make the effort – by following some of the tips in this post, for example – you will be better placed to overcome any problems and enjoy your expat life to the full.

The following international relocation tips are from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

International Relocation: How to Avoid Unexpected Costs

So – you’ve planned your move carefully, you’ve done your research and you’re ready to leave. But as you stand in the check-in queue for your flight, nervously checking your passport for the umpteenth time, do you still wonder what could possibly go wrong?

One of the benefits of planning ahead, and of partnering with an experienced relocation specialist is that they will know what to do when problems occur – and help sort it out. But to help you prepare for the unexpected, here are a few tips:

Pack the Right Things

Take a few essential items in your own luggage, particularly the things you need during the first few weeks. This includes clothes, bed sheets, towels, shoes and other similar items of daily use, as well as a good supply of your favorite toiletries and, of course, any essential medication. This will avoid the need to source essentials at short notice and high expense in a strange country. (And of course, the shops will be shut for a national holiday.)

Also, particularly if you are travelling with children, remember a few mementos and personal items, eg soft toys, favorite blankets, photos, pictures to help them feel at home when they arrive.

Pack Things Right

An experienced international moving company will not only advise you on what to pack, but will also help you with the job of packing it. They are experts at making awkward shapes (like chairs) fit into oblong boxes, thus minimizing the volume of your load, and keeping your shipping costs down. Get them involved early to minimize your costs.

Prepare Properly for Customs and Clearance

Don’t make the mistake of forgetting the documents you need for customs clearance. Different countries can mean different rules. Some of the most expensive expat problems come down to local bureaucracy or failing to observe regulations. For example, some countries prohibit the import of alcohol or firearms, for example, and it is generally not allowed to ship any perishables.

Port storage charges may also be incurred if your belongings arrive before you do, or indeed if pets do not have customs clearance and need to go into kennels.

Don’t Forget the Ride Can Be A Rough One

The nature of the container shipping process means that damage can occur. The sea can be rough, and the cranes are not always gentle with their loading…

If your goods are packed correctly, they are more likely to withstand the rough and tumble of the voyage – another big reason for using experienced international movers. But also bear in mind the value of a fully insured, expert international moving company if problems do occur. They will be able to not only compensate you for the loss, but also to help speed through the inevitable paperwork – the last thing you need to be thinking about as you start your new job…

Make Sure You Have A Home To Go To…

Your property may not be ready, forcing you into unexpected interim stays in a hotel (which brings unexpected costs of course). And have you (or a trusted local colleague) actually seen the property? An online walk-through is usually available, and it gives you the reassurance of seeing everything – and ensuring there are no problems with cleanliness or maintenance…

It is also essential to have utilities set up before you move in to your new house. If there is ever a time that you need hot showers and reliable broadband, it is when you have just arrived…

Get Peace of Mind With A FAIM-Certified Specialist

You can never be 100% certain that things will go without a hitch. But if you have the support of an expert relocation partner, such as those accredited by the FAIM label, you will not go far wrong. If you want to know more about the FAIM program and its distinct qualities, head over its webpage.

CBC recently had a special on moving on their Marketplace segment titled “Moving Company Nightmares – Can You Trust Your Mover?”

The special focused on several moving scams and went into detail on how rogue moving companies are taking advantage of their customers. To watch the segment, click here.

The following international relocation tips are from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

5 Reasons Why Using A FAIM Certified Mover Can Save You Money

We all love a bargain. But if you’re in the purchasing department of global mobility, the temptation to chase the lowest cost when selecting a relocation company can be a false economy. Here are 5 reasons why using a FAIM-certified, reputable moving partner can pay dividends:

1. Reduced Cost Of Risk

The main reason is that there is a cost attached to risk. International moves are complex, involving multiple logistical steps and a host of 3rd party providers. Under these circumstances, things may sometimes go wrong. However, by using experienced partners and applying proper processes you can minimize the chances of expensive mistakes.

A simple example might involve the cost of unexpected, additional storage at the port of arrival if something goes wrong with the timings of a relocation. It doesn’t happen very often, but there is a measurable probability and that needs to be multiplied by the cost to provide an average – or the cost of risk that should be factored into every budget.

We can calculate this cost of risk quite precisely. Consider two examples, where we compare a reputable partner with one that follows less rigorous processes, and therefore has a greater risk of incurring extra costs:

EXAMPLE IS MEANT FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND DOES NOT REFLECT ACTUAL COST

Mover A:
FAIM processes strictly observed.
Probability of delay: approx 5%.
Typical cost of delay in additional storage costs: 5 days @$100/day

The average cost of risk = $500 x 0.05 = $25

Mover B:
Less rigorous processes followed
Probability of delay: approx 20%
Typical cost of delay in additional storage: 10 days @$100/day

The average cost of risk = £1,000 x 0.2 = $200

Mobility professionals oversee a large number of relocations, and need to deal in averages. The example above indicates that FAIM processes save an average of $175 – on the issue of additional storage alone. The figures are purely illustrative, but given the multiple areas where errors may occur, the total cost of risk quickly mounts up.

Beyond the principle of the cost of risk, there are 4 other specific ways in which using a FAIM-certified, reputable moving partner can pay dividends.

2. Accurate Assessment Of Cargo

Container space is one of the key drivers of cost, so making an accurate assessment of what needs to be shipped is essential. Under-estimating means some items will not be shipped – so an inexpert mover will be tempted to over-estimate in order to make sure, which means you often pay for extra, unused container space. The experience of FAIM-certified movers means they will be more accurate than most, and therefore keep your costs to a necessary minimum.

3. Knowing What To Ship, And What To Leave Behind

Making the right decision on exactly what you need to ship will also have a significant effect on the total cost. For example, it may be more cost-effective to store some items locally, and either rent or buy new in the host country. A FAIM-certified mover will have the knowledge to advise you, thus identifying a number of opportunities to save on shipping costs. Their knowledge will also help you avoid problems with customs clearance in your host country, which can result in either fines or more storage costs, not to mention the sheer inconvenience.

4. Thorough Pricing Structure Negotiation

The way in which shipping charges are priced is also key, but it is a complex job to accurately assess which volume or weight bands you should choose. A FAIM-certified mover is able to help you find the option that suits you and makes best use of your budget.

5. Helping You Make A Better Choice, Fast

Global mobility departments will also be aware of the time (and therefore expense) of choosing a moving partner. The FAIM framework suggests key performance indicators, helping corporate buyers and global mobility professionals to make a fast and meaningful comparison between prospective suppliers.  Whether or not you ultimately choose to work with a FAIM-certified relocation company, the efforts of FIDI to standardize and formalize the relocation process saves you time and money – whilst also ensuring you end up with a supplier that suits your budget.

FAIM Partners Allow You To Win Twice

A FAIM certified partner will never be the cheapest option on the market, nor should it be. By choosing for a high quality partner, you warrant yourself both a high value service and tangible financial benefits in the long run. In the words of Alan Bryce, President of Passages Relocation of Canada, and a long-time user of FIDI-affiliated partners: “We cannot afford a failure of service”.

The following blog post is from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

4 Things Every International Relocation Package Should Include

Relocation packages can be very complex, and are not limited to the issue of how much an assignee gets paid. The whole relocation package needs to cover legal details, job specification and a detailed breakdown of how remuneration will work, and specifically how variations in cost of living and housing will be managed. Packages vary by host country, by assignee level, by company, and can be affected by many other reasons, but a starting point is to consider the following four elements:

1. Employment Contract

At the heart of each package should be a legally-binding contract that details conditions of employment. This will be similar in structure to the employment contract offered to domestic employees, but will of course vary depending on the host country and the legal environment in which it will be applied. The contract will set out the legal relationship between the employer and the assignee, and set out details of the assignment, such as the duration and agreed location. Assignees will, for example, be keen to ensure that an assignment abroad should not constitute a break in employment with an employer, and should therefore not compromise their rights in this regard. Similarly, the contract should specify which benefits of employment will continue to be available upon the employees return.

2. Roles And Responsibilities

A relocation package should specify the roles that the assignee will fulfill and any responsibilities they have during their assignment. Any expatriate contract should clearly detail the employee’s job title (always an emotive issue), reporting structure and a description of the roles and responsibilities expected of that employee. In addition, the package should include an agreement of performance expectations, including commercial targets and KPIs if required.

3. Salary And Tax

International assignees can be compensated in a number of ways. Typically, they are either kept on the home payroll, or transitioned for the duration of the assignment, to the host country payroll, or in some instances, split between the two. Tax implications will of course be considered in advance, along with adjustments for cost of living in the new country, and possible currency fluctuations. In addition to the payroll issue, the package should take into account other potential forms of remuneration, including expenses.

4. Benefits

Benefits are a key part of every relocation package, and companies strive to make the deal attractive to the assignee, whilst also maximizing efficiencies for the company. Benefits cover a number of areas:

• Accommodation: the most important benefit given to an assignee, this depends on many factors including the dramatic variation in housing costs around the world.
• Healthcare: full medical insurance is often included. This is also a benefit that is particularly important for families.
• Travel: relocation travel to and from the host country, including a pre-agreed number of ‘trips back home’ during the assignment are expected. Local travel is also a potential benefit; this can vary from covering train fares to providing cars and drivers.
• Education: schooling of an equivalent and appropriate level is sometimes included, depending on the availability and suitability of local schools.

Creating The Perfect Relocation Package

Whereas the contractual and professional aspects of an international assignment are often reasonably straightforward, creating a combination of salary and benefits that suits both company and assignee is more problematic.

The way this problem is typically solved is referred to as the ‘balance sheet approach’, where the aim is to provide the same net package to expats as they had at home, once the many variables of housing, cost of living etc are taken into account. A variant of this is the ‘reduced balance sheet approach’, which factors in both the demand for assignments and the seniority of the assignee. For example, younger employees may be much keener to take on an assignment for career development reasons that do not apply to more senior staff.

There are of course other considerations for assignments, but these four elements – broadly summarized as legal, professional, financial and personal – are the core elements of every relocation package.

The following blog post is from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

A Parents’ Guide To Moving Abroad With Kids

If you have a young family and are thinking of relocating, one of the worst things you can do is to Google it. Type in search terms about the effect the move may have on your children, and a number of high-profile reports will appear, noting the correlation between the number of house moves a child experiences, and difficulties in later life, which range from ill health and anxiety to difficulty in forming long-term relationships.

But it’s not as it seems. In fact, look beyond the headlines and a clearer picture emerges. It is the frequency of the change that causes problems, not the degree of cultural or social change. Moving to a new country can of course be extremely beneficial, giving your young family valuable new experiences, a broader perspective of the world, and exposure to different languages and cultures – preparing them for life in a way no classroom ever could.

The psychological effect of moving on children is clearly nuanced, and it is not the job of this article to go into academic detail. But our experience of helping families relocate has armed us with some key tips for young families. Follow our advice the experience of moving abroad can be hugely positive for everyone.

Before You Go

You know how much preparation and effort goes into your move. Long before the plane takes off, you will start the process of getting ready. Along with your spouse or partner – and, in some cases, the HR/mobility specialists at the company – you will be working to ensure the success of your time abroad.

Yet the temptation is often to relieve the children of this burden – which instead means they are less prepared and the transition can come as an unsettling shock. You’ve had months to prepare yourself mentally, while they may have been largely insulated from what was going on.

Instead, it can be much more beneficial to involve them as much as possible:

• Let them know of your plans sooner rather than later
• Encourage them to learn about the host country, language and cultures
• Ask them to make decisions (eg. what items/toys to take with you)
• Talk about the forthcoming time as an exciting new chapter
• Let them help in the packing process itself
• One caveat, however, is to avoid the mistake of raising expectations too far. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

Education Is Everything

Make finding a suitable school a priority. Begin researching, choosing and talking to international schools as early as possible, and bear in mind the following points:

• If your move is not permanent, you may prefer schools with a curriculumsimilar to the one back home. This will help minimize the disruption when your children switch back at the end of your assignment. Qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate may be a flexible option since they are consistently taught across a number of different countries.
• Older childrenare less flexible than younger children, both in terms of language and in their progress through the curriculum.
• The best schools often have the biggest waiting lists– don’t assume that all will be available, but give yourself the best chance by acting early.
• Think carefully about the school locationand the distance to home (and your place of work). It is important for your children to make friends, which is easier if they live near others in their classes.
• School hoursvary in different countries, and may not fit neatly with your working hours. This emphasizes the need to choose a school that does not involve a long commute or complex bus journey, if you will not be accompanying your child.

Most research can be done online: you can find information directly from prospective schools, and can also gain invaluable first-hand advice from other parents who share their experiences on social networks.

New Home, Sweet Home

For children – especially younger children – the presence of a few familiar items can be hugely important. If you involved your children in decisions of which furnishings, pictures, soft toys, etc to bring, it’s a good idea to have a few key items with you, rather than shipped separately, so the new accommodation instantly has a sense of familiarity about it.

Set The Right Example

It’s hard work integrating into a new culture or community – but both you and your children will have a more fulfilling experience if you make the effort. So it’s important that your children see that you and your spouse or partner are doing the same.

Also bear in mind that you will not only be more sensitive to the different culture and ways of life than your children are – but you will also understand why it is different. It will help your children to adapt and integrate if you explain why things are done differently.

Back Down To Earth

It is harder for children to understand and to prepare themselves for the future. So it’s important to get them ready for the inevitable change when you approach time to go back home. (This will be easier if you have encouraged your child to maintain links with family members and friends back home during your time away.) Particularly, you may wish to remind them:

• The ex-pat lifestyle can be a privileged one – these privileges may not be available back home.
• The world they left a few years ago will have changed: friendships may have to be rekindled.
• Fitting back into the home country school curriculum may not be seamless: they may excel in some areas, but struggle in others

Take time to explain why these points are important, and you will have the best chance of a pain-free repatriation at the end of the assignment.

Enjoy It

Your enthusiasm is contagious; if you enjoy the process leading up to your international assignment, it is likely that your children will be positive about it too. The years spent overseas should be an invaluable and fulfilling experience for all family members, and this is more likely to happen if you communicate well, plan ahead and make the effort together.

Shipping a vehicle internationally can be one of the most stressful parts of your move. Other than your actual home, your vehicle is often the most expensive thing you own. Having such a high value item in someone else’s hands is hard to deal with without worrying. At Starline Overseas Moving, our team has the training and experience to ship your vehicle stress and worry free.

If your vehicle is travelling with your personal effects it will depend on the size of your shipment and number of vehicles as to whether your automobile will travel in the same container as your goods or by itself. Regardless, your vehicle is properly strapped down, blocked in and padded to protect the vehicle. A detailed report on the condition of the vehicle (i.e. dents, scratches, rubs, paint condition, cracks, etc.) will be completed and signed by you and Starline prior to loading the vehicle.

At Starline we understand international documentation and can manage your export documents or the inbound customs clearance process for your international vehicle shipment.

When shipping a vehicle it will require that you do some preparation in advance. Following are general guidelines on what to do to prepare your vehicle for shipping.

Preparing a Vehicle for Transport

• Vehicle needs to be operable.
• Have a complete set of keys available to hand over on shipping day.
• Deactivate the alarm system.
• Wash the vehicle thoroughly for an accurate inspection.
• Remove all personal items from the vehicle, only spare tire and jack should be left in the trunk.
• Make sure the gas is no more than a 1/4 of the tank.
• Antennas must be removed or fully retracted.
• Secure or remove any loose parts, i.e. ground effects, spoilers, wide mirrors, roof racks.
• Secure any tears or open seams on convertible tops to prevent further damage.
• Have the vehicle serviced prior to shipping.
• Vehicle should be free from any fluid leaks.
• Make sure the radiator has adequate levels of fresh antifreeze.
• Make sure the battery is secure and has no leaks.

The following blog post is from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

Well I Wasn’t Expecting That: The Top 5 Expat Surprises

In the weeks leading up to departure, prospective expats always form expectations of the experience that awaits them in their new host country. And they are always wrong.

While the unexpected is the very thing that makes travel so exciting, it still helps to be as prepared as possible. Thorough research on your new host country will help get you ready, but we thought we would list the areas that expats find most surprising. Whether you are a German going to work in the US, or an Irishman embarking on a three-year assignment in Thailand, these are the five key categories that will doubtless hold some fascinating, memorable and possibly terrifying surprises for you during your time abroad.

Local Rules Apply

The variation in local attitudes is a whole subject in its own right. Suffice to say here that many expats have been surprised at the attitudes that prevail in their host country. An obvious example is the less-than-liberal attitude in many Arab states towards women, which most expats have seen well-documented and therefore to be expected. But be aware that you will encounter many subtler attitude differences too.

One expat, for example, recounted how he used to ask London team members for direct and honest feedback as part of weekly one-to-one meetings. When he tried the same approach in Singapore, local staff were more reticent and frequently uncomfortable with the request. Here, it pays to check whether either high context or low context communication is most prevalent in your host country. In high context communication countries such as Japan, you should imply rather than explicitly state. This is especially the case for requests, critique and opinions, and contrasts with low-context cultures (eg Germany) where communications are more direct and explicit.

Don’t Stand So Close To Me

Western expats in Brazil often remark on the way that ‘personal space’ is invaded during one to one conversations. In fact, there’s a famous pair of pictures showing people queuing in both a Latin-American and Western-European country, where people in the former are standing much closer to each other than the latter. This is typical of how physical gestures and actions vary from place to place. What is important is to respond appropriately. Bow when bowed to in Japan. Avoid using your left hand in the UAE. Accept kisses from the Belgians. And don’t back down from the Brazilians – it will show you are weak.

Everyday Habits, But Not Everywhere

To be fair, the novelty of different habits, traditions and customs is one of the aspects of travel that is endlessly fascinating. Those with an appetite for travel will absorb culture shock more readily – but it may be a shock nonetheless to find that Russians often do business in saunas, that the British will often joke about money to hide their nervousness of the subject, and that in Spain a hard deadline is often only considered a rough guideline.

Lost In Translation

It is not until you go to a country that uses not only a different language but a different alphabet that you find out how hopelessly lost you can really be. Everything from street signs to restaurant menus are suddenly baffling, particularly in less cosmopolitan areas and away from the big cities. However, most expats see this coming and make their own preparations (or not). More surprising are the nuanced differences between languages that appear similar. Ask an English expat in New York to talk about braces/suspenders, pants/trousers, jam/jelly or anything involving football and you will see what we mean.

Surprises In Store

You expect to be able to buy/access everything that you could back home. Well perhaps you don’t – but you will no doubt be surprised when you can’t. One blogger loved the bustle and excitement of her new life in Tokyo, but realized how different it really was when she failed at the simple task of buying a wholemeal loaf as she could have done easily back in New York.

Vive La Différence

This article cannot, of course, list every potential surprise that is lurking in wait. But you can be fairly sure that each of these areas has some unusual experiences in store for you. Do your research, and try to prepare yourself. But more importantly, enjoy the difference and go with the flow. Not only will your hosts appreciate your efforts to fit in with their culture, language and customs, but the understanding of those precious differences will help you to grow and develop as a person.

The following blog post is from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

How Debunking The ‘Trailing Spouse’ Myth Helps Avoid Expat Failure

If an assignee is happy and fulfilled in his or her time abroad, they are more likely to be successful. The ROI indicators will show positive results, and the HR department will be applauded for a job well done.

So why do we still see early repatriations? Louise Wiles, Director at Thriving Abroad points out that the link between wellbeing and performance is well known, yet global mobility departments, driven primarily by the need to reduce cost, often fall short in the support they offer expats. They frequently describe the experience as “depersonalized” since it is obviously cheaper to create a one-size-fits-all global assignment policy. She notes that the success of relocations relies upon engaged and motivated assignees – and when their support requirements are effectively ignored, the process is undermined. Poor performance or early repatriation is then a much more likely outcome.

It’s Not Just Work, Work, Work

The main problem is that organizations fail to offer sufficient support to the assignee at a social and domestic level. Carl Redondo, leader of Aon’s global benefits practice noted that “When moves are unsuccessful, it is typically due to an underestimate from the individual or employer about the change in overall environment. There is a lot of focus on the role, but not enough on how the individual will spend their free time, how their family will cope, and the overall social and environmental aspects.”

The truth is that unhappy families and partners are one of the main reasons why international assignees eventually decide to return to their home country – and at the heart of this problem lies the myth of the trailing spouse.

Do Spouses Really Trail?

In fact, the very term “trailing spouse” is unhelpful. The term was invented to describe a spouse who accompanies their partner to another country on their overseas job assignment. In those days the worker was usually a male executive and the trailing spouse was female, and there was a general assumption that the trailing spouse would be occupied as a primary care giver for the rest of the family.

HR departments would do well to recognize that spouses do not ‘trail’ in the wake of a more successful partner, but take an equal part in the decision to accept a global assignment. A couple that moves together, and whose partnership is respected and supported as such by the sponsoring organization will have a much better chance of success.

Spouses are also now far more likely to want to work in the new host country, and it is in the interest of both the assignee’s employer and the host country to offer support to help them do that.

Different Countries, Different Rules

One great example of a country that gives attention to and helps trailing spouses assimilate into the new environment is the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, the local expat center assists in providing accompanying partners with the professional guidance and support necessary to settle them into the city.

Other countries may be less conducive to helping partners, simply because of gender equality rules. Saudi Arabia, for example, strictly enforces gender segregation, and a female spouse is simply not expected to work. Conversely, an assignee’s male partner is expected to be the main breadwinner and may find local support for his desired role thin on the ground.

The point is not to make a statement about the attitudes prevalent in different countries, but to point out that HR departments have a role to provide support because it is not always provided in the host country.

So What Can An Employer Do To Support The Wider Family?

The most obvious areas of support for the wider family are in accommodation and schooling. Getting assignees and their families settled is critical, and compensation packages take this into account. In addition, advice is often given – frequently via previous expats – on appropriate schools and housing arrangements. There are also programs to help with social integration: providing classes to learn and adjust to the local culture and language, as well as providing contacts within the domestic expat networks.

But some employers go further, for example offering professional support to accompanying spouses, such as career counseling (to adjust to or seek out a new occupation) or aiding in necessary paperwork such as obtaining a work permit or setting up medical insurance.

Stop Trailing, Start Leading

Forward-thinking HR departments are putting these measures in place as standard. By moving past the outdated idea of considering families as baggage, and understanding that they are actually a key factor in the well being of every assignee, they will be preventing early repatriation and increasing ROI.

The following blog post is from the FIDI-FAIM blog. Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be a member of FIDI and the only FAIM accredited moving company in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

A global assignment is a large investment in terms of both time and money – so HR departments want to get them right. One way to increase your chances of success is to follow the advice of those who have done it before and who have published their own advice on managing the process. We have brought these together in the ultimate list of lists for anyone planning a global assignment:

Basic Guides

For those new to global mobility, these will get you quickly up to speed.

The Beginner’s Guide To Global Mobility (Abbiss Cadres)

A Beginner’s Guide to Global Mobility (EY)

Global Mobility Guide 2015 (Dentons)

International assignment basics: Planning for successful assignments abroad  (PWC) (webcast)

Global Mobility Back To Basics Series (KPMG)

Assignment Planning

Useful information on why planning is important, and tips to help you do it properly.

The Value of Planning for Short-Term International Assignments (KPMG) (video)

Six critical questions you must answer before you send employees overseas (IPM) (form fill required)

Expatriate Assignment Checklist Part 2 – Assignment Planning (International HR Forum)

Tax, Compensation And Financial Considerations

How to approach the financial aspects of global mobility.

Tax and International Assignments: an overview (Blick Rothenberg)

International Assignments: Tackling the Compensation Issue (Mercer)

Country Guides

A useful link to a series of guides to key global destinations.

Global Mobility Country Guides (PWC)

Policy Development

While strategic policy development is rarely part of the day-to-day job, it may be important to understand how expatriate policies are constructed.

Mapping Success: Expatriate Policy Tips and Best Practices (Mercer)

Global Mobility Solutions: Best Practice Considerations (GMS) (form fill required)