For Expatriates
Single and Willing to Relocate?
Many young people think an international assignment is a great way to gain work experience that will enhance their marketability – and it can be. Relocation is usually easy without mortgages, thirty years of accumulated belongings and the considerations that come with moving a family. There can be opportunities to travel on vacations and holidays, work challenges that are not present in domestic assignments and real world chances to acquire and hone management skills.
In 20 years of moving single men and women to live and work around the world the complaint we’ve heard most often is “I’m really lonely!” and we’re never surprised. There can be a great deal of cultural isolation for young singles on international assignments. In some cultures the fact that you are a foreigner can almost completely exclude you from opportunities to meet and socialize with people your own age. Language may be a huge barrier and most international assignees fail to learn the local language to a high degree of proficiency while on assignment. The international club or your home country club at the assignment location is more likely to be attended by middle aged people with families than twenty and thirty somethings. And the stress and strain of working in an unfamiliar culture may leave you so exhausted that you have little energy at the end of the day to make an effort to go out and meet people.
Traits of Successful Singles on Assignment:
Realistic Expectations
Probably the most critical thing it to have realistic expectations. It takes time to meet new people and get used to a new living situation. Money may not be available to travel every weekend to see surrounding areas. You may miss your family and friends more than you anticipate and work requirements and cost may make frequent travel home impossible. Expect to be lonely at first and even now and then during your assignment. Find ways to fill your time productively. This can be a great chance to learn a new skill, take up a new hobby or volunteer your time and talents within your new community.
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