The expat life is an exciting and beautiful journey, like the pictures you see on Instagram, but it comes with fears and uncertainties that most reels don't show. Every expat faces these challenges as they venture into the unknown. Moving abroad isn't just about changing schools, jobs, or homes; it's a transformative experience that affects every single aspect of your life. In this post, I'll discuss common fears expats encounter at various stages, drawing from my personal experiences as well as those of the executives and families I've advised. Understanding and addressing these fears empowers both you and each of your family members. With specialized guidance and support, you can become more emotionally prepared, acquire the necessary tools, and relocate with confidence.
What Expat Children Fear:
The littlest travelers on this expat adventure often deal with enormous fears. Leaving the familiar behind can be an uncomfortable experience. From the anticipation of making new colleagues to leaving their childhood friends, kids have concerns of their own. They worry about whether they'll fit in, how they'll communicate when they don't speak the local language, and whether they'll even like their new home. I vividly recall my own fears when I moved to Singapore at the age of 12. My biggest concern was navigating school without speaking English very well. The intensive English classes my parents enrolled us before leaving Brazil not only prepared us, but also boosted our confidence.
What International Students Fear (When Attending College in a Different City/Country):
For international students, the journey does not take a very different route and is equally challenging. As they set out for higher education in a foreign land, questions swirl in their minds. How will they manage to live far from their parents, siblings, or even their high school sweetheart? Can they truly build a life from scratch on their own? Who will look after them when they're sick? Even practical questions like finding a local hairdresser can add to their worries.
What Expat Parents Fear:
Parents share many of the same concerns as their children, but they also bear a unique set of parental fears. You might be anxious about how your children will adapt to their new city, school, cuisine, and language. Adjusting to the local parenting norms can also be overwhelming. The thought of handling emergencies, particularly when your partner is traveling, can leave you sleepless at night. I vividly recall my own experiences, like worrying about potty training my almost 3-year-old during our move from São Paulo to Paris. This concern escalated when I learned that if children had "accidents" at school, parents were called to change them on-site. Also, the idea of my little one walking every day with his teachers and classmates to a nearby park outside the school premises kept me up at night.
What Expat Executives Fear:
For expat executives, the pressure of managing the family's move is compounded by fears of adapting and performing well at their new workplace. Even if it's a transfer within the same company, local workplace culture and integrating into a new team can be challenging. The tension of maintaining top-notch performance during a demanding assignment while ensuring the family's adaptation is often overwhelming. The fear of job loss within an expat package goes beyond just employment insecurity; it can also include the risk of losing your home, your children's schooling, your benefits, and the possibility of returning to your home country earlier than expected, adding significant pressure.
What Expat Partners Fear:
Expat partners face their own set of concerns. How can you support your spouse through this significant transition? The fear of isolation, the absence of a support network, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment can be overwhelming. For those who are also professionals, questions arise about balancing responsibilities, dealing with children's illnesses without a support system, and securing a job in a foreign place where you lack a network. Fear often takes hold as partners feel responsible for everyone's adjustment.
Understanding these fears isn't just about empathy; it's about equipping your family to conquer uncertainties. Expatriation is an adventure filled with unknowns, but you don't have to face it alone. Interoots offers guidance and support, ensuring you're prepared, empowered, and confident for a smooth journey. If you or a family you know are relocating, contact us to learn more about our expat advising programs– we're here to be your trusted companion.
Comments