Living Abroad on Business

Besides the usual precautions necessitated by business travel (see The Business Traveler), there are some added measures necessary for those who will actually be living abroad. The advantage to a business move, as opposed to a business trip, is that there is usually more time to prepare. The disadvantage is that there is much more to prepare FOR. More than ever, this sort of trip requires sound advice from a knowledgeable travel medicine specialist. (See other services we offer as well as our directory of specialists.)

Family considerations always take a major place. Safety and schooling of children. Transportation to and from school and work. Where one will live. Medical and dental care. Hiring of household help. Ability to communicate with family and friends back home. All of these issues need to be recognized and addressed.

Then there are security concerns. Those in important business positions, especially Americans, are particular targets for thieves and terrorists. Organizations equipped to train for and prevent these problems include:

The Ackerman Group, Inc.
1666 Kennedy Causeway
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305-865-0072)


Argen, Inc.
666 3rd. Ave.
New York, NY 10017
(212-986-5151)


Control Risks, Ltd.
4350 East-West Highway, Suite 900
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301-654-2075)


Paul Chamberlain International
9701 Wilshire, Suite 1201
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(213-276-2601)

"Culture shock" is another consideration. The executive, busy with his assigned role, perhaps suffers from this less than his (her) spouse and family. At first, life is all new and exciting. Then, usually after about a month, the reality and permanence of an unfamiliar culture begin to take their toll. Disillusionment and frustration become a daily part of life and a host of physical symptoms may appear. Some of this can be prevented by a thorough knowledge of the culture prior to arrival, as well as the beginnings of learning the new language. Several books address these issues and are available from the Intercultural Press, Inc., P.O. Box 700, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (207-846-5168). An organization which provides cross-cultural training prior to travel as well as support abroad is International Professional Relations, P.O. Box 155, Marmora, NJ 08223 (609-624-0202.)

Cultural readjustment on RETURN home is just as important as on the way out. Old friends have gone on to other interests in your absence. The neighborhood has changed. Even people and relationships at work are no longer the same. It is important to expect and prepare for these changes. They may even require some counselling.