There are many reasons why a person may live abroad: your boss forced you to relocate, you met a girl online and fell in love, or you wanted to get a better education. Regardless the motivation, the idea of living abroad is an exciting prospect but it can be a daunting one as well. The bad news? We need a long time to adapt otherwise we can get homesick. Here are some guidelines to get you started on a right track to adapt and thrive in an international environment.
Culture
At first, adapting to your new country may be challenging and full of social faux-pas. Everything from the currency, holidays to the weather will take some getting used to. For example, if you plan to live in the Netherlands, you better familiarize yourself with the phrase “go Dutch” before you eat out. Do not get discouraged simply because the social customs, the shop hours, the work ethic or the cuisine are different from what you know. Embrace those differences and who knows, you may end up adapting the country’s customs to your own and have a new appreciation for previously unfamiliar conventions.
Distance
Homesickness is a common complaint among professionals living abroad. Psychologists call it "separation anxiety" and there is no pill or medicine to help you overcome it. Some scientists say that it takes up to two years to fully adapt into a new culture. Depending on your situation and the distance between you and your family at home, visits can prove to be expensive and far between. Fortunately, technology makes it possible to connect with people far away in the form of phone calls, emails, social networking or webcams. Whenever you get homesick, remember what Christian Morgenstern, a German poet, said “Home is not where you live but where they understand you.”
Language
It is very difficult to live on a daily basis where your communication skills are limited by a language that is foreign to you. When you are moving to a country where your first language is not their first language, you may consider starting to learn the native language right away. Dutch might not be the most beautiful language, but it is the national language of two very dynamic and friendly countries: Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as a close cognate, Afrikaans, in South Africa. Every language is difficult to learn, and Dutch is no exception. There is, however, a silver lining: according to The Foreign Service Institute it takes only 23 – 24 weeks (575 – 600 hours) to master Dutch.
Employment
We are all familiar with and hear all around the terms recession, depression, or a negative economic climate. To add to the misery, the unemployment rate in the Netherlands was last reported at 6 percent in January of 2012. Yes, it is not the fact that expatswant to hear, but we can turn it in to our advantage. The crucial thing, is to be, and stay, motivated in your role, and the key to staying motivated is personal development through education and training. The second step is to take the time to think about your career path. What you definitely should not do, on the other hand, is apply for any and every vacancy you find. Be selective in the jobs you apply for; by focusing on suitable vacancies, you can take the time to fine-tune your CV for each one and make your application stand out from the pile.
Living and working abroad can be a great experience and an unforgettable adventure. The bottom line is: do your homework before you leave and you will be rewarded!
By Magda Klima
For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.
Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager
Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.
A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer
Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.
Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands
S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager
If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant