2. Reflections of an Expat
I returned back home to Chicago in October 2009
after an 18 month Treasury expatriate assignment
in Amsterdam. This was probably one of my top ten
life experiences due to the professional and personal
growth. The objectives of the project were to
stabilize and rebuild the Treasury team, conduct due
diligence on the local operations, and create an
international Treasury strategy for the future of the
organization.
As I prepared to return, I took some time to reflect
on the experience to see what I learned, what I
would have done differently, and what I would have
done the same.
3. Reflections of an Expat
Transition
• Visit the city before you move.
• Engage the adventure. It will be different. Not
bad or good, just different.
• Adapt to and respect the local culture. You are
the visitor. Act as a guest.
• Ask for help from the local co-workers, staff, and
relocation consultant. They can help with the
transition, answer questions, and provide
recommendations.
• Learn a few basic words in the local language like
good morning, hello, please, and thank you.
• Understand the public transportation system.
4. Reflections of an Expat
• Join AWC – The American Women’s Club of the city
is a good way to connect with other Americans since
they plan different events. It is also a good way to
get to know the city.
• Connect with other expats. Few other people will be
able to relate to your experience better than other
expats.
• Become a regular at a local restaurant, café, or
sandwich shop. We started “Sandwich Sunday” too
close to the end of our time.
• Sit outside and have coffee or lunch to experience
daily life.
• Try the local foods.
• Get to know your new city really well.
5. Reflections of an Expat
• Use Skype to have video calls with friends and
family.
• Find a baby sitter to experience the city at night.
• Learn to live with less stuff.
• Reach out to new situations. Growth happens
outside your comfort zone.
• Evaluate how the experience has changed you and
how you have grown at the end of your adventure.
6. Reflections of an Expat
Work
• Define the assignment project objectives. This is
difficult since you may not know what you do not
know. If needed, adapt as you go, but set a
direction for the assignment at the beginning.
• Determine the roles of people in the new office.
• Understand the local working environment.
• Execute on the assignment goals and build
credibility in the new environment are the most
important activities.
7. Reflections of an Expat
Travel
• Travel the country, travel to other countries, and
travel with a rental car and a GPS. These were
great experiences.
• Plan your trips to get the most out of your visits.
You may never be there again.
• Encourage family and friends to visit. It is a great
experience to share together.
