7 Key Traits for Expats Who Return Well

Expats who repatriate successfully usually share a few key traits that help them handle the transition back home smoothly:

1. They are adpatable.

Being able to roll with the punches is essential. Successful repatriates adjust their expectations and behaviors to fit back into their home country’s culture, much like they adapted when they first went abroad.

2. They are open-minded.

Keeping an open mind helps expats embrace changes that might have happened at home while they were away. This trait also helps them reintegrate into their home culture without being overly critical.

3. They utilize proactive communication.

Good communication skills are crucial whether you are going or coming home. Those who actively reconnect with old friends and make new ones tend to find the transition easier. They’re good at sharing their experiences and how they’ve changed, which helps bridge any gaps with colleagues, friends, and family.

4. They are patient.

It takes time to settle back into a place that’s familiar yet different. Knowing that it is a process and can take months (if not years, sometimes) helps modify expectations. Being patient can ease the frustration and help repatriates take things one step at a time.

5. They regularly reflect.

Taking time to think about what they’ve learned abroad and how it applies back home helps repatriates integrate their global experiences into their everyday lives. This isn’t a one-and-done exercise, though. We continually unpack and process our experiences and so regular reflection helps make the most of those newly-realized insights.

6. They are resilient.

Moving back home can be surprisingly tough. Those who can manage stress and bounce back from challenges use their resilience to navigate through ups and downs more smoothly.

7. They employ cultural sensitivity (even in their “home” culture!).

A keen sense of cultural awareness helps expats adjust when they move abroad. What many don’t realize is that it is also crucial when they repatriate to their home culture. This prevents misunderstandings and helps readjustment happen more quickly.

These traits don't just help with personal adjustment—they also make returning expats more effective when they jump back into professional settings that may have changed while they were away.