Seven Characteristics for Thriving when Returning from Abroad
I have debriefed hundred of expats. Some navigate repatriation with resilience. Some struggle. And some wish they had never returned. Here are seven characteristics that I have seen in the ones who repatriate and navigate the transition well:
1. Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new situations and environments is crucial. Successful repatriates can shift their expectations and adapt their behaviors to align with their home country’s culture, just as they did when they initially moved abroad.
2. Open-mindedness: Keeping an open mind helps returning expats embrace changes that may have occurred at home during their absence. This quality also aids in re-adapting to their home culture without harsh judgments.
3. Proactive Communication: Effective communication skills are vital. Those who actively seek to reconnect with old networks and establish new connections often find the transition smoother. They communicate their experiences and changed perspectives clearly to bridge any gaps with colleagues, friends, and family.
4. Patience: Patience is a virtue, especially when readjusting to life back home. Understanding that it takes time to settle back into a familiar yet changed environment can reduce frustration and prevent the rush to judgment about the new state of things.
5. Reflective Skills: Those who reflect on their experiences abroad and what they've learned are better at applying these insights back home. This reflection helps them integrate their international experiences into their personal and professional lives effectively.
6. Resilience: Repatriation can come with unexpected emotional and practical challenges. Resilient expats can manage stress and bounce back from setbacks more easily, using their skills honed from overcoming challenges abroad.
7. Cultural Sensitivity: Having heightened cultural sensitivity helps returning expats understand and sympathize with both the culture they left behind and the one they are re-entering. This sensitivity can prevent potential misunderstandings and conflicts.
These characteristics not only aid in personal adjustment but also enhance professional effectiveness upon returning, helping expats reintegrate into workplaces that may have evolved in their absence.