AN EXPAT WOMAN’S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL

Sydnee Voigt

Among the obvious challenges faced by the spouse of an employed expatriate can be the unwelcome situation of not being able to continue a career, or work, during a foreign assignment. There are many countries where work permits are restricted and difficult to obtain. Should you fall into the category of a ‘workaholic’ or are worried about a break in your CV, don’t worry, there are constructive measures to take into consideration. Or perhaps you’re like me and simply enjoy being a non-working expat spouse!

Those spouses with a family in tow already have a job, that of organizing and overseeing the children’s school and free time. Not to mention the time consuming task of setting up your new home. Depending on the country, this can take more time than initially thought. Prior thought and some investigation will help everyone adjust more quickly to your new environment. Searching for information via the Internet can be a family project enabling all to become involved and build enthusiasm. Should you have children you’re automatically looped into a reliable social circle through your children’s school and activities. Once the children are settled into their routine the spouse can turn to her own needs.

If you’re an experienced expat you’ve probably learned the tricks of forming a new social life already. Consider this list of activities and tips to help you make friends and feel more at home in your new assignment.
• Join a gym – not only will you meet people, but studies show that exercise can reduce your level of anxiety, help you manage stress more effectively and improve your positive self-esteem and confidence.
• Join an international women’s group – many major cities have a women’s club or association with the aim of helping foreigners socially and learn more about the city they have moved to.
• Take language classes – learning at least some basic language skills will enable you to function on a daily basis quickly and more confidentially. Speaking the language with the locals as you shop, fill your car with gas or instruct your household help will increase your acceptance and show your genuine interest in your new country.
• Volunteer – although volunteer work may be an activity that needs a complete settling in process first, it gives an opportunity to contribute to the local community and can offer an inside view of the real life lived by those in the country you have been assigned to. • Add patience to your vocabulary – no new assignment can be compared to ‘home’ or a previous assignment. Try to learn about the culture and respect the local traditions.
• Take classes – many large cities have universities offering courses in English, or other international languages. Some major international hotel chains offer cooking classes.

This last suggestion can be especially beneficial to those who have previously been active in the work world and are not able to work due to work permit restrictions in the country they are assigned to. Through the local university there exists the opportunity for degree work, or broadening knowledge in your existing field. If you have a passion for learning take a class in literature or social history, whatever catches your interest. School websites often offer a complete listing of courses available and semester dates. Most schools offer a ‘special student’ status and there is no end to the joy of learning.

There should be no fear in what you think will leave a blank space in your CV during an assignment where work cannot be found. Finding work depends not only on governmental dictations, but the local job market and economy, and is beyond anyone’s control. Volunteering in your field, or outside of it shows a constructive effort at time passed and can be constructively used in your CV for the future.

Surviving as an expat spouse depends on your ability and willingness to adjust to a new culture and environment. Never try to do this alone, rely on your family as they rely on you. Make friends and share experiences’, sharing lightens the load. For those expats who live in Istanbul, Turkey we feel blessed to live in such a vibrant city with a colorful 3000-year history to enjoy. Look into the history of your new assignment and take more with you than you came with.