International Expat Relocation - Who is an ideal expat?

Travelling to live and work in a foreign country is no easy thing. International expat relocation can actually be one of the biggest milestones in a person's life and research shows that many expats buckle under the pressure. Very soon the sun, sea and sand gives way to culture shock, homesickness and the blues. So before making that move abroad what should potential expats ask themselves? Who is the ideal expat?

The ideal expat for relocation will always been viewed differently by the expat themselves and their company. From the company's, or their HR department's, perspective the ideal expat for relocation is that person who can deliver results and get a job done. HR departments will then differ on how to decide as to who fits the bill. Many will look at a person's results in their current job; others will have processes in place to check a person is right for relocation abroad and the challenges they will face. Much of the time it is more about a person's personality rather than professional suitability that will make them a better suited to a new life and job role abroad.

This article however is written to address potential expats relocating abroad either alone or with families. What qualities does someone need to be a successful expat? This list of pre-requisites should help you, along with a little bit of critical self-analysis, to decide whether or not the expat life is right for you.

1) Acceptance - for someone walking into a new country you need to have a level of acceptance. This means that everything and anything from working practices to the way people queue in the new country should not be seen as "wrong" but simply how the locals do it. As a person are you accepting of others?
2) Sensitivity - people manage, communicate, meet, disagree and delegate differently abroad. One needs to have an in-built sensitivity, often called "intercultural sensitivity", that allows you to adapt to and work with local ways. Do you believe you know much about working other cultures, religions and ethnicities?
3) Compromise - it is not always possible to get your way or to impose your way. Local ideas and approaches may drastically differ from your own. Compromise is often the only solution. At work are you good at finding solutions and creating common ground?
4) Humour - all cultures appreciate humour and humour is more often than not a good way of calming situations, creating good relationships and establishing a good atmosphere. "This I conceive to be the chemical function of humor: to change the character of our thought," once said Lin Yutang. What is your approach to business like? Serious or relaxed?
5) Adaptability - expats abroad inevitably have to adapt to local conditions. This extends from working practices to daily routines to the food you eat. A person needs to be able to adapt and furthermore enjoy challenging new things. Are you a person that likes things the way they are?

For those who feel they have the above qualities and are ready to experience a little bit of stress and turbulence along the way, international expat relocation may just be the thing for you