10 New Year’s Resolutions for Living and Working Abroad

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 | 0 comments

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Living and Working Abroad

 

1. Learn the local language!

Whether you achieve business fluency or learn how to ask directions to the grocery store, learning the local language will help you win points on all fronts. In business relationships, learning the language is a sign of respect and your commitment to working with the locals.

 

2. Expand your network.

The best way to get your career on track is to strategically network. Use those new language skills to build relationships with coworkers and mentors. Your career will benefit and you never know where your new connections can lead!

 

3. Plan some down time.

Every transition, be it across the hall or across the globe, comes with natural stressors. Be sure to plan some down time with friends and family in the coming year to enjoy time with the people most important to you as well as to earn their support and get the most out of your transition.

 

4. Take stock of your strengths.

Allocate some time to inventory your transferrable skills, your strengths, and your weaknesses. The start of a new year is a great time to identify how you have excelled and what your goals you have going forward.

 

5. Revamp your résumé or CV.

No matter where your transitions take you, a well-crafted résumé/CV is one of your most powerful tools. If you’re a Passport Career member, check out the country-specific résumé/CV guidance in the relevant Country Portfolios for specific ways to strengthen your résumé/CV!

 

6. Delve into the culture.

Similar to learning the language, there are endless benefits to immersing yourself in the local culture. You will expand your perspective and find that you may be able to approach problems or projects more creatively at work! Check out a vacation spot away from the tourists or celebrate a local holiday. Passport Career lists many of these places in the “ Networking and Making Contacts”section of your destination country.

 

7. Engage in country-appropriate etiquette.

Business protocol varies from country to country and even from region to region. To really excel in your career, take some time to learn about the business etiquette in your home country as well as your destination country. It’s essential to study both so you can make comparisons and avoid a cultural faux pas.

 

8. Invest in yourself and your career.

Evaluate your wardrobe and how you present yourself. If your employer did not provide you with business cards, or if you are seeking employment, invest in some locally printed business cards from a reputable source.

 

9. Keep in touch.

Be sure to maintain relationships with friends and coworkers back home. Social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook allow you to initiate contact and post updates on your life, but be sure to send a personal email every now and then to stay connected!

 

10. Plan for success!

To set yourself up for success you need to develop realistic goals for your time abroad.  If you are a member of Passport Career, be sure to read the Job Search Overview in your destination’s Country Portfolio to get a picture of the local employment situation. Then set your goals accordingly. Spend time in the Strategic Approach section to master the key areas identified in the Business Culture section and apply that knowledge and those cultural skills when you network with different groups listed in the Making Contacts section. Each listing of contacts includes guidance on how to network strategically with that type of group. Be realistic with your goals, positive about the outcome, and strategic in your approach. No returning home with regrets!

 


WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW TO KICK-START YOUR CAREER THIS YEAR?

Passport Career provides more detailed career information and extensive resources about networking, finding a job, internship, alternative career opportunities as well as information on writing CVs, cover letters and interviews. If your organization, embassy, university/college, library, or other institution would like access to our country portfolios (15,000+ pages of expert content for 80+ countries and 250+ cities) to share with your students, employees, spouses/partners, and others managing a national or international career transition, please contact us (or email info@passportcareer.com) regarding a free, live, online demo and details on how to obtain a license to access Passport Career.

 

Written by: The Passport Career Team
Edited by: Anna Sparks, Expert Global Career Consultant

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