The culture shock of returning home is for most an unexpected feeling but there are many things that expats and their families can do to help themselves.
Practical Arrangements for Returning
Expat families spend time preparing for the physical move back to their base country, making practical arrangements for the move like arranging movers and packers and providing landlords, schools and employers with notice of departure. There are energy companies, telephone and internet suppliers, and banks to notify. Even if you are lucky enough to have the support of an employer or relocation company for the return move, there is still a lot to keep a departing expat family occupied, instead of focussed on the emotional aspects of returning home.
The Shock of Repatriation
When families move overseas, they research the country and location they are moving to. When they are faced with the return trip, many do no research or preparation at all, expecting it all to be straightforward. After all they are returning ‘home’ and they know what to expect - they know the location they are returning to, the company office they are going back to work in, even possibly the house they will live in.
However, many find that life back home is not as they imagined. Even if the house, street or town you move back to is the same as it was before you went overseas, you and your family have invariably changed. Once you are back, you may suddenly realise what you have left behind and miss your host country, its culture and way of life; you may miss the excitement and adventure of living in a foreign country.
Furthermore, because those around you expect the process to be easy there is often a lack of a network and understanding to support you. Your own culture can feel foreign and there is often a feeling of displacement, of not belonging in one place or another.
Expat Children
Repatriation can be hard for your children too. They will experience a change of school, leave behind the friends they have made in the host country and may, depending on their ages, be unfamiliar with the home country. Perhaps they do not remember ‘home’ or were born in the host country. It is a lot of adjusting for children to do, and they need as much support as you can give.
Careers
The impact of repatriation can be significant on a returning expat’s career, as well as on that of an accompanying spouse.
Many believe that time abroad will advance their career. If this does not happen an employee soon becomes disillusioned and feels that an employer is not making the most of, or rewarding, the additional knowledge and skills acquired over the duration of the international assignment.
The statistics speak for themselves: Many expats resign from their company within two years of repatriation because they are unhappy with the job they are given on their return, or do not feel challenged by their position.
Meanwhile, a working partner is again looking for a new job, or re-establishing an existing business, whilst supporting their family during the repatriation process.
Partners
An accompanying partner often feels isolated on their return. They too have left a network of close friends back in the host country and may not have kept in touch with neighbours and local friends whilst they were away.
Tools for Repatriation
Attending a repatriation workshop can help prepare you for your feelings when you return home. Such a workshop will help update you with practical information, such as changes in the taxation or education system, as well as give you the strategies to cope with the changes.
Discuss your career opportunities in good time with your employer so that you avoid surprises once you return to the office back home. Ask what role you will play when you return.
The best tool against the negative feelings of repatriation is taking the time a few months before you repatriate to prepare your mindset for a move back home – knowing what to expect will help you through the process.
Written by Amanda Van Mulligen
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