VIE Speak Up

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3 Ways To Ensure Expat Assignment Success via Employment Insider

From Randy Steinlauf‘s article “Learn From My Experience: 3 Ways To Ensure Expat Assignment Success” (click here to read the whole article)  in the Employment Insider (January 24, 2019)

…..Despite differences in industry, country, leadership expectations and local team, there are three steps companies can take to help their expats be successful and achieve a strong return on their Investment:

  1. Choose Wisely
  2. Support the Family:
    Research shows expat family adjustment issues are the leading cause of assignment failures and compromises.  We’ve all heard the maxim, “happy wife, happy life.”  A better adage for male and female expats is “happy kids & spouse, happy house.” When children have difficulty adjusting to school, a spouse misses family and friends back home or the family is unable to connect and fully engage in their new life in the host country – the challenges impact everyone.
    Unfortunately, expatriate programs are generally deficient in structured support for the family.  Needs range from practical/logistical issues such as finding housing, schools and grocery stores to understanding local cultures and managing language barriers to forging relationships with local and other expat spouses and families.  If your Human Resources team is unable to provide these services, it’s important to partner with organizations or individuals who can.
  3. Provide Coaching
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Third Culture Professionals / Blog (recommendation)

Part of VIE LESA’s work involves reading and following articles, blogs, services and more on the topic of expatriation / Dual Career / Expat Partners – and to share info and links that  we find helpful.

Today, we want to share a a job search blog for the Expat Accompanying Partner who wants to return to work after a career break – Third Culture Professionals, Link: http://www.thirdcultureprofessionals.com/

It offers free practical job hunting and interview advice, motivation and tips from other Expat Partners and Experts. Founder Brid Doherty-Appriou has lived and worked globally as an Accompanying Partner, Expat and Executive Search Consultant.

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3 Types of Support Relocating Spouses Need / Expat Insider 2018 | Business Edition

The recently published Expat Insider 2018 Business Edition , based on the InterNations Expat Insider survey of 18,135 respondents, looked at the types of support that working expats and their spouses receive when moving abroad. From the findings of the report, relocating spouses don’t only need more support in general, but they also require rather specific types of assistance.

Find out which support relocating spouses indicated a need for by clicking on the following link https://business.internations.org/insights/3-types-of-support-relocating-spouses-need

At the bottom of this link, you can also download the full report of the Expat Insider 2018  Business Edition survey report, published by InterNations Business Solutions (pdf).

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This is How Relocating Spouses Really Feel About Life Abroad / Expat Insider 2018 | Business Edition

“The relocating spouse is a key part of the expat family structure and an important figure for employers to consider when offering relocation support. The Expat Insider Business Edition, a global report based on the Expat Insider survey of 18,135 respondents, zoomed in on relocating spouses and discovered how they really experience life abroad.”

Want to know how relocating spouses really feel about life abroad – click on the following link to find out more https://business.internations.org/insights/this-is-how-relocating-spouses-really-feel-about-life-abroad

At the bottom of this link, you can also download the full report of the Expat Insider 2018  Business Edition survey report, published by InterNations Business Solutions (pdf).

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5 Top Global Talent Mobility Learnings of 2018 by InterNations Business Solutions

“Fab article summing up the key enabler for successful expat assignments:
…The adjustment process for the spouses of foreign assignees can be incredibly challenging as they are left to navigate the uncharted waters of their new home. Having access to a social network to adjust to their new life is key. Research has shown that the unhappiness of the spouse can negatively impact the overall happiness of the family unit. Ultimately, employee productivity can be affected and, worst-case, it can lead to assignment failure. Considering the cost that goes into relocation, organizations choosing to support social networking for relocating spouses can expect improved job performance and more successful assignments.”
(Verena Heingärtner, VIE LESA Co-Founder)

Read more about the key global mobility and international talent acquisition learnings of 2018 by the InterNations Business Solutions Consulting Team by visiting: https://business.internations.org/insights/5-top-global-talent-mobility-learnings-of-2018  

At the bottom of this link, you can also download the full report of the Expat Insider 2018  Business Edition survey report, published by InterNations Business Solutions (pdf).

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Happy New Year / A GLÜCKs Story

2019 is just around the corner and I have to admit, I am getting a bit sentimental as the *plan for the new year holds re-settling back “home” in Austria for us (*plans might change as we all know ;-)).

At the same time, I am excited and can’t wait for our globetrotting pathfinding journey “to be continued” home/abroad and am happy to share my story as we go along. And I also hope that my “pratice what you preach” moment will encourage many other expat partners to share their stories and thoughts with us! Drop us a line at office@vie-lesa.org

UPDATE: Exciting news! My GLÜCKs Story has been selected for inclusion in Life on the Move by Canadian Expat Mom. The book will be released in June 2019!

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Creating a Network Beyond Borders

We are excited to be featured in Network Beyond Borders‘ Christmas Newsletter, link: https://bit.ly/2V3Q5uW

For all of you, you have not done so yet, check out this amazing community-centered hub for expat women around the world, link: https://www.networkbeyondborders.com/ and our VIE LESA entry: https://www.networkbeyondborders.com/austria/vienna/expat-transition-support/vie-lesa–vienna-local-expat-spouse-association- 

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VIE LESA / Happy 365

After an intense phase of preparation, one year ago today (17/11/2017), VIE LESA‘s Giant Ferris Wheel has officially started turning and it has been an amazing ride so far!

We are very thankful for 12 months full of “Ups” but also some very valuable “Downs”. It is  those challenging moments which we sometimes learn the most from! We do not want to miss a single one!

We are very proud to….