Chen Wu is told he has an opportunity to work on a one year project with a team of American chemists working out of their laboratories in Boston, Massachusetts. Although he has visited the United States a few times for short term projects, the relocation seems a bit daunting. A million questions begin to fill his head: What kind of expectations will my new American manager have? Will I be able to adjust the organizational culture at my new office in Boston? Do I need to start taking an English class to brush up on my language skills? Will my wife be able to adjust to life in America? What about my son’s education? Chen Wu thinks this opportunity will prove beneficial for his career, but is feeling weighted down by so many unknowns. How can he take up the assignment with confidence and be fully prepared before he even leaves China?

Moving to a foreign country can be very overwhelming for executives and their families. To ensure the success of an expat assignment, many factors need to be taken into consideration. Beyond the logistics of the relocation, these issues range from communication and language to managing intercultural relationships to reducing the negative effects of culture shock. The amount of time spent to adjust and reach a high level of efficiency at work can be drastically reduced by ensuring a transition which is as smooth as possible. This includes supporting families during their adjustment period as well.

Possible Solution: A customized Program for Expat Families – Adjusting to New Environments