Tips for Working Women Expats
• Read Up and Research
There is no substitute for this. Read up and research on the work culture of your new country before you move. This will give you a better understanding about the way things work there. Talk to your friends and compatriots if they have prior experience about working in the place/company that you are going to be working.
• Understand Cultural Differences
Culture shock is something anyone who moves to a new place can experience. An understanding about the culture and cultural connotations of actions, gestures, behavior and language is important to avoid any conflicts with your new environment. If women in your new country don’t work long hours or have to adhere to a dress code you will have to follow this even if you don’t like it. This will help you to first accept differences and learn to adapt to them.
• Learn the Language
If the language spoken in your new country is different from that which is spoken in your home country then learning the language before you go will help you avoid cultural barriers. It will also make life easier for you in terms of getting around; communicating with native employees and of course helping you fit in. Knowledge of some basic phrases always helps so do brush up on your language skills.
• Work Place Ethos
Find out about the work place ethos of your place of work ahead of time. A simple internet search and a visit to the company’s website and customer testimonials are your gateway to information about what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the organization you will be working with.
• Dealing with Preconceived Notions
Women are underrated in many cultures and if you come from a liberated environment to one which is fairly constricted it could be a little difficult to accept and deal with. You may be faced with situations where your abilities are doubted or male co-workers and subordinates are unwilling to take orders from a lady. Don’t take these things personally; accept them as part of the deal and work your way around them. Let your work speak for itself and people will finally come around.
• Forging Relationships with Employees
The biggest reason why people stay at their job is because they like their boss. If you are in a superior position remember this. At all times be a team player, don’t be pushy. Contrary to common belief different people, not similar ones, must work together. It is only when we can come together with divergent views that the sense of a team and an organization is realized.
• Getting Help at Home
If you have a family to care for then getting household help until you settle in will help you during the initial phase. That way you won’t have to worry about whether there is food on the table or the kids have eaten and can concentrate on adjusting to your work.
In addition, eating healthy and on time, exercising and some relaxation on a regular basis will help you stay alert and positive while you play the working woman abroad.
There is no substitute for this. Read up and research on the work culture of your new country before you move. This will give you a better understanding about the way things work there. Talk to your friends and compatriots if they have prior experience about working in the place/company that you are going to be working.
• Understand Cultural Differences
Culture shock is something anyone who moves to a new place can experience. An understanding about the culture and cultural connotations of actions, gestures, behavior and language is important to avoid any conflicts with your new environment. If women in your new country don’t work long hours or have to adhere to a dress code you will have to follow this even if you don’t like it. This will help you to first accept differences and learn to adapt to them.
• Learn the Language
If the language spoken in your new country is different from that which is spoken in your home country then learning the language before you go will help you avoid cultural barriers. It will also make life easier for you in terms of getting around; communicating with native employees and of course helping you fit in. Knowledge of some basic phrases always helps so do brush up on your language skills.
• Work Place Ethos
Find out about the work place ethos of your place of work ahead of time. A simple internet search and a visit to the company’s website and customer testimonials are your gateway to information about what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the organization you will be working with.
• Dealing with Preconceived Notions
Women are underrated in many cultures and if you come from a liberated environment to one which is fairly constricted it could be a little difficult to accept and deal with. You may be faced with situations where your abilities are doubted or male co-workers and subordinates are unwilling to take orders from a lady. Don’t take these things personally; accept them as part of the deal and work your way around them. Let your work speak for itself and people will finally come around.
• Forging Relationships with Employees
The biggest reason why people stay at their job is because they like their boss. If you are in a superior position remember this. At all times be a team player, don’t be pushy. Contrary to common belief different people, not similar ones, must work together. It is only when we can come together with divergent views that the sense of a team and an organization is realized.
• Getting Help at Home
If you have a family to care for then getting household help until you settle in will help you during the initial phase. That way you won’t have to worry about whether there is food on the table or the kids have eaten and can concentrate on adjusting to your work.
In addition, eating healthy and on time, exercising and some relaxation on a regular basis will help you stay alert and positive while you play the working woman abroad.
