The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/230349
International Relocation: What's Your Flight Plan? It is very important to get a feel for the professional culture you're moving into before you arrive. I started with my close colleagues in Paris, used LinkedIn to good advantage and had the benefit of a strong family network locally as well, but I could have done more. I would highly recommend an informational interview (or three) with local office managers in your field to give you a fuller picture of working conditions, benefits and salary range. In addition to a currency difference, there are many factors to consider when negotiating a salary across national borders, including paid leave, health care, commuting expenses, schedules, etc. Vivien: If your company has a large overseas operation in the country you are moving to, ask HR a lot of questions about relocation. Get in touch with the local office, and ask questions. If your company is new to the country, do your own homework. Your company might be responsible for relocating you, but the stress and risk are yours if you run into problems (e.g., visa, employment/work permit, etc.). Switch your perspective from "This is not how we do things where I'm from" to "How can we get it to work here?" If you are relocating your family, never underestimate the stress of living in a foreign country. Work in an international company's office in your new country might not be that different from working in your home country. But daily life in a foreign country — especially when you don't speak the language — could be incredibly challenging and frustrating. Keep an open mind, and enjoy the experience. Try to switch your perspective from "This is not how we do things where I'm from" to "How can we get it to work here?" A friend of mine who operates a business in Shanghai shared these words of wisdom with me: "China is still somewhat a chaotic market/economy lacking clearly defined systems for business to operate in many areas and aspects." WITH CHAOS CAME OPPORTUNITIES! Be the one to take advantage of the opportunities, instead of getting overly frustrated by the chaos. Asking our experts about language changes brought out some incredible insights. Even moving from one Englishspeaking country to another can sometimes make you feel worlds apart: Ellen's Insights: Work Culture in France vs. the U.S. In my experience, the key to adapting successfully to a new business culture is identifying what is valued most on the job and in the flow of interpersonal dynamics. France places a premium on respecting your place (and the places of others) in the hierarchy, shared experience, building trusted relationships slowly and erudition — there is no such thing as too educated or too cultivated. A great illustration of this is the classic French business meal. Nothing of true importance will be discussed until coffee or cognac has been served, after the meal is over and the dishes cleared away. Beware, however, applying this approach to all situations around the globe — your excellent manners in Paris could make you appear ponderous and uptight elsewhere! Colleagues coming from Europe to the U.S. should prepare for some culture shock on this side of the pond. I'm learning firsthand that corporate America cares about hard work, speed and loyalty, and that the rest comes second, if ever. It's exciting and an excellent learning experience, but it's important to have your eyes wide open before and after arrival. Do your homework about the reality of the work culture you're getting into; forewarned is definitely forearmed. Sean: Every move involves a language change! Even if you are speaking English, you have to understand the idioms and the variances. There are subtle but important differences between the terms and words used in English-speaking countries. Phil: Moving to the United States from Australia doesn't qualify as a language change, but I've realized how many colloquialisms Australians use that challenge Peer to Peer 55