Expat Skill: Ch-Ch-Changes

Posted on 23. Oct, 2008 by Emmanuelle Archer in Blog, Expat Life, Tools & Resources
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When it comes to ensuring a successful experience abroad, your ability to manage change is one of your greatest assets.

Expatriation is, after all, all about changes.
Some of them are major transitions, such as moving house, learning a new language, and finding or adjusting to a new job.
A myriad other changes are more minor, yet significant (and numerous!) enough to disrupt your well-established routines: having to substitute unfamiliar ingredients for your favourite foods, remembering you are not supposed to shake hands with the opposite gender or figuring out the local transportation system.

What is your attitude toward change? Does the word carry a negative or positive connotation for you?
When faced with change, do you fear it, resist it or embrace it? Do you turn into a “control freak” or do you go with the flow, not planning anything in advance?
Do you see yourself as a victim of change, or do you take control and find ways to manage it?

Emmanuelle