7 answers
Sebastian
Student
8
Questions
Asked
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What is working in foriegn(i.e not the United States) country like?
I am junior in highschool wondering about how to work in the foriegn office and i am wondering about what a job like that actually means in respect to day to day life.
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7 answers
Juney Dijkstra
Business Development / Production / Project Management
39
Answers
Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Juney’s Answer
Every country, culture and company is different. Working in a culture that is similar to your own can feel like there's little difference, but small differences can be all that matters.
It's vital to research the country and its culture as well as the company you're interested in working for regardless of where they're located (even if they're in your home town!), but increasingly more so if they differ from what they're used to in any way. Differences are wonderful opportunities to learn and grow, but they can be startling. These differences will require you to be curious, have an open mind, and be willing to acknowledge, accept and embrace that they have as much value as what you're used to.
Better yet? Learn from their strengths, and apply them to your own individual work style.
This will be generalised and in the aggregate, and doesn't apply in all cases. However, for a super practical example:
I live in the Netherlands. We have breakfast between 7-8am, lunch between 12:00-1pm, and dinner between 6-7:30pm. We communicate directly and honestly, and feel comfortable challenging & questioning our superiors. We appreciate punctuality, and precision in when and how expected work is to be delivered.
When I first started working with teams from India, I learned to work with a culture that I've come to understand has breakfast at 9am or later, lunch at 1:30pm or later, and dinner after 8pm. Communication is much more high context (reading between the lines), and challenging & questioning superiors (especially skip level) is done much less frequently. Agreements, promises & commitments are more flexible in interpretation.
When a Dutch person expects a work task to be completed as promised 'at the end of the morning, no later than 11:30am so we can review materials before lunch' to be followed by an 'after lunch meeting at 1pm', we expect precision in those times. At 11:25 or 12:55, we'll start looking at our clocks and wonder if the promise will be kept.
Someone from India may interpret the end of the morning to be by the time they go out to have lunch (e.g. perhaps 1:30pm local), and they may see an 'after lunch meeting' to flexibly take place anywhere before they leave the office at the end of the day.
Question to you: Perhaps my Dutch peers & I could stand to do with a little less rigidity ;) What do you think the benefits of that would be, or do you think it wouldn't help us at all?
It's vital to research the country and its culture as well as the company you're interested in working for regardless of where they're located (even if they're in your home town!), but increasingly more so if they differ from what they're used to in any way. Differences are wonderful opportunities to learn and grow, but they can be startling. These differences will require you to be curious, have an open mind, and be willing to acknowledge, accept and embrace that they have as much value as what you're used to.
Better yet? Learn from their strengths, and apply them to your own individual work style.
This will be generalised and in the aggregate, and doesn't apply in all cases. However, for a super practical example:
I live in the Netherlands. We have breakfast between 7-8am, lunch between 12:00-1pm, and dinner between 6-7:30pm. We communicate directly and honestly, and feel comfortable challenging & questioning our superiors. We appreciate punctuality, and precision in when and how expected work is to be delivered.
When I first started working with teams from India, I learned to work with a culture that I've come to understand has breakfast at 9am or later, lunch at 1:30pm or later, and dinner after 8pm. Communication is much more high context (reading between the lines), and challenging & questioning superiors (especially skip level) is done much less frequently. Agreements, promises & commitments are more flexible in interpretation.
When a Dutch person expects a work task to be completed as promised 'at the end of the morning, no later than 11:30am so we can review materials before lunch' to be followed by an 'after lunch meeting at 1pm', we expect precision in those times. At 11:25 or 12:55, we'll start looking at our clocks and wonder if the promise will be kept.
Someone from India may interpret the end of the morning to be by the time they go out to have lunch (e.g. perhaps 1:30pm local), and they may see an 'after lunch meeting' to flexibly take place anywhere before they leave the office at the end of the day.
Juney recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Sebastian
ShaRon Bynum
Program Manager
31
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
ShaRon’s Answer
Sebastian,
I think it is awesome that you are considering expanding your scope and looking beyond the USA for future employment. There are things you need to consider when expatriating for employment:
1. Learn about work permits and visas. They will vary depending on what country you wish to work in.
2. Research the cost of living vs. your salary. How much will it take to live and how much can you expect to make?
3. Find out how to find a job & a place to live. Ideally these are things you want to secure BEFORE you land in the country!
4. How much time off will you have? If you are in another part of the world, you will want to explore and this will matter.
5. Build a network. If you are in a foreign country this is crucial. You need to have folks you can rely on to help you learn the local customs and lingo. The do's and don'ts so if you get into a bind you family has a contact. Use social media & LinkedIn for this if you don't have anyone.
6. Learn about the country and its culture. BEFORE you go to live. Plan to visit and while there go off the tourist places and really see how people who live there live.
7. Find out how locals get jobs. While there visiting do some research. This will be a big help.
8. Study how to write a resume and cover letter that will appeal to the country you wish to work.
9. Determine if there are degrees or certifications required for the job you want. Make sure you have the documentation required to prove you have what they need to prove you have the skills they want.
10. BE prepared for things to be DIFFERENT than how they are here in America.
11. Take the time to learn the language. Do not assume that they will speak English.
12. SAFETY is very important, so visit the US Travel websites to make certain where you want to go is an acceptable place for US citizens.
13. Get your PASSPORT. You cannot leave the country without it. There is a fee involved.
14. Visit the IRS to learn about earning money outside of the US and if there are any tax implications involved for you.
15. Find out how you will VOTE while you are out of the country. Make plans to get your absentee ballot now.
16. Find out what the steps are to repatriate when you plan to return to the USA.
I would suggest to go to work for a US employer who has offices in the country you wish to work in. Once employed for a year, apply for a job that is in that country and let the company transfer you. They will cover the cost of the move and handle most of the paperwork. Additionally, they will provide you with support related to finding housing, preparing you for the culture and you will already have people in the company to assist you with the transition. You can begin networking while working in the role so many of those items above can be crossed off the list. Volunteer for projects that require you to interact with people in the country you are interested in. Or join the Employee Resource Group that has people who come from that country to assist you in building your network from that region. They will be great resources for culture and foods to help you prepare for your time in their home country. If your are lucky they may have family and friends they will connect you with to help make sure you are taken care of as well.
Good Luck!
I think it is awesome that you are considering expanding your scope and looking beyond the USA for future employment. There are things you need to consider when expatriating for employment:
1. Learn about work permits and visas. They will vary depending on what country you wish to work in.
2. Research the cost of living vs. your salary. How much will it take to live and how much can you expect to make?
3. Find out how to find a job & a place to live. Ideally these are things you want to secure BEFORE you land in the country!
4. How much time off will you have? If you are in another part of the world, you will want to explore and this will matter.
5. Build a network. If you are in a foreign country this is crucial. You need to have folks you can rely on to help you learn the local customs and lingo. The do's and don'ts so if you get into a bind you family has a contact. Use social media & LinkedIn for this if you don't have anyone.
6. Learn about the country and its culture. BEFORE you go to live. Plan to visit and while there go off the tourist places and really see how people who live there live.
7. Find out how locals get jobs. While there visiting do some research. This will be a big help.
8. Study how to write a resume and cover letter that will appeal to the country you wish to work.
9. Determine if there are degrees or certifications required for the job you want. Make sure you have the documentation required to prove you have what they need to prove you have the skills they want.
10. BE prepared for things to be DIFFERENT than how they are here in America.
11. Take the time to learn the language. Do not assume that they will speak English.
12. SAFETY is very important, so visit the US Travel websites to make certain where you want to go is an acceptable place for US citizens.
13. Get your PASSPORT. You cannot leave the country without it. There is a fee involved.
14. Visit the IRS to learn about earning money outside of the US and if there are any tax implications involved for you.
15. Find out how you will VOTE while you are out of the country. Make plans to get your absentee ballot now.
16. Find out what the steps are to repatriate when you plan to return to the USA.
I would suggest to go to work for a US employer who has offices in the country you wish to work in. Once employed for a year, apply for a job that is in that country and let the company transfer you. They will cover the cost of the move and handle most of the paperwork. Additionally, they will provide you with support related to finding housing, preparing you for the culture and you will already have people in the company to assist you with the transition. You can begin networking while working in the role so many of those items above can be crossed off the list. Volunteer for projects that require you to interact with people in the country you are interested in. Or join the Employee Resource Group that has people who come from that country to assist you in building your network from that region. They will be great resources for culture and foods to help you prepare for your time in their home country. If your are lucky they may have family and friends they will connect you with to help make sure you are taken care of as well.
Good Luck!
Thank you for the advice.
Sebastian
Shaye Zhang, P.Eng.
Senior Consultant
23
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Shaye’s Answer
Answers above are really interesting to read and agree on Juney's response that every country, culture and company is different.
I've worked in Canada and US, and seen my parents work in China. I can add that there are tradeoffs in each of these countries and it's important you are aware of the differences before making a commitment. Working culture in Canada is similar to the US but comes with more benefits (parental leave, vacations, national holidays, company paid time offs, etc.), and people commit more to build meaningful relationships with coworkers outside the office. Con is that the pay scale in Canada is generally lower with its US counterparts and less opportunities (# of jobs, variety of jobs, promotions, etc.).
In China the working culture are a lot more competitive with longer hours. A lot of people means more politics and takes longer to get promoted. The better side is you can network with more people, make more friends, and never get bored.
I've worked in Canada and US, and seen my parents work in China. I can add that there are tradeoffs in each of these countries and it's important you are aware of the differences before making a commitment. Working culture in Canada is similar to the US but comes with more benefits (parental leave, vacations, national holidays, company paid time offs, etc.), and people commit more to build meaningful relationships with coworkers outside the office. Con is that the pay scale in Canada is generally lower with its US counterparts and less opportunities (# of jobs, variety of jobs, promotions, etc.).
In China the working culture are a lot more competitive with longer hours. A lot of people means more politics and takes longer to get promoted. The better side is you can network with more people, make more friends, and never get bored.
This is awesome advice, thank you so much
Sebastian
Piotr Święcicki
Engineering Manager
1
Answer
Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Piotr’s Answer
Hi, I can try to share some experiences of working for a Polish branch of a multinational company, Atlassian. Atlassian is an IT company, and note this specific industry might not be representative for other industries.
From my perspective I believe working in Poland is very similar to living and working in another country, US included. I feel equally empowered to bring the impact to the company, have plenty of opportunities to collaborate with local and remote colleagues located around the globe. I have the same growth opportunities.
From my perspective I believe working in Poland is very similar to living and working in another country, US included. I feel equally empowered to bring the impact to the company, have plenty of opportunities to collaborate with local and remote colleagues located around the globe. I have the same growth opportunities.
Thank you, Piotr for the advice.
Sebastian
Nandini Krishna
Manager
34
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nandini’s Answer
Hello Sebastian,
As an immigrant, I can hopefully provide you with my own personal experience and PoV to moving to a new country and starting afresh!
1. New culture - I loved the new culture and was very lucky to be surrounded by people willing to help me. I also did my own research into my new country's culture.
2. Immigration process - The next most important aspect is to think about the immigration process itself. Most (if not all) countries require a specialized visa to work in that country - so do some research on this before making any major decisions
3. Cost of living - Would the money you make from your job in the new country support you and your family?
4. Stay in touch with your friends and family back home - We all need something to tether us at home. For me, it was my friends and family, Don't forget to stay in touch with them and visit back often :)
5. Lastly, before making a life altering decision, live in your country of choice or atleast visit as a tourist before settling down.
Hope my answers help you out. Have a great rest of your day!
As an immigrant, I can hopefully provide you with my own personal experience and PoV to moving to a new country and starting afresh!
1. New culture - I loved the new culture and was very lucky to be surrounded by people willing to help me. I also did my own research into my new country's culture.
2. Immigration process - The next most important aspect is to think about the immigration process itself. Most (if not all) countries require a specialized visa to work in that country - so do some research on this before making any major decisions
3. Cost of living - Would the money you make from your job in the new country support you and your family?
4. Stay in touch with your friends and family back home - We all need something to tether us at home. For me, it was my friends and family, Don't forget to stay in touch with them and visit back often :)
5. Lastly, before making a life altering decision, live in your country of choice or atleast visit as a tourist before settling down.
Hope my answers help you out. Have a great rest of your day!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Sebastian
Maz Karimian
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Maz’s Answer
Juney's answer is really helpful as it relates to understanding and collaborating with others in the workplace!
Instead of retreading her answer, I'll offer a slightly broader "day to day life" perspective, based on my experiences working in Singapore and the US as someone who's originally from the UK.
(Also, while I've never worked in the UK Foreign Office, I was offered a job in the UK's Civil Service, so I have a bit of insight on that front.)
So, let's talk day to day life! In a foreign country, it's very easy to be a "foreigner" — that is, someone who sits outside of that country's culture and customs, observing them in a detached, "scientific" way, while mostly sticking to the routines you are used to.
This is a recipe for not just not being great at your job — because you don't really understand the people you're working with, and for — but also for being very lonely!
So, to live and work happily in a foreign country, I would say the most important thing is to try to understand the everyday norms, cultural values, and social traditions of the country you'll work in, not just in an academic "background reading" way, but in a personal way. What do the people there really care about? What do they want from life? What worries or upsets them? How do they treat others, and how do they like to be treated? What do they choose to do in their free time, and why?
The goal of understanding these things is not to "become" one of those people, nor convince them to become like you. The goal is to gain enough perspective and enough trust, to show your new colleagues and others (people you meet, social groups you may join, etc) that you care enough about them — that you respect them — to the point that *they* will choose to communicate and collaborate with you to help you better understand them, and vice versa.
In my experience, actively building these types of connections will help you to work together, play together, and just get along in general.
Instead of retreading her answer, I'll offer a slightly broader "day to day life" perspective, based on my experiences working in Singapore and the US as someone who's originally from the UK.
(Also, while I've never worked in the UK Foreign Office, I was offered a job in the UK's Civil Service, so I have a bit of insight on that front.)
So, let's talk day to day life! In a foreign country, it's very easy to be a "foreigner" — that is, someone who sits outside of that country's culture and customs, observing them in a detached, "scientific" way, while mostly sticking to the routines you are used to.
This is a recipe for not just not being great at your job — because you don't really understand the people you're working with, and for — but also for being very lonely!
So, to live and work happily in a foreign country, I would say the most important thing is to try to understand the everyday norms, cultural values, and social traditions of the country you'll work in, not just in an academic "background reading" way, but in a personal way. What do the people there really care about? What do they want from life? What worries or upsets them? How do they treat others, and how do they like to be treated? What do they choose to do in their free time, and why?
The goal of understanding these things is not to "become" one of those people, nor convince them to become like you. The goal is to gain enough perspective and enough trust, to show your new colleagues and others (people you meet, social groups you may join, etc) that you care enough about them — that you respect them — to the point that *they* will choose to communicate and collaborate with you to help you better understand them, and vice versa.
In my experience, actively building these types of connections will help you to work together, play together, and just get along in general.
This is awesome advice and i am hoping that i can put it to work.
Sebastian
Claudia Elias
manager
6
Answers
The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Claudia’s Answer
This is truly an unparalleled experience, particularly in regions like Europe, Asia, and South America. Here, you'll have the golden chance to delve into diverse languages and rich cultures. This is the ideal platform to discover your hidden strengths and identify areas you can enhance. Being in a foreign country naturally boosts your abilities and equips you to handle unforeseen circumstances. It's challenging to exercise these skills within our comfort zones, making this experience all the more valuable.