Expatriate Support in Europe

Wow… I am on my way to Europe!
Indeed, a fantastic adventure and a true change of lifestyle but … make sure to be well prepared.


Just take a few minutes to analyze the following questions:


• Has it been a free choice or one "imposed" by your employer?

• Do you like the idea to move to another place of the world anyway?

• Have you been able to make your own selection of preferred countries and cities?

• Did you check out the landscape well before making that final decision?

• Has your employer been supportive on the process?

• Is there a plan B (contingency) in case you would not feel happy after all?

• Did you strongly engage your family and friends?

• Are the financials adapted to the new country?

• Will you enter a place known for its international style?


Like everywhere, using expatriate support would be of great value in Europe. You can and need to call upon these people before, after and during your stay.


Hereby some reasons not to forget them!


• You will be served by local specialists

• You will learn more about the local business behaviours

• You will get to know the cultural aspects of living in a specific country or region

• Some will be able to teach you more about the European continent (helicopter
view) and each individual country

• They will help you with practical but fundamental things like housing, school, spouse's job, opening hours, etc.

• You will be teached to understand the country by guided visits to "key points"

• They will support you to appreciate local culture (hospitality, food, sports, ...)
You will learn more about local rules and regulations (environmental, social, traffic, employment, social security, etc.)

• They will guide you in the "do's and don'ts" allowing you to integrate better

• You will learn how to speak the local language.


Most probably it will not be that difficult to adapt to multicultural and international countries like Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands or cities like Brussels, London or Amsterdam. It also depends from your origin, flexibility, motivation, openness, etc.


No doubt that proper expatriate support in Europe will accelerate your integration process!