Successfully Repatriating: Returning Home After Living Abroad

Returning home after living abroad is one of the most challenging aspects of the expat journey, requiring careful planning and emotional preparation for reverse culture shock.

Tips for the Expatriate Returning Home

Seek a mentor once you've accepted your overseas position. This person keeps you informed, assists in your career path, and aids your visibility within the company while you're away and when returning. Create a transition fund to cover hidden costs during your transition back home. Expect that your values and beliefs have changed. Don't expect old colleagues, friends, and family to immediately understand you or your new experiences. Practice communicating your newly-acquired values and beliefs to those in your home country. Demonstrate your new leadership style with an open mind. Understand that settling into what was once a familiar environment takes time, longer than expected. Consider creative ways to use your new skills and knowledge, such as assisting others through relocation. Be ready for changed relationships: colleagues might feel envious of your international experience or unsure how you're different.

Supporting Family Members During Repatriation

Secure optimal timing for your family to relocate, especially considering children's school schedules. Inform your company about this planning. Manage expectations carefully, considering how each family member will experience repatriation differently. Identify and focus on positive aspects of relocation. Allow time to re-establish family contacts and friendships, keeping in mind changed dynamics since separation. Expect that you may have missed significant occasions while abroad; close family should understand this inevitability. Use technology for staying connected: webcams, social media, and instant messaging ease the transition home. Hold a family meeting before relocating. Create a list of each member's favorite and least favorite aspects of the country you're leaving. Once home, review this to avoid over-romanticizing your experiences.

Employer Responsibilities in Repatriation

Before sending an employee on global assignment, consider how to use their newly acquired culture and market-specific skills. Create a repatriation contract clarifying the expatriate's future within the company and their return job. Provide intercultural repatriation programs for the entire family addressing each member's needs. Establish mentoring programs to inform expatriates of company policies and events during global assignments. Keep them connected with support systems. Offer company orientation for returning expatriates addressing changes that occurred during their absence. Demonstrate appreciation toward returning expatriates upon repatriation. Provide spousal career counseling for employees with accompanying spouses or partners.

Making Repatriation Successful

The earlier you plan, evaluate, and manage the repatriation phase, the more satisfying the experience becomes. Human resources managers should use this opportunity for continued learning about intercultural interactions, whether educating your company, friends, or extended family. Successful repatriation requires coordinated effort across the employee, family, and employer. With proper planning and support systems, returning home after living abroad becomes an opportunity for growth and integration of valuable international experience.