So, how should one prepare for a foreign posting? And how should one proceed as he embarks on a new life working overseas? In a book titled Organisational Behaviour in Asia: Issues and Challenges, Dr Tan Joo Seng and Ms Chi Ching interview Singaporeans who have experienced working overseas and find a consensus that there are critical factors that help one succeed in an overseas posting. These factors include adequate preparation, training and orientation prior to the assignment.

It is necessary for the future ‘overseas’ employee to do his own research about the country, i.e., general information about the country (economic system, legal, political and technological know-how); socio-cultural variables (religion, education and language); cultural variables (culture, beliefs and norms); business practices and attitudes of its citizens about work, time, and change. Below is a list of other pointers that will help prepare one before working overseas. It is not an exhaustive list but these critical success factors will open you to enjoy and maximise your potential in the new international environment.

1. If English is not the native language, attend a course for the native language.
2. Start socialising with counterparts via email and develop a social relationship, in addition to the business relationship that will develop.
3. Be proactive in searching for the relevant associations in Singapore (including foreign embassies) and if possible, get in touch with members to widen horizon about business practices and issues and cultural norms.
4. Ensure that the family (spouse and kids) is fully briefed about the foreign assignment and is mentally prepared to accept the change and be willing to live overseas. Issues such as spouse’s possible employment opportunities and children’s schooling should be addressed.
5. Be aware of the health and medical certificate requirements (i.e., vaccination, being SARS-free and other requirements).
6. Avoid some of the pitfalls many ‘overseas’ or expatriates have experienced which have not broadened their exposure. This includes limiting their socialisation with their own countrymen. Many ‘returnee’ executives, after spending some time overseas, come back without learning the culture, norms, values and behaviour in the foreign environment.

While in the foreign posting, try to be proactive in joining local associations and socialise with the locals and learn more from them. And make sure you are ‘open’, adaptable, flexible, and game for this whole new experience.

STAYING SAFE

There are foreign assignments that may be vulnerable to terrorism threats, particularly after 9/11, and the Bali bombing incidents. As incidents of terrorism intensify around the world – bombings, hijackings, blackmail and kidnappings – it is imperative for the individual not to be identified as a ‘foreigner’ in the international assignment / posting. If possible, try to blend in with the crowd and maintain a low profile.

BEING CULTURALLY SENSITIVE

It is very important to have cultural empathy or be culturally sensitive. Cultural empathy is an awareness of and an honest caring about an individual’s culture. Such cultural sensitivity requires the ability to understand other country’s perspectives and the willingness to put oneself in other people’s shoes. Singaporeans wishing to work overseas can benefit from understanding the nature and dimensions of that country’s culture, and in the process, be able to plan, organise, lead and control in a specific international setting.

So, are you cut out for foreign or international assignments? Do you have what it takes to succeed in this new environment? If you are intending to work overseas, it is crucial to start now by mentally preparing yourself and doing your initial research by prospecting for job leads and being proactive (submit your name to recruiting agencies and executive search consultants) in your quest for this assignment. It will not happen overnight but if you ACT NOW, your ambition of attaining that goal to work and live overseas is just a stone’s throw away.