This is the second part of our two-part series on Why You Need to Accept that International Assignment. In the first part of the series we focused on the benefits of an International Assignment from a career perspective. To read the first part of the series please click here: Why You Need to Accept that International Assignment (Part 1).

As we wrote about in the previous post there are many benefits to taking an International Assignment from a career perspective. However, many are reluctant to accept an International Relocation because of how it will affect a person’s family and life outside of work. In this post we would like to point out some solutions to the main barriers to accepting an International Relocation as it relates to family life that can be overcome with a little bit more information. To get to that point where you are ready to say Yes to an International Relocation you need to find answers to your questions so you can make the decision with confidence. It may be a good idea to take time with your family to write down what could be potential obstacles to taking that International Assignment so that by working with your HR department and their Relocation Services company you can come up with a solution that fits you and your family.

Why Should I Take an International Assignment?

It’s Family Friendly. One barrier to accepting the International Relocation might be the question, how will a relocation affect my family? In response to this question many former International Assignees will say that taking their family on an International Assignment was one of the best things they could’ve done because it gave their family (and especially their children) a truly global education. The Expat information website, Expatica, wrote about taking children on an International Assignment: “Don’t worry parents, your children will settle in the new country, so don’t use them as an excuse for turning down an International Assignment. Expatriate children can – and do – grow up to be savvy, articulate, interesting, and diversity-embracing adults, so give them a chance of a lifetime, a life-altering, enriching experience.”

Home is Where the Heart is. Some of the barriers to taking an International Relocation might include your housing situation. You might own a home which cannot be sold in the current real estate market. How can you accept a relocation when you can’t sell your home? With the help of a good relocation company you can find a way to sell your home for the best possible price and capitalize on cheaper housing costs in your new location, or you can continue owning your home while you’re on assignment and use it as an income property while you are away. To help with this companies like Paragon, offer Property Management services.

International Schools are Cool. In addition, another question might be, if I take an International Relocation, what will my children do about school? A good relocation company in conjunction with your company will often include access to very highly rated schools for expat children as part of your company’s International Relocation policy. The education at some of these schools is among the best in the world. In addition to this, children will often return from the International Relocation having learned another language with a valuable international experience to take with them to college and or to the workplace.

Broadens Your Horizons. Taking an International Relocation will broaden your horizons like no other experience. It will open you up to new cultures and different approaches to a variety of issues. It is impossible to have this same experience without taking time to live in another culture other than your own.

Live the Adventure. In addition to the reasons given above one of the primary reasons you should take that International Assignment is because it can be the adventure of a lifetime. An International Assignment is an opportunity to break free from the normal routine. It gives you an opportunity to truly make each weekend a vacation adventure. Don’t waste the time abroad, explore your surrounding countryside and put together a plan with your family to use your location as a jump off point to visit other major destinations in that region.



In addition, to the many reasons an International Relocation will benefit your career it might be even more beneficial as a life experience for you and your family. Don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime when your company offers you the chance to go live and work in a country other than your own.

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This was posted by

Mike Morabito – who has written 170 posts on The Paragon Relocation Blog.

Mike has over 10 years of relocation experience working for Paragon Relocation. Mike is recognized by Worldwide ERC as a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) and a Global Mobility Specialist (GMS).

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