As business goes global, more organizations recognize that it’s in their economic interest to thoroughly prepare and support employees on international assignments. That’s where psychology comes in. (Monitor Magazine, 2001)
In this global world, we live across the borders of countries virtually far more than any of our ancestors ever in human history. We might drink a freshly squeezed juice from Spain with a mug cup from China while we watch a Youtube video from Africa and ready to have a Skype conference with the colleagues from United States, Eastern Europe, and Indonesia in another 20 minutes, no matter where you are from and your home is.
However, to live and work physically in a foreign country would be another issue your and your family. You might have the excitement to accept the first one or even the multiple times of overseas assignment, but all of a sudden find yourself or your family feeling incompetent, socially isolated, and early signs of depression.
When I wanted to answer such a simple question by this new foreign language, I felt so incompetent, almost like a person never learned any social skills nor common sense. I thought it is not like me, but how could I tell them this is not me whom they see now…
To be prepared and aware of the mental health issues faced by expats and the family is an important and crucial point for global talents to be successful in work and life nowadays.
