Considering an expat assignment is a momentous decision, whether you are an employee looking at a life-changing opportunity or a global HR or mobility professional guiding someone through the process.

Uprooting your life and relocating to another country is never a small matter. It brings with it a complex mixture of professional opportunities, personal challenges, and life-altering experiences. So, is taking an expat assignment a good choice?

The answer depends on a range of factors, including career aspirations, family circumstances and responsibilities, and personal resilience.
This article focuses on the reasons for taking an expat assignment and the issues you need to cover before making your final decision.

Why Take an Expat Assignment –a Good Choice?

Working abroad can open doors to international leadership roles

Professional Advantages and Career Growth

One of the most attractive reasons to accept an expat assignment is the potential for accelerated career growth. Working abroad can open doors to international leadership roles, provide exposure to different markets and cultures, and demonstrate adaptability and global thinking to senior management. Many organisations regard international experience as a key criterion for promotion to top-level positions.

An expat assignment example – London to Singapore

For instance, Victoria, a mid-level finance professional from London, accepted a three-year assignment in Singapore. During that time, she gained extensive exposure to the fast-paced Asian markets and developed strong regional leadership skills. Upon returning to the UK, she found that her profile was highly attractive to multinational companies looking for leaders with international experience, leading to a significant career leap.
In addition to boosting your CV, you may also gain access to specialised projects, broader responsibilities and valuable networks that would be difficult to replicate in your home country. It can mark you out as someone who is willing to take risks and embrace challenges which are qualities highly prized by many employers.

Long-Term Career Implications

While the immediate professional gains are often substantial, there are also longer-term considerations to bear in mind. Returning to your home country after an expat posting can sometimes be challenging. Repatriation roles are not always guaranteed and the skills you develop abroad may not be immediately recognised or valued back home. It is vital to work closely with HR and leadership teams to plan your career path before, during, and after the assignment.

An expat assignment example – Mumbai to New York

Take the example of Surya, who moved from Mumbai to New York for a marketing role. Her achievements abroad were impressive, but upon returning home, she found that local employers valued domestic networks more than international experience. It took nearly a year for her to secure a position that matched her new skill set.
In some cases, individuals find their long-term career trajectory enriched by their international experience. In others, a poorly managed return can lead to frustration and even a decision to change employers. Continuous communication with your home office is crucial to maximise the benefits and avoid feeling professionally adrift upon your return.

Health and Wellbeing Considerations

Expatriate packages often come with comprehensive health benefits, including private medical insurance, access to international healthcare networks and support services for mental health and wellbeing. These can be superior to what is available in a domestic employment context.
However, living abroad can bring unexpected health risks, depending on your destination. Access to quality healthcare can vary, cultural attitudes towards health can differ, and adapting to new climates and diets may take time. Stress, isolation, and cultural adjustment challenges are common and should not be underestimated. If you have a chronic health condition or have a condition which is made worse by temperature, pollution, or stress, then factor this into your considerations.

An expat assignment example – the Netherlands to Brazil

Consider the case of Marcus, who relocated to Brazil with his company. Although his package included excellent private healthcare, he found that mental health services were harder to navigate, and he struggled initially with feelings of isolation. With the support of an expat community and his company’s wellbeing programme, Marcus eventually found balance, but he acknowledges that he underestimated the emotional impact of the move.

Global HR teams usually ensure that their employees and their families are properly briefed and supported before departure and throughout the expat assignment. Pre-assignment health checks, resilience training, and clear information about healthcare access abroad can make a critical difference.

Unexpected Benefits

Beyond career and financial rewards, expat life often delivers a host of unexpected benefits. Many expats report gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures, forming lifelong international friendships, and developing skills such as adaptability, resilience, and open-mindedness. Your expat assignment may also suggest a new career, a new hobby, or a new way of life.

An expat assignment example – Sydney to Berlin

A software engineer who moved from Sydney to Berlin as an expat, discovered a passion for languages and art during her time abroad

For example, Chris, a software engineer who moved to Berlin, discovered a passion for languages and art during her time abroad. Her personal growth was significant, and she credits her expat experience with reshaping her perspectives, not just on work, but on life itself.

Families who relocate together often grow closer, sharing the adventure of adapting to new schools, languages, and social environments. Children may benefit from international education opportunities and develop multilingual skills that can serve them well in their own futures.

Living abroad can also provide a chance for personal reinvention, new hobbies and travel opportunities that may have been inaccessible at home. Many expats describe their time overseas as one of the most rewarding periods of their lives.

Family Implications – Both Near and Far

The impact on family cannot be overstated. For those moving with partners and children, success abroad often depends on how well the family adjusts. Spouses may face challenges finding work or building new social networks. Children may struggle initially with language barriers or cultural differences, although they often adapt remarkably quickly.

An expat assignment example – Ireland to Dubai

Justine and her husband, both from Ireland, relocated to Dubai with their three school-aged children. While Justine’s career flourished, her husband found it difficult to find employment matching his experience, leading to initial frustrations. Over time, he found fulfilment through volunteering and community involvement but continued to be concerned about his career. On the other hand, their children thrived in an international school environment, becoming fluent in Arabic and French, and loved the outdoor life of Dubai.

At the same time, moving abroad means leaving behind extended family and friends. This separation can be painful, particularly in cases of illness, family celebrations or other important life events. For some, being away from ageing parents can be a major source of stress and guilt.

An expat assignment example – Germany to Canada

Tomas, from Germany, who moved to Canada for a five-year project, often spoke about the difficulty of being away from his elderly parents in Düsseldorf. Although technology like video calls helped, he missed key family moments and had to make several emergency trips back home.

It is essential to weigh these factors carefully and to discuss them openly with all family members. Support systems, such as international schools, expat communities, and mental health resources, can ease the transition, but should not be seen as a replacement for careful emotional preparation.

Conclusion

Taking an expat assignment can be an extraordinary opportunity for professional and personal growth. It offers a chance to broaden your horizons, advance your career and experience the world in a way few people do. However, it is not without its risks and challenges. Careful planning, honest self-assessment, and thorough preparation are critical to making it a success.

For HR and global mobility professionals, supporting expats and their families holistically, not just professionally, but personally and emotionally, is key to ensuring positive outcomes. Providing realistic previews of life abroad, structured re-entry plans and access to wellbeing services can make all the difference between a successful assignment and a regrettable one.

For individuals, understanding both the benefits and the sacrifices involved will help ensure that the decision to embark on an expatriate assignment is a truly rewarding one.

Before you say yes to that offer, take the time to look beyond the initial excitement of the opportunity. Consider your career, your health, your family and friends and your long-term goals. An expat assignment can indeed be a wonderful choice, provided it is made after considering all the issues.

An expat assignment – what do you need to think about?