InternationalCouples.net

Why your parents/in-laws shouldn't worry about your relationship! Instead...

Being an international/interracial couple affects not only the couple itself but their parents and families also. If you are international newbies, you have probably not realized it yet but your relationship or marriage is going to affect the in-laws deeply, sometimes more than they would have desired.

 

Relocation: a handful of inspiration (from a true story)

Relocation, if necessary, is an important and serious step for international couples, Sometimes chances to get back to your country do come back, sometimes they don't. That's why more than one fear relocation. It's the fear of the unknown, it's the fear of leaving the securities that we have to step into a different city or country.

But if you are sure of your feelings and want to give a more solid ground to your international relationship, often relocation is the answer.

 

Reducing the relocation stress: working for the same company!

One of the stress factors for international couples is the need of relocating. It's a stress factor because it brings uncertainity, fear of the unknown and potentially remorse. But there are factors that can actually help you during this phase and make it easier for you.

If you can relocate while still working for the same company it's a great thing. Explain your issue with your boss or manager and see what can be done to get you to the other branch of the company as smoothly as possible.

Relocation for international couples: crossing the chasm

One of the recurring discussions for international couples is where and when to relocate. Indeed many couples, especially when not married, tend not to tackle the problem with the due strength hoping that it may solve itself. And so many i-couples may end up living in that sort of twilight zone between the 'cohabiting' and the 'commuting' for many years.

Two problems there:

1. Time and years have the bad habit to pass fast...
2. Problems don't solve themselves!

How have you coped with this important decision? How did you approach the this chasm? Has it worked out for you? Still in the process?

Please, share your approaches and stories with us!

5 tools to stand a better chance during the financial crunch.

Needless to say, the economic dowturn is affecting us all. Many people lost their jobs, some cannot pay out their bortgages and loans, others see their businesses shrunk. Public debts rise, taxes rise, countries go bankrupt.

It doesn't look bright, does it?! But, what could we do to reverse it all? Well, I'm sure that this is one of the situations when "dump the negatives" is paramount. What's behind the saying?

International Couples have a whole set of tools that they can use everyday, but especially during tough times.

1. To start with, you are used to dealing with different cultures, to coping with a large array of small issues like differrent approaches to food, to work, to ethics, to the children upbringing etc. You could as well add the ability to exercise and solve situations dealing with cultures in your CV. Why not? I'm sure you will have an edge on others competing for international positions or job posts that require that particular expertise.
2. If you speak more than one language (if you're been clever enough ot learn one), why not specify that in your CV ? Many people only learn languages using books and stuff. You, instead, really practice it every day!
3. I'm sure you are used to travelling, a lot. Head hunters look for persons that possess competitive advantages such as being able to hand the jetlag well and being comfortable with travelling on short notice. So explore this areas in your CVs or during your job interviews.
4. Exceptional periods require exceptional people. A key to bring stability to your family may be to look for jobs and businesses off the beaten track. Instead of just going through the usual jobs ads, try to use your International Couple Mindset and explore new possibilites like try to focus on your partner's community, on their needs as expats. Try to see what they need or if there are any gaps in the markets between your cultures that you could fill. You could also start your own business and take responsibility for yourself. Obviously, you needn't to start a Valley high tech company, blogs or counseling services will do.
5. Ever thought of moving to your partner's country and look for a job/create one there? Sometimes jobs/businesses that are not in demand in your country are sought in other places and viceversa.

Good luck!

MBA rankings 2011

Very likely, many international couples are faced with a huge dilemma: where to settle?

Photo Courtesy of FT.com

Upon relocating, many peoples choose to join Business Schools in their new elected countries. An easy way to advance in your company or a just a boost of confidence when staring anew in your elected country.

The Financial Times issued its Executive MBA rankings for 2011 where it's possible to check the ranking of each school against the programs on offer, the expected career progression, salary increase etc...