Repats
What is a Repat?
Returning to one’s home country after an extended period of living abroad, commonly known as “repatriation,” is a complex and transformative experience. While it might seem like a familiar territory, repatriation often comes with a unique set of challenges that can catch individuals by surprise. As repats embark on this journey, they find themselves facing a range of emotions and issues that require careful navigation and understanding.
Repat issues
Despite their familiarity with the culture and norms of their home country, it can still be challenging to readjust after spending time in a different culture. Repats may feel frustrated that things are not as they used to be, or that their expectations do not match reality.
Embracing the Opportunities:
While repatriation presents challenges, it also offers a chance for personal growth, renewed connections, and the integration of the experiences gained abroad into the repat’s home context. With the right mindset and resources, repats can seize the opportunity to craft a unique identity that encompasses the best of both worlds.
Repatriation might not always be easy, but it can be a transformative and enriching experience. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges head-on, repats can pave the way for a successful reintegration that aligns with their evolving identity and aspirations.
Reverse culture shock: Repatriation can feel like a reverse cultural shock. After spending time adapting to a new culture, repats are now confronted with readjusting to their own familiar culture. This can manifest as feeling out of place, struggling to reconnect with old social circles, and noticing changes that occurred in their absence.
Identity Rediscovery: Living abroad often leads to a blend of identities, influenced by both the home and host cultures. Repatriation prompts repats to rediscover their identity within the context of their home country, which might have evolved in ways they hadn't anticipated. This process can lead to questions about personal values, lifestyle choices, and the alignment of aspirations with the cultural norms of their home.
Career Challenges: Returning to one's home country might involve transitioning back into a previous job, seeking new opportunities, or even contending with the expectations that others have of their career trajectory. Repats can find themselves facing difficulties like the undervaluation of skills acquired abroad or the need to rebuild professional networks.
Emotional Rollercoaster: The emotional journey of repatriation is marked by a mix of excitement, nostalgia, frustration, and even a sense of loss. While reuniting with family and friends can be joyous, repats might also mourn the connections and experiences they left behind in their host country.
Coping with Change: Physical changes within the home country—such as new developments, technological advancements, and shifts in societal norms—can add to the complexity of repatriation. Adapting to these changes can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Reverse Homesickness: Homesickness is not limited to being away from home; it can also arise when returning home. Repats might yearn for the sense of belonging they developed while living abroad, and the challenges of reintegration can contribute to this feeling.
Finding Support and Resilience: Navigating the challenges of repatriation requires resilience and a support system. Connecting with other repats who understand the journey, seeking professional guidance, and engaging in cultural transition programs can provide invaluable assistance in overcoming obstacles.
Repat issues that can benefit from coaching
Adjusting to cultural differences: Even though someone is returning to their home country, they may have become accustomed to different cultural norms while living abroad. A coach can help a person navigate cultural differences and adjust to life in their home country.
Identity crisis: Returning to one's home country after living abroad can lead to an identity crisis as a person may have changed and grown during their time abroad. A coach can help a person navigate this transition and find ways to integrate their experiences and personal growth into their identity.
Dealing with reverse culture shock: Reverse culture shock can occur when someone returns home after an extended period of time abroad. A coach can help a person recognize the symptoms of reverse culture shock and develop coping strategies.
Career transition: Returning home may also mean a career transition. A coach can help persons identify their skills and passions, explore career options, and create a plan for achieving their career goals
Building a support system: A repatriate may have left behind a support system when they moved abroad, and returning home may mean rebuilding that support system. A coach can help a person identify potential support networks and develop strategies for building new relationships.
Through our personalized coaching sessions, you will gain valuable insights, practical tools, and strategies to navigate the complexities of expat life. Our experienced coaches will guide you through the process of cultural integration, and career advancement, helping you build a strong foundation for success.