problems working aboard and solutions

No matter how on top of things you may believe you are, workers are still eligible for curve balls
ways of life. If you encounter a problem while on your working abroad trip, do not panic; these
things happen to nearly everyone at some point, should they venture out into a country with
which they are unfamiliar.
Here are six most common working abroad problems you may face, and solutions to get out of
them alive.
Problem: Language barrier
This may be the most critical problem workers face on their trip abroad. You may have 8.0 in
your ielts test, but you find once you step off the plane in New York that you can’t understand
anyone around you. This is likely because there’s no real way to teach someone a language such
that they can understand every idiom and every element of regional slang that native speakers are
used to using. And this might stress you out considerably, seeing that communication is
imperative when you’re on your own in an entirely new environment far from what you know.
Solution: Use your learned language skills as much as possible; whether this takes form in oral
or written communication, practice the language you’ve studied, and don’t get too hung up on
fancy slang or geographic/linguistic differences that may result in different versions of native
Spanish, French, etc.
If absolutely necessary, you may be able to use your smartphone and translating apps like
GoogleTranslate to communicate with native speakers. Even though these apps aren’t perfect
(and may translate things incorrectly, unfortunately), they’re probably better than nothing.
Problem: Feeling out of place in the new country
When you’re meandering around Switzerland struggling just to find a good breakfast place, it’s
easy to feel like an outsider. Don’t let the fact that you’re new to the country get your spirits
down if basic tasks become much harder in your new environment. It’s understandable that you
will need time to adjust to such a different environment than you usually operate in.
Solution: Take lots of walking trips around the town in which you are staying in early on in your
trip. The sooner you get out there and explore, the more comfortable you’ll be sooner, which will
make the remainder of your trip a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Problem: Struggling to get accustomed to different currency
If you’ve never left the country before, using a new form of money can be really odd at first. You
start wondering how your usual currency translates into the new currency, how to use a new type

of currency, and most importantly, if you’ll have enough money to live on until the end of the
month .
Solution: Familiarize yourself well before leaving for your trip with the money you’ll be using
in your working abroad country. Make sure you understand how to convert between currencies
and carry enough of it when you’re out in town–the only thing worse than not knowing how to
use your money is not having enough/not having any at all.
Problem: Crippling homesickness
Anxiety can become a huge problem abroad if you feel less than confident about taking care of
yourself in a brand new place especially when your usual support group cannot come over to
comfort you overseas.
Solution: Learn how to make long-distance phone calls (without racking up an enormously
expensive phone bill), bring photos with you on your trip, and ask your friends/family to write
you some supportive letters or notes in advance. This will enhance your comfort level when


you’re far away from your most cherished supporters, and these notes can be something to look
forward to on days when you feel you’re struggling without your crew.
Problem: Cultural Misunderstandings
These are almost unavoidable no matter where you go. Get ready for some awkward moments
and embarrassing slip-ups while you get used to customs you may have never heard about before
you entered the new country. You may observe activities and behaviors you aren’t used to, or you
may unknowingly act in a way that may be normal to you, but offensive to those from the
country you’re visiting.
Solution: There’s almost no way to learn every custom that exists in a given country before
actually going there, so maintain flexibility and a respectful attitude when making your way
around town or interacting with locals. If you make an honest mistake or upset someone by
accident, apologize genuinely, and learn from that interaction so that you don’t repeat the
mistake later on in your trip.
You’ll be surprised how much you learn from this. Ask lots and lots of questions! And watch
what the people around you are doing, if you’re unsure of what to do in a situation.

Problem: concern over public safety
You become vulnerable in the new, alien city. Today you are safe and sound but may be
tomorrow you are a victim of a shooting made by a crazy men or a hostage in a kidnapping.
Solution: always have a pepper spray in your hand bag. Don’t set a telephone passcode in case
you have to make an emergent call
Working aboard may be difficult. Many thick and thin are awaiting to you Live it up on your
working abroad trip, and don’t take it too seriously. Flexibility and a spunky mindset will be
essential to your experience and enjoyment of new things in a new country.