Destination: Life Abroad. What Does It Mean to Work in an International Environment?

The #coachforexpat column where I’ll share useful insights to help you design your life and career abroad.

“Have you ever worked in an international setting?”“Yes! For a few years.”“50 points to Gryffindor!”

Okay, a recruiter probably wouldn’t say that—but working in an international environment definitely adds to your resume.Especially if you’re planning to live abroad and are applying for a job in another country.

But have you ever really asked yourself what the advantages of working in an international environment are?It always sounds like something super cool—you just need to speak English and you're good to go.Spoiler: Reality is a bit more complex. And much more interesting.(Of course, every experience is unique—I'm sharing what I've lived and observed over many years with clients and colleagues abroad.)

🌍 What is an international environment, really?

It’s not just “working with people who speak English.”It’s about interacting daily with colleagues who think, communicate, work, and make decisions differently than you do.They have different cultural backgrounds—and wildly different accents!Try listening to someone from India, Australia, South Africa, and the UK.Help!!This means… constant stimulation, but also a few “cultural short circuits.”

💬 Pro: Your communication will evolve

You know when you say one thing, and people understand… something else entirely?Welcome to a multicultural team!It’s not just about translating words—it’s about translating intentions, paying attention to each person’s cultural context.And that’s where you really develop your soft skills: active listening, empathy, clarity, patience.(Spoiler #2: Pretty great training!)

🧠 Con: It takes energy and effort

An international environment can also be draining:

• You lose that ability to understand each other with just a look or half a sentence

• Meetings in English at 7 AM while you’re still sipping your coffee

• Totally different work habits and behaviors

• “Well, where I’m from, we do it like this…” (the most dangerous sentence in the world)

But… if you stay open-minded, you’ll learn more in six months than in years elsewhere.

🚀 What will you learn and gain from working in an international environment?

💼 Relationship skills🧳 New perspectives🙌 A more adaptable, ready-for-anything version of yourself