Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze The following information is provided by the government publication Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze. Introduction Before You Go What Documents Do You Need? Practical and Financial Issues Personal Issues and Concerns Working Abroad Returning to Canada Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze Personal Issues and Concerns

People with Special Needs

Many countries do not provide access for people in wheelchairs or make allowances for those with special hearing, sight or other physical requirements. Contact your local access organization or talk to others who have lived in your host country in the past. There are also several guides published about international travel for people with special needs. Check
your local library or bookstore or contact the Canadian Transportation Agency.

Women Working Abroad

If you are a woman planning to work overseas, find out everything you can about the culture and customs, and the role of women, in the country in which you will be working. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare yourself. For practical advice specifically of interest to women going overseas, obtain a copy of DFAIT's booklet Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveler.

Preparing Your Family for the Move

Researching the country's customs, culture and history before you leave Canada will make your overseas experience more meaningful and will enable you to better prepare yourself and your family for different living conditions abroad. In addition to using library and Internet resources, contact the National Film Board to borrow videos that you and your family can watch together. Also, use the informal network of friends, co-workers and other people who can offer specific advice about living overseas and adjusting to life in a new country.

Moving Overseas with Children

Immigration authorities in most countries, including Canada, are vigilant about
documentation for children crossing international borders. Unless a child has a valid Canadian passport or is accompanied by both natural parents, he or she needs special documentation in addition to proof of citizenship.

If only one parent is escorting the child, certified consent from the other parent must be presented, in addition to a copy of any separation or divorce decree. This consent is required even if the separation or divorce documents award custody of the child to the accompanying parent.

If you have school-age children, education is probably the most significant issue you will need to consider. It is important that you secure appropriate schooling for your children before leaving Canada. You can make your
children's adjustment to a new culture easier by getting them actively involved in extracurricular activities or sports, where they can make friends and feel more a part of their new surroundings.

Working abroad can put an added strain on family relationships. If you are moving to another country with your child and there is a possibility of a custody dispute developing while you are there, you should talk to a lawyer before you leave. A special publication, International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents, is available from DFAIT.

Language Training

If you are proficient in English, French or both, you have a good language base for working in many areas of the world and communicating effectively. But if you are planning to work in a country that is neither Anglophone nor Francophone, you will have communication problems. If you are planning to learn the language of your host country, you might consider beginning your studies before your departure by obtaining audio tapes or registering in a language course.

Culture Shock

Many people who go overseas to work experience what is commonly referred to as culture shock. Although its intensity varies from one individual to another, most people experience a period of cultural adjustment. Symptoms include:

• a feeling of anger, frustration and irritability, and loss of sense of humour;

• withdrawal, spending excessive amounts of time alone, or spending time only with Canadians or other foreigners and avoiding contact with local citizens;

• negative feelings about the people and culture of the host country;

• compulsive eating and drinking, and a need for excessive amounts of sleep; and

• boredom, tiredness and an inability to concentrate or work effectively.

You should also be aware that you might experience a reverse form of culture shock after living abroad. Be prepared to face a period of readjustment when you return to Canada. For more information about the symptoms of culture shock and coping strategies, see "For More Information."

Preparing for Your Return Before You Leave

Before you leave Canada, it is a good idea to assess how working abroad fits into the context of your career and life goals. Bear in mind that, after living overseas, returning to Canada can be difficult and stressful. Coming home can make some people feel very unsettled and can even lead to depression.

If possible, make some preparations for your return before you leave. For example, if you already have a job in Canada, you might want to enquire about taking a leave of absence. If you are planning to return to college or university, make sure that you have all the necessary applications and forms with you or arrange to have them sent overseas, so that you do not miss application deadlines. Keep in mind that maintaining a strong support
network in Canada while you are abroad is likely to make coming back much easier. Trying to envisage your return before you have even left may seem unnecessary, but a little forward planning could go a long way towards easing your return to Canada.

Please choose from the following sections:

Introduction

Before You Go

What Documents Do You Need?

Practical and Financial Issues

Personal Issues and Concerns

Working Abroad

Returning to Canada

Canuck Abroad takes no responsibility for the information or accuracy contained in this section and suggest you go to http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/working_abroad-en.asp for the latest information.

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