“I have relocated many times in my life but this is the first time I have had access to partner support and I can see the value of it very clearly,” says expat partner Anne-Catherine Vaes.
Pleasant surprise
“Before we had even arrived in Singapore, I was contacted by my Global Connection consultant Jasmin Braun and we arranged a video call. This came as a very pleasant surprise – I thought ‘oh nice – someone is looking out for me.’ The subsequent conversation I had with Jasmin also stimulated me to make a plan for Singapore,” says Anne-Catherine, a Belgian who previously lived in Tokyo for seven years. “From personal experience, I know having a plan is important – you want to be looking ahead and excited about the possibilities ahead of you.”
Pursuing goals
“This is also the first time in my life I have used the services of a coach. I saw it as a gift, which I greatly appreciate. I can remember how complicated the adjustment process for me was when I relocated to Japan. Here in Singapore, I have also met many expats that don’t have this kind of support and I can tell that some are struggling. They don’t dare do anything to break the cycle. Some feel like it is too late to make a change. Others don’t want to risk investing in themselves, so they continue to suffer…”
Back in shape
“Besides chatting with a career coach, I signed up for a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) course with the expatriating company’s support, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time,” says Anne-Catherine, an educator who is now working as a substitute teacher at the International French School in Singapore. She also volunteers at WWF Singapore. “I also wanted to get back into shape – mentally and physically! So I got a fitness coach. I quite like sports but honestly without a coach, I would never be able to motivate myself.”
Right frame of mind
“It’s not easy when you relocate. With no support circle, it’s easy to feel isolated. Even if you are lucky enough to make fast friends, you don’t want to straightaway dump your worries on them or ask them what you should do with your life! That’s why it was so helpful to talk with Jasmin and a coach – they got me in the right frame of mind. Now I feel like I am in a good place, intellectually, professionally and physically, and I’m very grateful for that!”
Photo: Anne-Catherine with her family
All Global Connection’s corporate clients are leading multinationals. Due to some of their policies, we do not use their name in public articles. However, expat partners signed in to our private Media & Network can see the multinational’s name.
