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While working overseas, you get the opportunity to travel to new places and experience new cultures. In addition to that, interning in far away lands also plays well on your Curriculum Vitae, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. However, moving away from the comforts of your home country is always a difficult task. You don’t have your loved ones near you; basically, you are left to your own devices and forced to take care of yourself. And, if you are from the Western part of the world, moving overseas to Asia will require certain adjustments. There are many things that will shock you culturally. Here are 4 challenges of working overseas, especially if you are considering interning in Asia.
- Different human resources/working environment
You should understand that human resources in Asian countries such as China are largely non-existent. In the western world, there are flexible lines of authority. However, it is a different scenario in countries such as China where the employees are used to working in a hierarchical system. Therefore, if you are planning to work for a particular Chinese company, you will be asked to only do what has been asked of you. Your creative inputs will be thrown out of the window and you can say goodbye to taking your own initiative.
- Difference in business culture
The business culture you manage in your native country will not succeed in Asian countries such as China. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised to see different business models adopted in the Asian countries. For instance, if you are working in China, you will be forced to comply with certain ¨Chinese characteristics¨ that have been largely formed owing to the traditions there, which is necessary for catering to the needs and wants of the local population. The business relationship in Asian countries is also different; there is a requirement for you to spend time with your counterparts away from the office too during drinking and dinner sessions.
- Health Care
You can’t expect to have Western style health care in China, and if you do, you must shell out a pretty penny. It is also extremely difficult acquiring strong medication in the country. The doctors are generally hesitant to prescribe stronger medication. Also, a lot of insurance companies in the country require you to spend out of your wallet in the beginning, before reimbursing you later. It is compulsory for you as a foreigner in the country to have a health insurance.
- Communication barriers
The majority of the people in developed Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and China only converse in their native languages. Therefore, if you intend to visit the aforementioned countries, there will be a need for you to learn their respective languages. People proficient in English are difficult to find in these countries. Are there any drawbacks to learning a new language, especially when language skills are so sought after in the job market? And, is there a better way to practice a particular language than in the host country itself?
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