A recent report by Crown Relocations, has found that cultural differences are becoming harder to navigate and pose one of the biggest overall challenges to those embarking on international relocations.
In the report, 56% of expats say cultural adaptation is becoming more difficult, with technology both helping and, in some cases, hindering acclimation.
The report also found that the digitalization of society is presenting new challenges to expats as they set up home abroad, while finding, too, that parents generally believe their children adapt to new lives overseas very well.
The findings form part of a report by Crown, entitled: ‘Relocating in a Changing World: 2024 Global Expatriate Survey’. It provides insights into the evolving landscape of global mobility, highlighting the drivers and challenges of relocation, including cultural adaptation, digitalization of relocating, sustainability, and the impact on young expatriates and their families.
Understandably, a majority of expats, 92%, say adapting to a new culture is challenging; 65% find it extremely so. Almost 60% of those who have relocated more than once said that cultural differences have increased and, surprisingly perhaps, 65% of those who have relocated more often are more likely to find cultural adaptation harder.
Expats believe that, although moving belongings is still challenging, the process is becoming more sustainable. The role of technology and digitalization is having an interesting impact on expats ...