Accompanying your partner on an international assignment offers both challenges and opportunities. The International Spouse Program at Swedes Worldwide helps make the journey more manageable by providing valuable support along the way. Laura Li - a participant in the program who relocated to Sweden when her husband joined Ericsson shares her personal story and how the program has helped her.
❓How has the International Spouse Program helped you? What has been your experience with the International Spouse Program?
I am so grateful for the International Spouse Program. I was lonely and helpless during the first 2 months of my arrival in March this year. I still remember my first contact with the program. That day had been tough for me, but it all turned around after that first encounter. Later, I attended a workshop arranged by the program where I got to meet four other great friends who came from different countries. We had a wonderful time talking about what you need to know when relocating to another country followed by a fantastic lunch together. Those are such treasurable memories for me coming to a new country.
The program brings together spouses who share the same pain and frustration, providing them with much-needed comfort and support. I hope this program continues for a long time, and I am eager to participate voluntarily.
❓What advice would you give to accompanying spouses relocating to other countries?
First, go out and try to meet people in the new country, the spouse should encourage and support their beloved ones to do so. I joined the International Spouse Program thanks to my husband who insisted that I enrol.
Second, join a program such as this to meet new friends whom you can share the pain with and find encouragement during challenging times.
Third, listen to the advice from the friends you meet in the program and try to study the language and culture of the new country. That can bring you self-confidence and enlarge your social connections.
❓What are your key strengths, and how can you add value to an employer?
The greatest contribution I might bring to any company will be my energy, ambition and a heart for new things.