Asia is going local: Foreigners need not apply

‘Forget expats’ and ‘Foreigners need not apply’ – these statements sound rather uncommon in today’s environment of multinational business. However, a recent WSJ article uses these statements to describe the shift in recruitment practices in Asia. Specifically, the article notes that western companies doing business in Asia now tend to prefer local employees, as opposed to expatriates, to fill important executive positions.

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Friendships abroad: stretch for the difference or find comfort in being alike?

Building relationships and making new friends is an inevitable part of building your positive expatriate experience. Having friendship ties with other expatriates or local people have both their pros and cons. Entering expat enclaves makes you feel understood but integrating into the local community is culturally more rewarding, though more difficult as well. So, what would you do, stretch for the difference or find comfort in being alike?

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