Expat Communication’s Barometer Results survey N°3 of 2022 : “How is expatriation going in 2022?”
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This third survey of the Expat Communication barometer takes a look at the daily life of expatriates. To answer the question, “What is expatriation like in 2022?” 3193 expatriates took our big summer survey.
In a few words: expatriates are doing better, much better even. We are approaching the satisfaction levels of the pre-pandemic years. However, if expatriates are in favor of expatriation, they are nevertheless subjected to the inevitable challenges that come with it. Expatriation is a beautiful adventure but it is better to leave prepared and informed of what may lie ahead.
You can also listen to the results of the survey on:
Stéréochic, the French radio station available around the world – listen to the podcast
A rising level of morale
First of all, expatriates say they are doing better. A very significant increase in morale is noted. From 61 (on a scale from 1 to 100) in February 2021, to a score of 72 in July 2022, this 18% improvement tends to bring expatriates’ morale level closer to that calculated pre-pandemic. which has been affecting the world since early 2020. (Score of 80 in 2019, source: EC Barometer 2019).
Expatriates go abroad principally for the interpersonal and cultural experience as a family
For 39% of expatriates, leaving for expatriation is above all a choice for an interpersonal and cultural adventure as a family. Next, comes the choice of a better quality of life (28%) and career advancement (21%). The need to put personal/professional balance back at the center of daily life is very present. It is also essential for expats that all family members have a good experience abroad.
The impact on the family is generally positive
The family unit is “central, indispensable, essential, primordial” for a successful expatriation.
If the entire family is reunited abroad, ties are “completely” strengthened for 24% of the panel and “somewhat” strengthened for 20%. But for some “the nuclear family is not enough, the need for the tribe (extended family) is necessary”. 50% of expat parents feel that their children are having a good experience – the principal benefits being an open mind in contact with other cultures (57%) and the ability to adapt (37%). For others, the assessment of their children was not as positive, or even negative (9%), and represents 50% of the panel. The difficulties related to the distance from the extended family (64%), the difficulty in creating long-term friendships or a lack of roots are highlighted.
Continuing a career as an expat spouse/partner: mixed reviews
The family balance sought during expatriation is based on the “fulfillment” and balance of each member participating in the adventure. For some spouses or partners, the pursuit of a professional career is essential. 47% return to work in the country of expatriation. For 74%, their search begins once they are in their host country, and 15% of them find work by answering local ads or through direct job applications (32%). Additionally, 17% of spouses/partners found work locally by activating their professional networks. For 34%, their new jobs are a continuation of their career and of their career and for 17% a career progression. This represents a clear improvement over previous surveys conducted on this topic. However, the 50% of spouses/partners who are unable to continue their careers in the same sector, have had to change career paths or are unable to work in their host country. Therefore, expatriation means putting their professional career on hold.
Overall living conditions are satisfactory
Quality of life, internet access, housing conditions, accessibility to and from their home country… Expatriates evaluated their satisfaction with their living environment based on 16 conditions. The results are generally positive, with 64% of expatriates satisfied with their living environment. The top 3 conditions are directly related to the reasons for departure: a better living environment, the possibility to stay connected via the internet and good housing conditions. Memories of Covid lockdown periods are still present in people’s minds. Dissatisfaction is mainly expressed in terms of cost of living (14theducation in the host country (15th position) and administrative procedures (16th and last position).
A positive assessment
“It is an enriching experience,” “a window to the world”, “a different kind of adventure”. But expatriates also note that there are “sacrifices to be made” and to “not to neglect the difficulties that are present during an expatriation”.
The results are positive for 85% of expatriates and 91% recommend the experience.
However, being aware of the difficulties is essential for preparing the departure while measuring the challenges that expatriation entails. However, these difficulties do not take away from the adventure and as expatriates testify, “The world is multicultural, expatriation is an excellent way to understand it”.
In conclusion
The Barometer results of July 2022 provide a positive assessment of the state of expatriates’ daily life. More confident, more positive, expatriates are ready to face the challenges that await them. More emphasis and effort on preparing for departure – especially with regards to awareness – can help sensitize future and seasoned expats about what to expect when moving abroad or changing countries.
The detailed results of this survey are reserved for the members of the Expat Communication Barometer Board.
Every two months, we share with you the results of our expatriate surveys.
Take the current survey
The questionnaires are available in French or English. This link is accessible from your computer, tablet or phone.
Duration of the questionnaire: about 5 min
Your answers are treated confidentially, and if you wish to receive the results directly and answer our future surveys, you will be redirected at the end of the questionnaire to a second link to guarantee the anonymity of your answers to our survey.
Your participation is essential, thank you in advance for taking time to respond.
The board members of the Expat Communication 2022 Barometer.
Distributors of the Expat Communication Barometer.
Sabine Garnier-Posez
After studies and a professional career in economics and accounting, Sabine expatriated with her family, first to Morocco, Brazil, Germany and is now in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sabine joined Expat Communication as Project Manager of the Expatriation Barometer
Be part of the panel
If you would like to have access to the infographics and survey results, join the Barometer Board or contact us via the link below for more information:
On the same topic:
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The faces of expatriation in 2023 – Excellence and vulnerability
Baromètre Expat Communication 2023 : White paper
The impact of expatriation on daily life – results of survey n°3 Barometer Expat Communication 2023
Career and Expatriation: Expat Communication 2023 Barometer, results survey N°2
