Results Survey N°2: The return from expatriation, what are the challenges?
You are a company and want to know more about our Expat Communication Barometer Board
The return from expatriation, what are the challenges?
For this survey, the Expat Communication Barometer focused on the return from expatriation. This is a crucial step when moving abroad and also a sensitive topic: more than 3,500 expatriates or former expatriates answered this second survey of the year.
“A return is like a departure, it has to be prepared”.
Whether it is a choice or an obligation, returning home is a step that must be prepared for and if possible, anticipated. The pandemic context of the last two years has precipitated a certain number of repatriations, and this year has not been spared by hasty returns due to the situation in the host country.
You can also listen to the survey results on :
Stéréochic, la radio des Français dans le monde, listen to the podcast
Is career the main reason for expatriates to return?
In addition to the family, personal or quality of life aspects that prompted them to return, the main reason for returning remains professional for the majority of expatriates: 34%.
The end of an assignment, an opportunity in another company or an expatriation that no longer corresponds to expectations are the reasons most often given to explain this return.
On the way back, lower living standards and isolation. The price to pay for undeniable personal development.
According to expatriates, 75% of whom returned less than two years ago, the return may be accompanied by difficulties. Only 9% of them replied that their return had been without any particular difficulties. For the others, 91%, these difficulties took different forms.
The main ones being a feeling of loneliness or isolation for 19%, the impression that expatriation is not valued (21%), or a drop in the standard of living for 25% of them.
In return for these difficulties, the advantages of skills acquired during expatriation are put forward: a better ability to adapt for 28%, better human skills (19%), a better knowledge of one’s professional value (12%) and an increase in the standard of living for 11% or a career progression (10%).
The ignored warnings of returning expatriates
The difficulties of returning from expatriation are highlighted and yet few prepare their “drop-off point, to avoid professional pitfalls”.
Some expatriates seem not to be aware of, or choose not to consider the impact of “reverse culture shock” that comes with repatriation.
Expatriates seem to have little concern about their return according to the responses obtained. 43% do not worry about returning “I am returning by choice, not for professional reasons”.
And yet, many elements must be taken into account in order to analyse how difficult, complex or even depressing a return can be, depending on the person.
Former expatriates believe that their return was difficult, even very difficult for 70% of them. 56% believe that it is easier to leave than to return from expatriation.
Although 28% place the two stages of expatriation (departure and return) on the same level, only 11% find it easier to return. “Positive memories of expatriation resurface at the slightest difficulty in France”.
This can make it more difficult to integrate in one’s own country, which has also changed and evolved.
After all, why is it difficult to return?
Going home means turning a page. You have to start a new cycle, whether you want to or not. “Approaching one’s return as a new expatriation” can facilitate the approach.
This leads us to ask the question of what was best about expatriation for those who find it difficult to return or, on the contrary, what was missing that you are happy to find on your return “family celebrations, culture, health coverage…”.
This is the theme of the third barometer survey: "What is expatriation like?".
This is a question that often comes up when you return to your home country for the holidays. You can prepare yourself for this by completing this summer survey (available until July 31):
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 moved abroad with her family, first to Morocco, Brazil, Germany and now lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sabine joined Expat Communication as Head of the Expatriation Barometer
Join our 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:
The tour of expatriation in 2024
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
