FEATURE ARTICLE
Generation Y Goes Global
EXPATRIATE INTERVIEW
Jo Parfitt, expatrollercoaster.com
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Personal Property Insurance
TIPS & ADVICE
A guide to protecting personal property
DID YOU KNOW
Meet Kate Sprouls
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
Generation Y Goes Global
By Emilie Udell
The Berlin Wall fell when they were in elementary school. They can’t imagine life before cell phones, the internet, and MTV. This is Generation Y, the Echo Boomers, or the Millennials. Whatever you prefer to call them, the generation born between 1977 and 1995 have grown up in an ever-shrinking world. Language classes are part of nearly every school’s curriculum. In college, they are encouraged to enrich their experience with a semester abroad The information age has made communicating with people in other countries quick and easy, with inventions such as Skype. So it only makes sense that the number of Generation Y expatriates continues to grow.
 |
The World Future Society recently issued a special report forecasting trends for the next 25 years. Its number one prediction is a significant portion of Generation Y will expatriate, making it the first generation in history to spend the majority of their adult lives overseas. As new graduates enter the workforce, Generation Y spends time choosing the right company as they feel their first job will set the pace for the rest of their career. Many set their sights on joining global companies knowing that the international experience they receive is an advantage over their peers. They are looking for the highest paying, quickest path to success, which often leads them to an assignment abroad.
|
Business Week recently reported on Universum’s, an international research company, 2007 Most Desirable Undergraduate Employer ranking. This survey looks at the top 25 organizations in which new graduates are most interested in beginning their careers. Topping the list at number four is the State Department, home to the Foreign Service, which has over 13,000 employees at overseas posts. Shortly behind at number five is the Peace Corps, which allows individuals with an aspiration to help others, the chance to live in a new country and help make their surroundings a better place. Since its inception, the Peace Corps has sent over 182,000 volunteers to over 139 countries.
Lindsay Hayek recently graduated college and completed two years of service in the Peace Corps teaching HIV/AIDS education in Swaziland, Africa. She says her decision to apply came after a semester she spent abroad in college through the “Semester At Sea” program, where students live on a large ship visiting several countries around the world. “ I got a more worldly perspective on the role people can play. I applied to the Peace Corps because I really wanted to help out globally some way, and Peace Corps gives you the opportunity,” Hayek says.
In comparison to their parents, the Baby Boomers, Generation Y views relocating to a new country as an exciting adventure, and a chance to explore a new environment and culture. Hayek remembers, “I was nervous about moving to a new country, but at the same time, it's exciting to be outside of your comfort zone learning a new language and experiencing a new culture. I got more out of the experience than I ever thought possible and now I have people I call family in Swaziland.”
While many in Generation Y are very qualified to represent an organization in a new country, the area where they are falling short is loyalty. Baby Boomers used to see an assignment abroad as a way of proving their worth to their organization, and hoped it would result in promotions, pay raises, and increased responsibility. Generation Y more frequently sees these experiences as another line on their resume, so that when they return, they will be more valuable to other organizations. These experiences give them a competitive advantage over other candidates for new and better jobs. Unlike Baby Boomers, Generation Y value a work-life balance, and welcome career changes, new opportunities, and better benefits. So it can be expected that without a proper motivation, they will pack up and move again… this time to a new company.
Are you a member of Generation Y on assignment abroad? Check out of Expatriate Resources for some helpful links.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
 |
Expatriate Question & Answer |
|
Where do you currently reside? How many years have you lived there? How many years have you lived away from your home country? What other countries have you lived in? How do you stay in touch with other expatriates? What helped you decide to work and move abroad? What do you like most and least about living abroad? What was the biggest adjustment you had to make? What aspect of life remains constant no matter where you have lived? What advice would you give someone who is moving abroad? Where would you like to go next?
With more than 20 books under her belt and hundreds of published articles, Jo is a speaker, teacher and mentor, currently based in The Hague, Netherlands. Find out more and sign up for her free newsletter, The Inspirer at www.expatrollercoaster.com Click here to return to the table of contents. |
||
Protecting Personal Property Abroad
Moving to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Make sure you choose the right insurance coverage for your new home and your personal belongings. You should also determine which of your belongings should be listed under Unscheduled or Scheduled coverage.
Unscheduled Coverage
Protects most every day items such as clothing, furniture, books, televisions, sports equipment, etc.
Scheduled Coverage
Protects more valuable items such as jewelry, fine arts, silver, home computers, etc. Both Unscheduled and Scheduled Coverage offer “all risks” coverage.
Before your move, you can choose an insurance plan that protects your property during the move and while it is at your new destination. Already at your destination? For those who have already arrived and unpacked, there is also the option of protecting your property at destination only. Clements offers both options to those moving abroad.
Contact your dedicated Clements International Representative at +1(202) 872-0060 or info@clements.com to determine if Plan 1 (Transit and Destination Coverage) or Plan 2 (Destination only Coverage) is right for you. Or click here to learn more about the different plans and rates
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Personal Property
It’s not easy packing up your life and moving to a foreign country. The task of deciding what comforts of home are needed to dispel feelings of homesickness can be difficult. Ensure that all of your valuable belongings arrive to your new residence safely and stay protected once you’re settled. Here are some tips and advice to help with your international move:
Packing
Decide on how much of your personal belongings (clothes, furniture, valuables, etc.) you want to take with you. The amount of property you decide to take will depend on how long you intend to stay at a foreign post.
Make a list, check it twice
Make an inventory checklist of what you pack and keep track of the boxes you ship. Doing so will help you quickly determine what is missing and what is accounted for when you arrive at your new residence.
Storage
For the items you will leave behind, it is recommended that you put your property in commercial storage. If possible, store your items in a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage. Also consider purchasing insurance for your goods in storage to ensure you are properly protected in the unfortunate event of a loss.
Moving
Find a reputable mover to ship and deliver your belongings to your new residence. Investigate the companies beforehand to ensure peace of mind. Consider purchasing insurance from a trusted international insurance provider to ensure your goods in transit are properly protected against being lost, stolen, or damaged.
Get insurance
Secure international insurance coverage prior to your move. It’s advisable to purchase transit insurance prior to the move to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. Also, it is best to secure international insurance for your new residence prior to the move. Doing so will ensure one less worry and one less hassle once you arrive in your new home.
To prevent gaps in coverage, it is strongly recommended that you secure international insurance before you leave. It will ensure that you are properly protected from the moment you leave your current residence to your new home overseas.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
 |
Meet Kate Sprouls... Kate serves as Senior Director of Human Resources at Clements, bringing with her years of experience both living as an expat and working with expatriates around the world. |
When asked about challenges of working outside her home country she found challenging Kate replied, “moving into a country that shares a common language will lull you into a false security. There are many differences in culture and language that you need to be aware of and adapt to. What may be innocent remark or gesture in one culture may be offensive to a person from another culture.” This is especially true in a work environment when dealing with employees of various nationalities.
Click here to return to the table of contents.
Here is what our clients have to say...
Dear Clements,
Thanks! Clements provides excellent service! I'll be sure to let all my colleagues know before they go overseas.
US Foreign Service Member
US Embassy - Tel Aviv
Thank you very much for your great service. Usually dealing with insurance companies is a pain, but I am glad I chose your company.
Thank you again for your rapid responses and attentiveness to all of my issues!!!
Peace Corps Volunteer
El Salvador
Click here to return to the table of contents.