There are a growing number of expatriates across the world and, unsurprisingly, many are married or otherwise coupled. When a spouse makes the decision to live and work abroad, they often receive training and other accommodations to make their transition overseas easier. But what about their partner? For many, a transition to expat life when a partner makes the decision to live and work abroad can be a difficult and lonely process. When you move because your significant other has accepted work, they’ve often got a built-in community as a result of their job. As a result, you may have a hard time creating your own opportunities. Luckily, many companies offer (at a minimum) a course or two before your travel to assist with learning the culture, language, and food. Of course, learning the language will inevitably smooth your transition, as will connected with other local expatriates. You may also be able to find pre and post relocation counseling that will ease your transition and set your expectations. You may also meet people by involving yourself with your significant other’s company events, joining parent groups, etc.–but be prepared to feel overwhelmed at first. The reality of the situation While various forms of cultural preparation can make you feel a little less uneasy about your new home, you should prepare to feel isolated and even lonely at first. As with any move, it can take awhile to assimilate into a place and meet people with whom you can become friends. Simple things may suddenly become difficult–purchasing clothing in your size, for example. Often, transitional help is provided as a couple prepares for expatriation, but fades once the move is complete. It is estimated that 30% of those who chose to return early from international job assignments do so because of the inability of their significant other or family to adapt to the new culture and lifestyle. This is problematic for a couple of reasons. First, early returns cost both the former expatriates and the company they work for money. Reputations can be damaged beyond repair and replacements must be found. This of course interferes with productivity. But there is a human cost too–such decisions can encourage resentment from one spouse and interfere with relationships. Repatriation can also be a difficult process, and the former (home) office of the employee may not be prepared to deal with the reintroduction of an employee who has been living abroad. What’s being done Obviously, the best solution to the problem is to find a way to accommodate expatriate spouses and significant others before it is too late. Some companies have begun to send spouses and/or children to immersion courses that begin with the initial concerns of a place–food, etiquette, language, appearance. These courses may also cover topics like gift giving, customs during births or deaths, and so on. The courses will progressively delve deeper into the country and culture, giving spouses and children a more thorough idea about what’s going on in their new country. Some companies even continue these courses, especially in language, once the family has relocated to their new country. While these courses do cost a company money, the goal is to reduce relationship and family stress, loneliness, and culture shock to make the transition to expatriate life as easy as possible. These courses work best when they are cumulative, happening before, during, and after the move. What spouses can do Even in the absence of professional support, there are steps significant others can take to make things easier in their new country and culture. It is recommended that they adapt an immersive attitude–become part of the new culture by experiencing it in every way from day one. This means purchasing groceries from local stores, using local post offices, and buying supplies from the same