The Hidden Challenge of International Assignments

Companies invest significantly in international mobility programs, but many overlook a critical factor in their success: the professional well-being of expatriate partners. When a partner struggles to find meaningful employment or professional engagement, it impacts the entire assignment.

A 2023 study on expatriate failure rates revealed that one of the top reasons for premature return is the dissatisfaction of the accompanying spouse. The consequence? Lost productivity, failed assignments, and significant financial costs for employers.

The Business Case for Supporting Expatriate Partners

Consider this scenario:
A top-performing engineer at a global energy firm is sent to Paris for a three-year assignment. His partner, previously a marketing executive in Singapore, follows but struggles to re-enter the job market. Without local insights, networking opportunities, or guidance on how to position herself, she remains unemployed for months. Frustration builds, and within a year, they decide to return home—costing the company not only financially but also in knowledge transfer and project continuity.

Now, imagine an alternative:
Before arriving in France, she joins Absolutely Ahead, an AI-powered career acceleration program designed specifically for expat partners. Through structured coaching,  a 4 weeks training: videos with exercices (with live every week, with the other participants from all over the world!), fully online and in English, networking, and practical AI-driven insights, she defines her professional strategy, adapts her skills for the new market, and starts building connections before even landing in her new town.

Instead of struggling, she secures a consulting opportunity within six months. The assignment remains intact, the family thrives, and the employer benefits from a more engaged, stable, and productive expatriate.

What Absolutely Ahead Provides for Your Global Mobility Strategy

Unlike traditional job search assistance, Absolutely Ahead goes beyond resume workshops. It prepares partners to actively navigate international career transitions, ensuring their professional growth aligns with the success of the expatriation. It works everywhere!

🔹 AI-Powered Career Coaching – Personalized support to define career objectives, optimize applications, and master job interviews in the host country.

🔹 Strategic Networking & Employer Access – Understanding how to contact companies, starting networking, have a clear strategy to develop it. Training on Linkedin

🔹 Cultural differences and practical points – Training on cross-cultural communication, cultural differences, practical points in the new city. Where to start? What you can do/can't do in your new country?

🔹 A Structured, 4-Week Program for Actionable Results – Instead of months of uncertainty, expatriate partners gain a clear professional strategy within weeks.

A Competitive Advantage for Employers

For HR and global mobility leaders, the impact is measurable:

✅ Higher Assignment Retention – When the expatriate’s family thrives, so does the assignment.
✅ Employer Brand & DEI Commitment – Supporting dual-career expatriates signals an inclusive approach to talent mobility.
✅ Access to Hidden Talent – Expatriate partners are often highly skilled, multilingual professionals who can become valuable assets to local teams or global projects.

By integrating Absolutely Ahead into expatriation packages, companies move beyond relocation logistics to investing in long-term assignment success.

Want to Future-Proof Your Global Mobility Strategy?

We partner with HR teams to offer a seamless, cost-effective solution for expatriate partner support. Let’s discuss how Absolutely Ahead can complement your mobility initiatives and contribute to higher retention, stronger employer branding, and more successful international assignments.

🚀 Get in touch to explore a partnership or to know more about this training to prepare expatriation and save their time abroad!

Discover a unique service to integrate quickly expat partners in Paris!