Being an expat can completely transform one’s perspectives on life. Yet, such an experience always comes with unexpected and sometimes tough challenges, especially when it involves kids.
Agnieszka Franeczek shares her story about leaving Austria behind for six years to pursue a senior leadership position in Hungary while juggling the responsibilities of being a mother.
the unique challenges as expat parent
Being an expat parent comes with a unique set of challenges that go beyond the typical hurdles of international relocation. Navigating new cultures and languages, ensuring the safety and well-being of family members, managing legal and administrative tasks, and finding suitable healthcare and education options are just a few of the obstacles that expat parents must overcome. The emotional toll of leaving behind a familiar support system and helping children adjust to a new environment can also be significant. A recent survey by HSBC Expat Explorer found that 62% of expat parents believe that raising children abroad improves their quality of life, yet 49% also reported difficulties in maintaining their work-life balance, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of the expat parenting experience.
embracing leadership abroad - how it all started
“From the very beginning of my career, I’ve been applying for an international traineeship in Bank Austria, which always allowed me to work in different countries on M&A projects and thus, gave me the possibility to travel every week - and I loved it.
In 2012, I was offered to take over a senior leadership role in Hungary. My motivation to leave Austria for 6 years and pursue a career in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) was driven by a combination of personal ambition and professional aspirations. I am eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities, particularly in a CEE region's dynamic and rapidly evolving market. CEE countries offer a unique professional landscape with high growth potential. I was excited to bring in diverse perspectives and thus firsthand experience a different culture.
I moved with my 2 sons to a new city, and to a completely new environment. I was presented with the challenges of combining the challenges of expatriate life with family responsibilities. There are so many aspects to consider: language, safety concerns, health system, legal & administrative challenges, and also education.”
4 tips to thrive as expat parent according to Agnieszka's experience
1. embrace the learning curve
“Understand that expatriation may not be a seamless process, especially when it comes to adjusting to the culture. Language barriers and unfamiliar customs, ensuring a smooth integration into the local community need to be seen as a great experience and a possibility to learn something new,” Agnieszka shares.
Immersing oneself in the local culture can lead to personal growth and a broader worldview. Enrolling in language classes and participating in community events can significantly ease the adjustment period. It helps to approach every challenge as a learning opportunity, fostering resilience and adaptability.
2. build a robust support system
Agnieszka emphasizes: “Seek support. Having a support system is a MUST. Balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities becomes more intricate as an expat. It is important to build a support system from the very beginning, even if it has to be built from scratch.”
This could include making connections with other expat families, joining local clubs or groups, and utilizing online communities. A strong support network can provide practical help, emotional support, and valuable advice. Forming friendships with locals can also provide deeper cultural insights and a sense of belonging.
3. navigate educational transitions
“Managing transitions between different educational systems can be stressful for children. You have to ensure smooth academic adjustment while also understanding the implications of varying education standards. Company support is key here,” Agnieszka states.
Researching and visiting schools before the move can help in making informed decisions. Additionally, engaging with teachers and school administrators to understand the curriculum and support services available can aid in a smoother transition for the children. It’s also beneficial to connect with other expat parents to share experiences and resources.
4. stay connected to your roots
Agnieszka’s last tip states: “Stay connected and maintain friendships in your home country. This doesn’t only make the transition, but also the repatriation process easier.”
Regular communication with friends and family back home can provide a sense of continuity and stability. Using technology like video calls, social media, and frequent visits home can help maintain these important relationships, making the overall expat experience more fulfilling and less isolating. Keeping a connection to your cultural roots can also provide a sense of identity and comfort amidst the changes.
Expatriation can have a tremendous effect on personal and professional growth. “As my children grew in the international environment, they carried with them the invaluable lessons of adaptability, open-mindedness, and the beauty of embracing diversity and gaining a global perspective. I took so much with me from this experience - a great network, new friendships, global experience as well as intercultural skills. My expat experience shaped me as a person and as a leader by gaining confidence, adaptability, and resilience,” Agnieszka reflects
about Agnieszka:
Agnieszka Franeczek is the Head of Consumer Lending Processes at UniCredit Bank Austria. With extensive experience in Financing, Credit and Market Risk, Treasury, Bond Issuance, and Consumer Lending, she has cultivated a diverse skill set through her career. Agnieszka has led various integration projects and worked in multiple international markets, including Serbia, Romania, and Hungary, enhancing her awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.
She is a co-founder of the REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) employee network, which promotes an open, safe, and inclusive culture within the company. Agnieszka is passionate about digitalization, transformation, and data. Her commitment to environmental sustainability and future generations is evident in her recent initiative to install beehives on rooftops in Vienna's urban areas and organize ecological workshops for social school classes.
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