Cultural Dimensions of Expatriate Life in The UK

We asked six Telegraph Expat readers and contributors around the world: the social, historic and cultural fabric of our adopted homeland. Although I miss aspects of life in the UK, the pace of life is definitely slower here.
Table of contents

• Cultural differences can be a minefield for expats - Telegraph
• The British Office Dress Code
• The problem with being a long-term expat
• Expat latest
• Does expat life really make you healthier, wealthier and happier?

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But recent surveys show the expat profile is changing. Expats are now as likely to be Asian, as Western European or North American, according to one report. And expats are taking a string of shorter, back-to-back assignments or agreeing to longer-term deployments.

People are also finding their own jobs abroad. Whether by choice or design, many find themselves living away from home for a decade or more. But there are downsides. In some cases, they return to the road, unable to pick up where they left off.

The British Office Dress Code

Even for expats who take shorter assignments, returning home can prove an enormous upheaval. View image of Credit: The problem is that those glossy expectations may not measure up to reality. The world keeps moving while you are gone. The well-being of the employee and their family, even though they may have been away for five years or more, is rarely considered. Living and working abroad can change the employee and their family members profoundly, and in a way they could never anticipate.

Worse, employees may have taken an international assignment thinking it would fast-track their career back home, only to find themselves in a role that makes little use of the skills they acquired abroad. However, you should also be aware that the use of humor in a business setting does not mean that the situation is not being taken seriously. The British are very reserved and seldom show strong emotions while doing business. They use indirect speech, humor, and understatement to keep business situations calm and low-key. Therefore, it might sometimes be challenge to understand how things, people, and situations are perceived by your British business partners.

Keep your voice down when speaking and try to avoid making large, exuberant hand gestures. We do our best to keep this article up to date. However, we cannot guarantee that the information provided is always current or complete. Join now Log in Email.

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Keep me logged in. Connect with fellow expats in the UK. Join exciting events and groups. Get information in our UK guides. Exchange tips about expat life in the UK. To avoid embarrassing office faux pas, read our guide on British business culture. Also in this article:. How to Register as Self-Employed in the UK Despite the extra amount of time and effort it takes, many expats decide to register as self-employed in the UK.

There are several types of business structures to choose from. In our InterNations Guide, you can learn about how to register as self-employed in the UK as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership. Jonny Lis , a year old from London, has lived in the Philippines for three years, where he works as an operations manager.

I used to live in a cramped house in Brixton, with a dead-end job that I didn't like, and I was always running out of money due to the costs of living in London. I now live in a lovely flat with an outdoor pool and gym. I do miss my friends and family but have made new friends out here too, which really helped my transition.

Expat latest

I wouldn't necessarily say that I was healthier; my work schedule matches UK hours, so I work 3pm to midnight Monday to Friday. Coming here was easily the best decision I ever made. He now lives in Dubai. It has been a wonderful journey experiencing life in different cultures. I am not sure it is healthier, perhaps not in terms of the over exposure to the sun and pollution, but from a mental health point of view living in countries where people smile all the time definitely makes you feel better.

Gillian Harvey , 37, is from Hertfordshire. A mother of five, she has lived in France since Although I miss aspects of life in the UK, the pace of life is definitely slower here, which helps to reduce stress. But food costs the Earth, taxes are high, and heating oil costs a fortune.