For the last few days I felt stuck and depressed and last night I went to an apéro of the Gesellschaft der Freunde des Schauspielhauses (yes, it’s a long name). And even though I am one of the younger members (hahaha) it felt really great to talk to other lovers of the theatre. I was very inspired by Ulrich Khuon as he discussed the polarity and paradoxes in our current world and the need we all have for bridging the gaps and for community and connection. I felt seen and understood. #Zurich is not always the most open place on earth, but if you are willing to make an effort you can build wonderful relationships here. The trouble is that […]

German-speakers are very often considered to be “rude” and “aggressive”. Aside from the historical evidence of the “German nature,” there is a problem in the language construction that makes us come across as “aggressive”. I know from many painful intercultural encounters how sorry I was in the past whenever someone considered me to be rude or aggressive because that is the last thing I want to be. And I want to share this with you as I honestly believe that (despite the occasional slip when I am in a bad mood) I have learned to be more polite in the international sense of the word and also moving to Switzerland has changed the way I speak “German” now. After 16 […]

Embarking on an expatriate journey is often portrayed as an exciting adventure, offering new experiences, cultures, and opportunities for personal growth. However, beneath the surface of this exhilarating chapter in your life lies a lesser-explored aspect – the risk of expatriate burnout and trauma. When moving to the land of cheese and chocolate, many of us had an idea of a dream country, and I used to remember my favorite childhood cartoon series, “Heidi,” as a mental reference. During the transition phase, I soon realized that there was another reality about Switzerland.  The real Switzerland is not all cheese and chocolate This is a reality you might not be familiar with when listening to touristy advertisements, and it’s probably not […]

Going on an international assignment is often a relationship challenge. Even if you have already been married for a long time, moving abroad can bring out the best and worst in the relationship with your spouse and/or life partner. Gone are the days of the “expat wife” sitting in the expat country club, playing tennis or painting her fingernails at the pool while an armada of the staff was taking care of the driving, children, household, and cooking. Today, life partners and spouses are of all backgrounds and all colors. My observation is that more and more male spouses are joining female expats. We also see more same-sex couples doing assignments together. Some couples plan to have a family while […]

Stefan Remhof is the Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and a Professor of International Management at IU International University. With extensive expertise in global mobility, expat management, and international assignments, he is a recognized authority in his field. In his role at the People Mobility Alliance, Stefan leverages his deep understanding of cross-border workforce dynamics to provide strategic insights and innovative solutions for businesses navigating the complexities of international mobility. His work emphasizes the importance of aligning mobility strategies with organizational goals to drive growth and enhance employee experiences. As an academic, Stefan imparts his knowledge to the next generation of leaders, blending theory with real-world applications. His research focuses on the intersection of globalization and talent management, […]