Being an expat can be an enriching and transformative experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture, make friends from diverse backgrounds, etc. For a creative soul, this can be a source of inspiration for your art. For many creative expats, living abroad becomes a second home, a place where they can build a life and create lasting memories. However, while you might feel at home in your new environment, the reality is that unconscious biases can still affect how people perceive and treat you. 

Unconscious bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. There are remote opportunities available that would reduce your exposure to bias. But if you are willing to take the risk and work in an office, you must be prepared for that.  

Understanding and recognizing these biases is crucial for navigating life as an expat.

 

Your accent takes away from the value of your words

One of the most common challenges expats face is accent bias. Even within the same country, certain accents are perceived more favorably than others. Some accents are considered friendlier or more intelligent, while others might be perceived as less authoritative or competent. As an expat, you might find that your accent leads people to underestimate your intelligence or the value of your contributions.

In the workplace, this bias can significantly impact your experience. Colleagues might not take your suggestions seriously, or they might assume you don’t fully understand the nuances of a discussion. This can hinder your ability to contribute effectively and progress in your career. It’s important to be aware of this bias and find ways to demonstrate your expertise and value clearly and confidently.

You’re kept out of communication loops

Another subtle yet impactful challenge is being excluded from important communication loops. Colleagues might assume that you won’t understand certain cultural references or business practices, leading them to communicate less with you. This exclusion can affect your work performance, making it difficult to stay informed and effectively collaborate with your team.

Feeling isolated from these communication loops can also hinder your integration into the team, making it harder to build strong working relationships. To mitigate this, proactively seek out information, ask questions, and express your interest in being included in all relevant discussions. Showing your willingness to engage can help break down these barriers.

When something goes wrong, they immediately suspect you

When things go wrong in the workplace, expats can often find themselves under immediate suspicion. This isn’t necessarily due to malice, but rather an unconscious bias that assumes you may have misunderstood something or made a mistake. For instance, in the realm of cyber security, if insider threat indicators are detected, you might be one of the first people questioned.

This tendency to scapegoat the expat until proven innocent can create a stressful work environment. It’s crucial to document your work meticulously and communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Building strong, trust-based relationships with your colleagues can also help counteract this bias.

People may have a limited vision of who you are

For some people, your identity as an expat might overshadow your other qualities and experiences. They may only see you as someone from a specific country and limit their interactions with you to topics related to your homeland. This narrow view can be frustrating, especially if you have spent years fully integrating into the local culture.

At work, this limited vision can be isolating and prevent you from forming deeper connections with your colleagues. To combat this, share your interests and experiences beyond your nationality, and engage in conversations about a wide range of topics. This can help others see you as a multifaceted individual rather than just an expat.

 

Some people make fun of your accent

Unfortunately, some people might mimic your accent when they speak to you, often without realizing how hurtful this can be. When you point it out, they might brush it off as a joke, not understanding the impact it has on you. This behavior can be perceived as a form of bullying and can create a hostile work environment.

If you encounter this situation, it’s important to address it directly. Explain how their behavior affects you and request that they stop. If the behavior continues, escalate the issue to your HR department or a manager. Ensuring that your workplace has clear policies against harassment and bullying can help create a more respectful environment.

Despite these challenges, being an expat offers numerous rewards. You gain a unique perspective, develop resilience, and form lasting friendships with people from around the world. It’s important to remember that while you may encounter individuals who make you feel uncomfortable or do not treat you fairly, this is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Embrace the positives of your expat experience, stay proactive in overcoming biases, and continue building the life you envision in your new home.