55% of Mobile’s expat and migrant clients are worried about making friends in New Zealand - the second biggest concern after finding housing. Clearly, forming meaningful connections is a major challenge for people relocating to Aotearoa.
In this interview, we delve into this topic with Marian van Bakel, Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark and author of 'Breaking out of the Expat Bubble.'
Marian shares insights from her research and offers valuable advice to expats seeking to build working relationships and friendship with locals.
Listen and learn:
The key challenges expats face in making friends in a new country
3 strategies to help people new to NZ make friends
What employers can do do to help newcomers build personal connections
Marian van Bakel is Associate professor at the University of Southern Denmark. You can read more about her work with regard to global mobility, intercultural mentoring and intercultural competence development at www.intersango.dk.
If you are interested in participating in her new study or in receiving updates about her research, please send an e-mail to msvb@sdu.dk. Her book is available here, and you get 20% off with the code EFLY01 (until end of June 2024
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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi LaunchPad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
To book a demo of Kiwi LaunchPad, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.