Quinlan Paper Looks At Difficulties of Working Abroad
Arup Varma, Ph.D., and professor of human resources at the Quinlan School of Business, was fascinated by the way companies select employees to work abroad and how they often time do not provide continued support for workers and their families. Varma says working abroad often leads to negative experiences for expatriates and their families during their time abroad.
Varma has studied expatriate work issues for the past 15 years, and his research on expatriate issues has been published in notable peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Managerial Psychology, the International Journal of Human Resource Management and the European Journal of International Management.
Varma recently discussed his working abroad research with the Quinlan School of Business. You can find excerpts from that conversation below:
Varma was asked why he studies expatriate issues:
“I myself am an expatriate. I came from India to get my Ph.D. from Rutgers in engineering in the early 90s, and I’ve been in the United States ever since then. My transition from a collectivist culture in India to the individualist culture in America would not have been possible without my professors and classmates. They taught me how to address them, where to hang out for fun, and key places in the neighborhood to shop.”
“Without their support, it would have taken me months to figure this out, and I wouldn’t have enjoyed my time at Rutgers as much as I did. This is why for the past 15 years, I’ve been dedicated to finding out what motivates locals to help expatriates assimilate into local cultures and thrive.”
He was also asked if he had any advice for students who want to work abroad:
“I recommend that if students are presented with the opportunity to work abroad, they must take it, and it least try it out. Give the world a try, and you may surprise yourself. Immerse yourself in different cultures, and let the cultures change you. It will be for the better; I guarantee it!”
You can check out more advice and insight from Varma here.
About the Author
Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
