Expatriate consulting companies enhance the investment companies make in international assignment employees. To promote assignment success, expatriate consultants assist businesses at all stages of the international assignment cycle, from candidate screening to repatriation. An expatriate consulting firm can increase productivity and efficiency for businesses and their employees by addressing important global issues and providing specialized expatriate training.

Expatriate consulting specialists are invaluable when your business needs specialized talent not currently available on your staff. With their vast global resources, government consultants offer experience, knowledge and skills to provide international solutions for your business.

Before beginning your search for an expatriate consultant, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your expatriate consulting service, including services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best expatriate consulting company to meet your specific needs.

When selecting expatriate experts for your business, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience do the expatriate consultants offer to promote assignment success for your international employees?

2. What services do the expatriate consulting firms provide to enhance your global workplace?

3. How much should your business invest in expatriate consulting services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire expatriate consultants that specialize in expatriate consulting solutions for your industry

Select an expatriate consulting firm with seasoned professionals who have extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Expatriate Consulting provides expatriate consulting services for small and medium-sized businesses in the United States, and offers a list of clients. Cross Cultural Communications is an expatriate consultancy focusing on major multinational and international corporations, and provides a partial online client list. Global Intercultural Services provides cross-cultural orientation, communication and leadership workshops to Fortune 1000 companies in the pharmaceutical, medical, consumer products, insurance, finance, software, manufacturing and consulting industries.

Choose an expatriate consultancy company with proven skills

Review the services provided by each expatriate consulting firm and determine the ability of each firm to meet your international business needs. Carefully evaluate the firm's experience, qualifications and certifications. Request a customized analysis of your company's global business competency for all stages of the international assignment.

I recommend: Associates for International Research helps businesses create expatriate compensation systems compatible with each company's human resources policies and international workforce goals. Caligiuri & Associates focuses its expatriate consulting solutions on strategic assignment, return on investment assessment and development of global human resources metrics. Mobility Services International offers a full menu of customized employee mobility services.

Select expatriate consulting firms that meet your budget

Many expatriate consulting companies operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your consultants for expatriates cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: IBIS Advisors offers Country Profiles, a comprehensive source of international benefits information, on a subscription basis with discount prices for multiple-user licenses. Medibroker Limited, an international medical, health and expatriate insurance broker, offers free quotes for expatriates. Get a quote for expatriate consulting services and expatriate insurance services at Clements International.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When reviewing expatriate consulting services, ask about specialized services for accompanying spouses and children. Because many expatriate employees travel with dependents, it is important to focus on the well being of the family unit. A well-adjusted expatriate family equates to higher employee work performance.