Expatriate Services Key Terms

Find out more about expatriate services terminology and definitions

By Nikki Davis

Expatriate services key terms will come in handy for a wide variety of individuals. From those preparing to go abroad to work for their businesses, to the companies that send them, individuals should be prepared to know the key words and phrases that surround life outside the U.S. Others who should be familiar with expatriate services key terms include those who consult in the field as well (lawyers, insurance companies and tax preparers in particular).

Leaving the country to go abroad can be scary enough as it is, so proper preparation is necessary to help put your mind at ease. Knowing the terms and phrases will assist you in carrying on credible conversation with those in the field and/or help you order and discuss services needing for you or your family.

Foreign subsidiaries

Foreign subsidiaries are entities such as businesses that are controlled by a bigger and more powerful entity. Many expatriates are professionals that have been sent by their employers to foreign subsidiaries of their parent company.
Try: Look at the tax implications of employees at foreign subsidiaries as discussed by KPMG.

Globalization

Globalization is a term that refers to the global market for skilled professionals. The income level of skilled professionals has leveled compared to cost of living, whereas there is the income difference in unskilled professionals varies greatly globally.
Try: Read about Globalization and the Future of Expatriate Compensation by Catherine L. Moreton, J.D.

Intercontinental travel

Intercontinental travel was one influence on expatriate trends. The cost of intercontinental travel had become sufficiently low that employers who could not find the skill in a local market could effectively turn to recruitment on a global scale.
Try: Find out more about the trend of intercontinental travel and its results from Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias.

Commuter

Commuters are a different type of expatriate with shorter-term assignments that are slowly becoming the norm.
Try: Look at the commuter/expatriate legal and business implications that you may require assistance with from the article International Commuters from HR Magazine.

Integration

Integration includes but is not limited to accommodation and assistance with paperwork, personal circumstance analysis as well as legal counseling on lease contracts. These sorts of services help the individual assimilate to life in the new country.
Try: Learn about integration from ETC&R.

Compensation analysis

Compensation analysis helps the host employer determine what a fair compensation to the employee will be in terms of revenue and benefits.
Try: TIPPIE Online Article Database offers Expatriate Compensation Diversifying with the Workforce by Hewitt Associates.