American Expatriates in Paris - Research Paper Example

? AMERICAN EXPATRIATES IN PARIS Introduction It is common for individuals to move from their home countries in search of employment and other incentives. Companies that have branches in many countries shift their staff from one branch to another regularly. However, companies and institutions that send their staff outside their home countries have to consider some factors before moving the staff. These factors include family ties, access to education and health that is of the same quality as the home country, decent accommodation and individual preferences among others (Go?lz, 2007). Sarip international is not an exception of the above requirements. The company must conduct a survey of all the factors that will affect movement of Jim and his family. Jim will realize a pool of incentives due to the diplomatic links between France and America. The essay looks at the factors that will affect Jim’s decision given his preferences and constraints. These factors include obtaining visas and permits, relocation allowance and housing, language and cultural training among others. Visas and Permits Jim and his family must have a valid European Union passport while moving to Paris. The country requires all immigrants willing to work in the country have EU passports. The company is responsible for helping Jim and his family in obtaining these passports. The company should also incur all the costs of obtaining the passports. If Jim wishes to obtain a residential passport, the company should take care of the whole process. To obtain a residence passport, Jim must visit the nearest police station with the required documents within a period of one week after arrival (EasyExpat Ltd, 2012). Sarip international through the appropriate department must help Jim in this process. Language and cultural training Paris has several organizations that teach foreigners the French language and culture. In addition, several schools in America teach French because it is an international language. Jim and his family should teach themselves some of the aspects of the French culture. Understanding of culture will help them interact with their new colleagues. They will also not appear as aliens in the new country. The teaching of the French language and culture will help to ease Jim’s fears of becoming an alien in a foreign land. Jim can decide on whether to take classes at home, after he has arrived in Paris or the combination of the two. Housing and Relocation Allowance The company should consider Jim’s cost of relocating and the risks involved. He should receive compensation for the risks involved during the relocation in the form of relocation allowance. This includes taking care of his mortgage even after he relocates. Jim should be able to experience the luxury of his house in Paris. Paris offers a number of alternatives in respect to housing and accommodation. The options range from rental houses to buying apartments. However, all the alternatives require the household to have a household insurance policy (Expatica.com, 2012). The best house for Jim is the one that is affordable, but also meets his needs. It should also be strategically located for ease of transport and access to other infrastructural needs like schools. Spousal employment Betty’s job is a constraint facing the relocation of Jim. In most cases, taking a leave of over two years acts as a threat to job security. Betty might lose her job after they relocate to Paris. However, the company is capable of dealing with this constraint. It can approach her employer to guarantee her job security even after she to Paris. Different agencies advertise various job opportunities in Paris, which would suit Betty. However, the only limitation is that Betty does not know how to speak French, which is a requirement for her to work in Paris. She needs to understand the language before relocating. These among other factors will ensure that Jim maintains his American lifestyle while in France. Education for the children The three children should be able to access the same level and quality of education that the American system offers. The best school is one which will teach the children the French language so that they are able to interact with others. Paris has a number of international schools that teach foreign language. Several international schools teach foreign students French so that they are able to cope up with their colleagues. The international schools in Paris follow the American curriculum and reciprocate what is done in America. This implies that Jim’s children will access the education they need as a foundation of their lives. Health and Medical insurance issues Paris offers some medical schemes to expatriates, but most of these schemes do not meet the total cost of a medical service. Analysis of insurance and medical schemes in Paris makes it necessary for Jim to continue with his local insurance scheme. This is because of difference in insurance policies between America and France. However, new insurance companies are emerging in France, and they are offering a wide range of services to their clients including protection from theft of luggage and accidents. Compensation and Incentives The main motivating factor in any job is compensation. Individuals feel that other people recognize their work after compensation. The new opportunity in Paris should offer Jim an opportunity to earn even more than he used to earn in his home country. Paris is also a tourist destination, which would attract Jim and his family. The company should assure them of incentives like paying for holiday and retreat expenses in some of the tourist attraction sites (Kontrimas, 2006). However, meeting the needs that require the use of foreign currency is difficult and expensive in Paris. Poor currency exchange rates affect international transactions calling for the need for the company to take care of Jim’s obligations on his behalf. Conclusion Expatriates must have confidence that new job opportunities in other countries will offer them the same or increased benefits as those in their home countries. The benefits include compensation and other incentives meant to encourage and motivate individuals. Employers must be able to identify these incentives in the foreign countries that will attract their employees. The essay has identified the constraints that will limit Jim’s relocation from America to Paris. The main constraint is his family ties, education of his children and job security of his wife. However, Paris offers a number of options regarding the above constraints as outlined in the essay. Sarip international company has the overall responsibility of making sure that Jim will enjoy the same benefits and the same lifestyle he enjoys at home. If the company meets the above needs, then Paris will be a suitable home for Jim and his family. References EasyExpat Ltd. (2012). Expat Guides: Paris. Retrieved on 20 November, 2012, from http://www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/france/paris.htm. Expatica.com. (2012). Managing your move abroad. Retrieved on 20 November, 2012, from http://www.expatica.com/es/essentials_moving_to/relocation/Managing-your-move-abroad_14314.html Go?lz, N. (2007). Training expatriates - crucial components in preparing for overseas assignments. Mu?nchen: GRIN Verlag GmbH. Kontrimas, A. R. (2006). International expatriate employment handbook. Alphen a. d. Rijn: Kluwer Law Intern. Read More