Expat Partner career: How to Rebuild it?

6 tips to help you

Moving abroad often means pressing pause on your career — especially if you’re the expat partner. The challenge? While your spouse starts their new job, you’re left figuring out how to restart a career in a place where you may not speak the language, know the codes, or have a network.

But here’s the truth: this break isn’t an end. It’s a beginning. Let’s explore how to turn this transition into an opportunity.

1) Redefine success — on your terms

In your home country, success may have meant a promotion, a raise, or recognition. Abroad, things shift. It’s not about lowering the bar — it’s about changing the game, to define your expat partner career.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want from this experience?

• What skills have I gained from moving abroad?

• What do I want my career to look like — in 6 months, in 3 years?

One of our learners, Priya from India, used to work in HR. After moving to France, she became the cultural point of contact for her children’s school, then launched her own coaching business two years later. A new start, built on her strengths.

2) Say it out loud: You didn’t stop working

Expat partners often say they feel invisible. Yet organizing an international move, setting up life in a new country, navigating schools, healthcare, and admin — that’s project management, cultural adaptation, resilience.

Don’t downplay it. Own it. These experiences are assets. You just need to learn how to present them the right way.

We help expat partners do exactly that in our program Absolutely Ahead.
🔗 Discover Absolutely Ahead – AI Mobility Academy

3) Focus on Connection, not perfection

Networking sounds scary. Especially when you’re not sure how to say what you’re looking for — or even what you want.

Start simple:

• Join local events (international clubs, coworking cafés, parent groups)

• Talk about your story, not just your résumé

• Offer to help — it builds trust faster than handing out business cards

Marcos, from Argentina, came to our live session saying: “I haven’t worked in years.” Within two months, through consistent networking and learning how to present his journey, he found a role in a startup as an intercultural advisor.

4) Learn the local language (just enogh to be brave)

You don’t need to be fluent to reconnect with your career. But knowing how to introduce yourself, understand cultural cues, and follow a conversation helps — a lot.

Even learning a few phrases shows your willingness to integrate. It opens doors. And confidence builds from there.

🔗 Looking to improve your French? Explore our immersive French courses.

5) Use Technology to your advantage

AI can be your best friend. From building your CV to prepping interviews, even translating job offers or writing emails — tools like ChatGPT can help you move faster and smarter.

That’s why Absolutely Ahead integrates AI training specifically for expat partners. We teach you how to use it to prepare your job search, write your LinkedIn profile, and plan your next step.

🔗 www.absolutely-talented.com

6) Don’t walk this path alone

Isolation is a career killer. Feeling stuck is normal — staying stuck is not.

Find your tribe. Other expat partners, a career coach, a local support group. At Absolutely French, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful a community of expats can be. You’re surrounded by people who get it, who’ve been there, and who are ready to help.

And remember, organizations like Permits Foundation are also advocating globally for the career rights of expat partners.
🔗 https://www.permitsfoundation.com

Rebuilding your expat partner career isn’t about going backward. It’s about building something new, with purpose, clarity, and support. The challenge is real — and so is your potential.

Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services

Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.

Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.

Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.

Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners?
Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?

Let’s connect!

Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris