No matter how on top of things you may believe you are, workers are still eligible for curve balls ways of life If you encounter a problem while on your working abroad trip, not panic; these things happen to nearly everyone at some point, should they venture out into a country with which they are unfamiliar Here are six most common working abroad problems you may face, and solutions to get out of them alive Problem: Language barrier This may be the most critical problem workers face on their trip abroad You may have 8.0 in your ielts test, but you find once you step off the plane in New York that you can’t understand anyone around you This is likely because there’s no real way to teach someone a language such that they can understand every idiom and every element of regional slang that native speakers are used to using And this might stress you out considerably, seeing that communication is imperative when you’re on your own in an entirely new environment far from what you know Solution: Use your learned language skills as much as possible; whether this takes form in oral or written communication, practice the language you’ve studied, and don’t get too up on fancy slang or geographic/linguistic differences that may result in different versions of native Spanish, French, etc If absolutely necessary, you may be able to use your smartphone and translating apps like GoogleTranslate to communicate with native speakers Even though these apps aren’t perfect (and may translate things incorrectly, unfortunately), they’re probably better than nothing Problem: Feeling out of place in the new country When you’re meandering around Switzerland struggling just to find a good breakfast place, it’s easy to feel like an outsider Don’t let the fact that you’re new to the country get your spirits down if basic tasks become much harder in your new environment It’s understandable that you will need time to adjust to such a different environment than you usually operate in Solution: Take lots of walking trips around the town in which you are staying in early on in your trip The sooner you get out there and explore, the more comfortable you’ll be sooner, which will make the remainder of your trip a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable Problem: Struggling to get accustomed to different currency If you’ve never left the country before, using a new form of money can be really odd at first You start wondering how your usual currency translates into the new currency, how to use a new type of currency, and most importantly, if you’ll have enough money to live on until the end of the month Solution: Familiarize yourself well before leaving for your trip with the money you’ll be using in your working abroad country Make sure you understand how to convert between currencies and carry enough of it when you’re out in town–the only thing worse than not knowing how to use your money is not having enough/not having any at all Problem: Crippling homesickness Anxiety can become a huge problem abroad if you feel less than confident about taking care of yourself in a brand new place especially when your usual support group cannot come over to comfort you overseas Solution: Learn how to make long-distance phone calls (without racking up an enormously expensive phone bill), bring photos with you on your trip, and ask your friends/family to write you some supportive letters or notes in advance This will enhance your comfort level when you’re far away from your most cherished supporters, and these notes can be something to look forward to on days when you feel you’re struggling without your crew Problem: Cultural Misunderstandings These are almost unavoidable no matter where you go Get ready for some awkward moments and embarrassing slip-ups while you get used to customs you may have never heard about before you entered the new country You may observe activities and behaviors you aren’t used to, or you may unknowingly act in a way that may be normal to you, but offensive to those from the country you’re visiting Solution: There’s almost no way to learn every custom that exists in a given country before actually going there, so maintain flexibility and a respectful attitude when making your way around town or interacting with locals If you make an honest mistake or upset someone by accident, apologize genuinely, and learn from that interaction so that you don’t repeat the mistake later on in your trip You’ll be surprised how much you learn from this Ask lots and lots of questions! And watch what the people around you are doing, if you’re unsure of what to in a situation Problem: concern over public safety You become vulnerable in the new, alien city Today you are safe and sound but may be tomorrow you are a victim of a shooting made by a crazy men or a hostage in a kidnapping Solution: always have a pepper spray in your hand bag Don’t set a telephone passcode in case you have to make an emergent call Working aboard may be difficult Many thick and thin are awaiting to you Live it up on your working abroad trip, and don’t take it too seriously Flexibility and a spunky mindset will be essential to your experience and enjoyment of new things in a new country