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Essential Skills for Success in International Assignments

In today's increasingly globalized business environment, companies are sending employees abroad to navigate new markets and cultures. A survey conducted by Gabby Academy, a leading provider of language training and coaching programs, has revealed crucial insights into the skills and knowledge that expatriates deem necessary for success during international assignments.

Background of the Study

As globalization accelerates, the role of expatriates has become more critical than ever. Companies often focus on enhancing measurable cognitive skills, such as language proficiency and specialized expertise, through pre-assignment training. But can these measurable skills truly empower expatriates to achieve tangible results in local markets? The study aims to dive deeper into understanding what skills are genuinely essential in a global business context.

Key Findings of the Survey

The survey was conducted from August 7 to August 12, 2025, involving 330 participants aged between 20 and 50 who have international work experience. Here’s a summary of the significant findings:

1. Skills Developed in Preparation: When asked about the skills they focused on preparing for international assignments, 25.8% indicated language skills, followed by 14.8% for building relationships with local staff and stakeholders, and 10.6% for specialized professional knowledge. This indicates that while language remains a priority, relationship-building is also viewed as a vital competency.

2. Primary Challenges Faced: Language barriers present the most significant challenge, with 20.9% citing communication difficulties as their primary obstacle overseas, followed by cultural differences (14.3%) and the need for adaptability in unexpected situations (13.9%). This underlines that language proficiency goes beyond simple interactions; it directly affects communication and teamwork.

3. Broader Skill Sets for Success: Beyond language ability, expatriates recognized the importance of several skills for success, such as understanding diverse cultural perspectives (14.2%) and building rapport with local teams (14.2%). This reflects a well-rounded approach to the challenges of living and working abroad.

4. The Importance of Communication: A staggering 85% of participants stressed that being able to communicate in the local language or a common language, like English, is crucial for fostering trust with local staff and business partners. More than half rated this ability as