Engineering Overseas

Abstract

Working and living in another country can be a very rewarding experience, personally, professionally, and financially. It can also be stressful and frustrating, depending upon a variety of factors, including working conditions and the remoteness of the project; the moral, financial and material support provided by the company; the authority and responsibility granted by the client; and the psychological preparedness, flexibility, and attitude of the individual. These factors apply to any overseas assignment regardless of the technical discipline. Based on the author's nearly 30 years of professional experience (about half of it working overseas in design and construction in 12 countries on four continents), the author, who prepared this while in Baikal, Kazakhstan, offers his thoughts, especially to young engineers considering such an assignment.