Workplace culture: The rules nobody tells you in your first job abroad
Starting your first job in a new country can feel like learning a new sport mid-game. You might know the job, but you don’t know the local signals. That’s workplace culture: the invisible rules people follow without explaining them. If you miss the signals, you can look rude, slow, or unsure when you’re none of those things.
This guide shares what expats should be careful of in their first job abroad. We’ll explain it simply: what feels normal at home might work differently in the new country. Use those tips as clues, not labels. Every team is different, but these tips can help you settle faster and feel more confident.
Workplace culture abroad: Why it hits expats harder than a normal job change
Changing roles at home is still hard. But when you move countries, you often lose “easy mode” advantages you didn’t notice before.
You lose context that locals take for granted
Locals may know the company style, the industry habits, and the country’s work norms. You may not. That gap can make small mistakes feel bigger.
The stakes can be higher for you
If your job is linked to your visa, your rent, or your right to stay, you may feel pressure to “get it right” fast. That stress can make you stay quiet in meetings, even when you have good ideas.
People may misread you more easily
Accent, word choice, and body language can change how confident you sound. You might speak carefully because you want to be accurate. Others may hear that as a lack of confidence.
You’re building your life while doing your job
When you start abroad, you may also be opening a bank account, registering with a doctor, finding housing, and learning local systems. Your energy gets split.
Workplace culture basics: Why smart people still feel lost
When you move countries, you don’t just change your address. You also change how people show respect, how they give feedback, how they make decisions, what “professional” looks like, and how they handle time and urgency.
You can do everything “right” and still get misunderstood. The goal is not to change who you are. The goal is to learn the local signals so your work lands well.
Workplace culture check: What to watch in your first 30 days abroad
Don’t assume “professional” looks the same everywhere
You might be used to: “Professional” means formal language, formal clothes, and strict boundaries.
Instead, try: “Professional” means friendly tone, quick chats, and flexible style.
Or the reverse can be true too.
What you have to do is copy the “average” level you see. Don’t copy the most casual person or the most formal person. Also, ask one simple question early: What’s the usual dress code for our team?”
Learn the “real meaning” of common work words
Some words change meaning across countries and companies.
You might be used to “Urgent” means an emergency.
Instead, try: “Urgent” means “important” but not “today”.
You might be used to: “We should do this” means “we will do this”.
Instead, try: “We should do this” means “it’s an idea”.
What you have to do is repeat back deadlines and next steps in plain language:
- “Just to confirm: do you want this today or by Friday?”
- “So I’ll send version two by 3 pm, right?”
Notice how people disagree
Disagreement styles can feel personal when you’re new abroad.
You might be used to: People debate strongly in meetings.
Instead, try: People disagree softly or after the meeting.
You might be used to: People avoid open conflict.
Instead, try: People expect you to challenge ideas out loud.
What you have to do is use safe disagreement phrases that work almost anywhere:
- “Can I share a different view?”
- “What if we tried another option?”
- “I’m not sure this will work because…”
Workplace culture translation guide: “You might be used to, Instead, try”
Directness: “Say it straight” vs “Say it softly”
Some workplaces value blunt honesty, while others value harmony and saving face.
You might be used to: People say what they mean, fast.
Instead, try: People hint first, or wrap a “no” in soft words.
Common translations
- “That’s interesting” can mean “I don’t agree.”
- “We’ll think about it” can mean “No, not now.”
- “Maybe” can mean “No,” especially when said slowly.
What you have to do is listen for tone, not just words. Also, if you need clarity, ask a gentle follow-up:
- “Just to be clear, should I go ahead with this?”
- “Is this a yes, a no, or a maybe for later?”
Feedback: Straight critique vs careful coaching
Feedback styles can feel shocking. You might think someone is angry when they’re not. Or you might think things are fine when they are not.
You might be used to: Feedback is direct and detailed.
Instead, try: Feedback is indirect and mixed with praise.
Common translations
- “Good job” can mean “Good enough, keep going.”
- “Let’s revisit this” can mean “This needs changes.”
- Silence can mean “I’m not happy, but I won’t say it now.”
What you have to do is ask for feedback early, before it becomes a problem:
- “What should I improve for next time?”
- “What would ‘great’ look like here?”
Small talk: “Get to the point” vs “Build trust first”
Some cultures jump straight into tasks. Others start with a few minutes of chat.
You might be used to: Small talk feels fake.
Instead, try: Small talk is how people build trust.
What you have to do is to keep it light: weekend plans, weather, food, local events. You don’t need to share your life story. Two friendly sentences are enough.
After-work socials: Optional vs “important”
In some places, after-work drinks are truly optional. In other places, they help you become part of the team.
You might be used to: Work ends at 5 pm and that’s it.
Instead, try: Social time is part of team bonding.
What you have to do is go sometimes, even for one drink or one soft drink. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can order something else. If you can’t go, be warm about it:
- “Thanks for the invite! I can’t tonight, but I’ll join next time.”
Workplace culture and communication: The expat “risk zones”
Email tone can matter more when you’re “new”
When people don’t know you yet, they judge you by your messages. Short emails can sound cold. Very long emails can sound unsure.
You might be used to: Short and direct emails.
Instead, try: A warmer style with greetings and a soft close.
A simple template
- Hi + name
- One line of context
- Clear ask + deadline
- Thanks
Example: “Hi Marta, hope you’re well. Can you review this and send comments by Thursday, 3 pm? Thanks!”
Humour and sarcasm can backfire
Jokes don’t travel well. Sarcasm can sound like criticism.
You might be used tο: Jokes at work show friendliness.
Instead, try: Jokes early on can confuse people or feel risky.
What you have to do is keep humour light for the first month. Avoid jokes about politics, identity, or stereotypes. If you’re unsure, just skip it.
Meetings can move fast when you work in a second language
Even fluent speakers can miss 10% of a meeting. That 10% can be the key point.
You might be used to: You catch every detail live.
Instead, try: You need notes, follow-ups, and written summaries.
What you have to do is ask for agendas in advance when you can. After meetings, send a short recap:
- “My understanding: I’ll do A, you’ll do B, deadline is C.”
Workplace culture and power: What expats should protect in their first job abroad
Know your probation period and your rights
In a new country, you may not know what is normal for probation, notice periods, sick days, or overtime. Some employers rely on that.
What you have to do is read your contract and save a copy. Learn the basics of local working rules and support options, and ask HR for clear policy links, not just verbal answers.
Watch for “yes pressure”
Expats often say yes too fast because they want to prove themselves. That can lead to burnout.
You might be used to: Saying yes shows drive.
Instead, try: Saying yes to everything can hurt your work quality and your health.
What you have to do is use a “yes, and” that protects your time:
- “Yes, I can do that. Which task should I pause to make room?”
- “Yes, if we move the deadline on my other project.”
Don’t ignore “soft exclusion”
Sometimes people exclude you without meaning to. They use local jokes, local references, or fast group chats. You may feel invisible.
What you have to do is ask one person to loop you in:
- “Can you add me to the chat where updates happen?”
You can always join small moments, like coffee, lunch, and quick check-ins. If you feel stuck, talk to your manager early and calmly.
Workplace culture without stereotypes: How to read your team
Countries matter, but teams matter more. Two offices in the same city can feel totally different. So treat your first month like a mini research project.
Use the “observe, then test” method
- Observe: How do people speak in meetings? Who talks first?
- Test: Try a small change. See what happens.
- Adjust: Keep what works. Drop what doesn’t.
Ask smart questions (without sounding lost)
Try questions that show you care about doing good work:
- “What does ‘urgent’ mean for this team?”
- “Do you prefer feedback in writing or in a call?”
- “How do we usually make decisions here?”
- “What does success look like in the first 90 days?”
Most managers love these questions. They show maturity.
Workplace culture abroad: A simple plan for your first month
Pick one “culture buddy”
Find one colleague who seems kind and steady. Ask small questions:
- “How do people prefer updates here?”
- “Is it normal to message after hours?”
Make your work visible (without bragging)
As an expat, people may not know your past wins. Help them see your impact.
What to do
- Share quick weekly updates: what you finished, what’s next, what you need.
- Use facts, not hype:
- “I fixed the issue and reduced delays.”
Use clarity as your superpower
When you’re new abroad, clarity builds trust fast.
Try:
- “Just to confirm…”
- “Here are the next steps…”
- “My deadline is… Is that okay?”
You don’t need to become “local”, you need to become clear
Your first job abroad asks a lot from you. You learn a role, a team, and a new country at the same time. That’s why workplace culture can feel harder for expats than for someone changing jobs at home.
The good news is you can adapt without losing yourself. Watch the signals, ask simple questions, and choose clarity with kindness. When you do that, people don’t just understand you, they trust you.
