As an expat, it is natural to think about what to expect in your expat package especially when you are new to the world of expatriate work.
When we were living in South Korea, I made a vlog about What Expats Receive. You can check it out in this video:
While the above video talks about the expat package in South Korea, I have also emphasized that these inclusions are almost the same wherever you are located.
What is an Expat?
But first, what is an expat? An expat or an expatriate is a person residing in a country other than their native country. This definition is wide and inclusive of everyone living in a different country other than their passport country.
For purposes of this blog and the vlog above, we refer to an expat defined in business parlance. An expatriate is a migrant worker who is a professional or skilled worker in his or her profession. The worker takes a position outside his/her home country, either independently or as a work assignment scheduled by the employer, which can be a company, university, government, or non-governmental organization. (source)
Package inclusions for unmarried expats are simpler than their married counterparts. Why is this so? If you are married and have children, their welfare is a big consideration in what to expect in your expat package. Usually, the expat spouse cannot work in the host country and the children cannot and do not go into local schools. To make up for seamless transitions in an expat’s family life in international transfers, the expat package includes these considerations.
Salary
It is fair to say that the base salary of an expat is higher than their local counterpart or other foreigners locally hired. Aside from the expat’s position, the salary takes into account the uprooting of the expat and his family. There’s also the move to another location which will affect the spouse and the children. Needless to say, the salary compensates for these factors.
Housing
Since the expat and his family are moved to another country, housing is a big and necessary part of the package. The kind of and amount of housing depends on your position. Another factor that comes into play is the cost of living in the host country. For example, a 2-bedroom apartment in New York will give you a palatial housing allowance equivalent to when you are stationed in the Philippines.
International Schooling of Dependents
If you have school-age children, the company that hires you or moves you to another location would definitely provide for your children’s education. To make the transition easier, international school education is definitely a preferred choice for expats. It is almost always the case. Depending on your arrangement, companies usually pay directly to international schools. They have existing arrangements with regard to invoicing and paying. All international schools know the drill.
Logistical Support
International moving is an integral part of an expat’s life. The company is ready to give logistical support to the expat and families for their every move. Especially when this entails international moving that takes into consideration respective laws of different countries. Language also plays a great part especially when the movement is from one country to another that has their respective national languages. Big international movers have their counterparts in every country they operate in. Either the expat looks for the mover or the company provides for the moving company. The cost of international moving is shouldered by the company.
Optional Inclusions
These are items that will depend on several factors. Your position, company size and budget, and your negotiation skills may land you these inclusions in your expat package.
- Car
- Driver
- Gasoline allowance
- membership in business organizations
I hope this list helps. Good luck in your expat journey.
This is very worth it to read Mommy Wendy especially to all expat to know more about what to expect on their expat package. This blog is very informative and very helpful!🤩💞
Thank you for sharing this ms.wendy very informative and interesting lalo na sa mga expat and sa mga baguhan , very helpful po ito . Must share this ❤️
Must read po talaga ito. Thankyou for sharing this mommy wendy very informative blog. Talagang makakatulong po ito. Para alam namin kung ano ang aasahan sa Expat Package..
Wow thank you for sharing Ms Wendy this blog is very informative and yes very important. Honestly I don’t have any idea about Expatriate but thank you that you’ve shared this blog. This blog will help to those who are planning for an expat life.
I don’t have so much idea on what expat really means until I’ve read this blog. This is sooo informative and it sounds really interesting kasi me, I’m a digital nomad. Akala ko when you decide to work in another country, expat na tawag dun. HAHA 😀 Thank you for this! Dami ko natutunan.
I love all the information you included here. Migrating abroad is still an option for my family.
Thanks for explaining thoroughly what an EXPAT means. I’ve always wondered what its all about.
This expat package is quite similar to the Philippines setting, but not in Australia (I doubt that an expat package exist here, coz that will lead to inequality, which is big issue in Australia). Maybe if my hubby opt to work to a company based in the Philippines, he could enjoy that privileges 🙂
We wanna visit South Korea soon!!!
your concept of inequality may be a little misplaced as this post is about expats. expats are hired based on experience and qualification… and education. no company would hire a CEO, an executive, a director, or a manager without the necessary qualifications and experience and offer this package and its inclusions:-)… good luck on your visit to SK. we don’t live there anymore:-)
Now I know kung ano talaga meaning ng expat. Parang dito kasi sa Pinas, may ibang meaning yung expat eh. Very informational to! Big help!
Nice to know this Thanks for sharing this Ms Wendyflor Worth it To Read To Blog Very informative and Helpful
I’ve been thinking about venturing outside the country, I know it’s not easy as I have things to consider like the items stated in this post. My boyfriend who is also an expat explained this to me vaguely but your posts helped me understand it fully. Thank you for these!
good luck in case you pursue your plans. i’m sure your boyfriend can guide you in terms of negotiating for your package.
Wow! that is a very comprehensive post about expats. I work in a global company and I’m always curious about the benefits and compensation of an expat boss. Thanks for sharing this. It really is not easy to work outside your country so the benefits should make up for it. I like the education of kids and housing.
thanks:-)
my mom worked in asian development bank, so I kind of grew up with having her expat boss and other co-workers around me. one time i even lived in one of her boss house with my mom when my little sister had chicken pox and we have to isolate ourselves, and since mas low siguro ang living expenses dito, they are mostly given houses dun sa mga rich subdivisions here like Valle Verde is you are familiar. That was one with family, another expat friend of my mom naman, he didnt bring his family here, he was stationed naman in the hotel almost in front of ADB, discovery suites as a long staying guest, so me package naman sya for that. when he goes home to his home country, his keys are left to my mom and we go party at her hotel suite HAHAHAHA!!!
My question, did your husband really had the option to bring you and the kids or because he has been working already that he was able to bring the whole family there?
he was given the expat package from the start when he was invited by the company HQ to join their HQ office in Seoul.
Oh boy, if i could find a company that’s willing to do all of these for me, that’s the goal! Gosh, i wanna get off the philippines already but I can’t shoulder the cost so this is attractive option if ever gaga
Very informative. These are nice perks.
Now I know why a lot of foreigners want to work here and in our country especially if there’s an expat package like this. I never knew that just now.
Thank you for sharing Ms.Wendy,very informative to,now i know about this 💖🤍may natutunan din ako about dito🤍💖
Thanks for sharing this informative Ms Wendy!sure it will help us♥️kailangan talaga natin maging aware sa mga dapat nakukuha nating benepisyo and other important benefits 🥰