4 Ways to Support Your Partner During the Move Abroad

As you prepare for your move to Germany with your family, you might have come across the term “The Trailing Spouse.” This refers to the partner or spouse moving to another city with their significant other due to work. While there is now a term that gives significance to the other partner who is relocating (that does not have the job opportunity), based on my 1:1 consultations with families relocating abroad to Germany, there is still a lack of support and resources available to “The Trailing Spouse” as they navigate this big transition. Often leaving the partners to feel disconnected from the moving process, and later feeling alone and lacking community in the new host country.

For the partners who are moving abroad due to a new career opportunity, there are ways you can support your partner throughout the move to ensure they do not feel left behind along the moving “trail.” To better support your partner, below are 4 easy-to-implement suggestions as you help guide your partner through the relocation journey and beyond:

Communicate Openly as you Plan the Move to Germany

If you are the partner who is relocating abroad for work, study or any new projects abroad, it is important that you involve your partner in the process of preparing for the move. Start these conversations early with your significant other about your dreams for relocating – Where do you want to go and why? What benefits are available for international families living abroad in x-country, What do you hope for you and your partner to gain from the move? etc.

If your partner better understands the why behind why you want to move abroad, the more likely they are to be open to moving to another country. Especially when relocating abroad directly from your home country – where you have a strong support system – it might feel like your family is giving up on a lot when moving. Therefore, it is important that your partner understands your reasons for wanting to move and what opportunities for a better life could lie ahead for you and your family.

Help your Partner Navigate their Options Abroad in Germany

When moving for one partner’s job or new opportunity in another country – support the other partner throughout the move by helping them navigate their options in the host country. Whether they want to work, study, or be a stay-at-home parent, it is important to sit down and discuss their options for work and life in the host country.

Having a plan for everyone in the family – beyond relocation logistics – will help your partner (and children) feel connected to the new place aside from one person’s job opportunity. This can include anything from helping your children find extracurricular activities in the new country to helping your partner connect with other expat spouses living abroad. At the end of the day, if you are relocating with your partner and family, this move is as much about them as it is about you.

Build a Support Network Before Moving to Germany with your Family

It is easier to go through an experience or a major life change if you receive support and guidance from others in a similar situation or who have gone through the experience. The Cohort program helps expat families connect with other international families relocating abroad to Germany – even before the move.

As part of The Cohort program, you are placed in a group with other families from all over the world, who are also moving abroad to Germany. Before moving, we offer monthly workshops and 1:1 consultations to gain the necessary information and tips to help your family have a smooth transition abroad. Beyond that, once you have relocated, we host monthly community gatherings to bring together new expat families in Germany.

Having a support network before moving abroad and right after moving, plays a key role in helping families better adapt to their new home. The Cohort program is an opportunity to make friends before moving and have a support network you can always tap into when you need it most.

Lead From a Place of Empathy as you Support Your Partner Throughout the Move Abroad

When it comes to deciding to move to Germany or another country with your family, empathy plays a key role. As the person moving abroad for a new exciting opportunity, it can be easy to get up caught up int the excitement of moving. While it is an exciting change, it is important to be empathetic and figure out what this means for your partner.

Are there any concerns your partner might be feeling about the move? Are they excited or more nervous about the transition? In what areas does your partner need the most support when it comes to moving? If there are any major concerns on your partner’s side, suggest scheduling a 1:1 consultation session with me to outline their relocation goals, discuss their concerns, and connect to resources to help them thrive in the new country.

Moving abroad can be an exciting journey, filled with new possibilities and opportunities for the entire family. At the same time, it can be a hard transition, especially for “The Trailing Spouse” or a partner who is moving abroad for their significant other’s job or career. Supporting your partner during this major transition, even before you move, is important to help everyone in the family have a positive start in the new host country.

Include these tips into your planning and join The Cohort program to help you, your partner, and your family find the community and support you need before shipping off to your next adventure!