Last updated on Apr 11, 2024

You’re traveling abroad for work. How can you make sure you stay on top of your schedule?

Traveling abroad for work can be exciting and rewarding, but also challenging and stressful. You have to deal with different time zones, cultures, languages, and expectations. How can you manage your schedule effectively and avoid missing deadlines, meetings, or opportunities? Here are some tips to help you stay on track and productive while working abroad.

1 Plan ahead

Before you leave, make sure you have a clear and realistic plan for your work tasks, goals, and priorities. Consider the time difference, the availability of your colleagues and clients, and the duration of your trip. Use a calendar app or tool that can sync across devices and adjust to different time zones. Set reminders and alarms for important events and deadlines. Also, plan some buffer time for unexpected delays, emergencies, or changes.

Add your perspective

Bolanle Idowu

Certified Customer Service and Customer Management | Operation and Retail Management | Service Delivery Improvement | Franchise management | Policy Analysis and Improvement | Process and Product Improvement | Research.
Report contribution
Plan ahead with a to do list. Ensure everything back home has been appropriately delegated if need be. That would allow you focus on your task and activities when you get abroad. Include in your plans also, activities that would allow you have some fun as well.

Like

Unhelpful
Ashish Devrani

𝐈 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌🫵𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑🫵: Physique, Personal Brand & Business. A Body-Makeover Specialist🏋️♀️𝗹 Personal Brand Manager 𝗹 Content Writer 𝗹 Export Manager 𝗹 EX-IM Lead Generation DM "𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌"
Report contribution
1. Use Calendar Apps: Utilize calendar apps to schedule meetings, set reminders, and stay organized across different time zones. 2. Plan Ahead: Plan your itinerary in advance, including transportation, accommodation, and meeting locations. 3. Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each activity, accounting for travel time, breaks, and unexpected delays. 4. Stay Connected: Ensure access to communication tools like email, messaging apps, and phone calls to stay in touch with colleagues and clients. 5. Adjust for Time Zones: Keep track of time zone differences and adjust your schedule accordingly to avoid missing appointments.

Like

Unhelpful

2 Communicate clearly

Communication is key when you work abroad, especially if you collaborate with people from different backgrounds and locations. Be clear and concise in your emails, messages, and calls. Use simple and polite language, avoid slang, jargon, or idioms, and check for spelling and grammar errors. Confirm your understanding and expectations with others, and ask for feedback or clarification if needed. Use a reliable and secure communication platform that can support voice, video, and text.

Add your perspective

Bolanle Idowu

Certified Customer Service and Customer Management | Operation and Retail Management | Service Delivery Improvement | Franchise management | Policy Analysis and Improvement | Process and Product Improvement | Research.
Report contribution
It is important to be clear in your communication with colleagues. Ensure to check with them that they actually understand what is requested of them, and all deliverables. Ensure all the necessary tools that woukd help with deliverables have been communicated as well. Employees who can help with system malfunctions should be pointed out as well, communicating their email, phone numbers, and department.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Adapt to the culture

Working abroad means you have to respect and adapt to the local culture and norms. Do some research on the customs, etiquette, and values of your destination. Learn some basic phrases and greetings in the local language. Dress appropriately and follow the dress code of your workplace or clients. Be aware of the holidays, festivals, and working hours of the country. Show interest and appreciation for the culture, and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes.

Add your perspective

4 Balance your work and life

Working abroad can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially if you experience jet lag, culture shock, or isolation. It is important to balance your work and life, and take care of yourself. Set boundaries and limits for your work hours, and stick to them. Take breaks and rest when you need to. Eat well and stay hydrated. Exercise and stay active. Connect with your family and friends regularly. Explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of your destination.

Add your perspective

5 Use new technology

Technology can make your work abroad easier and more efficient, if you know how to use it wisely. Use online tools and apps that can help you with various aspects of your work, such as translation, navigation, currency conversion, travel booking, expense tracking, and more. Choose tools that are compatible with your devices, have good reviews, and offer customer support. Also, make sure you have a backup plan in case of technical issues, such as power outages, internet disruptions, or device malfunctions.

Add your perspective

6 Learn and grow

Working abroad is a great opportunity to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. You can acquire new skills, knowledge, and perspectives that can enhance your career and life. You can also network and build relationships with people from different backgrounds and industries. Be open-minded and curious, and seek feedback and advice from others. Reflect on your experiences and challenges, and celebrate your achievements and successes.

Add your perspective

Bolanle Idowu

Certified Customer Service and Customer Management | Operation and Retail Management | Service Delivery Improvement | Franchise management | Policy Analysis and Improvement | Process and Product Improvement | Research.
(edited)
Report contribution
Working abroad is also a good opportunity to explore your passion. Look around you and look for a problem to solve in your local area. Impact the lives of the people where you're working, look around for a problem to solve. For example, is there a library in the town where you live? Do they have a reading club? Introduce one to them which can be done on a weekend. Leave them a legacy to continue, and you would find a fulfilment in whatever you have introduced. Is there a way of working that you feel can be done better? Introduce other ways of doing things in your workplace different from what is the norm in that office and you would be remembered for making things better. This would also make your working abroad eventful and impactful.

Like

Unhelpful

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Working Abroad

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Report this article

See all

You’re traveling abroad for work. How can you make sure you stay on top of your schedule?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Communicate clearly

3 Adapt to the culture

4 Balance your work and life

5 Use new technology

6 Learn and grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Working Abroad

More relevant reading

You’re traveling abroad for work. How can you make sure you stay on top of your schedule?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Communicate clearly

3 Adapt to the culture

4 Balance your work and life

5 Use new technology

6 Learn and grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills