The first 90 days in a new job — especially in a new country — set the tone for your entire tenure. Here is a proven plan.
Understand the culture, tools and expectations. Ask questions constantly, take notes, and meet everyone on your team. Resist the urge to change things immediately — observe first.
Take ownership of small wins. Deliver one visible result early to build credibility. Find a mentor who can decode unwritten rules, from meeting etiquette to lunch customs.
Propose improvements based on what you have learned. Volunteer for a project slightly beyond your comfort zone. By day 90 you should have clear goals agreed with your manager.
Sort banking, housing and healthcare in week one. Join expat and professional communities — they accelerate both friendships and career networks. Give yourself grace: culture shock is normal around month two or three.
Handled well, an international move becomes the defining chapter of your career. Make it count.
Our career team writes practical, field-tested advice to help job seekers find and land great jobs around the world.
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