Adjustment of Qualified Expatriates: Evidence from the GCC

Abstract:

Globalization introduces new phenomena that can be both beneficial and harmful. This article studies an aspect that originates from globalization – migration, particularly the problem of expatriates’ adjustment in the host country. The publication describes the first qualitative phase of research, which was carried out in the form of 15 interviews with qualified expatriates working in universities of Saudi Arabia and Oman. Expatriates represented multiple cultures and countries of origin. The qualitative stage revealed the importance of such factors as family support, religion and cultural background of the expatriate for the success of adjustment.