Many first-time expatriates choose to expatriate again at the end of their first assignment abroad. But does re-assigning the expatriate to another location abroad ensure a second or third success story?

The number of "perpetual" expatriates seems to be on the rise

Peter and Jacqueline Carter, and their three children, made their first international relocation from upstate New York to Paris in 1999. Jacqueline was then a senior manager at a large multinational, and when her company offered her an international assignment in Paris for three years, she knew it would be a great professional move, but had serious concerns about the implications such a move would have for her husband and their children.

Wisely, her company's HR department arranged for the Carters to attend a cross-cultural orientation training session prior to their departure, which, in addition to providing important information about the social and business requirements for succeeding in France, also provided the Carters with the opportunity to explore their own private concerns and questions in regard to the impact that living and working in France would have on each member of the family.

By the end of the training, the Carters felt they were fully prepared for a new and exciting adventure in France, and, after three years in Paris, had developed a love affair for their new home, new neighbours and new country. Most importantly for Jacqueline's employer, she had succeeded masterfully on her assignment in France, so much so, that the company has just asked Jacqueline if she would repeat her success in Singapore. Yes, move the family, again, this time to Asia.

The perpetual expatriate

For a number of reasons, many first-time expatriates choose to expatriate again at the end of their first assignment abroad, rather than return home (returning home being, for most of them, their initial intention when they first began their assignment).

 Many repeat this pattern again after the second assignment as well, and perhaps again, and yet again.

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