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Destination Services

Employees and their families moving to a new country face unique challenges in everyday life.  An employee, who is concerned about the personal needs, or the family’s adjustment, cannot devote full attention to a new job in a new location, putting the success of the assignment at risk.  That anxiety can be eliminated by providing essential assistance from the pre-assignment planning to the after-move details. International Professional Relations Inc. provides unique and specialized Destination Services.  Special attention is given to the spouse and family members, whose needs and concerns can make or break an international relocation.  IPR provides as little or as much service as your employee and family needs.

Program Components

Pre-assignment Assessment

• IPR Area Consultants work with family prior to orientation visit to set realistic expectations

• Early contact helps to minimize family disappointments later

Assistance in Orientation, Housing and School Search           

• Personalized IPR Area Orientation Notebook for each client

• IPR Area Consultants help to solve the most pressing issues first

Follow-up During and After Move

• IPR Consultants handle all of the complex details

Details of Service

Immediate Practical Concerns

• Area orientation

• Application for US Social Security card

• Open a bank account, obtain a credit card

• Familiarization with local health, financial, taxation, education and transport systems

Housing

• Proximity to work, school, transportation and activities; differences between neighborhoods

• Referral to reputable Real Estate agencies for rent or purchase of home

• Review of lease, assistance with housing inspection before taking possession of property     

• Advocacy for the employee if problems arise with housing or other situations

• Assistance in arranging utility services   

• Assistance in renting or purchasing temporary or permanent furniture

• Arrangements for temporary housing, if required

• Obtaining new appliances and/or electrical adapters, if necessary

• Home maintenance concerns: operation of appliances that may be unique for that location

• Renter’s insurance

Education for Children

• Overview of International and/or American Schools and local schools

• Enrollment of child in school, or college entrance procedures, if appropriate      

• Explanation of preschool s available

• Confirm local immunization requirements

 Medical Concerns

• Explanation of local procedures for obtaining doctors and dentists, local insurance system and terminology

• Locating nearby hospitals, emergency services and local pharmacies

• Emergency procedures and emergency phone numbers and emergency services available

 Transportation

• Obtaining a drivers license and motor vehicle information, local laws, insurance

• Local public transportation

Everyday Life and Protocols, Special Interests

• When to tip and how much, when to give a gift

• Greetings, interactions, conversation, behavior codes

• Celebration of local and national holidays

• Dining customs

• The nature of volunteer work in the host country, types of volunteer work available

• Developing specific skills through volunteer work

• Finding a house of worship

• Becoming involved in clubs in the local community, community sponsored activities

• Continuing education courses