The bloom fades fast on the appeal of an international assignment if the executive is poorly prepared or unwilling to adapt.

“…up to 40 percent of expatriate managers terminate their assignments early, costing their companies between $50,000 and $150,000 and derailing their careers. Moreover, 50 percent of those who do not terminate their assignments early function at a low level of effectiveness.”

What initially seemed an exciting opportunity can easily devolve into frustration with cultural and language differences, unfamiliar geography and unfamiliar business practices. Six months is the usual amount of time it takes for an executive to become disillusioned and return home or to make the necessary adaptations to be productive.

Diving into the global network will call for skills and knowledge outside your usual area of expertise. No matter how effective you are on your home turf, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will be able to deliver an outstanding performance abroad. The minimum you should know before embarking to a new country include:

• acceptable greetings and the accompanying body language (bow, handshake, smile);
• the proper use of business cards;
• the country’s dress code;
• the country’s concept of time;
• proper dining manners;
• gift giving protocol; and
• religious and political taboos.

Before you decide if an international assignment is really for you, you should carefully weight its costs and benefits by reviewing your career goals, engaging in self-analysis, and discussing such opportunities with your mentor and family.”
(Source)