Services and support to build confidence and help a new location feel more like home

Our Relocation Services program responds to the complex needs of newcomers who are adjusting to life in Indiana, and Indiana residents preparing themselves and their families for assignments abroad. With staff members who have relocated abroad themselves, The International Center has firsthand experience with exactly what kind of information and support families need – before departure, immediately upon arrival in a new city, home and school, and as they acclimate as members of the community.

For more information click on:

• Destination Services
• Orientation Programs
• International Guide to Central Indiana

Destination Services

The International Center’s multilingual staff works directly with expatriate employees and their accompanying spouses, providing individualized person-to-person support for short- and long-term assignees. Our goal is to minimize the confusion, anxiety and time involved in setting up a household in a new country, so employees can quickly focus on their new job assignments, and experience greater satisfaction in both their new work and home lives.

Working with a relocation group or the employers’ Human Resources department, we tailor our programs to address critical issues and concerns at each juncture of their relocation – before departure, through the search for a new place to live, to “settling in” services that help navigate the sometimes confusing world of opening bank accounts, setting up utilities, and learning about the resources available in a foreign city. Services include:

Look-See
This five-hour program is designed to help local organizations and companies recruit top talent all over the world. By showcasing the state to candidates who are thinking about taking a job with a local company, growing people’s understanding and appreciation of what Indiana has to offer before they make a decision to relocate, and addressing the major relocation concerns of a potential employee transferring to Indiana, The Center makes Indiana a state that welcomes and attracts international talent.
 
Homesearch
The Homesearch Program focuses on helping individuals and families find not just a house but a home. The International Center staff screens and discusses all properties with real estate agents based on information provided by the employee and human resources personnel.

Settling-In
Settling-In Services help make sure employees obtain the essentials for living in Indiana. Staff assists individuals in obtaining essential documents and services such as

• Bank account
• Driver’s license
• Driving lessons
• Furniture and appliance rental
• Rental car
• Shopping for household needs
• Social Security number
• Utility and telephone set-up

We also connect newcomers to local resources and other needs that are helpful in making a new home in Indiana.

“I must congratulate you on the right choice you made getting the services of The International Center for my family relocation process. We are really happy with the range of services offered, the information given and the availability of staff. They have the knowledge, the ability and the commitment to make very, very easy the relocation of a foreign family in Indianapolis.

“I can thoroughly recommend this organization.”
- email from corporate employee to human resources personnel

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Orientation Programs

Moving to a new country, city, community or culture can be overwhelming for an international family, which is something The International Center staff understands from personal experience. The Center’s community orientation programs connect newcomers in a welcoming environment where, together, they learn how to find the things they need to feel at home more quickly. Our programs have helped hundreds of individuals and families successfully bridge the culture gap and settle into their new life more efficiently.

For international employees:

Orientation Program for International Employees (OPIE)

This single-session program gives new assignees the opportunity to get acclimated quickly and effectively to life in Indiana, meet international employees from other global firms in the state, and access resources to enhance their work-life experience here. The program includes an internationally focused orientation and city tour, luncheon and facilitated discussion highlighting strategies for stress management, the phases of adjustment, constructive opportunities to get involved and develop a local network of resources to relevant ethnic and cultural organizations.

OPIE participants regularly extend their relationships with The International Center through further training or COPE sessions.

For spouses and partners:

Community Orientation Program for Expatriates (COPE)

This 8-session seminar introduces important aspects of American culture to help newcomers feel quickly at ease in their new country, enhancing a family’s cultural adjustment and ensuring a successful assignment in Indianapolis. Topics covered include Bridging the Culture Gap and Self- Development, Change and Stress Management, American Social Customs and Holidays, Legal and Health Care, Personal and Family Safety, and Volunteerism. Participants receive the “International Guide to Central Indiana,” Seminar Handbook and other supplemental material.

Childcare is provided on site.

The International Center welcomes the opportunity to work directly with employers and their Human Resource directors on customized support for international assignees and their families. Programs and services can be readily adapted to meet the needs of short-term assignees needing assistance in temporary housing, furnishings and transportation.

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International Guide to Central Indiana

Found on the front seats of cars, kitchen tables and desktops of international newcomers across town, this single-volume guide is a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference tool designed to anticipate and answer common questions about life in Indiana.

The International Guide is available at The International Center. Participants in The Center’s orientation programs receive the guide as part of their program materials.

A special note to business audiences:

The International Guide presents a strong business case for relocating companies and operations to Central Indiana, and is therefore used as a tool in economic development. Contact The International Center for information on guides for business use.

Click here to download the International Guide to Central Indiana.

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