Why Expat Assignments Fail in New York (And How to Prevent It)

Most expat assignments that fail in New York fail for one reason: the accompanying partner cannot settle. The talent is at work; the partner is alone with a new city. Here is why it happens, and how to prevent it.

Why do expat assignments fail?

Spousal dissatisfaction is the single biggest reason international assignments fail (Permits Foundation). A failed assignment costs a company between €750k and €1.5m once you count relocation, lost productivity, and replacement (Permits Foundation). Most assignments that break, break around day 90 — the moment the partner runs out of momentum and the new life still feels foreign.

Dual career is the norm. When the partner cannot work, cannot find a network, and cannot read the local codes, the whole family destabilizes — and the assignment follows.

Why New York is its own challenge

New York looks familiar and isn't. Under the surface sits a full system to decode: American cultural codes, a local professional network to rebuild from zero, and the everyday machinery of life — housing, schools, healthcare, banking, taxes. A partner who arrives without support spends months stuck on logistics instead of building a life.

• Cultural codes — how New Yorkers actually communicate, work, and connect.

• Network — a professional and social circle, rebuilt from day one.

• Everyday autonomy — housing, schools, healthcare, banking, admin.

• Career — relaunching the partner's path in a new job market.

  
  

How to prevent assignment failure

The fix is structured integration for the partner, early — ideally in the first weeks on the ground, before isolation sets in. Absolutely American works in person, in small groups, along four pillars:

• Language — English and the local vernacular, focused on real New York life.

• Cultural codes — the American codes, learned on the ground.

• Network and community — a trusted circle of peers and locals from week one.

• Career project — coaching to relaunch the partner's professional path.

The sequence is always the same: autonomy, confidence, impact. When the partner integrates, the assignment succeeds.

The proof: a model that holds

Absolutely American applies the method Absolutely French has run in Paris since 2015 — 1,350+ expats and partners integrated, 80+ nationalities, 97% completion, and an NPS of 9.7/10 in 2025. Retention reaches 100% when the partner is supported. In New York, the result is the same: 100% retention.

I could learn many deep aspects of French culture that helped me connect to my colleagues.

— Suyeon Kang, Air Liquide (inpatriate)

I am sad that my classes are over, but I am grateful that I can still go to the soirées and workshops. It was such an adventure, and I learnt so many things about the culture and job search. Un grand merci Absolutely French!

— Hayden Chow, Orano

FAQ

What is the number one reason expat assignments fail?

The accompanying partner cannot settle. Spousal dissatisfaction is the leading cause of assignment failure (Permits Foundation).

When do assignments usually fail?

Often around day 90 — once the move is done and the partner is left alone with a new city and no network.

How do you prevent assignment failure in New York?

Support the partner early and in person: language, American cultural codes, a local network, and a career project. Autonomy is what makes the assignment hold.

Does supporting the partner really improve retention?

Yes. Retention reaches 100% when the partner is accompanied.

How fast does integration happen?

Participants report adjusting in 3 to 6 months, with visible gains in confidence and daily-life autonomy from the first weeks.

Absolutely American helps relocating spouses and partners settle and build a career in New York. When the partner integrates, the assignment succeeds.