Embarking on a journey to a foreign country brings forth a mix of excitement and apprehension. The thought of navigating unfamiliar customs and adapting to a new lifestyle can be daunting. However, in the realm of relocation services, there lies a beacon of hope—a team of dedicated professionals ready to transform the experience into something seamless, empowering, and ultimately, unforgettable.
It all started with a simple desire—to strengthen partnerships with corporate clients and become their preferred agent. "I realized that merely providing excellent service and support was no longer enough. Expats often had misconceptions about Ghana, and meeting their expectations upon arrival proved to be a challenge. The lack of support from most organizations further compounded their frustrations. It was clear that qualified assistance was sorely needed," says Jolanda Castagna, managing director for Ghana's leading real estate agency, Akka Kappa.
A few years ago, Jolanda stumbled upon an intriguing article on LinkedIn discussing International Mobility. Initially, she wasn't entirely sure what it entailed, so she delved deeper into the subject. "Extensive online searches revealed that countries like Canada, the USA, and Europe had well-structured relocation systems in place. Delivering exceptional service in this field required specific qualifications and certifications," Jolanda explains.
Surprisingly, she also discovered that the rudimentary foundations of relocation services were rooted in ancient times, dating back to the Roman troops. As time progressed, real estate agents specialized in delivering improved and more dedicated relocation services, catalyzed by the industrial revolution.
Jolanda made a strategic decision to pursue the EuRA diploma, despite the availability of various associations regulating and providing industry guidelines on each continent. She explains, "Given that a significant number of our corporate clients are based in Europe, it made perfect sense to align our services with European standards." By choosing the EuRA diploma, Jolanda ensures that Akka Kappa's services are in sync with the highest standards of the European market.
The Managing International Mobility program offered by EuRA empowers member companies' teams with the necessary expertise to deliver exceptional service. EuRA's guiding principles, known as "DNA," center around Development, Networking, and Analytics. These principles are designed to elevate the relocation industry, facilitate connections, evaluate quality through the EuRA Global Quality Seal, and foster research and knowledge-sharing activities.
Established in 1998, the European Relocation Association (EuRA) emerged with a clear mission: to advocate for the advantages of professionally managed relocation and mobility services for companies with globally mobile employees. By partnering with professional relocation suppliers, businesses not only enjoy cost savings, but also benefit from the suppliers' expertise in negotiating expenses on behalf of their clients. Additionally, these suppliers facilitate a seamless transition for employees, ensuring a smooth shift from one role to the next. This, in turn, promotes efficiency and swift productivity, contributing to the overall success of the company.
“This course was no ordinary online program. It demanded additional reading, note-taking, and video-watching. Each completed module had its own test, and a final exam awaited at the end. The journey took longer than I had anticipated, and balancing studying with family and work proved to be a challenge. However, I was determined to complete it by the end of 2022, and I succeeded. It took me a total of four months.”
Now equipped with a diploma in International Mobility, Jolanda has a deeper understanding of the various stakeholders involved and the crucial elements that contribute to successful relocations. A triumphant relocation translates into a content assignee, a fulfilled assignee's family, and a satisfied corporate client. However, the benefits extend further to include a gratified landlord, a pleased broker, and more. Failure in the relocation process results in significant losses for the corporate client and a challenging emotional experience for the relocating family.
Dealing with expats demands cultural intelligence and adaptability to individual needs. By delivering the service in stages, it helps assignees absorb information, prepare themselves, and gradually build excitement about their relocation. This approach lays the foundation for a successful transition.
Jolanda's journey toward earning her Diploma in International Mobility showcases her dedication and commitment to providing exceptional service. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, she is well-prepared to navigate the intricacies of the field. With each successful relocation, Jolanda not only facilitates the movement of individuals but also fosters positive experiences, creating a ripple effect that resonates throughout the lives of those involved.
Relocation services are not merely about facilitating physical movement; they are about empowering individuals and families to embrace new beginnings with open hearts and open minds. By alleviating the stress and uncertainty associated with relocation, these services pave the way for a smooth and joyous transition. Ultimately, Akka Kappa’s mission is to transform what could have been an overwhelming experience into a chapter filled with discovery, growth, and endless possibilities.
So, as you embark on your own relocation adventure, remember that Akka Kappa’s professional relocation services are here to support you every step of the way. Embrace the excitement, leave behind the worries, and embark on this transformative journey with confidence. With their assistance, your relocation will become a remarkable and positive chapter in your life—a chapter you'll look back on with gratitude, knowing that you had the best support by your side.
Get in touch with us today for more information.
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