Destination Services: Customer Stories

Global LT
Expatriate Destination Services

 

Security Service:

A client called and explained that somebody had tried to break into her condo.  Although a door security chain had prevented the intruder from gaining entry, the client, who lived alone, was very scared and didn’t know what to do; she called Global LT. After reassuring her, we instructed her to file a police report, and we advised her that she could not change the door lock without obtaining permission from her landlord.  Because we understood the difficulty she’d face with her limited English skills (she had just arrived in the U.S.), we stepped in and handled everything for her.  The Global LT coordinator proceeded to call the landlord and explain the situation, convincing him to replace the lock at his expense.   Global LT also accompanied our client to the police station to file a report, sending a copy to the landlord. Finally, we gave our client information on various alarm systems.  To this day, the Global LT coordinator remains in contact with our client, who now feels safe and able to enjoy her beautiful condo.

 

Late Night Service:

Upon arriving at his new apartment late one night, a client, with his spouse and three children in tow, realized he had forgotten his apartment’s security code.  The apartment had been booked through his company, not Global LT; so we were unaware of the security code.  When our client could reach no one from either the apartment building or his company, he contacted his Global LT coordinator who came to his rescue.  The coordinator called several emergency numbers at the property management company, and was finally able to speak with an emergency technician who then let our client into the apartment.  By tracking down the emergency technician, the Global LT coordinator helped prevent the family from having to stay in a hotel overnight.

 

Driving Service:

A client, who had just moved out of his house and turned over the key, needed unexpected help. His neighbor had earlier agreed to drive him to the car dealership to pick up his car which had been in the shop for repairs; however, the neighbor called and told him that he had an accident and therefore couldn’t pick him up.  Luckily, the Global LT coordinator was still at the client’s former house (after the walk through), so, she offered to drive him to the dealership to retrieve his car.  This occurred ‘after hours’ on a Friday.  The extra service ensured the client was still able to drive to Virginia the next day and drop off his car which was being shipped back to Germany.

 

Speedy Service:

One client, who had originally hired a destination services company other than Global LT, called us for help. It turned out this agency could not help the client apply for a social security number. They were also unable to set up the utilities. Without electricity, the client had to move to a hotel. The same day she called Global LT, we immediately set up all utilities for her and made an appointment for the social security application the next day.

 

Emergency Service:

A client that had just moved to the U.S. a week earlier had to repatriate (emergency repatriation). The moving company that had helped with the relocation of the client’s guinea pigs was unable to relocate the guinea pigs back to the home country. They cited problems with the health department, customs and the airline. The Global LT coordinator took care of everything efficiently and effectively, allowing the guinea pigs to return to Germany with their owners. J

 

Bilingual Medical Service:

A client, who was on his ‘look and see’ trip, collapsed at a restaurant where he was dining with his wife and children.  He had existing health problems, so his family was very frightened.  Adding to their concern was the fact that it was difficult for them to understand the emergency room doctor.  The wife called Global LT the next morning, explaining their situation and their need to understand the doctors and nurses.  Global LT sent an interpreter to the hospital that was able to explain everything clearly to the family.  Fortunately, the client recovered but did need to remain hospitalized one additional day for observation.  To help distract the wife and children, the Global LT employee took them on a community orientation.  Happily, the family was reunited the next day.  

 

Caring Service:

One of our clients in New Jersey was preparing to move into another house. His wife was eight-and-one-half months pregnant; he was working from home because he had fallen and could not walk.  Our Global LT specialist took the time to regularly check on the family and delivered ‘get well soon’ presents to cheer up all family members. The dedicated specialist even prepared herself to drive the wife to the hospital if needed, as the husband was unable to drive.

 

Patient Service:

One of our clients had heard from a colleague that his daughters should attend the International Academy. This prompted the client to want to preview homes in a certain area. When we saw that his daughters were middle school age, we tried to convince him that they would not be able to attend the school as it was a high school. He was not convinced, so we took him to the school and had the principal explain that it was, in fact, only a high school.  Then, the client heard that the International School was a wonderful option so he wanted to see houses in the area around the International School.  We looked at houses for two days.  Unfortunately, once the client visited the International School, he changed his mind.  He was unsure whether he wanted to send his daughters there.  Next, he wanted to see houses close to work and send them to a public school. We showed him more houses and a public middle school. Finally, our specialist suggested that he consider what the daughter’s situation would be in two years; taking this into consideration, the client chose to live in the school district of the International Academy, and send his daughters to the International School. Being patient and going the extra step is part of our job.

 

Culturally Appropriate Service:

We recognize that all of our clients have difference interests, reflecting their cultural backgrounds and unique personalities.  We factor this into our Destination Services offering.  During our community orientation we always highlight for our clients clubs, organizations and points of interest that we believe will facilitate their adjustment and enable them to make friends easily. For our specialists, it’s a part of their job to take new expat partners to social events (German Women’s Club, scrapbooking), markets (Polish supermarket, Italian bakery), fitness centers, hobbies (soccer clubs, ballet schools, horseback riding), and to provide a list of things to do with children. Because we have all ‘walked in the expats’ shoes’ ourselves, we know firsthand how difficult a start in a new country can be. That is why we go above and beyond in our service.

 

Please contact us to learn more.