One of the main reasons for a failed international assignment is due to spouse and family adjustment difficulties. The person with the job has a ready-made role in the new culture and is insulated from the day-to-day difficulties of running a household and the responsibility of getting the children settled in.  This may be challenging for a spouse.  Many spouses feel isolated, cut off from all that is familiar in their lives. Working hours for the employees are long in many countries or require travel, leaving the spouse alone. Being cut off from family and friends and often faced with poor communication with the outside world further contribute to a sense of loneliness.  An inability to speak the local language makes formerly routine matters seem difficult.  

The spouse often leaves a career behind.  This can be positive if the spouse has strong interests outside work or wants to engage in further studies or voluntary work. If this is not the case and the assignment interrupts a partner’s career development, having a different lifestyle and more time to oneself and the family may not be enough.  Successful international adaptation depends on whether the accompanying spouse is willing to move, can find an equivalent job or will accept the fact that he/she will not be working during the assignment.