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Research conducted on traditional expatriates is a robust field of study. However, this body of literature, through the exclusion of other types of expatriates, lacks full generalizability of its findings. This study enriched expatriate management literature by investigating the adjustment experiences of self-initiated academic expatriates in the United Arab Emirates. Nine hypotheses were tested regarding the relationship of selected antecedent factors with cultural, interaction, and work adjustment. In addition, exploratory analysis was conducted with additional control variables to explore the influence of factors not currently included in a seminal model of traditional expatriate adjustment. This study provided original knowledge about the adjustment experiences of self-initiating expatriates, contributed to the understanding of the validity of prior research conducted on traditional expatriates and prompted a reexamination of the dominant theoretical model upon which much of the expatriate adjustment research is based. Suggestions for further research based on this foundational study were provided.

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Adrienne A. Isakovic, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, HRMP, is an Entrepreneurial Educator. A global nomad, she teaches in doctoral and executive master´s programs in the U.S. and Indonesia and provides management consulting and training in the Middle East. Her passion is helping others learn. You can find out more at www.adrienneisakovic.com.

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