The market basket is a key element in establishing the Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA), so it is important that Global Mobility professionals understand it. 

I was recently reminded about how different our individual baskets will look compared to each other at our EMEA team summit, where we each submitted a photo of the inside of our fridge for others to guess who it belonged to.

The excitement of moving to a new country, meeting people, eating different food, learning a new language, experiencing local culture, and, more importantly, integrating in society—I carried these feelings along with lots of goodies in my suitcase that still remind me of how my home in India came with me on my new assignment.

After taking my children to school in the mornings, I am in the habit of visiting my local café.