Today we will take up Part II of our series about the key questions of International Management Consulting.

The Lifestyle of an International Consultant

First: What benefits and perks can one expect when working abroad? For example, what salary, housing, and so on are usual?

In general, you will have benefits that are fairly similar to those you would consider to be standard consulting perks in the US. You will be able to attend fashionable team and firm events, travel stylishly, and have an expense account.

Conversely, your bonuses and your pay might be less than you would receive in the US. Your perks might be fewer. For example, if you work for McKinsey’s Asian offices, you will not be given a Blackberry until you make Engagement Manager Level.

If have been hired in the US and will be relocating to your new position, you will be considered an international hire. You will then receive some relocation benefits. These could include an increased relocation bonus and temporary housing. Other than that, you will be on a par with all the other local consulting hires.

Second: What is the lifestyle like when working abroad? What are the hours? What is the social life like?

Once again, a lot is dependent on the office and country you are working in. If you are in East Asia - Korea, Japan, China - you can expect to work harder. In Central America and Latin America - Mexico, Argentina, Brazil - you will find that your work day is shorter.

You will want to consider the cultural issues that exist in each country and office very carefully. The fact that alcohol cannot be bought legally in Saudi Arabia is a good example. Clearly, it is important to research the cultural mores of your targeted destination before you apply. This will prevent potentially problematic errors.

Click here for the guide to management consulting CVs and resumes.

The Duties of an International Consultant

1. Will the work differ from that done by a consultant in the US? Will you have more responsibility or less?

When considering consulting overseas, you will find that there are basically two categories. You might consult in a developed country like Japan or perhaps Western Europe, or you might consult in an emerging economy, like the Czech Republic or Vietnam.

In a developed country, your work will be very much like what you would do in the US. The variables would be your mix of industries and clients in your target country. Additionally, the local reputation and strong points of your firm would make a difference.

The work will be different in an emerging economy for a number of reasons:

-Your clients may not be as sophisticated.

* A variety of quality and experience where your partners and principals are concerned.

* The resources of your local office might be limited.

That wraps up our tour of overseas business consulting life. Please post your questions about international consulting below, and I will update the article as I receive them.