Popping the “bubble” metaphor: separation and integration of expatriate communities

Purpose This paper aims to discuss multiple uses of the concept “bubble” as a metaphor refer different experiences foreign working communities and suggests more flexible comprehensive approach. Design/methodology/approach Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted at locations, authors propose changing use bubble from an analogy living in isolation way conceptualising contexts characteristics that impact porosity permeability communities. Findings The when using concept, following considerations need be taken into account: (1) conventional thinking “expat-bubbles” are isolated places, (2) any simplistic notion internationally mobile workers will less or immersed local community (3) without careful delineation reference its porosity. Originality/value helps visualise dimension traditional taken-for-granted representation bubble. emerges rich analogical not explain binomial representations integration-separation. Rather than simple “open” “closed”, bubbles became porous permeable depending