Purpose This paper aims to explore the lived experiences of Tunisian self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) for social and organizational support that they experienced during their international expatriation assignment in a host country. Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative research. The data were collected from Tunisian Expatriates through semi-structured interviews. Findings This study has revealed diverse some interesting insights about the lived experiences of Tunisian SIEs about the support which they received from their family members, social network and members of the host-country organization. This study has also introduced a scale that can be used for measuring the level of social and organizational support received by SIEs. Practical implications This study has offered some implications for the researchers and professionals to advance research and practice to regulate the lived experiences of SIEs. Originality/value This study has highlighted the lived experiences of SIEs for social and organizational support in the Tunisian context representing the collectivist Muslim society.