At the beginning of the 21st century, moving abroad to start a new life or simply experience the world has become more common – and easier to accomplish – than ever before. Present-day media and communication technology have allowed us to see the world the way people could not before and reinforced our natural desire to explore and challenge the boundaries of what we know – and this yearning to discover and know more prompts many to embark on the journey to a foreign country.
If you’re planning to move abroad though, first you need to know how to organize your international relocation and how to prepare for your new life in your new country. Here are some tips for moving abroad to help you achieve a smooth and successful transition.
Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad
There are several major factors to consider when planning to move abroad:
- What country do you want to move to?
- Can you live and work freely there or do you need a visa?
- What do you know about the culture? Do you know the language?
- Have you secured a job abroad?
- Do you have enough savings to start the new life?
Deciding where you want to move to, why you would like to live there, and how you’re going to make it happen is the first and most essential step on your international relocation journey. Proper planning and careful consideration will allow you to truly enjoy moving to a different country.
Which country to move to?
If you have a specific reason to move to a certain country and know your destination, then skip this paragraph. If not, here is some practical moving abroad advice on how to decide where to move to.
Determine what you’re looking for and check ranking surveys, expat forums, and other useful resources to see which countries meet your criteria. The most widely preferred destinations are Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France as these are some of the most developed democracies and social systems in the world.
Yet, you should be guided by your own criteria. You may be looking for a milder climate or lower cost of living, specific job opportunities or educational opportunities, etc. Research the countries that seem to meet your requirements, focus on a place that best fits your goals, and compare the pros and cons of the country. Then, try to visit the countries you’ve shortlisted and, if possible, spend an extensive vacation there – that’s the best way to make an informed decision and that is how the majority of expats decide on the country they want to go.
Can you live and work freely in that country?
Once you’ve decided where you’d like to move to, you need to gather as much information about the country as possible.
1) Do you need a visa?
What are the legal requirements for foreigners to live and work legally in your chosen country? Requirements vary depending on the country you’re going to and the country you’re emigrating from. Many countries have a points-based entry system that evaluates your skills and education level (like, for example, Canada).
So, before you start organizing your international move, you need to check out your chosen country’s immigration department website to find out what you need to do and what type of visa you can obtain, if needed.
2) What do you know about the culture? Do you know the language?
If you are planning to move to a country with a completely different culture and language from yours, then you will have to prepare yourself. You will need to get to know the new culture and language in order to settle and make yourself feel at home in your new country:
- Start learning the local language ASAP in order to be able to talk with locals, read road signs, etc.;
- Get to know the laws of your chosen country and get familiar with the local cultural practices and social norms;
- Think about the local driving rules. Keep in mind that in countries like Australia and the UK have special driving rules that might change your mind about moving your car overseas;
- Check when is the best time to move to your new country. Depending on where it is located and the seasons, you might want to plan your relocation for a specific time of the year. Make sure you’re well prepared for the climatic conditions in your new area.
3) Have you secured a job in the foreign country?
Many people relocate due to a job opportunity or because their current company offers them a new position abroad. In this case, you can tick this box on your moving abroad checklist.
However, if you’re about to hunt for a job abroad, you should start as soon as you decide on the country you’re moving to. You need to consider your employment options and career opportunities and find a job that will allow you to afford the lifestyle you want.
Do You Have Enough Savings to Start a New Life in a Foreign Country?
Financial security is of paramount importance when moving to a foreign country, so you need to assess your finances to make sure that you have enough money to cover all the expenses for moving abroad, as well as your living expenses for the first several months after the relocation.
Securing a job in the new country means that you will have a reliable income. Yet, you probably won’t be getting your first check until one month after you start working, which means you have to have savings to rely on during that time. International relocation involves a lot of efforts, planning, and expenses, thus, having a good chunk of savings will ease the process.
It is even more important to have financial security if you are moving abroad without a job. You never know how long it may take you to get a position and how well paid it will be.
Therefore, you need to have enough savings before you embark on your international relocation adventure. And remember – being prepared for unexpected expenses is a rule when moving abroad.
Once you’ve considered all the above factors, you need to start planning your relocation without delay because there are millions of things to do.
Share your thoughts by leaving a comment