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The finances
Needless to say, you shouldn’t even get going until you have scored a job offer in your destination country. Leaving the job search for when you have already moved to the new location is not only risky but also stressful and you don’t want to put yourself in this position. For many types of visa, you’re going to need this in the first place. But even with a job offer on your hand, preparing financially for such a huge thing as a move abroad is paramount. Start saving as soon as the idea of moving comes to your mind and try to save up as much as you can. This will give you peace of mind in your new place of living even if some things end up not going according to plan. If you plan on getting credit, you might want to do it before your relocation too with an international company, as getting credit abroad can be difficult.
The paperwork
You’re not going to like this, but you have a long list of paperwork to get done before you can set off. Above all, check all your documents and their expiration dates, as these things can easily slip our mind. You don’t want to notice that your passport expires soon just a few days before your departure. Depending on the country you’re headed to, you’re also going to need some kind of work visa, the application for which is a complicated process on its own and can take a while. An immigration consultant can help you choose the type of visa that best fits your needs and apply for it. Besides your travel documents, make sure to also collect all references, statements of services, bank statements and of course, your degree certificates and all other similar documents. If you plan on driving, you will also need an International Drivers’ License in many countries. Finally, make sure to make copies of all your important documents.
Find a place and do research
Thanks to the internet, nowadays we can do most things remotely, so finding a place to live before you even depart is possible. However, don’t just go for the first thing that comes your way. Do thorough research about the area, ask locals about the neighborhood, look up the cost of living and the cost of different services. You might find that cutting out some things such as cable TV is very much possible if you want to save a few bucks every month. Find the best offers from internet and mobile service providers and the most reliable car hire services, if you are to drive. If you are to use public transport, look into the most cost-effective option and whether the area you plan on moving to is well-connected. Looking into your prospective tax duties is also recommended.
Healthcare
Another essential thing to take care of before moving abroad to work is health insurance. If you have already found a prospective job as suggested above, you should be covered by your employer. Still, make sure to check this with the person in charge. In case you won’t be working right away when you arrive, you’ll need to figure this out on your own. If you aren’t relocating permanently, you can look into expat medical insurance or travel insurance options.
Language barrier
While the world is becoming more connected, the language barrier still remains as you can’t expect everyone to speak English in a country where it’s not the official language. If you’re moving between English-speaking countries, congratulations, you won’t have trouble on this front. If you speak English as a foreign language and are relocating to, for example, Australia, you should know that depending on the type of visa you need, you might have to pass a language test as a part of your application to prove your language expertise. Still, the real challenge comes when you’re moving to a country you don’t speak the language of. While you can get away with only speaking English for a while and mainly socializing with other foreigners, if you are to stay there for a prolonged period of time or for the rest of your life, this will make you isolated. Start studying the language of your destination well in advance to get a head start. Picking up knowledge once you’re there will be much easier this way.
Cultural differences
Moving from one European country to another does not bring along a huge culture shock, but taking a leap from the UK to China, for example, will certainly make you go through a series of culture shocks. At first, you will find the experience exciting and interesting, but once this early phase is over, you might get frustrated with just how different everything is. Still, don’t despair, as this is a natural phenomenon and a part of your assimilation process. Make sure you enjoy all the perks of your new life – explore interesting places in your new city, take day trips and make friends with the locals. In due time, you will accept these differences, since we, humans, are exceptionally good at adjusting to new circumstances.
As you can see, while preparing for working and moving abroad is not all fun and games, if this is the direction you want your life to take, it’s well worth the trouble. And if you do all the preparation properly, you will be able to feel safe and enjoy your new surroundings to the fullest.
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About the Author
Lucas Parker
Guest Blogger
