Preparing For Your Move Abroad
So, you feel ready to move abroad. Now what? Before quitting your job and appearing in your desired country, consider a few essentials that will help you with a smooth move abroad.
1. Save, save, and save some more. Consider this, even if you moved just to a different region of your home country, it would cost money, wouldn’t it? So why think that moving to a new country would be any different? You will need money for many different start-up costs when you arrive in the country of your choice. Save as much money as possible before you quit your day job.
2. Research the country where you want to live. Find out the job market, cost of living, housing options, and overall economic climate. Even if you’re a digital nomad, knowing these factors is a good yardstick for measuring how successful you’ll be at integrating well.
3. If you are a native or near-native English speaker, take a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course in the country of your choice. Even if you already have a job, a few hours of teaching English gives you time to take a close look at the region where you want to live, get advice on settling in your new home, and get to know the culture. It’s also a great way to network and make friends.
4. If you’ll be looking for a job, re-vamp your CV before you arrive so you can hit the ground running once you arrive.
5. In almost all parts of the world, there’s no longer a need to close your bank account in your home country. Anywhere you travel you should be able to access your money, but you should try to open a bank account in your host country. In some countries this is more complicated for foreigners so do the research before you arrive.
6. Try to pack light. Moving abroad means being flexible and you never know what opportunity may arise. In most parts of the world, you can buy most things that you may need. And for those things you can’t find…. well, it is time to adapt.
7. If you’re uncertain about the country you’ve chosen, start by taking long-term language lessons. Similar to number 3, it’s a great way to get a glimpse into the country and culture. You’ll have a chance to decide whether the region is right for you.
8. Lastly, travel with an open mind. If you are in search of a replica of your home, then you’ve misled yourself. The idea of travel is to find and appreciate the differences among us, amongst countries and cultures.