The world is a big old place, but it’s also getting smaller with each passing. Today, it has never been easier to pack your bags and move to a new country. Indeed, compared with how difficult this would be in the olden days, it’s practically a breeze. And there’s a lot of value in doing so. By moving abroad, you’ll be expanding your horizons, challenging yourself, and going on an adventure that can make you fall in love with life all over again.
However, while it’s relatively easy to move abroad, there are still things you’ll need to keep in mind before making the move. Our guest writer runs through the need-to-know factors below.
Employment Options
Unless you’re independently wealthy, you’ll need to have an income when you move abroad, just like you do back home. For this, you’ll have a couple of options. You could get a local job in the country that you’re moving to, or you can work remotely, which will allow you to work for companies all over the world, providing that you have an internet connection. If you currently have a job, then it may be worthwhile considering asking your bosses if they’ll let you work online from overseas. More and more companies are open to that idea these days. Some may even be willing to hire a remote medical assistant.
The Cost of Living
It’s important to remember that the cost of living may be different from where you currently live. If the cost of living is lower, then that’ll be good for you. But if it’s higher, then you’ll need to look and check that you can afford to have a good quality of life in your chosen area. This is especially important if you’re keeping your current job and working online. A $50,000 a year salary would be great if you wanted to move to Spain, but wouldn’t be so great if you were looking to move to London.
If you’re unsure of the cost of living, look at connecting with local people online, ideally people who have made the move from your current home to your chosen destination.
Visa Requirements
The world is much more connected than it was, say, fifty years ago. But that doesn’t mean that you can just up sticks and move anywhere you want. Some countries have highly restrictive immigration policies that can make it all but impossible for certain nationalities to move there. Others are more open. Before settling on a place to move to, be sure to check the visa requirements. If you think you may qualify for a visa, then it’ll be best to speak to an immigration expert. They can help you put together your application, answer any queries, and so forth.
Moving a Life
You’ll be moving to a new country because you’re eager for a fresh start. But it’s not as if you’re abandoning your old life. You’ll be bringing elements of your current life with you, and this can take some planning and work. For instance, if you have qualifications or medical certificates, you may need the services of a notary public company to ensure that they will be accepted in the country that you’re moving to. And then there’s the matter of your personal belongings. In general, it’s best to take all your clothes (or as many as you can carry) on the flight with you, and then have the rest of your items sent by a professional moving company. It just makes things easier.
Learning the Language
You may be dazzled by the beauty and lifestyle of the place that you’re moving to, but what about communicating with people? If you’re moving to a place that speaks a different language to the one that you currently speak, then it’s highly recommended that you take the time to learn the language. You’ll find it’s much, much easier to settle into your new life if you’re not continually confused because you don’t understand anything. The best approach is to sign up for an intensive course as soon as you land. Spending a month in the classroom isn’t the most exciting way to begin your new life, but you’ll basically know the language once you’re done — plus, language courses are a good way to make friends!
Patience and Optimism
Finally, remember that even if you know that the move is the right way to go, you’ll still have low moments and times when you wonder if you made the right decision. It’s completely normal. Just have patience and a touch of optimism, and it’ll work out.