Are you looking for a fresh start in a foreign country? If you are, you’re not alone. According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, there are around 8.7 million Americans abroad in more than 160 countries.
However, wanting to move abroad and pulling it off are two different things. Whether a job or a foreign lover is calling you, there are some things you need to figure out to make the move easier.
Keep reading to learn about five moving tips that will make any move overseas as easy and stress-free as possible.
1. Have a Solid Budget
Moving abroad isn’t a two-week holiday. You’ll be moving to a new country to live for months, if not years, which means that having a solid budget is more important than ever.
Depending on where you’re going, the cost of living can either work in your favor or against it. Do your research beforehand to determine a rough estimate of how much you’ll need to spend on housing, food, and other essentials each month.
If you’re moving abroad to work, your company should also be able to help you in this endeavor. They should be able to hook you up with an apartment that won’t break your budget, as well as give you an estimate of how much everything will cost.
If you’ve never worked with the company before, make sure that they are clear about your salary. Don’t sign any contracts or commit to anything before you have an exact idea of how much money you’ll be making each month. Don’t be afraid to ask for more!
2. Research Your New Home
Regardless of whether you’re moving to the country next door or the other side of the world, make sure you do plenty of research beforehand. You don’t want there to be any surprises that you find out after you arrive.
Aside from figuring out whether or not the country has Starbucks, try to get a grasp on the other nuances as well. Will you have access to the things you’re used to doing in your home country? Are grocery stores open every day? What banks are there?
If you’re looking to bring a lot of your belongings from home, you’ll also have to figure that out. Luckily, there are many options for shipping worldwide that you can choose from. Oftentimes, you can also put your belongings in storage while you figure out the logistics.
3. Don’t Let the Language Hold You Back
If you’re moving to a country that speaks a language that you know, then you won’t have to worry about any language barriers. However, if you’re not familiar with the language, then make a plan to invest a lot of time and effort into learning it.
Aside from helping you get by in day-to-day situations, learning the language provides you with numerous other benefits as well. By learning it, you form a deeper connection with the people. You also develop a better understanding of the culture, and why people act the way that they do.
Today, many countries around the world speak English as a second language. It can be tempting to try and coast by without learning the regional language, but by doing so, you prevent yourself from ever truly adjusting to your new home.
If traditional classes are out of the question, there are many other ways to go about improving your language skills. Apps such as Duolingo provide you with games that make language learning enjoyable. Spend 30 minutes a day practicing, and you’ll be amazed at the results.
4. Stay Safe
While moving abroad can be a life-changing experience, you want to make sure that your life changes for the better, as opposed to for the worst. Make sure to make health and safety a priority at all times.
If you’re moving to another country for a job, be clear about what your health coverage looks like. It should cover you in case of an emergency, giving you peace of mind if something ever happens.
2020 has also brought a host of new health challenges to the world. If you’re moving soon, make sure to understand the severity of COVID-19 in the country you’ll be moving to. Have fun, but remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
5. Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
Understand that no matter where you’re moving, you’re going to run into some cultural differences that set it apart from your home. It’s important to embrace these changes as opposed to doing everything in your power to resist them.
Your mindset has a massive impact on your ability to respond and adapt to change. When you spend energy thinking about how much you miss your home, you won’t be able to adjust to your new one.
Do everything in your power to be open-minded and adventurous. Try new foods, explore your new home, and make an effort to meet people from all over (not just your home country). In doing so, you’ll find your new life enjoyable much faster than you otherwise would.
Making a Move Overseas Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
While it’s true that making a move overseas is a huge decision, it doesn’t have to be as taxing or difficult of a process as you might be imagining. By following the tips mentioned in this guide, you’ll start off on the right foot and can get to work enjoying your new home.
Do you now have a better idea of how to move overseas? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other blog posts for more helpful guides and tips.