Thinking about moving overseas? It’s a life-changing decision – one that’s exciting and exhilarating, while also being emotional and daunting. There’s a lot to think about, from work to where you’ll live, and you’ll need to make sure it’s the right decision for you.
Make moving abroad the right move for you with the following advice.
Do your research
The world is your oyster, as they say, but that doesn’t mean that everywhere is a great fit for you. You need to research where you’re going to live carefully, and factors such as the types of industry, cost of living and work/life balance can all have an impact on where you decide to move to. You’ll want to find out what life is like for ex-pats as well as how easy it is to get a work permit so that you’re fully prepared before you set off. Make sure you visit your chosen destination multiple times – just because something is great on paper, doesn’t mean it’s always the case in reality.
Do everything by the book
Moving to another country can be a complicated process, especially where legalities are concerned. To make sure you can live and work legally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with guidance for overseas workers and make sure you comply with the rules. Consulting with immigration solicitors can help you when it comes to residency and ensuring that you’re ok to work. Doing things by the book will help make your move stress-free, and can help you become a permanent resident if you decide to move overseas for good.
Get to know your new home
Moving to another country is exciting, and you’ll want to spend time getting to know your new home. Travel guides can be an excellent source of information, helping you discover the best neighborhoods, the cool hotspots and where’s best to eat and drink. Give yourself a couple of weeks to explore and adjust – by the time you’re ready to settle into work, you’ll feel much more comfortable and familiar with your new home.
Keep busy and make friends
Your first weeks and months in your new home can be filled with a lot of change, but it’s important to settle and start building a routine for yourself. From daily runs to joining a gym, you can start finding things to do to keep you busy and help you normalize your routine. There are some simple things you can do to make friends in a new country to help you build a new social life and have some people to hang out with. Remember that it takes time to adjust, and you’ll soon start to settle.
Wherever you decide to move, your decision is one that can bring a lot of challenges, joy and life experience. Even if the move is just for the short-term, moving overseas is a wonderful experience and something you should go for if it’s what you want. The toughest part is deciding to go for it – everything else will fall into place after that.
