Moving abroad is going to be one of the most exciting adventures of your life! The new opportunities and horizons available to you are going to be second to none. However, moving can also be an extremely stressful, time-consuming, and expensive chapter in your life. So how can you prepare for every eventuality and make your move overseas as stress-free as possible?
Get Insured
Health insurance is absolutely vital to your move. The last thing you need is to be caught out with some freak illness or unfortunate accident that ruins your travels, and costs you a huge sum of money! You’ll already have plenty to be worried about when you’re moving abroad, so don’t let your health be one of them.
Compare international health insurance online and find the best, most all-inclusive policy for you. There are plenty of companies out there who deal with insurance for Expats, so make sure you chose a trusted and well-reviewed company to trust with your well-being. Get that sorted, and it’s one huge problem off your mind for good!
Learn the Language
If you’re moving to a non-English speaking country, then learning the language is going to be an essential step for you to enjoy the experience. Sure, there are many countries around the world where you can get by with only English, but you won’t be able to make friends with the locals, or assimilate into the culture anywhere near as naturally.
Devote some time to learning your new language and you’ll thank yourself for it later. You’ll find it easier to become social, and it could save your life in a sticky situation! Don’t skip your language lessons, stick to your plan and follow it through so that you’re as fluent as you can be when you get there.
Learning a new language can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. With online language tutors, you can make the process easier and more convenient. These tutors can provide personalized lessons that suit your learning style and pace, making it easier to absorb and retain information. So, if you’re planning to move abroad, take the time to learn the local language, and consider working with online language tutors to help you on your journey.
Understand the Culture
The amount of new and fascinating culture in each country is astounding and sometimes overwhelming. Each country will have its own unique history, manners, sense of humor, and attitude. It’s a good idea to start getting used to some of these things while you can!
If you put some time into researching the country you’re moving to, you’ll find your transition into their culture far smoother and you’ll be able to make new friends far more quickly. Eliminate the culture shock by understanding the customs, traditions, and preferences of your new home!
Prepare for the Climate
Many people move abroad for better weather or a warmer climate, but there are so many reasons someone might move abroad that you could end up anywhere in the world! It’s hard to know exactly what the climate will be like in your new country without doing proper research.
Many countries with warm climates will compensate with especially cold Winters or harsh rainy seasons. Remember, you’re not just going on a holiday, so you need to be ready to brave this new country all year round!
Getting Employed
Employment is key to your move. You may be lucky enough to be relocating for a job, in which case you’ve already crossed a major barrier! If not, then you may be hoping to find work when you get there, which can be easier said than done.
Look into the job markets around the globe, and assess the country you’re moving to. Is it likely you’ll find employment there? What professions exactly do they need? There is always room for everyone, but you may have to be prepared to be flexible in your work and take up something new to get you by when you reach your new home country. If your new location is Canada, then you will have a great opportunity of getting a job offered to immigrants by local companies. However, Canadian companies need to consider the LMIA processing time (Délai de traitement d’EIMT) and wait for a while to get permission of hiring foreigners thus making the employment process legal and safe.
Sort your Finances
Moving overseas is an expensive endeavor. With costs for travel, packing, accommodation, visas, and all of the fees along the way, you’ll find that the costs of your new adventure begin to pile high very quickly.
Many people manage to move despite the costs, so don’t let it hold you back! Just be prepared to be spending plenty of money, and have some set aside for any nasty surprises along the way. The sooner you start saving for your move, the better. Build up a nice pot of money to serve as a moving and emergency fund, and then you can use whatever’s left to help you settle into your new home!
Moving overseas is an incredible adventure! You can make a fresh start in an exciting and prosperous country, discover new experiences and see the world! All of this is waiting for you in your new life overseas, but you can only enjoy that side of the bargain if you prepare for it thoroughly beforehand. Get your finances set, learn the language, and get to grips with the culture. You have to be sure of your decision and know what you’re doing. If you’ve made up your mind, then it’s time to begin your next big adventure!
Photo by Christopher Luther on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
