Many people dream of a day when they’ll move to some distant country and live a life overseas. Not everyone does it. If you’ve been toying with the idea of moving to another country, have you thought about if now is the time to do it? Here are some things to think about as you consider moving abroad:
Think about your language proficiency
How well do you speak the language of the country that you want to move to? Although a lack of fluency shouldn’t stop you from moving abroad, it can impact you for a couple of reasons.
For example, in some cases, for a student to study in the U.S., they’ll need to pass an English language test that proves they have a specific level of English fluency. In some countries, you must have a high level of fluency in the language to get a work permit. So, depending on the long-term goals that you may have, you may want to freshen up your language skills with an app like Duolingo.
Consider if you’re financially prepared
Moving abroad will require some capital, as there will be a lot to do to get set up in a new country. In some countries, to even get a visa or be able to live there long-term, you have to prove that you’re financially capable of taking care of yourself.
If you’re someone who works remotely or runs a company remotely, you could easily move abroad without having to worry about getting a job in the new country. However, if you don’t have online work, you’ll need to be prepared to apply for a work permit in most countries to get a job. Having the money to prove your ability to survive in the new country is important.
Adapting is key
When moving abroad, there will be many ways that you’ll need to adapt to the new culture and people. While you’ll always carry a part of your country and customs with you, adapting to things in the new country will help you to both have a better experience and form relationships with locals, as you show them that you accept and respect their culture.
Understand how renting accommodation works
As someone who has lived abroad extensively, it’s important to share that what may be easy for you in your own country may be a more complicated process for you as a foreigner. In some countries, renting an apartment won’t be as easy as proving you have money.
You may need a local co-signer in some instances or have some other type of way to help the potential landlord feel confident that you’ll pay rent on time. Take time to research how things work in the new country you hope to live in so that you can be completely prepared to find adequate lodging.
Make sure you have some type of health insurance
In some countries, getting injured could cost you an arm and a leg if you don’t have international health insurance. On the other hand, some countries offer free healthcare. However, it’s very important to research healthcare in your destination country so you can be prepared before your move. There are many things that you can play around with in life, but your health isn’t one of them.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re moving abroad to study or you’re all about that expat life, there are several reasons why people decide to live in countries that are not their own. As someone who has lived in many places, there is almost no better way to gain a deep appreciation for our world than to spend time living in a country that isn’t your own.
