There are many, many well-documented benefits of living abroad. For example, it allows you to immerse yourself in new cultures, providing you with a fresh perspective on life and happiness. It could also mean that you're able to access new career opportunities, or meet friends that will be a part of your life for years to come.
However, navigating a move overseas is a little trickier than moving to a different neighborhood in your city. With that in mind, here are some top tips for navigating a move abroad.
Figure out what VISA or citizenship you need. When planning to move abroad, you should make sure that you deal with the legalities first. For example, you should look into applicable regulations and laws, or apply for the relevant VISA. This way, you're not going to encounter issues further down the line that mean you have to leave you new home behind.
Learn the basics of the language. If you are going to be moving to a country where the primary language isn't English, you should make sure that you at least learn the very basics of the most-used language ahead of time. While it is something you will pick up over time, it will make it a lot easier to find your footing and start making friends. Ideally, you should enrol in classes both before and after your move in order to learn as quickly as possible.
Visit as a tourist first. Visiting your new potential home as a tourist before committing to move is also recommended. This is because you can gain a much better feel for the country, town or city before committing to a drastic change. Try to experience life as a local as much as you can during this time, so you understand everything from the cost of groceries to the kind of lifestyle you are likely to live.
Don't sign a lease without viewing a property. While you may be keen to find a place to live as quickly as possible, you should not sign a lease, rental agreement, or initiate the process of buying property until you have seen it in-person. It's far better to cover the costs of an AirBNB or hotel for a few weeks after first arriving instead. This way, you can view properties in-person and make a more informed decision. Remember, you can always arrange viewings or express your interests ahead of time in order to get the ball rolling.
Find work before you travel. Although many people who choose to move abroad find work after arriving, having a job already lined up will provide you with immense peace of mind. After all, it means that you will not be worried about money or having to think about the job-hunting process when arriving. When applying for roles, share the dates of your arrival ahead of time and let them know that you would be happy to conduct online interviews.
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