Ever had the urge to pack it all up and move to a different country? Do you want to learn more about a new culture or lifestyle?
Moving abroad can have its own pros and cons, so let’s delve into them so that you can make sure the choice is right for you.
Why does it appeal to so many students?
Why is it so common for people to want to move abroad.
Adventure
Moving away brings you out of your comfort zone. You can feed your adventurous side by saying yes to new opportunities.
Personal Growth
Pushing yourself to experience new traditions and viewpoints allows you to open your mind. You will adapt to the new environments, which will enable you to adapt to change. You may also decide to study and travel, which will grow your educational prospects as well.
Career Opportunities
Want to take your career to the next level? Relocating overseas offers career growth opportunities. Most organisations appreciate global experience.
Improved Quality of life
Living abroad may provide you with a better work-life balance. It might also land you with a higher paying job and more vacation time.
The Practical Considerations
Moving abroad can be rewarding but you need to consider big life changes. You’ll want to work through the practical considerations to see if it’s what you want to do.
Impact on your career
What impact might moving overseas have on your career journey? Here are some key factors to evaluate:
- Job prospects: Explore research employment prospects in your target country that are relevant to your field. Be realistic about your prospects before you take the dive.
- Work permit: Check visa and work permit requirements. Does your target country allow you to work? Restrictions are in place in many places.
- Language barriers: If you cannot speak one of the local languages, your job choices may be restricted. Learn the language before you move. You may be able to take a course to learn a new language, for example, ESL.
- Cultural differences: Differing cultural norms regarding work and business exist in each country. Be ready to adapt your style.
With preparation, relocating overseas can propel your career. But beware, because the influence on employability differs by profession and destination.
Adjusting to new health care system
So how are you going to receive new healthcare in a new country? You will need to research this.
- Insurance options: Learn how the healthcare system operates in your country of choice. Is there national healthcare over there? Can foreigners purchase a stake in the public system? Check into private insurance, as well.
- Finding a doctor: Ask fellow expats how they found a local doctor. When you’re away from home, it can be comforting to have a regular provider you trust.
- Prescription medications: Bring enough of any prescriptions that you take regularly. Be aware of where to source needed medications locally.
- Emergency care: Find the closest hospital or emergency clinic. Store contacts for emergency numbers in your phone. Plan for medical emergencies.
With a little research accessing healthcare abroad can be very doable. Take some time to research the system used in the country of your choice.
How to deal with missing friends and family.
The biggest emotional downside of moving abroad is missing close friends and family. Here are some tips to help with coping.
- Regular video calls: Keep in close touch by setting up regular video chat sessions. Create them as a standing date so you always have time to catch up with the good stuff. With apps like Zoom and Facebook, you can now regularly take video calls with your family.
- Share photos: Regularly send photos to friends and family and let them share your new life with you. Create a shared album online.
- Plan visits: To have a trip back home (and visits from loved ones) offers you something to look forward to. Mark it on the calendar.
- Social media: Stay updated with the latest news. Leave scraps from everyday life so friends don’t seem too far away.
- Make new friends: Dig in locally and build a new support network. You get to have a different experience than most other expats.
How to adapt
When you move, it can take some time to settle into a new place. Here’s some ways you can begin adapting to your new surroundings.
- Learn the language: Put language learning at the forefront from day one. The locals will appreciate you putting in the effort.
- Immerse in the culture: Consume local foods, consume local media, attend cultural events. This is how you adapt – by living like a local.
- Make expat friends: Your expat friends will get it whenever you struggle to get used to your new life. Connect through your common experiences.
- Find your niche: Look for clubs, sports teams or other groups that play on your interests. Establishing a social circle facilitates a smooth transition.
- Be patient with yourself: Realise that culture shock is common. So, allow yourself some grace to learn the ropes.
So, should you take the leap?
Are you excited about starting over in a new culture? Or does it make you feel dread? Go with your gut reaction.
- Do you want to fully embrace it and learn the local language?
- Do you have reserves to carry you through the transition?
- Will you be prepared to take care of the bureaucracy for visas, permits, bank accounts and so forth?
- Will you have people supporting you?
- Is there good job prospect in that line? Or would relocating abroad hurt your employability?
If you answered yes – you seek adventure, have a plan and are looking for hard but rewarding challenges – so go for it!