Moving countries can be one of the most challenging things to do! I’ve moved to the Czech Republic for six months and to Spain for the summer. Once visas are all sorted out, there are a handful of things you need to get set up so you can be really comfortable.
Finding a Job Overseas
Depending on your line of work, it might be easier to find a job before you go overseas to alleviate some of the stress. Some international companies will offer you the opportunity to transfer to one of the overseas branches so you can gain international experience while progressing in your career. Many people who choose to move overseas will be starting afresh, meaning that they have to start from the beginning. If you’re considering moving to a country for a short period of time, teaching your native language can be a great way to make money. You can get in touch with locals through websites such as Couchsurfing to ask what the local job hunting sites are, so you can get started finding work as soon as possible.
Setting up an International Bank Account
Depending on where you live you can set up an international bank account before you even leave your home country. This means you can easily transfer money across so that you are ready to get started as soon as you arrive. Moving countries can be extremely stressful, so taking some time to get set up before you go can reduce a lot of the pressure. This means that you will already have some money in your new currency when you arrive, so that you can start paying for things without getting large penalties.
Finding Somewhere to live
Some people prefer to have organize already set up before they go overseas and this can be made easier if they are going through a recruiting company or are being transferred by their own company. If you teach a language overseas in a number of countries, like South Korea, you will find that accommodation is usually provided for you. If you have to find accommodation yourself, it can be a lot easier to do this once you have arrived in the city because that means you will have an opportunity to view the houses and your potential roommates. It’s also a good idea to wait until you have confirmed work before settling into a house contract as you might wind up really far away from your work.
Making new Friends
Landing in a new city where no one knows you is extremely liberating – you have the option to recreate yourself entirely, but it can also be kind of lonely. Unless you’re lucky enough to move somewhere where you already know people, you’re going to have to spend some serious time creating your new social group. Many people suffer homesickness in their first few weeks of living in a new city, but once they start meeting like minded people this tends to fade away. There are heaps of great ways of meeting new people, such as taking up a new hobby, learning a language or using online sites such as Couchsurfing to find local meets. Once you’ve made a few friends their social group will open up to you and everything will snowball.
Moving overseas is a great experience, but it can be really daunting. Do you have any tips for making the big move overseas?
