Moving Abroad: Making the Big Decision
Moving overseas is a significant step, and it’s essential to consider your motivations and goals. Are you seeking a career opportunity, looking for a change of scenery, or hoping to immerse yourself in a new culture? When I decided to move for the first time, it was about experiencing life in a big city. At 22, my small town in New Zealand seemed like the last place I wanted to go back to after spending 1 year backpacking overseas. But before you make any decisions, take the time to reflect on what you hope to achieve from this move.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What are my goals for moving abroad?
- Am I ready for the cultural, social, and economic changes?
- Do I have a support system in the new country?
Tip: Speak to other expats or locals in the country you’re considering. Social media groups or forums like Reddit, Facebook groups, and InterNations are great places to start.
But you want to know my biggest piece of advice for someone considering a move overseas? Go for it! Remember home is only a plane ticket away. Which is why should always make sure you have rainy day money saved away in case things don’t pan out the way you wanted!
Researching Your Destination: What You Need to Know
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge to move abroad, the next step is thorough research. This involves understanding the culture, language, cost of living, healthcare, safety, and visa requirements.
Culture and Language: Understanding the local culture and language is crucial. When I moved to Spain, I quickly realised that mastering a few key phrases in Spanish would help me navigate daily life and integrate more smoothly. Learning about cultural norms, such as how to greet people or what’s considered polite, can also help avoid unintentional faux pas.
Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in your new city, including rent, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Websites like Numbeo and Expatistan provide a rough estimate of expenses, which can help you budget accordingly.
Visa and Work Permits: Visa requirements can vary significantly depending on your nationality and destination country. Start the application process early, as some visas take months to process. When I moved to Australia, being a New Zealand citizen the visa process straightforward, but my move to Spain required much more paperwork and planning (and a lot more stress). Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including proof of employment or financial stability (savings or assets), which are often required for visa applications.
Preparing for the Move: Getting Your Affairs in Order
Financial Preparations: Set up an international bank account or check if your current bank offers services abroad. There are loads of online banks now. My favourite? Revolut. You can set this up in your home country (you’ll get bank details for your country), but then you can use it overseas, spending in foreign currency, virtually fee free. After some time, I did transfer mine very easily to Spain so that I could get Spanish bank account details for my salary and other payments. Open a Revolut account today!
Healthcare: Healthcare systems vary widely across the globe. Some countries offer public healthcare to residents, while others require private insurance. Before my move to Spain, we needed to have comprehensive travel insurance as part of our visa requirements and it wasn’t cheap. Make sure you check what you need and budget accordingly.
Packing and Shipping: Decide what you’re taking with you and what’s best to leave behind. Shipping costs can be high, so weigh the cost versus the sentimental or practical value of your items. Consider storing some belongings in your home country if you’re unsure.
Finding Accommodation: Your New Home Abroad
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important aspects of settling in.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Housing: Start with short-term accommodation, like an Airbnb or Spotahome, until you get a feel for the neighbourhood you want to live in. This flexibility allows you to explore different areas and find a location that suits your lifestyle and commute.
Research Neighbourhoods: Each city has its vibe. Use local expat groups or websites like Expat Arrivals or Just Landed to get insights into the best areas for newcomers.
Navigating Local Rental Markets: Some countries have specific rental market norms. In Germany, I recently learned that unfurnished apartments often come without kitchen cabinets or lights! Be prepared for these quirks, and always read your lease agreements carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Settling In: Navigating Your New Life
Getting to Know the Local Culture: Embrace the local culture and make an effort to understand it. When I moved to Spain, I immersed myself in the culture by attending local festivals, trying the cuisine, and learning Spanish. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it might not feel like it at times, but locals often appreciate your effort to learn their customs and language.
Building a Social Network: Making friends as an adult in a new country can be daunting, but it’s essential for your well-being. Join local clubs, attend language classes, or participate in expat events. When I first moved to Spain, our co-living was perfect for this. They organised many events and had lots of common areas where we could meet new people and make now lifelong friends. You can also try apps like MeetUp or even Bumble BFF!
Navigating Bureaucracy: Expect to deal with some bureaucracy, whether it’s registering your address, opening a bank account, or getting a local driver’s licence. Keep multiple copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and proof of address. I like to keep one folder for these documents so they are easy to find if I ever need them again. Patience is also key—administrative processes can often be slower than expected.
Navigating Cultural Differences: Understanding and Adapting
Dealing with Culture Shock: It’s natural to feel out of place initially. The honeymoon phase of excitement can quickly turn into frustration when facing daily challenges. The key is to stay open-minded and patient. Over time, what once seemed strange becomes part of your new normal. My rule of thumb: Only after 1 year do I really start to feel settled in my new country.
Staying Connected: Keeping in Touch with Home
Maintaining Relationships: While it’s important to immerse yourself in your new environment, staying connected with loved ones back home can provide emotional support. We will schedule regular calls or video chats and use apps like WhatsApp or Zoom to stay in touch with our friends.
Balancing Old and New: Try to balance maintaining your cultural identity with embracing your new culture. Celebrate holidays from home with fellow expats or locals interested in your culture, while also participating in local traditions and festivals.
Tip: There are loads of groups on Facebook for finding fellow expats from your country. For example “Aussies in Madrid” or “Irish Around Sydney”
Returning Home: Repatriation Tips
Preparing for Reverse Culture Shock: Returning home can be just as challenging as moving abroad. I found that after years of living overseas, returning to my home country brought its own set of challenges, such as reconnecting with friends and adjusting to a familiar yet changed environment. It’s quite common to have the feeling that everyone has been living in a bubble, while you’ve been on the greatest adventure! Be prepared for some reverse culture shock and give yourself time to readjust.
Utilising Your Experience: Your time abroad is a valuable experience, both personally and professionally. Leverage your international experience in your career, and share your stories and lessons learned with others considering a move abroad. I find most prospective bosses love to hear your travel stories when they see that you have overseas experience!
Moving overseas is an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and experience the world in a way few others can. It comes with its fair share of challenges, but with preparation and an open mind, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I hope this guide helps you navigate the exciting journey ahead, armed with knowledge and confidence.