Regardless of whether you’re planning on moving temporarily or permanently, going overseas is one of the most exciting things you can do in life. It takes a lot of courage to finally take a leap of faith into a new life in a foreign country. If you plan accordingly, you’re unlikely to regret the decision to start a new life abroad.
Moving abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to experience a lifestyle different from the one you’ve grown accustomed to. Perhaps you recently finished university and want to try something new for the next chapter of your life, or maybe you want a fresh start after being in the same career for decades.
You will gain a wider understanding of the world around you and develop a globalized mindset. You’ll have the chance to learn a new language, meet people from all across the world, and access new career opportunities.
Although the prospect of living abroad is both exciting and daunting, it takes a lot of preparation to do so successfully. If you’re thinking of starting a new life in a destination you’ve always dreamed of, here are seven essential steps to consider.
1. The cost of living
Depending on your budget, your options for moving countries will vary. For example, if you’re a remote worker that makes around $1,500 a month, you can live comfortably in Mexico City, but you’ll struggle to make ends meet in Amsterdam.
So, make sure to factor in the cost of living before you set your sights on a new destination. To do this, you can create a list of your monthly expenses and compare them across counties.
2. Your skills and job opportunities
You won’t be able to move abroad successfully unless you have the means to sustain yourself while you live there. Unless you are a remote worker or digital nomad, you’ll need to consider your skills and the job opportunities available to you across countries.
If English is your only language, you may have to stick to English-speaking countries such as the US, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, or Canada. However, other countries, like Denmark and Germany, also offer many roles that only require English.
3. A new life abroad: Cultural nuances
Culture plays an important role in every country, and, ultimately, it affects your day-to-day life. For example, if you’re planning on moving to a Muslim country, you’ll have to respect the Islamic customs and traditions.
In some cases, that means dressing modestly and covering up as a woman. Other cultural nuances include greetings, business behaviors, and tipping. Make sure to research all the local traditions and customs before you pick a place to move to permanently or temporarily.
4. Health insurance and visas
No matter where you end up going, it’s vital that you have a visa to enter the country and a comprehensive health insurance plan while you’re there. If you’re looking to make the move permanent, it may be worth finding out how to get dual citizenship in your country of choice. If you choose to get citizenship in Canada you may have the opportunity of deciding between various types of visas, such as a common law partner visa, a working visa, or a spousal sponsorship.
This process will save you the hassle of renewing your health insurance. It will also cut down on the amount of bureaucratic paperwork you have to fill out.
5. Friends, family, and a new life abroad
Another important aspect to consider is your friends and family. If you want to move countries with a partner and your kids, you’ll need to make sure they’re happy too.
This means finding appropriate schooling and housing for the entire family. If you’re moving solo and you’ll be away from your parents or friends, think about how often you want to visit them and whether this will be feasible.
6. Finding accommodation
One of the greatest worries when moving abroad is finding the right accommodation. Once you find a place to stay, you can figure out the rest of your problems. However, housing isn’t always easy to find.
Think about what neighborhoods you would like to stay in and whether you would be open to sharing an apartment or house with other people. This could help you meet new friends and cut down on costs at the same time.
7. Safety for women
It’s sad to say that safety is one of the largest concerns for women when they think about moving abroad. Some countries have bad reputations for crimes against women, such as sexual harassment.
Denmark and Sweden rank as some of the best countries to live in as a woman. Whereas South Africa, Russia, and Brazil have scored as among the worst countries for women.
Conclusions on starting a new life abroad
The world is your oyster, all you need to do is reach out and grab it. It may not be a walk in the park but choosing to experience a new life abroad is an opportunity that is within your possibilities.
Moving across borders can be both costly and time-consuming, so make sure you plan your move with meticulous attention to detail. There are many factors to consider, and some of the most important ones are your budget, job opportunities, personal safety, and quality of life.