is the public transportation system? Many of the conveniences you take for granted here may not be available when you move abroad. Things that you have been doing for years without thought can become testing trials once you are living in another country. Finding a bank, buying toiletries, and delivering packages are all mini-adventures.
Ready for the Plunge! What’s next and Extra things to consider.
Ok, so you’ve asked yourself, mulled over why you want to move abroad and have calculated the technical things like budget. You’re ready for excitement and change, to push yourself in new ways, to be a full-on expat. Congratulations! Living abroad is a wonderful experience at any age. Let’s take a look at the next steps needed for making your dream of living in another country a reality.
1. Look up VISA requirements.
What do you need to enter the country? To have an extended stay? If you plan to work abroad, it is important to look at work permit requirements as well. In Vietnam, they require a police record and a notarized copy of your degree in order to get a work permit. It is difficult to get this once you are abroad but relatively simple if you are in your home country, so taking care of this before the move abroad is ideal. Be sure to research this thoroughly. You don’t want to be the person who just arrived after a 12 hour flight, only to be sent back home (and yes, this is at your expense).
2. Find a job.
There are a few strategies in doing this. One way is to arrive in your country of choice and establish yourself through networking. Find a place, become acclimated to the culture, and then through word of mouth begin your job hunt. Even if you choose this step, it is important to do the research first and make sure that this can be done. For example, when teaching English in an Asian country such as Vietnam or Thailand, this approach works fine. For more information on this, check Dave’s ESL café. Also, if you already have family or relatives living there, this is not a bad idea. Use them as a resource to help familiarize yourself with living in another country.
The other approach to is to search international job forums and secure a job before you go. Many countries will have their own career sites and versions of Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. When you find a company, ask what is included in your work package. Sometimes a company will offer you an expat package covering your flight and accommodation costs.
3. Get insurance.
Don’t forget this!! Your domestic plan most likely won’t cover you abroad. If you have secured work, see what they offer you. Consider getting insurance that covers an emergency medical evacuation plan as well. (click below for next page)
continue living in another country page 4
These are all essentials for going to live in a foreign country. In many cases, they won’t let you work unless you are there with express permission to get a job– even in Canada.
Seize the Day,
Rob
Emergency Preparedness For the 21st Century Family
The best way to make the transition is to marry someone from that country. This simplifies the process immensely.
Steve Chambers
Sales Training Speaker
You’ve done a wonderfully thorough job on this topic. I’ve found your articles to be enjoyable and informative. Moving abroad is something I’ve thought about off and on for several years. It is helpful to read about what such a move would entail. Great series of posts!
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace