In our final blog post about migration, we recommend five questions to ask yourself before you decide to move overseas.
Moving abroad isn’t a decision to take lightly. While it may offer some obvious benefits, such as enhanced career prospects, you have to consider the various adjustments required to settle in a new country. After all, you don’t want to spend time and money relocating only to find out that you made a mistake.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you go.
Can you communicate in the native language?
If you’re moving to a country where the locals speak a different language, you need to have a basic understanding of it at the very least. The success of your move abroad largely depends on your ability to communicate, not just for getting a job but also setting up a bank account, finding your way around and even day- to- day tasks like shopping for groceries. And you may feel a bit lonely when you first arrive in a new country, but you can only meet people if you speak the local language.
Can you adjust to the local culture?
You need to be aware of any cultural differences and know how you’re going to handle them. As long as you respect the local customs and traditions, you shouldn’t have any problem settling in. If there’s something in particular that you feel you might struggle to adjust to, check for alternatives. For example, if you’re worried about adapting to the cuisine, find out if there are shops where you can buy ingredients you’re familiar with.
Can you obtain the necessary visa or work permits?
One of the first things you should look into when you’re considering moving to a country is whether you need a visa or work permit to live and work there. If so, make sure you know the length of time you’re entitled to stay, or you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Also, check how long the application process takes, so the paperwork is ready when you leave.
Do you know how much it will cost to live?
Before you decide to move to a new country, research how much it costs to live there. What seems like an attractive salary compared to what you’re currently earning mightn’t cover your expenses if the cost of living is higher. Take a look at the InterNations Cost of Living Index to find out what are the most affordable countries.
Will you be able to get a job?
If you’re moving overseas to improve your job prospects, make sure you read our recent blog post about the best countries for expats to build a career.
