Being well-prepared for living overseas is a step you need to consider. Worry not because you’re not alone in this process. There are over 4 million American expats out there in the world. However, with this transition, many things will change, and knowing how to handle them will be of great importance. Being an expat and having that kind of experience means you’ll have a chance to see things differently.
In 2020, over ten million Americans moved internationally. That is more than double the number of people who moved in 1999. Some of us move to another country for love, others for great job opportunities. Many people are simply looking for a better quality of life. Either way, one thing is sure – you’ll have the best experience with a reliable international moving company. However, starting to live as an expat during the Corona outbreak calls for more than just planning the move and packing your belongings. There’s also the period after the move and adjusting to the new surroundings. So what is it like living abroad? Read on to find out.
Why Living Overseas All of a Sudden Sounds Like the Best Choice?
Everyone has experienced that feeling in their lives when they really need a change. Every day, we take the same way to work, go through the same routines, and come back home to the same chores and errands. It’s no wonder why moving overseas may sound appealing to many of us. Stepping out of our comfort zone and taking a leap into an adventure, even if it’s not your cup of tea, might be exactly what you need. Since there are many benefits of relocating abroad, you shouldn’t neglect the possibility offered to you.
That being said, embracing different experiences in completely unknown surroundings, meeting new people, and changing work environments are stressful events. However, fear shouldn’t stop you from doing it. For example, moving to the Bahamas can seem like an unrealistic plan full of obstacles, from adjusting to the different climate to embracing the laid-back lifestyle. All these challenging things are, in fact, a force that pushes us forward. Once you overcome obstacles like these, you’ll see that relocation is the best choice you could’ve made.
Is Living Abroad Better – Find and Set Your Goals and Stick With Them
It should go without saying that, if you choose one of the best places for living overseas, you will likely provide your family with a better quality of life than what you had back home. That being said, even the highest living standards in the world won’t be worth it if you’re not clear about why you’re relocating. Changing homes and countries can be an overwhelming process, but if you set your goals and stick to them, everything will be just fine.
There are many good reasons why people move abroad and positive changes this relocation will bring into your life. These include, for example:
- Expanding your horizons and learning about other cultures,
- Learning a new language or furthering your education,
- Meeting new people and having more opportunities to travel (international travel in Europe is much easier and cheaper than what we’re used to as Americans),
- Furthering your career.
Make the Checklist of All the Important Things That Will Make the Adjustment Process Easier
When you relocate to one of the best countries to live in, there’s still some work to do. Don’t forget you’ll be in a completely different place from your homeland. You might not understand some things that locals are doing, you probably won’t even understand the language, either. So grab a pen and paper and make a list of things you don’t understand (similar to the checklist you made for the relocation) and would like to learn more about.
This list of things you yet need to get to know, learn, or get used to will help you see your progress. Every day will bring new adventures, but also challenges. Why not keep track of all the progress you make and be proud of yourself? You know how hard it was to make everything happen, from deciding what to pack to finding a reliable relocation crew that will ship your vehicle. The whole process is challenging, and it’s normal if there are some ups and downs. You just have to remember why you’re doing this and what it will bring you.
What You Need to Live Overseas – Double-Check All the Needed Documents (Visa, Permits, Passports)
Adjusting to life in an unfamiliar environment entails more than just learning about the customs and the peculiarities of the local culture. It also involves some bureaucracy. You probably know this already, but let’s repeat it just in case. Relocating across the globe means you’ll need specific documents. For example, when looking for places to retire in Europe, it’s not enough just to pick the country and decide to relocate to Portugal, for example. You have to gather all documents needed for international travel first.
Aside from a valid passport and applying for a visa on time, don’t forget to check the documents for your furry friends. When relocating with a dog, ensure all the certificates and vaccinations are with other documents. And the last step, when it comes to paperwork and documentation for this process, is to double-check everything.
But paperwork is not over with once you finally move. You will also need to check the local rules and regulations regarding driver’s licenses, health insurance, and all the other technicalities you need in order to live a normal life.
What Do I Need to Do to Live Abroad – Explore the Cost of Living of the Country You’ll Call Your New Home and Find Job
Maybe you know exactly the perfect place for your new home, but have you checked the cost of living? It doesn’t matter much if you planned your whole life in that one country and city when you don’t have enough money to survive until the end of the month. That’s why after you planned everything, you should start looking for a job (if you haven’t already found one).
Once you’re aware of every cost you’ll come into (you can check the website Numbeo for more detailed information), you will have a better picture of the period ahead. So let’s see how to prepare for a job opportunity in the new place.
Explore the Job Market and Be Open-Minded About Work Opportunities After You’ve Found Accommodation
A competitive job market is a common thing for big cities all over the globe. Finding work is something you have to deal with in the first period after the move. Especially if you’re looking for a job in Europe as an American and couldn’t save some money for this kind of situation. The easiest and least stressful approach is with Linkedin. You just have to change your address and start searching.
However, this will be enough if you’re relocating to Canada, for example, or relocating to the United Kingdom. You don’t have to learn a new language, at least. But, if you decide to move to Switzerland, which is one of the best places to live, then finding a job will require knowing some German, French, Italian, or Romansh, too.
Another important thing to remember in job hunting is that you might not get the dream job at first. That’s completely normal; you just have to be open-minded. Even the friendliest countries to live in don’t have an impeccable job market, but they do have plenty of opportunities for those who dare to get out of their comfort zones.
The Adjustment Process Might Take Time – Be Patient
Knowing how to live in another place, away from the homeland, is a challenging thing. It will take some time for you to adjust to the unknown surroundings and completely different cultures. Of course, it all depends on how extreme your life will change. If you’re relocating to India, for example, be ready for completely different cultural rituals, different languages, and strange customs you’re not used to. Not to mention that the lifestyle and everyday life will change.
You’ll overcome these differences, but you have to be patient and start learning the language abroad. However, the shock could be just too overwhelming for some of us. In that case, it’s better to learn more about the place – about their customs and how locals spend their free time. Don’t wait until you relocate – start exploring some interesting facts about the area you’ll call home.
Include Language Lessons in the Relocation Abroad Preparation Process
Probably the biggest obstacle you’ll have in this journey is the language. And because of that, many people choose places abroad where the same language is spoken. However, breaking the language barrier will come naturally once you begin to feel comfortable in the area. If you’re having trouble with it, try finding some help that will give you tips for learning a new language.
Expat Communities Will Provide More Than Just a Comfort
Relocating across the world means you’ll be apart from your loved ones and from the house where you lived for many years. It is an emotional event, and support from other people that have been through the same is essential. That’s why you should find expat communities. Not only will you learn a lot from listening to different experiences, but you’ll speak your native language. Feel free to ask everything you want, and there will surely be someone that could help you.
American communities can be found on every corner of the globe. This is important because no matter where you wish to move, you’ll find someone that knows exactly how you feel. Take advantage of it and gather as much information as you can, and you’ll see that adjusting to the unknown surroundings isn’t as complicated as many people think.
Life Overseas Will Give You a Bigger Picture of the World in Every Sense
You may not realize how this kind of change can affect you. Yes, it will cost money and take away some free time, but once you settle in and start feeling like one of the locals, that’s when the real adventure begins.
Different lifestyles, cultures, laws, and languages will give you a better perspective of the world. And it is something that you can get only by relocating internationally. So, don’t take any chances with an unreliable relocation company – hire the best one with all the needed services – from a packing service to a secure storage facility for your belongings.
