One of the best and most exciting ways to travel long-term is to work abroad. The benefits are two-fold: your traveling experience is definitely cheaper and your days are far from mundane with all the things you get to do and see in a foreign country.
Living and working abroad is an enriching and thrilling experience but it’s by no means a move to be made without preparation. Before you rush to pack your bags and buy a one-way ticket, here are several things you need to take care of first.
Get your paperwork and banking in order
The first important step to take is to get your paperwork in order. This means you need to collect all your references and statements of service from your present job, degree certificates, resources, CVs and everything necessary for your visa, such as bank statements and documents proving ties to your homeland.
Getting your banking in order may be a pesky chore but it should be done so you don’t find yourself in a financial predicament. Get informed whether you’ll be able to use your credit cards at ATMs abroad, learn about fees involved and see if you can get a debit/credit card with no additional transaction fees and make sure you have at least one backup card for emergencies.
See your doctor and get health insurance
It’s always a smart decision to see your doctor for a complete check-up before you leave home, especially if you’re going to a country with expensive healthcare services. Stock up on your prescription medication, contact lenses or anything else you use on a regular basis as there’s no guarantee you’ll find them abroad.
Furthermore, research the health insurance requirements for your destination country. Some countries provide free healthcare for foreign workers but in other countries, it might be more complicated so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to know the difference between health and travel insurance, which you might also need to cover you in cases of delayed flights or lost items.
Learn about your destination
It’s practically a rule of thumb to research the country you’re moving to as being properly informed can save you a lot of stress in the process. You’re sure to experience some culture shock but at least by knowing something about the country’s culture, customs, history, and language can help you make a smoother transition.
A good place to start are traditional travel guidebooks, but you can also read the current travel blogs and speak to people who have spent time in the country of your choice and learn first-hand what it is like there. The Internet offers many great opportunities to get informed, one way being platforms of local relevance such as Week in China online publication that offers valuable information regarding the state of business affairs in Hong Kong and its financial development as well as news in media, healthcare, education, society, entertainment and many more.
Prepare for the culture shock
As mentioned before, experiencing some sort of a culture shock is inevitable but after that initial excitement has worn off, you’ll soon settle in and possibly even feel homesick. It’s perfectly normal to feel that way and as long as you understand that it’s just a part of the process, you’ll be able to work through it, achieve your goals and enjoy the experience.
Start building your network
It’s very helpful to start building your network and reach out to people you may know in your destination country because once you arrive there, you’ll have someone to turn to for advice and recommendation. Contact your social media friends and see if they know someone who’s already there and join local online communities to create bonds with both the locals and other expats.
If you still haven’t got a job waiting for you there, look for an appropriate work abroad program to set you up and see what professions are wanted now. There are many opportunities to work as an au pair, English language teacher, work on a farm or if you’re tech-savvy, look into in-demand tech jobs. Give yourself enough time to process all this so you’re able to find what suits you best.
Have an emergency fund
One of the major advantages of working abroad is being able to travel and paying less for it than a typical tourist. It’s usually less expensive to travel on a local currency which you easily obtain by getting your weekly paycheck. Still, it’s wise to have some reserve money in the bank in case of some unforeseen expenses. Living in a foreign country means you’re likely to experience a few surprises such as waiting for at least a month until you receive your first salary, paying a security deposit for your apartment or having to fully furnish your new place.
Pack lightly and intentionally
Most people make the mistake of leaving the packing for last but this is when typically things go wrong and panic sets in. It’s better to make a plan and a checklist of all the things you want to take, leave or sell. Try to pack lightly and intentionally – take half of what you laid out originally and bring only those items and garments you’ll need for the climate of your destination.
It’s certainly a big decision to make about moving abroad for work and there are many things to cover before you leave but it’s also important not to forget to have fun! Don’t see it as a chore but rather as an adventure and exciting new chapter in your life!
