Getting a chance to live and work abroad is a life-changing experience. For one, there is a promise of a better life for you and your family. But it also means leaving behind your comfort zone to begin anew in another place.
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Sometimes, this move is temporary. For some, this will be permanent. But either way, moving abroad requires maturity and a positive attitude.
Getting Ready to Live in a New Country
As expats, you may start your lives abroad as a contract worker, where you eventually become permanent residents. Moving abroad is a big deal because you will leave behind the life you know. Of course, this move can also be exciting because you can experience a different way of life.
Before moving abroad, take note of these tips:
- If you can afford it, visit the country first before deciding to move. You can see for yourself if you can adapt to that country, or even if you want to stay there longer.
But if it is not possible to visit first, you can ask friends or other people who live there. They can also share survival tips or other stories on how they were able to start anew.
Learning about the new country will be helpful if you will bring your family along. Not only will you have to navigate a new environment, but you will also have to help your family navigate as well. Once again, this can be exciting because the whole family will discover new experiences together.
- Once you’re in the new country, don’t bring all your things with you. Again, study the situation first. In the meantime, you can learn to make do with the basic necessities. Some expats are advised to bring one big luggage for their clothes since they can easily wash them. If you decide to stay longer, you can just buy more clothes or have your clothes and other stuff shipped to you. There are also pre-loved items being sold at a cheaper price. Why not buy these when you have settled in your new place?
This tip can be a bit tricky if you have your family. But it would be important to have everyone on board about the need to stick to the essentials while the parents are deciding if they will stay in the country or leave.
- Find your support group. Moving to a new country means finding a new group of friends. When you arrive in your new home, it would be helpful to find potential friends in the community. You could try reaching out to your university’s alumni chapter, or with friends back in your home town, or you can reach out to the co-parents in your children’s school.
- Keep in touch with the family and friends you will leave behind. While you are adjusting to your new life, remember to get in touch with the people back home. This is the part where you will check which apps you can use to talk or call them.
Admittedly, homesickness and apprehension could be the reasons why the expat might not want to move. But just remember that there might be better opportunities in another country. And while it can be difficult, just go ahead and make the move. This could be the big break you are waiting for.
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