Planning To Work Abroad
By Rhiannon Williamson, Thu Dec 8th

Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizonbroadening experience; and if you take the time to plan aheadcarefully before you go, you will make your transition into theoverseas work place a smooth and successful one.

So, if you’re considering relocating overseas to take up atemporary assignment or you’d like to move abroad permanentlyand find work there are basically three main aspects ofexpatriation that you need to think about before you make yourmove and this article examines them for you.

1)Location

Unless you’re being relocated by your employer to a fixedlocation you will quickly discover that it’s a big wide worldand you therefore have a great deal of choice when consideringwhich country best suits your lifestyle and employmentrequirements. In an effort to narrow down your search a littleconsider any country you’re interested in in view of thefollowing considerations: -

i)The location’s distance from your home country and your familyand friends – remember that there will be times you want or needto return home and/or to catch up with old faces. How easy andaffordable will it be for you to go ‘back home’ should the needarise and how simple will it be for your friends and family tocome and visit you?

ii)The weather – some countries are more or less hospitable inweather terms and someone who originally heralds from TropicalNorth Queensland may find it a struggle to cope with the wet,grey winters in England for instance and someone from Canada mayfind is a shock coping with the searing summer temperatures inSpain. Thinking about your ideal overseas location from aweather perspective may well cut down your choices!

iii)Your family – particularly if you’re expatriating withchildren you’ll need to think carefully about the healthcare andeducation facilities available overseas and also about gettingyour essential insurances in place before you go. Some countriesare more expensive and restrictive than others…bear this in mind.

iv)Language barriers – if you’re considering moving to a countrywhere the mother tongue is other than your own will thisrestrict your employment prospects? Can you overcome this bylearning the language before you go or do you need to reconsideryour destination?

2)Employment

Are you a professional in a given industry or do you have aflexible skill set that will allow

you to seek work in manydifferent sectors? Do your qualifications translate favourablyand transfer directly overseas? What sectors would you like towork in, in which countries can you find work in a professionthat suits you?

These are all questions you have to consider carefully. Next, ifyou’re moving overseas permanently you need to be practical andrealistic and consider the long term employment prospects foryou, your spouse and any other family members accompanyingyou…if you can find employment today how easy will it be tochange employer or advance your career later in life?

You should then examine your desired location carefully anddetermine whether or not you need work permits, residency visasand permission to work and live abroad, if so you should get theball rolling and apply as soon as possible in case of anypaperwork and administrative delays.

Also consider the taxation and financial aspects of workingabroad…remember that if you’re moving to a low cost country theeconomy will likely pay lower wages than you’re used to, willthese be sufficient to sustain your ideal lifestyle?

3)Accommodation

Last but not least is the thought of finding somewhere to liveabroad. By now you’ll have a clear favourite in the locationstakes but now you need to examine the property market andwhether it’s easy and affordable to rent accommodation when youfirst arrive and whether, long term, it’s possible for foreignresidents to purchase freehold property abroad.

If you’re planning on moving abroad permanently you’ll also needto think about moving your household belongings and personaleffects with you, and what about transporting your pets overseastoo?

There are many relocation companies who specialise in relocatingindividuals and families abroad, these companies have afantastic skills base to assist you with every single aspect ofthe process. If on the other hand you’re on a budget or lookingto work abroad for a shorter period of time use the internet tofind forums and information sites dedicated to expats, workingabroad and the particular countries you’re interested in andyou’ll quickly be amazed at the wealth of invaluable informationout there.

About the author:Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer based in Cyprus whosemany articles about living and working abroad have appeared inexpatriate publications around the world. Visit this link toread her latest articles about: North Cyprus