Tips For Moving To Another Country
By Rod Morris, Thu Dec 8th
BE SURE - Moving can be extremely stressful, be as certain asyou can be that it's the right move for you before you go. Ifpossible visit the country before you make up your mind, don'trely on other people's impressions. Ask yourself if the newculture will really suit you (and your family). BE PREPARED - ...For anything and everything to go wrong. Don'tassume that you'll be able to find the perfect job or houseimmediately. If possible make sure you've got enough money tosee you through the first couple of months at the very least(preferably longer). And to do that you'll need to... BUDGET - As unglamorous as it sounds, good budgeting could bewhat makes the difference between a successful relocation and adisaster. Before you go, work out what everything is going tocost during those crucial first months when you're trying tofind your feet in a foreign land.
DON'T DELAY - Start preparing as early as possible, just gettingall the necessary paperwork in order can take a long time. Makea checklist of everything you need to do! CHECK YOUR BENEFITS - If your company has initiated your moveyou may be eligible for relocation benefits. Make sure you askif they haven't told you already! HEALTH - Make sure that the country you are moving to hasadequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure to support you(and your family), especially if you suffer from a medicalcondition which requires treatment or medication. YOUR HOME - Think about what you want to do with your currenthome
(e.g. sell it, lease it, leave it empty) and what kind ofaccommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If youdon't know anyone in the new country who can help findaccommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent. EMPLOYMENT - Will you be looking for work in your new country?If so, consider starting your job hunt before you go (use theInternet!) Will you be able to use your existing qualificationsor will a period of retraining be necessary? If you're movingsomewhere where they don't speak the same language as you thenyou should... LEARN THE LANGUAGE - Few skills will have such a positive impacton your relocation experience as being able to speak, or atleast understand, the local language. Getting to grips with thelocal lingo before you go is a great idea! PAPERWORK - No matter how insignificant that old document at theback of the bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you, thechances are at some stage you'll have to show it to someone.Moving countries can be a bureaucratic nightmare at the best oftimes but if you come prepared with the necessary paperwork youstand the best chance of a stress free relocation. Things tothink about include birth certificates, wedding certificates,educational certificates, medical certificates (including thosefor your pets!), etc. FRIENDS About the author:Rod Morris is the owner of Expat Focus -http://www.expatfocus.com - a leading web site for expatriatesand anyone considering a move abroad. Rod is himself an expathaving moved to the Netherlands from the UK and he has alsotravelled widely throughout Europe, the US and beyond. |
