Picking up your belongings and moving to another country is stressful. However, the more prepared you are before the move, the less intimidating it can be. Before taking that leap, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Language
Before moving to another country, you should be sure to find out all of the national languages that are spoken there. This may seem like a no brainer, but many countries have several national languages, making it harder to get around and find employment. Being fluent in all of the country’s languages will increase the odds of being hired for a job and will make it easier to communicate.
Lifestyle
You may be used to living a certain lifestyle and you may want to figure out if you will be able to live comfortably in your new surroundings. Visiting museums, enjoying fine cuisine, and splurging on retail goods may not be the way of life in a new country. You may enjoy participating in outdoor sports and activities, but the climate may not support such activities. Also consider amenities that you may take for granted now and their availability in the region you want to move to. Only you can decide if you are comfortable with these lifestyle changes.
Communicating with Family and Friends
When moving to a foreign country it may not be as easy as you may think to be able to phone loved ones. International telephone systems can vary from country to country with some being extremely reliable and others not so much. Check out Bell.ca android phones from Canada, Vodafone from the UK, and Orange in France to get an idea of what sort of coverage you can expect abroad. You may also want to consider purchasing iPad SIM cards as well so that you can ensure the ability to Skype and Face Time with family and friends.
Employment
So you are fluent in all the national languages and have a killer resume, it may still be impossible finding a job. Visas, permanent residency, and waiting periods for non-citizen employment may stand in the way of getting a paycheck. Be sure to check out the national employment laws and policies so that you are well informed on the obstacles that may stand in your way.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Healthcare can be costly just about anywhere. Without insurance, doctor’s visits, special tests, and medication can quickly add up. Those with a history of chronic illness and other reoccurring medical conditions should make sure that they can afford such an expense. In addition to this, it is a good idea to look into the healthcare system of that particular country. They may not be as far advanced as where you currently live, making it more difficult for them to treat disease and illness.