When I was 18 I picked up and moved across the globe to get married, to a country that I'd spent a year in at the age of 16, but not knowing much of anything about the country. I had a decently fluent grasp of the language because my mother spoke to us in that language since we have roots from there, but that was all I had going for me. I was very clueless about the culture and the job market, and especially the cost of living (and especially housing) vis a vis the standard wages there. I got a very rude awakening a few months into my living there, and as time went on and I had kids and tried to improve my financial situation I just learned more and more about how difficult things were to improve things financially here. (That's how this blog was born.)
Fortunately, things are much better for us now, I'm more or less used to the cultural differences, and I love my life here 15 years later, but it might not have turned out that way. Many people who move here and invest lots of money into the move turn around and leave within a year or two. If you are considering moving to a foreign country, please do your research so you know exactly what you are getting into before you do a drastic change such as that. Read the following post from a reader about important things to consider.
Are you thinking of moving to a foreign country? It's a big decision, and there are a lot of things to consider before making the leap. This blog post will talk about some of the most important factors to think about before making the move. Whether you're moving for work or for pleasure, it's important to do your research and make sure that the country you're moving to is right for you!
1) Language
One of the most important things to consider before moving to a foreign country is the language barrier. If you don't speak the language of the country you're moving to, it can be challenging to get by on a day-to-day basis. Even basic things like ordering food or asking for directions can be challenging if you don't know the local language. So make sure to do your research and see if there are language classes available in the country you're interested in moving to.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even if you do speak the local language, there may still be a culture shock when it comes to customs and traditions. Therefore, it's always a good idea to research the culture of the country you're moving to so that you can be prepared for anything and eventually become a naturalized citizen!
In addition, if you have specific needs or requirements, it's important to make sure that the country you're moving to can accommodate them. For example, if you have a disability, it's important to research whether the country has accessible public transportation and infrastructure. Similarly, if you have dietary restrictions, it's important to make sure that the country you're moving to has food options that are available to you. All in all, language and culture are two of the most important things to consider before making the move to a foreign country!
2) Cost of living
The cost of living is often one of the most important factors to consider when making a move to another country. Make sure you research the cost of basic necessities like food and housing in your new location. Additionally, keep in mind that the cost of living can vary greatly depending on the city or region you choose to live in. If you’re moving to a country with a currency that’s worth more than your current currency, your purchasing power will be greater.
On the other hand, if you’re moving to a country with a weaker currency, your cost of living may increase. To get an idea of what your costs might look like in your new country, use an online cost of living calculator. This will give you a general idea of how much you’ll need to budget for basic expenses.
Additionally, be sure to account for other costs that may not be included in your regular budget, such as healthcare, travel, and entertainment. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your overall budget. If you’re moving to a country with a high cost of living, you may need to make some lifestyle changes in order to afford your new lifestyle.
For example, you may need to live in a smaller home or apartment, cook more meals at home instead of eating out, or give up your car in favor of public transportation. Making these kinds of changes can help offset the higher cost of living and make it more affordable.
3) Weather
Weather and climate conditions are important to research before moving to a new country. The weather can have a big impact on your daily life, from what you wear to how you spend your free time. If you're not used to extreme heat or cold, it can take some time to adjust. Make sure you're prepared for the climate before making the move.
In addition, natural disasters are more common in some parts of the world than others. If you're moving to an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, it's important to be prepared. Know what the risks are and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
In addition, it's also important to think about things like precipitation and daylight hours. In some countries, it rains or snows a lot, while in others, there is very little rainfall. Similarly, daylight hours can vary significantly from country to country.
4) Housing
Another important factor to consider before moving to a foreign country is housing. Depending on where you're moving, the cost of housing can be very different. For example, in some countries, it's common for people to live in apartments, while in others, people tend to live in houses.
In addition, it's also important to think about things like availability and quality of housing. In some countries, it's difficult to find housing that meets your needs, while in others, there may be a surplus of housing options. Similarly, the quality of housing can vary greatly from country to country. If you're used to living in a high-quality home, moving to a country with lower-quality housing can be difficult to adjust to. Make sure to do your research and find out what the housing situation is like in the country you're interested in before you make the move!
5) Culture
The customs and culture of a foreign country can be difficult to get used to. Even everyday things, such as the way people dress or the food they eat, can be unfamiliar. It is important to do some research on the culture of your chosen country before you move. That way, you can be prepared for what to expect.
One culture shock many people experience when moving to a foreign country is the difference in business culture. In some countries, business meetings are more formal than they are in others. For example, in Japan it is customary to exchange business cards with everyone at a meeting. In Germany, it is common to schedule meetings well in advance. Knowing about these cultural differences can help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas.
6) Job opportunities
Another factor to consider before moving to a foreign country is job opportunities. Depending on where you're moving, the job market may be very different. For example, in some countries, there are many jobs available, while in others, there are not as many. Make sure to do your research and find out what the job market is like in the country you're interested in.
In addition, it's also important to think about things like salary and benefits.
For example, in some countries, salaries are very high, while in others they are not as high. Similarly, the benefits that come with a job can vary greatly from country to country. Also, keep in mind that the job market may be different depending on your industry. For example, the job market for engineers may be very different from the job market for teachers. So make sure to do your research and find out what the job market is like in the country you're interested in for your specific industry before you make the move!
In addition, it's also important to think about things like quality of life and standard of living. For example, in some countries, the quality of life is very high, while in others, it is not as high. Similarly, the standard of living can vary greatly from country to country.
Moving to a foreign country can be a great experience, but it's important to do your research and consider all of the factors outlined above before you make the move, like engaging certified translation services for essential documents. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your experience moving to a foreign country is a positive one!
Another thing to keep in mind is that even if you do speak the local language, there may still be a culture shock when it comes to customs and traditions. Therefore, it's always a good idea to research the culture of the country you're moving to so that you can be prepared for anything and eventually become a naturalized citizen!
In addition, if you have specific needs or requirements, it's important to make sure that the country you're moving to can accommodate them. For example, if you have a disability, it's important to research whether the country has accessible public transportation and infrastructure. Similarly, if you have dietary restrictions, it's important to make sure that the country you're moving to has food options that are available to you. All in all, language and culture are two of the most important things to consider before making the move to a foreign country!
2) Cost of living
The cost of living is often one of the most important factors to consider when making a move to another country. Make sure you research the cost of basic necessities like food and housing in your new location. Additionally, keep in mind that the cost of living can vary greatly depending on the city or region you choose to live in. If you’re moving to a country with a currency that’s worth more than your current currency, your purchasing power will be greater.
On the other hand, if you’re moving to a country with a weaker currency, your cost of living may increase. To get an idea of what your costs might look like in your new country, use an online cost of living calculator. This will give you a general idea of how much you’ll need to budget for basic expenses.
Additionally, be sure to account for other costs that may not be included in your regular budget, such as healthcare, travel, and entertainment. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your overall budget. If you’re moving to a country with a high cost of living, you may need to make some lifestyle changes in order to afford your new lifestyle.
For example, you may need to live in a smaller home or apartment, cook more meals at home instead of eating out, or give up your car in favor of public transportation. Making these kinds of changes can help offset the higher cost of living and make it more affordable.
3) Weather
Weather and climate conditions are important to research before moving to a new country. The weather can have a big impact on your daily life, from what you wear to how you spend your free time. If you're not used to extreme heat or cold, it can take some time to adjust. Make sure you're prepared for the climate before making the move.
In addition, natural disasters are more common in some parts of the world than others. If you're moving to an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, it's important to be prepared. Know what the risks are and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
In addition, it's also important to think about things like precipitation and daylight hours. In some countries, it rains or snows a lot, while in others, there is very little rainfall. Similarly, daylight hours can vary significantly from country to country.
4) Housing
Another important factor to consider before moving to a foreign country is housing. Depending on where you're moving, the cost of housing can be very different. For example, in some countries, it's common for people to live in apartments, while in others, people tend to live in houses.
In addition, it's also important to think about things like availability and quality of housing. In some countries, it's difficult to find housing that meets your needs, while in others, there may be a surplus of housing options. Similarly, the quality of housing can vary greatly from country to country. If you're used to living in a high-quality home, moving to a country with lower-quality housing can be difficult to adjust to. Make sure to do your research and find out what the housing situation is like in the country you're interested in before you make the move!
5) Culture
The customs and culture of a foreign country can be difficult to get used to. Even everyday things, such as the way people dress or the food they eat, can be unfamiliar. It is important to do some research on the culture of your chosen country before you move. That way, you can be prepared for what to expect.
One culture shock many people experience when moving to a foreign country is the difference in business culture. In some countries, business meetings are more formal than they are in others. For example, in Japan it is customary to exchange business cards with everyone at a meeting. In Germany, it is common to schedule meetings well in advance. Knowing about these cultural differences can help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas.
6) Job opportunities
Another factor to consider before moving to a foreign country is job opportunities. Depending on where you're moving, the job market may be very different. For example, in some countries, there are many jobs available, while in others, there are not as many. Make sure to do your research and find out what the job market is like in the country you're interested in.
In addition, it's also important to think about things like salary and benefits.
For example, in some countries, salaries are very high, while in others they are not as high. Similarly, the benefits that come with a job can vary greatly from country to country. Also, keep in mind that the job market may be different depending on your industry. For example, the job market for engineers may be very different from the job market for teachers. So make sure to do your research and find out what the job market is like in the country you're interested in for your specific industry before you make the move!
In addition, it's also important to think about things like quality of life and standard of living. For example, in some countries, the quality of life is very high, while in others, it is not as high. Similarly, the standard of living can vary greatly from country to country.
Moving to a foreign country can be a great experience, but it's important to do your research and consider all of the factors outlined above before you make the move, like engaging certified translation services for essential documents. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your experience moving to a foreign country is a positive one!
If you moved abroad, what were the biggest surprises for you about your new location? Anything you wish you had researched better before making the move?