If you’ve ever dreamed of moving abroad, then chances are you’ll have romanticized this experience to the point where when the reality kicks in about the logistics and finances of such a huge life change it can feel prohibitive.
There’s a lot to consider when relocating overseas, for instance, if you have children then education is going to be high on the list and in that vein the cost of said education is likely to come into mind, as most times, children that relocate end up going to “international school” which have a tendency to be pretty expensive.
Similarly, simple thing such as taking your pets or even cars with you can feel like a huge amount of hassle, that said, there are solution providers such as Ship Overseas, a leading international car shipping company that can help take the hassle out of vehicle shipping from the USA to Europe… but, it’s still a lot to think about and arrange.
That said, for those that are committed to moving abroad it’s often a case of “where there’s a will there’s a way” and most things can be taken care of pretty easily, nowadays, thanks to the convenience provided by the internet.
Here’s a simple checklist of what you will need to consider before planning to relocate overseas, according to statistics:
PAPERWORK
You’ll want to find out what paperwork you need well in advance, as there’s a good chance you’re going to need a specific visa that must be applied for in plenty of time. If you have a business, life can be made a little simpler by applying for a business visa – though sometimes the easiest route is to have your visa sponsored by a company that is wanting to employ you in that country. Of course, this is made much easier if you already work for a company and they are simply relocating your position from one office to another.
INJECTIONS
If you’re travelling to some faraway tropical land then you’ll want to ensure your vaccinations are up to date, and check out any specific health concerns within the area, as you might be required to take prophylactic treatment against mosquito bites.
LANGUAGE
It pays to start learning the local language well in advance, as even though you will tend to find the immersive learning experience of being in the destination a much faster way to learn, your progress will be catalyzed by mastering the fundamentals beforehand. There are apps such as Duolingo that can greatly help with this.
FIND A NEW HOME
It might feel tempting to live out of a suitcase for a few weeks or months whilst you find your perfect home, but it pays to head out prior to departure and secure your new home so that when you move – you are moving straight into your home rather than being in a state of limbo for several weeks or months.
In summary, relocating overseas can be an incredible opportunity that provides personal growth for you and your family, but it needs to be planned well in advance and considered carefully – particularly in terms of the financial and family aspects such as education, pets and healthcare.