12 Things To Leave Behind When You Move Abroad part 2 – Part one is here.
Benefits of Relocating Abroad
If you are planning to have an international experience, you might want to consider what will happen after your job contract end. Will you go back home or stay abroad?
The obvious answer would be that it depends on the lifestyle you are used to, but other factors may influence your decision. Finding a new place to live is not easy, but if you follow our advice, you can move abroad with these seven benefits.
1. Personal Experience
Some people say that the most important thing in life is to gain experience and travel as much as possible to live unforgettable moments. Moving abroad is an international experience that you will never forget, also giving your personality a boost and making you grow as a person.
2. Language Learning
Language learning is important, especially if you want to move abroad in the future and need to adapt quickly. If you learn the country’s language you will be moving to, it will be easier for your integration and life in general. You can practice on Duolingo and join an international community to help you.
3. Make New Friends
When you move abroad, your lifestyle changes completely. You will be surrounded by people from different countries who know about different cultures than your own to learn a lot more about the world.
Of course, making new friends is one of the most enjoyable parts of this experience, and you will probably end up with friends from different countries who will be able to recommend other places abroad.
4. Career Opportunities
The job market is very competitive in every country, so if you want to stand out, it’s better to get international experience. This way, you enhance your resume because your skills are much more marketable.
Meanwhile, you will find out what the job market is like in different countries and areas, helping you decide where you want to work.
5. Personal Development
Another great benefit of moving abroad is that every day you are in a new place, it’s like opening your mind to different experiences and people. You will learn much more about yourself when you are forced to adapt to another place, culture, language, etc., so this experience can be even better than therapy.
6. Financial Benefits
Many people think that moving abroad will be very costly and require a lot of money, but this is not always the case. If you want to save money when relocating, you can buy a plane ticket with points or look for a place that requires less money in general. Besides, if you have a job in the new country, they will most likely pay for your moving expenses.
7. Fun Experiences
While the experiences mentioned above are all good and worth it, there is always fun to be had when you move abroad too. You can travel more often because flights are cheaper from some countries, so you have no excuse to miss out on all the fun. Plus, you can meet friends in other places and visit them, so you will never run out of things to do after you move abroad.
7 Things to Pack While Relocating Abroad
Taking a move to another country is a big deal. You have different things to take care of, and packing is just one of them. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming when you look at your home, and you need to pack all that up into boxes, which will then fit in the moving truck. In order to make this task more straightforward for you, here are seven things you should pack while relocating abroad.
Your Passport
You need that no matter what! No, but really, it’s the most important thing that proves who you are and where you come from. If somehow your wallet gets stolen or lost, at least the passport is safe. However, if you have lost your passport, read our blog post on how to get a new one.
Address Book
Since you will live in another country, it’s safe to assume that you will have friends coming over for visits or stay in touch. Keep them close by with the address book! You don’t want to look up their number every time you call, right?
Your Pet’s Papers
Moving abroad with a pet is not easy at all. You have to do the same as what you did when you packed your clothes and important documents, but with your animal friend. First, call a veterinarian and ask about the necessary paperwork needed for relocation. Then, visit a pet store and get everything your animal might need for a few days until everything gets settled.
Your Favorite Pillow
If you have been used to sleeping on your favorite pillow for years now, the chances are that you will not be able to sleep well without it when moving abroad. It’s probably something you don’t want to spend a lot of money on, so pack it up and take it with you.
Your Kitchenware
We all have our favorite mug for coffee in the morning or that one plate we use more than anything else. If there’s some particular utensil you like using when cooking, make sure to pack it up along with all your pots, pans, kitchenware of any kind.
A Picture of You
This one is somewhat of a dark secret amongst moving expats. It may seem silly to take a picture of yourself before leaving, but there’s more to this than just vanity.
If for some reason, the time comes and you need to go back home, you won’t want to miss that opportunity. You can come back anytime, actually, but if they ask for proof of which you are, it’s probably the only thing that will make them believe you!
Your Favorite Books
People say that moving abroad is one of the best things you can do in life. However, not having your favorite book with you while you are transitioning to a new culture might be very discouraging at times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Relocating Abroad
Why do people move abroad?
People move abroad for many different reasons. Some people want to explore distant lands, some want to spend more time with family, and some need a change of scenery. No matter why you’re moving abroad, plenty of questions come up when you’re planning an international move.
How soon should I begin preparations?
Some people start preparing to move several months ahead of time, while others make arrangements when they’re closer to moving day. If you already have a place to live abroad and your job is ready for you when you arrive, then it may be easier for you to make last-minute plans.
What do I need to relocate?
It depends on where you’re going. Some places require inoculations; others may need you to provide proof of income. You’ll also need a passport, visa (if required), and other pertinent documents. If you’re moving with family members, you’ll need to look into your particular situation’s requirements ahead of time.
Conclusion
Living in a new country as an expat is a fascinating and rewarding experience. You learn about and experience a new culture while earning money and seeing the world. On the flip side, it’s essential to know the things to leave behind while traveling. This article explains it all!
