by Contributing Author
There are many reasons why you might want to move abroad. It could be because you want to experience a new culture, push yourself out of your comfort zone, or enhance your career. However, with all of the benefits, there are also some different problems that may occur. You need to know how to fix them before they become serious issues.
Below we are going to talk about eight that you may face when moving abroad.
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Financial Hardship
Indeed, one of the biggest issues that many individuals face when leaving their own country is financial hardship. There are many costs associated with the initial move, and you’re also potentially leaving behind your stable income. This is why it’s vital that you save as much as you can beforehand. Alongside the standard living costs, you’ll need to consider things like flights, visas, phone bills, and insurance. You’re better to over save than not save enough.
Health Concerns
Due to financial hardship, another major issue you may be worried about is your health. You might not be able to afford treatment, or in some cases, will even be refused care. Luckily, the fix for this is quite simple. You just need to invest in a health insurance policy that suits your specific situation
Relationship Strains
Chances are that when you are moving, you’re also leaving behind many treasured friends and family members. With all the packing, planning, and settling into your new life, you could experience some relationship strains. You’ll feel homesick and may lose contact with those that you love.
Alternatively, if you are moving with your family, you might also experience some stress. The entire process can be overwhelming, especially if you have young children. Healthy communication is crucial, so remember to be patient and check in on one another.
Finding Housing
If you’ve got a great job lined up at a successful company, housing may be included for you. However, not everybody has this luxury. Finding an appropriate place to live can be difficult. You may end up having to settle for something that you’re not 100% happy with until you can afford a larger place.
You also need to think about how you are going to get all of your belongings to your new home and if you will be relocating your pet. These are hidden expenses, and they can also cause other issues. What will you do if your belongings get lost? Or take longer than expected to arrive?
Language Barriers
One of the most common problems people face when moving abroad is the language barrier. Even if you have spent time studying in advance, actually communicating can be very different. What is taught in the textbook may not be what is actually spoken in casual conversation.
Over time, this barrier will break, and you will feel more confident. However, it does depend on how much dedication you put into learning the language. Alongside using self-teaching resources and at-home language programs, it might be worth taking a class or asking a local for assistance.
Culture Shock
Culture shock is the term used to describe the feeling of being out of place in a new country. You may feel frustrated, anxious, and overwhelmed while you learn to adapt to the new laws and traditions. It’s something that every expat will feel, even when going to a place that speaks the same language.
The only way to truly get over this feeling is to be patient and immerse yourself in the world around you. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll gain more confidence and begin to appreciate new things.
Finding a Job
Some people move abroad due to work relocation, but others hope to find a job once they have arrived there. This can be easier said than done, as most companies and businesses will require specific qualifications. You might need a degree or a certain amount of experience in order to be selected. However, there are internships and other options out there; you just need to know where to look.
Take a look at overseas job boards, such as Go abroad, Idealist, LinkedIn, and Indeed Worldwide. Some forums may also have job suggestions too.
Making Friends
Finally, the last issue that you may face when moving abroad is struggling to make new friends. It’s not easy to meet new people, especially when you may experience language barriers which we discussed above. However, if you do some research, you should find other local expats that are looking for friendship too. Head down to your local coffee shop, check out social media, and use websites such as Meetup.com. You’ll form great relationships before you know it.
