Whether you want to enjoy your coffee at a Parisian cafe or explore the jungles of Peru, most of us have plenty of reasons for traveling overseas.
But when that love of adventure takes root, you may be ready to move onto the next step: working abroad. With a long-term visa in your locale of choice, you’ll have more opportunities to explore the culture, language, and geography of your new home.
Of course, moving overseas isn’t exactly easy, and it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re interested in making your next move, keep reading to learn how to get started.
1. Pick the Right Country
When you consider your destination for work, it’s tempting to just opt for the country that you most want to visit. But while it’s always a great idea to be enthusiastic about your new home, you need to make sure the destination is a good match for your career and personal preferences.
Are you comfortable with the country’s culture? Are there job prospects that would help you move your career forward? Can you afford the living expenses and cost of travel where you’d live?
2. Find a Job Before You Pack
Spontaneity is one of the best benefits of working abroad, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time to plan as well! Unless you’re just taking a gap year, take the time to choose the right job—especially since most countries won’t offer a long-term visa unless you have one.
If you’re invested in teaching English or hospitality, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to move around the globe. For more niche types of jobs, however, you may need to find job sites specific to the country in question.
3. Start Saving Now
Even if you won’t be stepping into your new job for months, it’s important to start saving early. This may not feel very romantic as you plan your move, but the cost of moving overseas is always more than you’d think! Housing deposits, airfare, and miscellaneous travel expenses add up, so save everything you can.
4. Research, Research, Research
Before you make your move, go beneath the surface research most people do about your destination. Reading about local culture, traditions, and events can help you avoid culture shock while preparing for upcoming opportunities and challenges.
If your new workplace has put you in touch with relocation support, make use of that resource as much as you can. If not, try reaching out for migration assistance from those with experience working and traveling abroad, like Renee Le Cussan.
Now Is the Best Time for Working Abroad
There will never be a “perfect time” for working abroad, and there will always be plenty of challenges standing in your way. But planning in advance using these tips can help remove some of your biggest obstacles, paving the way for you to explore a new country while you work. Start planning your move today!
Want more of the career tips you need to succeed? Check out our other posts for more insights.