Does your family have a cultural attachment to a certain region? Even if you are not in contact with any family overseas, you may decide to narrow down your options to your ancestors’ region of origin to learn more about family history and traditions.
Keep in mind that the language situation may vary within a country. For example, rural areas are more likely to be monolingual than cities. Take language lessons from a book, recording, or teacher before you leave if possible, or practice your language skills in conversation.
Always translate costs and wages into the currency you are familiar with and keep your money in. Use an online exchange calculator to get the most up to date information, and to see whether the exchange rate is changing rapidly.
If you wish to use specialized job skills abroad but do not yet have a job, finding a region where your job skills are in demand is especially important. Find an international professional organization if possible to find contacts who have worked abroad in your field, and ask them for advice about relocation. Reading tourists’ guides to individual cities or regions can be a good way to narrow down your search from a country down to the local level, where weather, attractions, and culture can vary greatly.
Other members of your family can use this same step-by-step guide to identify possible challenges.
Study abroad options may be available through your university, secondary school or high school, or through third-party organizations. Financial aid may also be available. Ask a school counselor for more information. If you are currently applying to universities, consider applying to foreign universities as well. Make sure they offer classes in a language you speak before applying.
If you are a member of the U. S. military or a U. S. government employee, find more information through the the United States federal travel website.
If you are passionate about an issue, do your research thoroughly to determine how best you can contribute. Ask the volunteer organization questions about its practices: does it support local economies, or does it only use imported labor and materials? What percentage of their funds go to the humanitarian project versus administration and other costs?[6] X Research source
Note that you will most likely have a tourist visa, which could make it illegal for you to work abroad, as well as limit the amount of time you can stay in a country to a few weeks or months (depending on the visa).
If it is not possible to receive a passport from your country of citizenship, you may need to apply for a non-citizen travel document from the country you reside in. Contact a passport office for more information. You may wish to renew your passport even if it will be valid on the date of your departure. Many expats return or visit their home country eventually, and it is usually easiest to renew your passport from within the country that issued it.
If your application for a long-term visa is rejected, consider applying for a shorter-term visa instead. Once you are in the country, you may be able to find a job and apply for a work visa. Research the relevant visa regulations carefully to discover all your options. Some countries may allow you to stay indefinitely as long as you briefly exit the country every once in a while and pay for a new visitor’s visa.
If you are a citizen of the United States, you could be fined for failing to report a foreign bank account containing $10,000 or more. [7] X Research source You must also file tax forms, although you may be able to use this form on the irs website to declare your income un-taxable.
How easy is it to get around by public transportation, versus by car? If renting or buying a car is a good idea, will your current driver’s license be valid in that country, or will you need to take a test? Does your bank have branches in your destination country, or a “sister bank” you can access your account from? If you decide to open a new bank account overseas, what documents will you need to do so? In case of a medical emergency, where can you receive medical treatment from professional doctors? Will you share a language with them, and if not, where can you find an interpreter on short notice?
For an even more comfortable transition, although an expensive one, stay in a hotel for the first week or two after you move while you investigate the rental options in person. It is still a good idea to research possibilities beforehand and let the landlords know when you’ll make a decision.
If you are moving from an area with mild winters to an area with severe winters, the winter clothing at your destination may be more suitable than what you can purchase in your area. However, if you are traveling in winter, remember to pack one set of winter clothes to wear on arrival.
Note that you may be required to pack medicine in a clear plastic bag if traveling by plane, or pack non-vital medicine in your shipped luggage. Exact regulations vary by country.
Make sure you have cancelled any recurring bills, or had them redirected to your new address.
Pack a few boxes or pieces of furniture that you are unsure about, and store them in a rented storage space or at a friend’s. Label them clearly and ask a friend to ship these boxes once you’ve settled in, if you decide you need the contents of a particular box after all.
Culture shock can happen even in a country where people speak your native language. Be prepared for it even if you think you’ll be in a similar country to your own.
