Moving abroad is one of the most interesting and exciting things a person can do - but that’s not to say it can be done quickly or without thought.
With in mind, here are a few things to do before taking the leap.
Research your destination- while there are things that you will learn once you arrive, research beforehand will be your best friend. Getting a basic knowledge of things like the culture, the language, the currency and how you’ll fit into all of these.
Understand your visa options- some countries require visas for longer stays and some do not. Ensure you are aware of the country you plan to visits restrictions & guidelines when it come to staying for longer periods of times.
Tie up loose ends in your home country - finish anything you may have started and leave with a clear and level head knowing that all of your priorities are in check and nothing is left unfinished before you leave.
Save as much money as you can- believe it or not the U.S dollar still hold weight and many countries outside of the U.S. save as much as you can (which I know can be hard living in the U.S a consumers dream land). Saving ensures you actually get to enjoy your dollar elsewhere.
Create a budget- a budget will keep your finances in line with what you have coming in vs what you have going out. No one wants to be broke in a foreign country simply because you didn’t plan well. Do research on what the typical household items cost in your new location so you can have a better understanding of what you’ll be spending before you get there.
Discover transportation options- this can make or break your experience. Having transportation to get around can be easier said than done or sometimes not necessary at all. But in some locations like the one I’m in it’s necessary and without it you can literally stuck bored in the house, in the house board. You left to live, so live.
Scout out your neighborhood- neighborhoods abroad may or may not favor those in which you’re used to back stateside so it’s pertinent to scout them out. Even if that means taking trip to your desired location beforehand just to get a feel for the area that you like most to potentially reside in later.
Cultivate your emotional health- leaving the U.S. without a doubt allows you the opportunity to slow down. Take this time to practice things that stabilize and increase your emotional health. Things like taking time for yourself everyday, working out, practicing gratitude and exploring your beliefs.
Make new connections- this is by far the single-handedly most important thing I can stress. The people who live in the country you plan on living abroad in can and will help you get a better understanding of what
Have a goal in mind- whether your goal is to reset, or to simply provide a better quality of life. Know the goal before you leave because you’ll have to revisit this goal when things get rocky and they will get rocky because well LIFE.
Remind yourself why you chose to move abroad- this will help you make great decisions not just good ones but GREAT ones about how to spend your time overseas. And that will make you feel more satisfied and proud of yourself when the day comes to return.
I pray these tips help to prepare you for your journey & the beauty the living abroad has for you.
Share this with anyone who is thinking about making the move to live abroad.
Peace, Love & Light