Moving overseas can be both scary and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! By preparing yourself to become an expat, you can focus on enjoying yourself and being excited for all of the different opportunities that are yet to come. In this article, we’ll discuss seven things you need to know about working abroad so that you can be as prepared as possible. You’ll be exploring your new home in no time!
Visa’s and work permits
Like if you plan to go on a holiday, most countries require you to have a visa before entering to work. While this might seem straightforward, it can actually be quite confusing as there are many different types of visas, and each have different requirements.
For example, there are temporary work visas, study visas, and those designed for business owners. If you’re moving to the UK, you’ll need a UK work visa, and you may also be eligible for an ancestry visa. On top of all of that, some countries also require you to apply for a work permit. This varies from country to country, and you may have to pay for it. An employer will ask for this if you are looking for a job, so make sure you keep it with you!
Employee rights
Another thing you’ll want to do before making the move is to brush up on the country’s employee rights. These might be very different from your current location, so it’s vital you take the time to research them. For instance, you might have more or less maternity leave and holiday pay. Learning about these rights also ensures your safety, and allows you to make sure you are treated equally and respectfully in the workplace.
Learning about the country
One of the best ways to prepare before moving abroad is to learn as much as you can about the country, including its cultural traditions. It might be beneficial even to visit the place first so that you can form new connections and make friendships. You might also want to take a look online and learn some of the local slang so that you aren’t so confused! This will make the entire process more relaxed, and you’ll be thankful for it!
Finding a job
If you haven’t already got a job lined up, you want to make sure that your resume is all ready before your departure, including numbers to any references. Try and find an employer that can help you adjust to the changes, and who is willing to explain everything that is required. You might also consider going through an agency or program provider if you are looking for work as an au pair or teacher. Just make sure you read through the program carefully before applying, as some only last for a few months.
Building a network
Building a network is also vital if you are looking for employment overseas. By connecting on social media and other employment sites, you can find people within your industry that can help you on your journey. You also might be offered different employment options, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled. Just make sure to keep an eye out for employment scams, and never send out your personal information online! It would be best if you also considered joining different forums or groups with other like-minded expats, who might be able to offer some great advice.
Finding a home
Finding somewhere to live and working abroad comes hand in hand, as you want to be able to easily and quickly get to your workplace. When researching around, try and find a location that has access to plenty of public transport options (if you won’t be driving). You’ll also want to make sure that it is in a safe area, close to many shops and necessities. Try speaking to locals of the area, and other expats to source out the best locations. Also, keep in mind that if you are going through a program, accommodation might be provided for you!
Your health and safety
Lastly, when moving overseas, you want to make sure that you have all the insurance that you need. Health insurance can vary from country to country and may even be free in some circumstances. Make sure you reference government websites for correct information and stay safe. If you worried about injuring yourself at work, make sure you speak to your employer about their health and safety policies.
While you might be feeling stressed about changing jobs, just remember that you’ve got this! There are so many benefits to becoming an expat, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy all of them. You can explore new destinations, further your career, and, most importantly, spend time learning about yourself. Good luck!
