Moving overseas can be a dream come true. Many people would love to move away from their home country, whether it’s for a couple of years or permanently, and if you get a job offer overseas, then it may just be possible. However, moving to a different country means you have a lot to organise, so here are some tips to help you out.
- Schooling for the kids
Many expats worry about their children’s education, but it is still possible to find good schools wherever you are in the world. If you look for an international school in Bangkok they offer an excellent level of education, allowing kids to take lessons in English and gain internationally-recognized qualifications, as well as mingle with people from around the world.
- Accommodation
Accommodation can be another thing expats struggle with, as you’ll need to work out:
- Whether to rent or buy
- How much of your salary to spend on housing
- Which areas are best for expats
- Whether to choose a short or long-term lease
Some job packages come with accommodation included, which can be especially useful in countries where rent is expensive. In some areas, the accommodation is set in secure compounds, which can be reassuring for those who are worried about security.
- Your finances
Moving to a country where rent is cheap doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have more money in your pocket. Wages in some countries will be much lower than your home country, and things like food or entertainment can be costly, which means you could struggle. You should draw up a budget based on how much you’d earn overseas, and work out whether you’d need to pay more in tax, health insurance etc.
- Career progression
While moving overseas may mean you get a promotion now, will there be room for career progression in future? If you move to a country with few jobs in your industry, then you may struggle to go any further. You should think carefully about your career before you commit to a move, especially what might happen should you lose your job or dislike your new job role overseas.
While being an expat can be a lot of fun and allow you to experience a completely different culture, the adjustment can be hard for some. It’s important to think about the pros and cons of your move so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for you.