5 Reasons Why You Might Consider A Move Abroad

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5 Reasons Why You Might Consider A Move Abroad

Many people dream of moving abroad but never manage to take the leap. They can have everything planned out yet something stops them from leaving. There are plenty of reasons not to hop on a plane and change your life. However, we have five reasons why you should overcome your fears and never look back as you move abroad.

1. Learn new skills

Moving to a new country is a challenge in itself. Meeting new people and adapting to different cultures will take you out of your comfort zone and help you develop new skills.

Introducing yourself to strangers sounds daunting, especially if there is a language barrier. However, once you’ve spoken to a few people, hopefully you’ll feel confident to hold a conversation with anyone.

You could also challenge yourself to learn a language in your new country, starting off with a few key phrases. This will not only allow you to integrate better and feel more comfortable with the locals, but by breaking down the language barrier you will find building relationships much easier.

2. Better job opportunities

Finding a new job can be difficult at the best of times, let alone when you’re limited to a particular local radius. If you’ve ever thought about broadening your horizons and taking on a new occupational challenge abroad, you’re not alone. In fact, 32% of Brits cited moving for a job or other economic prospects as being the most likely reason for them moving across the world.

Parents may encourage their children to study abroad due to the higher education standards and advanced technology. These students then have better opportunities and career prospects than they would in their hometowns. With 7% of people citing ‘to go to school or university’ as the biggest motivation for moving abroad, they will likely be able to meet more like-minded people.

Similarly, having an international background on your CV can open you up to a wider range of roles. Potential employers will see that you are incredibly versatile, adaptable and not afraid to learn a new skill for the role.

3. Better standard of living

Working 9-to-5 and waiting for the weekend is pretty standard in lots of countries. However, moving to a new place presents the opportunity to explore different lifestyles with a new range of values.

Some countries value individualism and being home with your family, with it being common for offices to take breaks in the middle of their day.

By having the freedom to choose a country to live in, you are given the choice to form your own lifestyle.

4. Understand different cultures

As well as a different lifestyle and values, living abroad will open your eyes to a range of cultures and morals. Witnessing how other people live their lives will make you consider your own life choices, and you will begin to set new norms to adjust to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

Giving your children the chance to encounter different cultures can be a very enriching experience. They will have a much better understanding of the world from an early age.

5. Create new memories

You can have lots of fun in your home country. However, it takes real courage to pack up your bags and move abroad to have entirely different experiences to your friends and family.

Not only will moving abroad let you see the world and engage in new cultures, you will also experience more adventures than you ever would at home.

Whether it’s owning a vineyard in Spain or a banana plantation in Portugal, there are plenty of memories waiting for you.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.