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Moving to America – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to America!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in America we have put together the information you will need to make your move to the USA a smooth one.

Get our FREE Destination Guide to America!

Preparing For A Skype Or Telephone Interview

As more and more companies now use Skype or telephone interviews during their recruitment process, it’s likely that at some stage you will receive this invitation. By CV Knowhow Senior CV Consultant – Jen David While the normal rules of interview preparation still apply, you should also bear the following points in mind. Make sure…

How To Write A CV For A Job Overseas

You probably have a good idea of what’s expected on a CV in your own country, but when applying for international jobs there are a few additional points to bear in mind. Here is how to write a CV for a job overseas. By CV Knowhow Senior CV Consultant – Jen David The most important…

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Overseas

Why is expat mental health important? Expat mental health is a critical issue to address because it is the foundation for happiness and satisfaction abroad. International life presents a unique set of experiences for the expat that can affect mental health. This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by Therapy Solutions Abroad According to…

Expats With Kids Take Six Months To Settle

Despite the benefits of raising a family abroad, parents and children alike take time to settle into their new life. However, the challenge can bring families closer together, according to new data. Almost half of expat parents say their children take longer than six months to feel at home in their new country, with…

Mental Health Growing Issue For Expats

Mental health is a growing issue for expat workers and their employers, as well as those relocating independently, according to a research study. To ensure expats have the support they need when relocating or working away from their home country, health benefits provider Aetna International is calling for businesses and individuals to take more pre-emptive…

Expats: How To Select An International School

Moving to a new job, a new town, a new country – effectively a new life – is challenging. Add in the fear and guilt that you are disrupting your children’s lives, that they may struggle to adapt, and your anxiety and stress levels soar. By Fiona Hodgkins Although local schools offer the best opportunity…

Moving With Family

Any international move is complicated, but moving with family takes even more planning. The first challenge is to deliver the message to the family. This will require a detailed discussion; they are likely to have a large number of questions but it may not be easy to get them to ask them initially. Children of…

Finding The Right School

Viable and attractive school options will be a major factor when relocating with family. The choice will generally be between sending your child(ren) to an international or a local school. There are advantages to each option and you need to decide what best for your children. International Schools International schools can provide real advantages: They…

Downtime in the USA

If your expat assignment takes you to USA, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is known for great food (you won’t find better grits – ground-corn porridge – on…

USA Now More Oil Reserves Than Saudi Arabia

A new independent estimate of world oil reserves has been released by Rystad Energy, showing that the US now holds more recoverable oil reserves than both Saudi Arabia and Russia. For the US, more than 50% of remaining oil reserves is unconventional shale oil. Texas alone holds more than 60 billion barrels of shale oil,…

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.