The Healthy Expat

expat network

Which Are The 10 Healthiest Countries To Relocate To?

Deciding to move your life to a different country is a huge step and not one to be taken lightly. From learning a foreign language to country politics and environmental quality, there are a number of factors to take into account when you first start looking at a potential country to call home. Written exclusively...

How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle While Working In Vietnam

If you’ve recently moved to Vietnam for work, or are about to make the leap: congratulations! Vietnam is a wonderful blend of bustling cities, beautiful natural sights, rich history, and vibrant cultures. Vietnam ranked well for economic confidence (12th), work–life balance (19th), entrepreneurship (13th) and career progression (18th) out of 190 countries in the 2017...

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...

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 And Their Families Missing Support Network

New research by AXA’s international health insurance specialist has found that expats and their children are finding it difficult to be away from close friends and family. Two-fifths of expats and 32 per cent of their children cited that being away from their support network was one of the most difficult aspects of their transition...

Those living away from their own country and its familiar health and welfare services can feel vulnerable in their new location. Health and access to proper care is at the heart of people’s wellbeing. Those who do not feel confident that they can readily access the help they need may not enjoy their expat life....

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.