One of the best and most exciting ways to travel long-term is to work abroad. The benefits are twofold: your travel experience is significantly cheaper and your days are far from mundane with all the things you can do and see in a foreign country.
Living and working abroad is a rewarding and exciting experience, but it is by no means a decision to make without preparation. Before you rush to pack your bags and buy a one-way ticket, here are several things you should take care of first.
Get your paperwork and banking in order
The first important step is to get your paperwork in order. This means gathering all of your references and service credentials from your current job, your degrees, your resources, your resumes, and anything else needed for your visa, such as bank statements and documents proving your ties to your home country.
Getting your bank accounts in order can be a tedious chore, but it must be done so that you don't end up in a difficult financial situation. Find out if you will be able to use your credit cards at ATMs abroad, find out what fees are involved and see if you can get a debit/credit card without additional transaction fees, and make sure you at least have a backup card for emergencies.
See your doctor and get health insurance
It's always a good idea to see your doctor for a complete checkup before you leave your country, especially if you're traveling to a country with expensive health care services. Stock up on prescription drugs, contact lenses or any other items you use regularly, as you may not be able to find them abroad.
Also, find out about health insurance requirements in your destination country. Some countries offer free health care to foreign workers, but in others, things can be more complicated, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you know the difference between health insurance and travel insurance, which you may also need to cover you for flight delays or lost items.
Learn about your destination
As a general rule, it's a good idea to research the country you're moving to, as the right information can save you a lot of stress. You will certainly experience culture shock, but knowing the culture, customs, history and language of the country can help you make a smooth transition.
Traditional travel guides are a good place to start, but you can also read current travel blogs and talk to people who have spent time in your chosen country to learn firsthand what it's like. The Internet offers many opportunities for information, including local platforms such as the online publication Week in China, which offers valuable information on Hong Kong's business situation and financial development, as well as news on media, healthcare, education, society, entertainment and more.
Preparing for culture shock
As mentioned above, some culture shock is inevitable, but once the initial excitement is over, you will quickly settle in and may even feel homesick. It's perfectly normal to feel this way, and as long as you understand that it's part of the process, you'll be able to overcome it, achieve your goals and enjoy the experience.
Start building your network
It is very helpful to start building your network and get in touch with people you may know in your destination country, because once you are there, you will have someone to ask for advice and recommendations. Reach out to your friends on social media to see if they know anyone who is already there and join local online communities to connect with locals and other expats.
If there are no jobs waiting for you there, look for a suitable work abroad program to settle into and see what professions are currently in demand. There are many opportunities to work as an au pair, teach English classes, work on a farm, or if you are tech-savvy, look for jobs in that field. Give yourself enough time to analyze all of these to find the best fit for you.
Have an emergency fund
One of the main benefits of working abroad is being able to travel and pay less than a typical tourist. It's usually cheaper to travel with local currency, which you can easily get when you receive your weekly salary. Nevertheless, it is wise to have a reserve of money in the bank in case of unexpected expenses. Living in a foreign country means that you will probably have a few surprises, such as waiting at least a month to receive your first paycheck, paying a deposit on your apartment, or having to completely furnish your new home.
Pack light and intentional
Most people make the mistake of leaving the packing for last, but that's when things go wrong and panic sets in. It's best to make a plan and a checklist of all the things you want to take, leave or sell. Try to pack light and intentional - take half of what you originally planned and only pack the items and clothing you will need for your destination climate.
It's definitely a big decision to go abroad for work and there's a lot to take care of before you leave, but don't forget to have fun! Don't think of it as a chore, think of it as an adventure and an exciting new chapter in your life!