Moving abroad can be very challenging, but at the same time amazing,
It’s not as difficult as it looks, though. All you need is a bit of courage and a positive outlook on life.
What You Need Before Leaving
Passport and Visa
The two most important things you will need. How will you be able to leave your homeland without a passport, after all, and how will you be able to legally enter your newly adopted country without a visa? 🙂
Money – and in the Right Currency
If you decide to look for a job when you get there, you will need to have some money in your bank account – preferably enough to keep you going for around 2 to 4 months since you will be job-hunting at that time. Make sure you get the money in the right currency, too.
Appropriate Clothing
It may be a tank top and shorts kind of day in your homeland, but this may not be the case for your newly adopted country. Do your research on the proper clothing and the normal everyday temperatures before you go. Doing this will help you a lot. It would also help to do your shopping before you leave, so you can save a lot of money.
A Place to Stay
You have to make sure you book a place before you leave.I suggest staying in a B&B or an affordable hotel that you can stay in for at least a week. Then, while you are checked in there, start browsing through ads for rooms, flats or houses that are open for rent. You can also check out apps like Airbnb, where you can find flats that you can directly rent from the owner at a cheaper rate. They are usually nicer, too!
Paper, Paper, Paper (Paperwork)
This is very important if you will be applying for jobs. Never forget to bring your paperwork with you. This includes your birth certificate, diploma, training certificates and banking documents. These documents would be especially handy when opening a bank account.
More Tips for You
- Sign up for language classes before you leave your homeland, especially if you are moving to a country that does not share the same language as your homeland does.
- Bring “light” items that have sentimental value, like cards photos or pillows – anything that will help you deal with the initial and then occasional homesickness.
- Get a phone. The sooner you get one, the better. If you decide to bring your own mobile phone from home to save a few bucks, get a sim card right away. This will save you a lot of money. Plus, you can test out the available carriers and see what works best for you.
Things might be scary at first, sure, but remember: it’s not as difficult as it seems. You’ll be fine 🙂