Working overseas is an exciting and promising opportunity for many students and young professionals. It’s a chance to travel, learn new skills, and improve your resume. But making this jump requires more than just booking a flight; it also involves preparation, planning, and a thorough understanding of what day-to-day life might look like in a foreign country.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps and considerations that I found crucial when deciding to move abroad—specifically when I chose to move to Norway!
But first, a bit of my story 🙂
My name is Giorgia, and I’ve been interning at Highered since May. Originally from Italy, I first moved to Oslo for an exchange semester, and I loved it enough to come back after finishing my studies.
Now, I hope the tips I’ve gathered will be helpful to anyone considering life and work abroad.
What Are Your Goals and Purpose?
My first piece of advice is to think carefully about why you want to live and work abroad before diving into job listings.
Are you trying to learn a new language, improve your CV, or experience a different culture? By clearly defining your primary objectives, you can focus on the appropriate opportunities and places. For instance, if your goal is to improve your resume, you can look for countries with a robust labor market in your industry. On the other hand, if your top goal is a cultural experience, you can choose a place that personally excites you.
What’s the Right Location for You?
Once you know your motivation for going abroad, start looking at destinations that fit your objectives.
You can narrow your choices by filtering for the cost of living, job market, and visa regulations in other countries. For example, while some nations are more restrictive, others provide young professionals with advantageous visa arrangements. Beyond these practical considerations, think about the climate and culture of each possible location—your new life should be exciting and sustainable. Moreover, make sure that the daily routine there aligns with the lifestyle you desire.
In my case, having already lived in Norway for a short period helped a lot. If you’re considering a place you’ve never visited, it’s worth planning a trip there for a few weeks to experience daily routines and see if it feels like the right fit. For example, I wouldn’t have considered moving to Norway if I hadn’t already experienced the winter, but to my surprise, I found it enjoyable!
The Importance of Financial Preparation
Having a solid financial plan in place is crucial because moving abroad entails both anticipated and unforeseen expenses.
Start by allocating funds for startup expenses and moving charges, along with a contingency fund for unexpected circumstances. Set aside money for food, utilities, and rent, all of which vary widely by country. Managing money abroad can also be tricky, especially when setting up a new bank account takes time. To make things easier, consider an international bank account or travel-friendly financial services to avoid unexpected currency exchange fees early on.
Understanding Visas and Legal Requirements
Securing the correct visa and permits is a must, as working abroad without proper authorization can result in penalties.
Research the visa types available in your target destination and make sure you meet the necessary qualifications. Additionally, understanding the tax laws in both your home and host countries can be complex. I know from experience that dealing with taxes as an expat can feel overwhelming, so consulting a tax advisor might be well worth it to avoid mistakes.
Are You Ready to Adapt to a New Culture and Language?
Adapting to a new culture can be both rewarding and challenging. Language barriers, social customs, and workplace norms often differ, especially if your host country has a very different culture.
My advice is to prepare by learning the basics of the local language and researching social norms to ease the transition. Adaptability is key here—embracing new ways of interacting with colleagues and locals will make it easier to build connections and feel at home.
If you’re moving to a country where you’ll need to learn the local language from scratch, consider it a valuable learning experience and stay open to taking language classes. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ll learn!
How to Manage Loneliness and Homesickness
One challenge many expatriates, myself included, face is the feeling of isolation that can come from being far from loved ones.
In those first few months, when you don’t know anyone yet, seeking out local communities or social events can make a big difference. It is important to find the right balance between staying connected to your roots and opening up to new experiences—doing so can help you feel more settled and ease homesickness.
Handling Setbacks with Resilience
Living abroad can bring unexpected challenges, from career shifts to cultural misunderstandings.
You may encounter a competitive job market or find that industries operate differently than they do at home. Approaching these setbacks with resilience and flexibility will make the experience more rewarding. See them as learning opportunities!
To conclude, working abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences in your life. Overcoming the challenges with preparation and an open mind will make the journey much smoother. Embracing the experience with curiosity and resilience can lead to valuable skills, broadened perspectives, and lifelong memories that will shape both your career and your personal life.
If you’ve moved to another country and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear your story! If you’re just beginning to consider living abroad, I hope this guide has been helpful, and I look forward to hearing about the adventures and challenges you take on.
