Irrespective of the job or location, the process of living and working abroad can be an emotionally and physically draining experience. From interviews, visa paperwork and legal issues, to packing and unpacking, the challenges you may face can be very time consuming.
Living and working abroad can be especially intimidating for some people because they will be living in a completely new country and experiencing a new culture.
This is where an experienced visa specialist can help. By handling the paperwork and visa issues of living and working in another country, companies such as ourselves can make relocating easier than ever!
With that in mind, we are going to share some factors that you should consider when living and working abroad:
Visas
Even if you have a passport that allows you to travel visa-free to many countries, the process may still be time consuming. It’s also helpful to have some currency from your own country and your destination country on hand. Visa officials don’t always accept credit cards and finding an ATM in a new country can be difficult. Before moving, check the country’s immigration laws and personal visa regulations.
Healthcare
It is wise to to check whether your destination country has adequate nationwide healthcare provisions. Check the nearest doctors, hospitals, clinics, and drugstores from your new home.
Cost of living
Ideally, the cost of living in your new city would be low enough to allow you to save a little bit of money, as well as explore your new city. This can be a problem if you are moving to a high-income country with ever-increasing cost of living. Capital cities usually have a higher cost of living compared to smaller cities in the country.
If possible, choose a location in a suburb or smaller city to reduce the cost of living and definitely research the economic status of your desired country before you decide for sure.
Read our blog on tips for saving money for your working holiday program.
Local language and culture
A key part of living and working abroad is to become immersed in the local culture. Learn the language and local behaviours.
If you don’t have time to attend a language class, it is better to memorise basic conversational phrases and commonly used words before you move. If you embrace the culture, local people will be more receptive, and you will have better experience in the new country.
Applying with friends and loved ones
Did you know? We welcome and encourage visa applications from friends and family!
Because the fear of leaving behind your loved ones can be enough to delay your application for a working abroad visa. It may even put you off of living and working abroad full stop!
By travelling with somebody that you know, the process of working abroad may become significantly less intimidating. It is comforting to know that you will always have at least one friend with you.
You may even feel slightly more comfortable networking with somebody you know beside you. Not everyone has the confidence to walk into a bar and meet new people, although, this can certainly be practised!
If you are up for the challenge, set a day in the week where you each travel locally alone. At the end of the day, you can exchange stories and even build on a whole friendship group. Cool!
Contact us
To learn more about working abroad and how Alliance Visas can help streamline the process for you, fill an assessment form to check your eligibility and or to speak with our international visa specialist who can answer any question you might have.