Ask Yourself These Questions If You Want To Live Abroad

The Internet Age has expanded the horizons of many people across the world. More and more people are discovering different ways to find work that is outside of the “traditional” path; working in another country is one of them. In the cyber world, you can find tons of YouTube videos, books, blogs and social media posts that talk about life overseas as either an expatriate, migrant worker, digital nomad, location independent entrepreneur or whatever term tickles your fancy.
While this lifestyle is nothing new under the sun, many people are considering because of all of the buzz it has gotten on the internet over the past few years (i.e. the shiny object syndrome). Whenever something becomes popular in the internet/media, many people try to participate in the trend without doing in depth research and asking themselves if this is something that they really want to do.
Before you book that ticket and pack your bags, ask yourself these questions:
What Is Your Why?
Why do you want to move abroad? What do you hope to gain from this experience? Cultural immersion? Learn a new language? A global network? Does your field of interest have a higher demand in another country? Are you taking a sabbatical from your “normal” life?
If it’s because you want to make your family and friends jealous with all of your cool Instagram pictures, then there’s a possibility your experience abroad won’t be as great as it is portrayed on social media.
How Independent Are You?
If you’re going to be an employee overseas, the company will most likely assist you with all of your visa and administration paperwork. They may also assist you in finding accommodation, and can recommend places for you such as grocery stores, medical clinics, cell phone carriers, banks, fitness centers, salons, the best local restaurants, etc.; outside of that, you are on your own.
Yes, you may make some great local and foreign friends along the way and/or meet the man or woman of your dreams, but you’ll still be doing a lot of things by yourself. Your support system back home, may not be able to do much if you catch yourself in a sticky situation.
Are You Ready For Culture Shock?
Experiencing culture shock when moving to another country is inevitable. Everyone reacts to it differently, but just be aware that it will come. You are going to see things in your everyday life that may seem “weird” “different” and/or “shocking” to you (even when moving from one western country to another). At work, the management and communication styles may differ from what you’re used to back home. A good reference on how to work with people from other cultural backgrounds is Terri Morrison’s book Kiss, Bow, Or Shake Hands.
Just remember that you cannot expect another country to act just like your home country and have all the amenities that you’re used to; after all, you are their guest. With that being said, if you completely reject the culture of your host country and find yourself saying “these people,” a lot in a negative manner, then your experience may not be the best. Please, please, PLEASE research the cultural norms of your host country and act accordingly. Don’t be THAT foreigner.
Are You Even Interested In The Job?
If you were born in a western country, especially an English speaking western country, then consider yourself lucky. So many doors are opened to us when it comes to employment around the world because we were born on a piece of land that was deemed “better” than a lot of other countries, plus English is the money language. Because we can easily travel and find work abroad, many people work overseas for the wrong reasons.
For example, how many blog posts and YouTube videos have you seen where someone was like “Want to live abroad and travel the world? Just teach English!” While it is true that English speakers can easily get an ESL job if they have a “good” passport from an anglophone country, a 4-year degree, a clean record, and a “decent” appearance, but I think you’d be doing a huge disservice to your students if you don’t even have the slightest interest in teaching. To be honest, most of the people who complain about teaching abroad are usually the ones who got themselves into for the wrong reasons (i.e. they thought they’d be traveling all of the time and that the hours wouldn’t be long). Which brings me to my next point…
Living Abroad =/= Vacationing
Social media has glamorized life abroad. It gives the impression that people are living a perpetual vacation, which is far from the truth. You will still put in a lot of hours, and use your vacation days and holidays to travel just like you would in your home country. The only difference is some countries offer more vacation leave and have more federal holidays than others.
Are You Interested In Learning Another Language?
If you’re thinking about moving to a country that does not speak the same language as you, you may want to consider picking up the local language (at least as much as you can). It’s rude to assume that the locals can speak your language. Imagine if someone walked up to you in your home country speaking a language you don’t know, and getting mad at you when you don’t understand them.
When you work abroad, you may not be placed in a city where English (or whatever language you speak) is not understood by the majority. Even if you are living in an English friendly city, try to communicate in the local language. The courtesy goes a long way, plus there are tons of benefits of being bi/multilingual. Start by learning the following words/phrases:
“Hello, how are you?”
“My name is ____. What is your name?”
“I’m from ____.”
“Excuse me, do you speak English?
“Please.”
“Thank you.”
You can take classes (online or in person) or do a language exchange with a local. When in doubt use charades, lots of pointing and Google Translate.
Do You Have Any Skills Outside Of The Job?
In life, things happen. Let’s say for whatever reason you are unexpectedly let go from your job, or you decide to quit. Let’s say you want more money so you can pay off loans or take more vacations. A side hustle will be key for this. Job security is as real as the Easter Bunny. If you have a skill that you can [legally] monetize while abroad, then go for it! Some examples could include: online freelancing, blogging/vlogging, taking a part time job in your host country (if allowed), or earning passive income through investments or affiliates.
Have you ever lived abroad? What are some other general considerations one should know? Are you interested in working abroad? What questions/concerns do you have? Leave your thoughts below!
