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6 Ways to Prepare for Working Abroad

By | Elaine Bennett | Digital Marketing Specialist, Bizzmark Blog

If you’re considering working abroad, now is the time. With the rise of technology and the growing global economy, it’s never been easier to find some great job opportunities online and make your traveling dreams come true.

 Still, before accepting any job offer, there are a couple of things worth considering.

Check the legal terms 

When considering working abroad, the first things you need to check are the terms and conditions of the visa you will be applying for. Sometimes, a working visa is closely related to your employment status. In some cases, if you resign or get fired, you can’t look for another job, and there is no other solution but to return to your own country. Be sure to check what kind of restrictions your visa has ahead of time so that you don’t have any surprises once you arrive. You can find all the information regarding working visas on government websites, such as  australia.gov.au, usa.gov, gov.uk or canada.co.

Read about the employees’ rights in the country of your destination. You need to know what you’re entitled to as an employee, as this can significantly vary from one country to another.

For example, the working week in the UK is usually 35-37 hours long, and the employees have a minimum of 28 holiday days during a year. On the other hand, in the USA you’ll get 40-hour working week and a paid leave of 10 days annually, on average.

Check the costs

Another important thing you need to do before heading to the destination of your choice is to calculate the costs. Start with the sum that covers all the paperwork you need to provide as well as your travel expenses.

Also, if the language used in the country you’re traveling to is different from your native, you will need to provide a certificate of your language skills. For English speaking countries, you will need to pass IELTS, PTE, NAATI or OET test. If you need to prepare for the exam, add these expenses to your calculation too. Fortunately, there are some great solutions you can check out, such as some of the Englishwise online training courses.

Make sure to also research the costs of living in your destination country. Start with creating a list of all the things you will need to live comfortably. Try to determine how much money you will need to cover these expenses for a month and whether you’ll need to make any cuts. Take everything into account – from the rent and the taxes to the internet bills, transportation costs, and food prices. As for taxes, check whether you’ll be entitled to get some returns, once you decide to come back to your home country.

It’s also advisable to have a rainy-day fund if any kind of emergency occurs.

Get international health insurance

Whenever you’re abroad, make sure you have international health insurance covered. This way, you can have peace of mind once you get there. Medical bills tend to be very high, so when it comes to your health and wellbeing, security is the best policy.

The very fact of feeling unwell can be stressful when you’re away from your home, the medical system you know and close people who can look after you. There is no need to make it harder or more complicated.

Get to know the culture

One of the greatest benefits of working abroad is trying out the way of life, which is somewhat different from your own. These differences are sometimes really significant, and you may even experience a cultural shock until you get accustomed to them. You will benefit the most if you use the time spent abroad to experience the diversity and implement the things you like into your own lifestyle.

When it comes to your new job, it’s really important to get familiar with the new work culture beforehand and learn basic business etiquette

Make the bucket list

Whatever your long-term plan is, use the time you spend abroad to check off your bucket list items. Research the country you’re traveling to and decide on the things you would like to see or experience once you’re there.

This list will be helpful when making your weekend plans and serve as a great reminder of what to look forward to if you’re experiencing tough days. 

Pack smartly

Most of the people tend to get a bit carried away when packing their things for a long journey. You can save yourself from a lot of hassle as well as the shipping costs if you pack only the things you truly need. 

Be especially restrictive when it comes to your clothing, as it usually takes up the most space in your luggage. Check what the weather will be like and if you need any special equipment for your work. Research the prices of the clothes in the country of your destination, as purchasing the items you need once you get there, can sometimes be a much better solution. 

If you want to cut your shipping expenses, you can use freight shipping, but make sure to send your luggage well before you depart.

Working abroad is an exciting experience and one of the most interesting ways to travel long-term. Besides, it can enrich your CV, as many companies recognize international working experience as a valuable asset. Now that you know which steps to take, decide on your target, and start getting ready!

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