Many of the nine million US expats in the world opted to leave the US to explore new and unfamiliar nations and cultures. At the same time, others decided to do it for economic, religious or romantic reasons. Whatever is the driving force behind your decision to move abroad, you might be wondering how to live in another country and what would you need to be happy there. Learn the language, meet new people, and at the end of the day, moving will be well worth the trouble.
First Step When Moving Abroad Is Gathering the Documents
When it comes to international moving, you should make a list of all the documents needed to travel abroad. Check to see if your passport is valid, and if it is, contact the embassy of the place you want to travel to and learn everything about obtaining a visa. An appropriate visa is issued depending on where you are going, the reason for your stay, and how long you are planning on staying there.
How Can a US Citizen Live in Another Country?
As an American citizen, you can live in another country, but you will need to apply for permanent residence, have a long term visa or a job waiting for you. If you are staying for only three months, there are a number of countries you can relocate to without additional paperwork.
Driving in the New Place
If you prefer driving in the US, you will probably want to keep doing it in any other place on the planet. That’s why if you plan on shipping your car abroad, you need to obtain an international driver’s license. This permit is recognized as a valid form of identification in over 170 countries, making it easy for you to drive around the unexplored, new area.
There Are Life-Changing Topics You Should Think About
You figured out how to move abroad, and now when the hard part is done, it is time to start building a life from scratch. The unfamiliar environment will bring some surprising life-changing things, but before you freak out, take a deep breath and think about all the ways you can adjust to a new country as painless as possible.
How to Live in Another Country – Start by Picking the Right Location
Go over the friendliest countries in the world and check out some of the best places to live abroad with family. When you are done with the research, it will be easy to settle down in the location that suits you best.
The process of urbanization gradually increased the proportion of people living in urban areas. If you want to be one of them, you can always look for accommodation in big cities. Nevertheless, if you want a more low key and slower pace living, pick a smaller area to call home. Whatever the case, choosing the right location should be a starting point for your adventure abroad.
Set Aside Money for the Overall Cost of Living
Money is an essential and unavoidable part of every relocation. Even before the packing is done, go over the cost of living index of the country you choose to call your home and see how big a portion of your monthly budget will be enough to cover everyday necessities. Being familiar with utility, food, and transportation prices will help you with finding employment with the appropriate paycheck.
Finding a Job Is a Step Toward Feeling Accomplished
Do you want to feel proud of yourself after international relocation? Besides allowing for a decent living abroad, finding and excelling at the job can trigger the feeling of accomplishment. Finding stable and well-paid employment can help you figure out business etiquette of other nations, but also help you learn things you couldn’t possibly learn while living in the US.
How to Live in Another Country as a Local: Learn About the Culture
Culture is an essential part of every nation. It makes it unique, and it plays a key part in developing the community spirit. A specific culture can shape the population: it can make a society more traditional, or more open to foreigners. If you genuinely want to understand the culture of your chosen location and fit in better, start by learning the language.
Learn to Speak the Common Tongue
“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going”, American writer Rita Mae Brown wrote. This being said, when you learn to speak the common tongue, you will understand the deeper meaning of customs and traditions.
Explore the City and Make Some Memories
While you are still settling down, everything will be unexplored and exciting. Put on some good walking shoes, and go outside. No matter where you are staying, you can see so many things there: from parks and museums to coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. If a spot piques your interests, don’t hesitate to check it out.
Find New Favorite Places
You probably have a favorite bar or a restaurant in the US, and when you spend enough time in one location, it is only reasonable to prefer some places over the others. These spots can be your safe haven when everything gets just a little bit too chaotic to handle. Having your favorite corners in a new location will make you feel like you truly belong there.
Making Friends Is Important
People are social beings and they have always preferred to live in supporting communities. That’s why making friends is important if you want to feel like you belong somewhere. While you are trying to break the language barrier, it would come in handy to have some native speakers nearby. Also, whenever you are stuck and can’t understand the local customs, they can lend you a helping hand. Having friends can have a massive impact on the way you are adjusting to a place, so make an effort, invite colleagues and neighbors for a drink or two. Share stories and get to know them. It will be worth it.
Keep in Touch With Your Friends in the US
When you relocate halfway across the world, you cannot cut ties with everything and everybody from your former life. You probably left friends and family in the US. Try keeping contact and find ways to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Whenever you feel nostalgic or blue, remember that your loved ones are just a phone call away. Share with them all of your troubles, and you won’t feel so alone.
Benefits of Living Abroad as an Expat
Relocation can be a long and tiring process, but when you finally unpack and settle down, you will get to experience all the benefits of expat life. Getting a fresh start and the opportunity to reinvent yourself is not something you should take for granted. Different cultures and customs will help you broaden your horizons and get you to be more tolerant and accepting of others. You will get to share something about the US and yourself while learning about other nations. Lastly, living abroad will help you create memories that will last you a lifetime.
