Moving Abroad for Study or Work: A Comprehensive Guide
đ Ready to take the leap and move abroad? Whether itâs for personal growth, career opportunities, or just the thrill of adventure, living in a new country can be life-changing.âď¸â¨
Moving abroad for studying or working can be a life-changing experience that offers numerous benefits. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective of the world. Studying abroad can enhance your academic credentials, while working abroad can boost your career by providing international experience that makes you stand out in the job market. Additionally, living in a different country fosters personal growth, independence, and resilience. Before I give you my personal guide to moving abroad, I want to share my experience.
Iâll admit, my personal experience is very far from the norm. That is exactly why I feel like I can speak on this topic and actually encourage anyone to move abroad (temporarily or not) if you think this is the right path for you. When I went to university, I decided to move abroad. Living in the UK was always a dream of mine (god knows why) and a friend of mine had explained me how she did it. Iâll also admit that I put barely any research into choosing the university. I applied for 5 Uniâs: one with a very high acceptance rate, 2 in Manchester and 2 in London (just because I had been to those 2 cities before and liked them). For reasons that I wonât go into much further here, I made my decision, and applied for a Government Student Loan (like literally anyone in the UK) and I was grateful and lucky that my parents were also financially supporting me. Some things I will mention below were actually not necessary for me (e.g. UK was still in the European Union so no visa needed, and I already spoke english fluently). Before even moving there, I joined Facebook Groups to find some people who were also going to University there and got lucky. I made my first two âfriendsâ this way. One actually became my flatmate. As I did a whole Bachelor abroad, I didnât have much choice on the courses, but I did join a sport club and met a lot of people this way. For the sake of this not being a whole essay, I will conclude this phase with: It was one of the best decisions in my life to go to the UK when I did and actually study in a foreign language and in a foreign country.
After my Bachelor, I wanted to do a Masters and, how could it be different, I chose one that incorporated 2 (!!!) study-abroadâs in 2 years. I will do a separate post about the amazing opportunity I got, and how you can get the same, but for now, let me just say that within the span of 2 years I moved city within the UK and then left to Spain and Estonia for one semester each. I was already quite confident in my ability to move and meet new people (practically start from 0 again) due to my first move abroad. This was the first time I realised: Wow, this move and my time abroad actually changed me (in a good way). To Spain and Estonia I moved with people from my cohort so it was a little jump-start as I already had friends, but nonetheless, the culture and languages of those places were fundamentally different. I learned to love all the places, and tried to meet some people as well (an App was the key for me here, I will talk about this later). For this amazing opportunity, I actually had to take on another loan, this time from my home country Germany. I was very hesitant about this, but ultimately decided with my parents that it was a good opportunity and an investment in my future. Again, I have to thank my parents for supporting me financially (and mentally).
I was in the last phase of my Masterâs, writing my dissertation, I got offered a 9 month Traineeship (fancier word for Internship) in the US. YES! In the United States of America. In hindsight, this was a crazy experience. A lot of things that I did, you will find in my Guide, but to keep it short: I did some research about the city and the company (as you would), I spoke to the Trainee that was already there (funnily enough she was from my region in Germany). She was able to give me a lot of insight into the company, the city, and really anything else I had questions about. With her recommendation, I applied for a studio in an apartment building where she also lived. As a foreigner, they wanted a ton of documents and signatures - but I was prepared thanks to talking to the other Trainee but the apartment building also provided me with a Checklist. Also important in this case: a work visa. I got the relevant information by my employer and sponsoring organisation, so I went to the US embassy to apply for my Visa. Again, the company and organisation were of great help in this process. I had all my finances written down and planned out, my flight booked and wrote my Pack list. When I arrived it was more than overwhelming. It was probably the furthest I had ever been to home. My first day literally consisted of getting my keys and buying all necessities and groceries. It took the whole day - but hey, at least I didnât sleep which meant my jet lag was non-existent. I had it easier than many people would. The Trainee helped me get accustomed to the company and also to the city, sharing her knowledge and advise with me. Iâll be honest. The first month was horrible. I wasnât happy. Not with the country and city I was living with, and not with my Traineeship. After this period, I realised how life got a little easier by the day, until 8 months later, my Traineeship was over and I actually really missed my daily routine, my friends, my work⌠And my number one information for anyone reading this, about what I have learned would be, yet again I made a move abroad and I overcame its challenges. And here I am, stronger than ever. More confident than ever. I am not going to say my personality changed but⌠I somewhat did. And I am so proud of myself, for doing it the way I did.
1. Research and Planning
Choosing a Destination
It may be, that you are reading this because you already got an offer or an opportunity at hand which is why this step may (or may not) be unnecessary for you. In case you did just decide you want to move abroad for whatever reason and donât have an opportunity yet, continue.
When choosing a destination, consider several factors to ensure it aligns with your goals and preferences. Think about the language spoken in the country and whether you are comfortable with it or willing to learn. Research the culture to understand social norms and lifestyle. Cost of living is another crucial factor; compare it with your budget to ensure you can afford living there. Lastly, look into job opportunities or educational institutions to see if they meet your career or academic needs.
University or Job Selection
For university selection, consider the institution's accreditation, reputation, and specific programs offered. Look into faculty expertise, campus facilities, and alumni success stories. You may be looking into doing a Semester abroad, so your options are limited to your home universities partner institutions. Nonetheless, it is good to really research the options that you have and compare them towards your goals and what is ultimately going to serve you most.
For job selection, research companies and industries prevalent in the destination country. Check for job openings that match your skills and experience, and review company reviews and reputation. In todayâs world, I would argue that Networking is the most important tool in finding the right opportunity, so also consider whether there are networking opportunities in the near future that may help with this. It is also very important to assess whether it is likely for you to obtain the relevant work permits. Again, if you already have an opportunity, through an internship or maybe through your old job, then this is less relevant for you.
2. Application Process
Visas and Work Permits
Understanding the visa and work permit process is crucial. Research the types of visas available for students and workers, the application procedures, timelines, and required documentation. Ensure you apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. In most, if not all cases, you will need a job or offer from a university to apply for a visa/work permit. Nonetheless, it is good to have a good overview of what requirements are needed to be met in order to obtain a visa and hence know whether an employer in that country would consider you. If you are going abroad through your University, it is likely that they already have relevant information in place for you and will help you obtain a relevant visa. Always contact the relevant department in your university (or the partner university) to get more information on this process.
University Applications
When applying to universities, start by gathering information about entrance exams, if any, and prepare for them. A lot of universities also want you to write a compelling statement of purpose that outlines your goals and reasons for choosing the particular university. In a lot of cases, the Universities will even provide you with more guidelines in terms of what they want you to write. If not, Google will most likely have an answer for you. In my personal experience, I always found it useful to explain your interests and passion (especially career-wise) and connect them to the specific course and the University you are applying for. Additionally collect letters of recommendation from previous teachers (or employers) to strengthen your application. In many cases, letters of recommendation are even a requirement. Ultimately, please refer to the University in question, as they describe their unique application process on their website.
Job Applications
Tailor your resume/CV to meet international standards, highlighting your relevant experience and skills. You will be surprised that different countries sometimes have different preferred CV or resume styles. As an example, UK has a different style than the US (albeit not very far off). It will be beneficial to be familiar with the respective style of the country your job applications are based. Write a personalised cover letter for each job application, donât just copy paste from previous letters. In most cases, it is important to explain why you are interested in working for the company, what you would bring to the company (aka what makes you unique) and a conclusion summarising the key points. Sometimes companies may have certain question they want you to answer in your resume, in this case always refer to those. Additionally, utilise networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and professionals in your field. Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and practicing your responses.
3. Financial Planning
Budgeting
Create a comprehensive budget that includes tuition (if studying), accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Consider potential unexpected expenses as well and whether you have the savings or support to pay for the expenses. You may do this through researching the average prices of accommodation or food in the respective country or city.
Funding and Scholarships
Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available for international students or workers. Research how to apply for these opportunities and the deadlines involved. Just remember, funding options are always very competitive, so have a back-up plan in mind.
Banking
Set up a bank account in the destination country to manage your finances efficiently. Learn about the process of transferring money internationally and understand the exchange rates to avoid unnecessary costs. In most cases you will be able to wait with this, until you have actually moved to the country and in the meantime pay with your domestic card. Another alternative would be to look into international online banks, such as Revolut or Wise.
4. Preparing for Departure
Accommodation
Research housing options such as dormitories, apartments, studios, flatshares, long-term AirBnBs or homestays. Consider factors like proximity to your university or workplace, cost, and safety. Especially big cities will have areas that may be more unsafe than others. You can talk to your future employer or University Staff and ask about their opinions. It would also be beneficial to understand the rental process and necessary documents for leasing, for this you can contact the landlord/lady in question.
Documentation
Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, visa letters, academic records, and health insurance details. Keep copies of these documents in a secure place. You may already need those documents (or a fair share of it) at the border, but in any case you want to bring them with you and keep them in a safe place to be able to find it at any time.
Health and Insurance
Undergo health checks and vaccinations required for the destination country (if needed). Research and choose a health insurance plan that covers you adequately while abroad. In some cases your employer or university will provide you with one or help you to get an accurate one.
Packing Tips
Pack essentials and consider the climate of your destination. Create a packing list to ensure you donât forget anything important. Avoid overpacking by leaving behind non-essential items that can be bought locally. Also, make sure you are within the limits of your airline (if you are flying), and if you canât be within the limits, purchase extra weight on the airlineâs website.
5. Arrival and Settling In
Transportation, Communication etc.
This is basically the logistics once you are in your new city. What this means depends on the country, city and even the purpose you came there for. For example, familiarise yourself with local transportation systems, including buses, trains, and bike and car rentals. Learn about travel passes and discounts available for students or employees if needed. You can set up a local phone plan and arrange for internet access in your accommodation (if it is not already there). Maybe you need to buy some essentials, like plates etc. It is always a good idea to inform yourself what is available in your accommodation and what is close-by in terms of shops.
Cultural Differences
Expect cultural differences and approach them with an open mind. You can research common customs and social norms to ease your transition, but ultimately you will get used to them while experiencing them. This is why you should embrace the new culture and participate in local traditions and events (if possible) and make local friends.
If the destination country speaks a different language, try take language courses or use language learning apps to improve your proficiency as this will be the key to integrating yourself fully. Practice speaking with locals to enhance your skills.
All of this even applies if you are only staying temporarily (eg due to a semester abroad). You will realise how much this experience can teach you, but donât forget to enjoy. Not everyone gets the chance to experience the life abroad, so experience and meet new people.
Social Integration
Join clubs, societies, and local events to meet new people and build a social network. Engage in activities that interest you to make friends and integrate into the community. Another way to make friends is the App Bumble (yes, I know this is a dating app). They also offer a friendship option, where I personally had great experiences with. If this is not for you, maybe look for a Facebook Group that targets people your age in the area.
6. Academic or Professional Life
University Life
I am for sure not here to tell you how to life the University life, all I can say is, try to make the most of campus resources, such as libraries, counseling services, and career centers. If you ahve a hobby or an interest in something, join student organisations or sport clubs to connect with peers and participate in extracurricular activities. Even if you have never tried something before but you are really interested, go and try it! Just remember to not neglect your studies while you do. Take courses that you are interested in and would enjoy, go to events offered by your university such as networking events as those are always great opportunities.
Workplace Culture
As someone who has done this myself, sometimes it is good to have a little understanding of what the work culture will be like, but ultimately you will learn it very quickly. If you ahve a âbuddyâ or a fellow intern, or a supervisor, ask them about the work culture and norms if you are unsure, to be aware of what is expected from you. You can build professional relationships with colleagues and supervisors, as well as external stakeholders or clients. Networking is key, as always. It is also a good idea to continue to seek opportunities for career development, such as training programs or mentorships.
Embracing the Challenges of Moving Abroad
While moving abroad can be a thrilling and transformative experience, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. One of the most significant hurdles is the feeling of loneliness. Being far from family and friends can lead to a profound sense of isolation, especially in the initial months. This separation can be particularly tough during holidays and special occasions when you're used to being surrounded by loved ones. In addition to loneliness, many people experience feelings of insecurity and a sense of being lost. Navigating a new country with different cultural norms, languages, and social expectations can be overwhelming. It's common to feel out of place or uncertain about how to fit in. This adjustment period can bring about disappointment if your new environment doesn't meet your expectations. Moreover, once you return home, you might face reverse culture shock, where reintegrating into your native culture feels unexpectedly challenging. Missing familiar support systems and dealing with these emotional ups and downs are natural parts of the process, and they contribute to the personal growth that makes the experience worthwhile.
To combat loneliness and build a support network, actively seek out social opportunities. Join local clubs, groups, or classes that interest you. Engage with fellow expats who understand your situation and can offer camaraderie. Utilising technology to stay in touch with loved ones back home through regular video calls can also help with the feelings of isolation.
When dealing with insecurity and cultural adjustments, immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible. Learn the language, try local foods, and participate in community events. This not only helps you adapt but also shows locals that you are making an effort to integrate. Keeping an open mind and being patient with yourself during this transition is crucial.
To manage expectations and avoid disappointment, do thorough research before moving. Understand the cultural norms, climate, and living conditions of your new home. Setting realistic expectations and being prepared for potential challenges can make the transition smoother.
Finally, to handle reverse culture shock, maintain a support system of friends who have also experienced living abroad. Sharing experiences and feelings can help you process the transition back home. Engage in activities that allow you to incorporate positive aspects of your time abroad into your life back home, such as cooking dishes from your host country or continuing to practice the language you learned.
By acknowledging these challenges and proactively seeking solutions, you can turn the difficulties of moving abroad into opportunities for growth and enrichment.
I truly hope that sharing my experience, as well as this guide, will help you make a decision or give you an insight into what you need to think about. By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can make your move abroad a successful and enriching experience. Whether you are pursuing higher education or advancing your career, the journey will undoubtedly contribute to your personal and professional growth.