Planning To Work Abroad

Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizon broadening experience; and if you take the time to plan ahead carefully before you go, you will make your transition into the overseas work place a smooth and successful one.

So, if you're considering relocating overseas to take up a temporary assignment or you'd like to move abroad permanently and find work there are basically three main aspects of expatriation that you need to think about before you make your move and this article examines them for you.

1) Location

Unless you're being relocated by your employer to a fixed location you will quickly discover that it's a big wide world and you therefore have a great deal of choice when considering which country best suits your lifestyle and employment requirements. In an effort to narrow down your search a little consider any country you're interested in in view of the following considerations: -

i) The location's distance from your home country and your family and friends ? remember that there will be times you want or need to return home and/or to catch up with old faces. How easy and affordable will it be for you to go 'back home' should the need arise and how simple will it be for your friends and family to come and visit you?

ii) The weather ? some countries are more or less hospitable in weather terms and someone who originally heralds from Tropical North Queensland may find it a struggle to cope with the wet, grey winters in England for instance and someone from Canada may find is a shock coping with the searing summer temperatures in Spain. Thinking about your ideal overseas location from a weather perspective may well cut down your choices!

iii) Your family ? particularly if you're expatriating with children you'll need to think carefully about the healthcare and education facilities available overseas and also about getting your essential insurances in place before you go. Some countries are more expensive and restrictive than others?bear this in mind.

iv) Language barriers ? if you're considering moving to a country where the mother tongue is other than your own will this restrict your employment prospects? Can you overcome this by learning the language before you go or do you need to reconsider your destination?

2) Employment

Are you a professional in a given industry or do you have a flexible skill set that will allow you to seek work in many different sectors? Do your qualifications translate favourably and transfer directly overseas? What sectors would you like to work in, in which countries can you find work in a profession that suits you?

These are all questions you have to consider carefully. Next, if you're moving overseas permanently you need to be practical and realistic and consider the long term employment prospects for you, your spouse and any other family members accompanying you?if you can find employment today how easy will it be to change employer or advance your career later in life?

You should then examine your desired location carefully and determine whether or not you need work permits, residency visas and permission to work and live abroad, if so you should get the ball rolling and apply as soon as possible in case of any paperwork and administrative delays.

Also consider the taxation and financial aspects of working abroad?remember that if you're moving to a low cost country the economy will likely pay lower wages than you're used to, will these be sufficient to sustain your ideal lifestyle?

3) Accommodation

Last but not least is the thought of finding somewhere to live abroad. By now you'll have a clear favourite in the location stakes but now you need to examine the property market and whether it's easy and affordable to rent accommodation when you first arrive and whether, long term, it's possible for foreign residents to purchase freehold property abroad.

If you're planning on moving abroad permanently you'll also need to think about moving your household belongings and personal effects with you, and what about transporting your pets overseas too?

There are many relocation companies who specialise in relocating individuals and families abroad, these companies have a fantastic skills base to assist you with every single aspect of the process. If on the other hand you're on a budget or looking to work abroad for a shorter period of time use the internet to find forums and information sites dedicated to expats, working abroad and the particular countries you're interested in and you'll quickly be amazed at the wealth of invaluable information out there.

Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer based in Cyprus whose many articles about living and working abroad have appeared in expatriate publications around the world. Visit this link to read her latest articles about: North Cyprus

---

Getting the Job thats Right for You

I'm the type of person that considers a healthy, enjoyable... Read More

When and How to Say I Just Cant Do It!

We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't... Read More

How to Prepare for A Performance Appraisal

Performance appraisal should be treated as an ongoing developmental process... Read More

Discover What You Really Want To Do

Are you doing what you really want to do or... Read More

So, What Do You Do For Work?

I remember being asked this question a lot when I... Read More

How to Negotiate The Best Salary and Benefit Packages

Salary and Benefits NegotiationOne of the most difficult aspects of... Read More

A Bit of Pollyanna

"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More

Job Interviews: Succeeding With Panel Interviews

These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of... Read More

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone in the Job Search

Most everyone these days knows what a comfort zone is.... Read More

Change Your Career, Change Your Life!

Lots of times I see and talk to people who... Read More

Planning To Work Abroad

Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizon broadening... Read More

You Are Not Entitled to a Job!

Résumé TipsSome basics about job hunting...First of all, nobody owes... Read More

Looking for a Qualified Medical Billing Specialist

Families, mothers, employers, and medical practices all interact in one... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers

Imagine a huge river that has been flowing for centuries:... Read More

The 10 Second Window of Opportunity, Resume Hour Glass

Do you know that a hiring manager just spends 10... Read More

Job Search Campaign Tip: An Activity Diary

Looking for a job involves a wide range of responsibilities:... Read More

Can You Compete?

Are you looking to hire the best talent? Are you... Read More

Everyday Is Saturday: Help for the Suddenly Unemployed

I recently was "unhired" by my former employer. Unhired is... Read More

Passing The Police Test Just Became Easier

You've taken the police officer selection test or law enforcement... Read More

How To Create A Winning Impression In Your New Job

Congratulations! You've just been appointed to your new job. Now... Read More

Your First Summer Work in the UK - Picking Strawberries The Right Way

Most jobs on farms in the UK involve picking strawberries... Read More

Hey! - Are You Being Paid What You Are Worth?

Are you being paid what you are worth? Has anybody... Read More

Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part Two

Half the battle in successfully managing your emotions during a... Read More

Traveling for An Interview? 10 Tips to Get You From Here to There

You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More

How To Find Writing Work

Are you looking for new writing work? It can be... Read More

Resume Writing Tips

Resume Writing doesn't have to be a solo gigResume writing... Read More

What Can I Do To Improve My Job-Interviewing Skills?

Whether you're a student job seeker or a polished and... Read More

You?re Ready for a Career Change - Is Your Resume?

You finally did it. You made the decision to leave... Read More

Overwhelmed and Overworked: The Myth of American Productivity

Employment finally seemed back on track during the first few... Read More

Your Job Search -- a Marketing Campaign?

The successful job search is really just a personal marketing... Read More

Wake Up and Learn Something New

The US Government has just released last month's job creation... Read More

Discontentment in the Workplace

While more people are finding employment, more employed workers are... Read More

Rewriting Your Resume? 7 Easy Ways To Give Yourself An Upgrade

In today's competitive job market, a first class resume is... Read More