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Pros and Cons of Moving Abroad

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Moving overseas is exciting-but it's also stressful. There are many factors to consider before choosing to relocate abroad. Can you afford it? Are you willing to leave your loved ones behind? Can you live without your hometown's staple cuisine that you have come to take for granted?

Pros and Cons of Moving Abroad

These and many other issues should be contemplated before you make an international move to determine if it's the right choice for you. Here is a list of some pros and cons of moving abroad to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of moving abroad

  • Learning a new language

    Moving to a new country would most likely mean having to learn a new language, which is highly valued in today's world. Whether you are studying or working abroad, knowing the local language will get you ahead professionally and culturally.

    Moreover, learning a new language has become much simpler because of the various online tutorials and e-learning courses. Being bilingual, you can bond with people from other cultures thus broadening your horizon. It's a fascinating way to enrich your life experience.

  • Gaining new experiences

    One of the greatest benefits of moving abroad is that it presents you with endless new experiences. Traveling to a foreign land means that you will be exposed to a new culture, new customs, and exotic cuisine, all of which can provide you with a new outlook on life. If you are bored and crave a drastic change, moving overseas can be enriching and enlightening, offering you exposure to new perspectives and traditions.
  • Meeting new people

    Connecting and making friends with locals in a new country is one of the major merits of an international move. While leaving your loved ones in your hometown behind can be difficult, moving overseas gives you the opportunity to befriend individuals from a different background than your own. You will learn a great deal about other cultures (and yourself) by forming meaningful relationships with new people when moving abroad.
  • Facilitating personal growth

    Another advantage is that an international move will help you grow and evolve as a person in various ways. Exposure to other cultures and lifestyles will enhance your perspective on life and encourage open-mindedness. Additionally, picking up and starting over in a foreign place as an ex-pat without the comfort of familiar faces can truly teach you to be self-reliant and build character.
  • Boosting your career

    Working abroad may help you acquire valuable skills in your field. Learning workplace ethics and the business culture in other countries will add value to your experience, making you a desirable candidate for future jobs. Furthermore, professional environments abroad vary greatly from the United States, and the chance to learn from other cultures will be a great addition to your resume.

Cons of moving abroad

  • Risk factors

    Packing up your whole life and moving to a new country is a huge step that carries a lot of risk. If you don't have employment set up before you leave, finding a job overseas can be difficult. Besides, being unfamiliar with your surroundings can make you vulnerable to mishap or crime.

    Thoroughly research the region you are considering moving to before finalizing an international move. Make sure that the new country is safe and well-suited for your lifestyle. Ending up in a country with no money or source of earning is one of the biggest challenges of moving abroad.

  • Paperwork overload

    There is often an abundance of paperwork required to relocate internationally and establish residency. Not only do you need many essential documents to enter the country and clear customs, but you may have to reapply for visas and other permits to remain a resident. The paperwork process can sometimes be tedious, confusing, and exhausting.
  • Leaving family and friends

    Bidding farewell to your loved ones is arguably one of the most difficult challenges of moving to a new country. Once the excitement of your adventure begins to wane, homesickness will set in and leave you longing for the company of old friends and family.

    While technologies like social media and video chat software make it easier than ever to stay in touch, they can be a poor substitute for face to face interaction. To alleviate the stress of transitioning, be sure to set aside time to communicate (such as a planned Skype date).

  • Culture shock and stress

    Giving up a comfortable life in your hometown to live in a foreign land as an ex-pat is stressful. Moving thousands of miles from home to a place filled with strangers, unfamiliar streets, a foreign tongue, and a unique culture can be a staggering transition. You may find yourself searching for permanent housing and a job while struggling to navigate a strange city without the comfort of friends to vent to at the end of the day. You may find the clothing, food, and even music you enjoyed at home nearly impossible to find.

    The culture shock can be overwhelming, and it will take time to adjust. Taking trips to your new home before you move overseas, planning for work and housing in advance, researching common customs, and developing a working knowledge of the language are all effective methods for easing your acclimation.

  • Money troubles

    An international move is a costly venture. Paying an international moving company to transport your belongings, importing your vehicle, customs duties, filing the necessary documents, airfare, temporary housing while you search for a permanent home-these are all factors that will contribute to your expenses when moving abroad. Finding employment before leaving is the best way to alleviate financial worries. Be sure to plan a budget, save adequate funds for the move, and research the cost of living in the new country.

As mentioned above, moving overseas is thrilling but can be equally worrisome owing to so many challenges. Therefore, it's important to get acquainted with the pros and cons of moving abroad before you decide anything. If you plan your move well, you can very well enjoy the perks of living in a new country as an expatriate. You just need to learn the right things to do and how to handle the common problems associated with an international move.

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on December 18, 2013

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