You may know some expats who has decided to move to another country either temporarily or permanently. But have you ever wondered what's the root of decision made by them to leave everything behind and move overseas? Well, you are! In fact, living in a foreign country offers new lifestyle and better career opportunities that motivates expats to pick up and move to another country.
Now, let's take a look at the most common reasons why people choose to move their lives to another country along with some benefits of moving overseas.
Better career opportunities
A very good reason why expats move to another country is for a better career opportunity. People who might be facing financial struggles in their own country might be wanting to move overseas for a better lifestyle.
According to a survey by HSBC, 60 percent of expats that relocated for their career are now in a better position to save money and have greater disposable income than prior to their move to another country.
Of course, when you're moving abroad for work, be sure to do your research to ensure the destination of your choice will have ample opportunities in your field waiting for you.
The optimum situation would of course be to acquire employment before relocating--moving to a new country without the security of a job can be quite a scary circumstance.
Read our guide Tips for moving abroad for the first time to get more information.
Bored with your routine
If you're bored and crave a drastic change, moving abroad is a great way to achieve it. There are lot of things you want to see and experience by setting foot outside your comfort zone. Meeting new people, learning different customs, speaking various languages - all of these exciting experiences can give you fresh outlook on the world.
Remember, no matter how much you desire change and a fresh start, culture shock can be staggering, and you may need some time to adjust.
Retirement
Well some people may choose to move to another country for work, others opt to spend their retirement in an exotic new country. If you do choose to move overseas after retiring, you can settle in a community populated by other retirees and expats like yourself to ease your transition and help you feel more at home. However, if you're looking for as much cultural change as possible, you can also opt to simply live like one of the locals. Here are some of the best places to retire in the world.
- Ecuador
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Columbia
- Mexico
- France
Read our guide Tips for retiring overseas to discover why you should you pack your bags and head to one of these places to retire abroad.
Political conditions
Sometimes, people just don't enjoy their home country's governmental policy. They can often feel forsaken by their country if laws and policies contradict with their own personal beliefs. Therefore, most people move to another countries like Canada, Spain and Portugal - which offers many exciting opportunities like free healthcare, education, good food and top transportation for expats.
Besides the reasons stated above, the following reasons should also be included when moving overseas.
- Low crime rates
- Stable economic environment
- Advanced technology
However, when moving to another country due to political beliefs, it's important not to come to your decision hastily. The grass often appears greener on the other side--you may think your new country is more aligned with your personal belief system, but the reality of being a citizen may make you realize otherwise.
Make sure you consider this move carefully and find out as much as you can about your destination country before moving to ensure that it measures up to your expectations. Visit the country several times to find out if it truly suits your coveted lifestyle and outlook before you make a permanent move.
Following your loved one
Sometimes the decision to move overseas may not be your own. If your family or spouse is relocating for a job, or any other reasons, you may be persuaded to transplant your life to a new country. If the choice was not your own, you may feel at first reluctant or even resentful about the move.
Moving abroad is a staggering lifestyle change, and you may understandably have difficulty adjusting. However, it's helpful to think of the move as a life-enriching learning experience that will cause you to grow and evolve as an individual. Exposure to different cultures, lifestyles and attitudes will teach you a great deal about being accepting, open-minded, and worldly.
Cost of living
High cost of living is one of the most common reasons to move to another country. Some nations such as the U.S. have ever-increasing living expenses coupled with a poor job market that can leave you struggling to survive.
Some countries like Costa Rica, Australia, Portugal and Malaysia offer you more an affordable lifestyle, and possibly greater job opportunities. However, it's important to do thorough research before you move overseas--some nations that are much cheaper to live may not have a promising job market in your field.
They may also have a much lower quality of life than you are used to or be very under-developed. Make sure that you find a place that is not only affordable but balanced by promising career opportunities and an enough standard of living.
Climate conditions
Weather may seem like a superficial reason to move somewhere new, but it is an influential factor. Warm, tropical climates have a paradise-like appeal to residents of colder regions and can definitely fuel the desire to relocate.
However, moving abroad because you dream of lying on the beach everyday with piña colada in hand is certainly not the best reason. International moving requires a great deal of thought, consideration, planning and research. A potential nation to call home should have much more to offer you than sunny days and beautiful beaches, such as affordable housing, a promising job market (unless you are retiring), and a favorable and safe standard of living.
Cultural heritage
Another major reason to move to another country is connecting with your own cultural heritage and visiting the homeland of your ancestors. You may have family there with whom you would love to reconnect, or you may simply desire to authentically experience the life of your culture.
Whatever the case, moving back to the land of your heritage can be a self-awakening and enriching experience. However, before you make the permanent move to your homeland, take some vacation time and visit. While the allure of getting in touch with your roots may be enticing, experiencing it firsthand before you make your final decision will help you ensure that it can provide you with the lifestyle you desire.
If you are considering an international move, be sure to check if the international movers you are considering for hire is trustworthy and qualified. Also, ask the right questions to avoid making common mistakes during an international move, and be sure to have all of your necessary documents prepared before you move to another country.