Central France
7 Steps to a New Life Overseas
Step Four – Choosing the right country.
You may already have a country in mind; somewhere you’ve holidayed and fallen in love with, somewhere you already have family or friends or somewhere you’ve seen on the TV or in movies and where you dream of making a new life…
Some people do have very definite plans about where in the world they’d like to be this time next year, but it seems that just as many people are a little overwhelmed at the choice and have yet to make a final destination decision.
So, how do you decide?
Well, everyone has different desires but as a general guide, the following are some of the main areas you should consider and research before you make your ultimate choice. They’ll help your head keep your heart in check when you visit and fall in love with a property or pace of life!
- Demographics
- Population statistics
- Immigration policy
- Cost of living
- School rankings & quality of education
- Career & job prospects
- Law & order
- Accessibility & transportation
- Health care services
- Weather & climate
- Ease of relocation
- Lifestyle & entertainment
Step Five - Visit the countries you've short listed as dream destinations.
This may sound so obvious to many people, but unfortunately in my time as an expatriate in 5 very different countries I've met many people who have made the move based on house prices or photographs alone and seriously regret their decision.
You have to get a feel for a country before you make a commitment to it.
First impressions do count but they are not the be all and end all - when you spend longer in a place you begin to see both the cracks and the hidden treasures.
Step Six - Remember that you can't run away from your problems or who you are.
Problems, issues, debts and emotional baggage will follow you around the world!
You'll still react to upsets the same way whether you’re at home or abroad.
Self knowledge is the key to success in life. Problems always crop up, but if you can learn to live or deal with them before you go, you are far more likely to survive life abroad.
Step Seven – Ready, steady, go!
If you’ve done your homework, covered all the considerations and suggestions I’ve made, and researched all your options you will have found your motivation, found the inner stoicism to see this through, and you will ultimately have your new life mapped out in your mind.
You are now ready to make the whole thing happen!
It’s time to move steadily through the practicalities of sorting out your old life and preparing your new life.
And if you spend time dealing with the necessary organisation and arrangements, the time to go will come around so quickly, you’ll soon find you’re living your new life abroad and never looking back.
Author = Rhiannon Williamson ©http://www.shelteroffshore.com/
