Moving Abroad Is Like Starting A New You

Pictures posted on Facebook and or Twitter accounts of friends working abroad with all the views and fulfilled look on their faces makes me wonder oftentimes why I'm still working in my beloved country land with compensation that does not meet even half of my family' needs. Many share the same sentiments. But here are the conflicting ideas in order to gain insights.

Get ahead and earn big bucks!

First is the Information. Build social networks in order to know the world lived and worked for by colleagues in order to learn the first paced. Get online, chat with them asks them questions how they landed on the job. Or surf the net for job that offers work abroad, verify its legality and validity of the job order through government agencies. Look for job that fits your qualification.

Second are the finances. Applying for abroad even if hired by valid agencies still requires thorough documentation like passport, school records, medical or health clearance and other government clearances as well as other pertinent papers required by the country employer you are hired of. Money is needed in order to process or expedite these documents. Most of the agencies if you are hired through agencies offer financial assistance through loan deductible with your salary, and or external financial institution especially if you have contract of employment already. Outsourcing of funds is easy if one gets hired already.

Third is the expectation. Family is the reason why a person is motivated to go abroad and they are the persons greatly expects that by doing work abroad you are expected to resolve all the debts and meet all the needs as well as wants. You on the other hand expect to meet all their expectations. This is the reasons why most of workers abroad despite the abuse and neglect of the original contract which promises good pay by the employers still sticks on with the job, because of the great expectation of the family waiting. Although high expectation is good one should also be vigilant. Expect the unexpected and take heed of actions in order to meet it head on.

I'll stay and get by...

Family is the utmost reason. There was one time my husband and I had a fight over finances and debts and along came an opportunity offered by a friend to fill in a position in their company abroad with a good pay and good benefits. I almost believe myself I will get ahead and earn big, but the following morning before I ride with my husband going for work my 2 year old son hugs me and kisses me as if I'm not going home after office. With his pleading voice he whispered and said, "I love you mom, please don't go to work". And here I am thinking of going abroad.

Afraid of changes. I dreaded going to work and doing the same task all over again. But why do most prefer to do the same job even if you hate it? I'm not ready meeting new bosses or colleagues. I love that job but I'm afraid there are not chances of my getting it. These are some of the reasons why most prefer to stick with the dreaded job. Changes are inevitable and certainly feared by most if these changes require new things that are not in the ordinary course of the person.

Earning big and having success working abroad is a good thing, while others prefer to go by with their current job. The only factor that these two have in common is family. It's the most motivated reason why a person is going and or not going.

Richard has been writing articles for over 8 years. See his latest work at Machining Parts and Plastic Machining Services which focuses on the custom manufacturing industry with emphasis on helping American Machine Shops attract more customers.

International Schools - What to Think About When Moving Abroad

When considering a child's education in a foreign land most countries offer three alternatives: state schools, private schools and international schools. This article concentrates mainly on the potential benefits and drawbacks of international schools although some consideration is also given to the state school option.

Classes in international schools are usually taught in English and academic results are generally very good. The curriculum is most often British or American in style with the use of high school grades and SAT scores or International GCSEs at age 15/16 and A Levels or the International Baccalaureate at 17/18, the latter being recognized by universities worldwide. Subjects taught are also similar to those taught in the US or UK.

Almost all international schools are fee paying (although grants and scholarships may be available) and fees can be considerable. Average fees for a day school are around EUR 10,000 per year but it should be borne in mind that fees generally increase as the pupil grows older. For example, the average fees for children aged 12 or over are around EUR 20,000 per year. Furthermore, fees for boarding (as opposed to day) schools are much higher. In addition to yearly fees it may also be wise to consider the other expenses which are likely to be incurred when sending a child to an international school. These expenses might include a registration fee, purchase of a uniform, insurance, activity fees and transport.

Given the prohibitive cost, why do some expats choose international schools for their children's education? Sometimes they are the only choice if foreigners are not permitted to attend local state schools (as is the case in the United Arab Emirates) or if the state schools are full. Many parents are also concerned about the effect learning a new language and adapting to a new culture are likely to have on both their child's education and happiness. Typically young children take these challenges in their stride but older children may struggle or feel alienated. Another benefit of attending an international school is that it gives the parents a chance to meet other expats!

However, not all expats choose international schools and the state school option may in fact be preferable in some cases. Apart from the obvious cost savings a local state school is a superb place for a child to learn the new language and many expats find that their children are often fluent in the local lingo within a very short period of time. Speaking the language and adapting to a new culture are not only of immediate benefit but may also be useful in the longer term if the family decides to stay in the new country.

International schools can be found in or near most of the popular expat destinations. In other areas they may be more difficult to find. If possible try to choose a school affiliated with a respected international school association as they are more likely to meet minimum requirements as far as teaching or facilities are concerned.

Many international schools have waiting lists so it is always a good idea to enrol as soon as possible, a process which may involve entrance exams (most commonly in English and Maths).

Jamie Morris is the founder of Expat Focus - http://www.ExpatFocus.com - a leading website packed with information and tips for anyone moving abroad. Register at Expat Focus today and join us in the forums: http://www.ExpatFocus.com/register

Thinking of Moving or Retiring Abroad? Your Essential Considerations Covered

When you consider that the number of British retired persons living abroad now tops 1.3 million and that the rest of us Brits who are pre-retirees are spending tonnes of our money in well over forty countries in terms of buying property abroad, you can easily see that the lure of sunnier and more exotic climes affects a great many of us!

If you're thinking of moving abroad then you are certainly not alone - but there are certain essential considerations that you need to cover before you commit to relocation overseas. Additionally there are aspects of starting a new life abroad that you may not yet have thought about and so in this article I will endeavour to cover all your essential consideration and aspects of moving abroad to aide and abet your planning and thought processes.

First things first, many people want to leave the UK behind simply because the climate can be so poor in Great Britain. That's as good a reason to leave as any especially if you have medical disorders exacerbated by the climate in the UK such as S.A.D or arthritis for example. But then you need to look carefully at the average climate month to month in your chosen overseas location of choice. Sure, Florida might look good right now - but it has hurricanes you know! Sure, Cyprus might be marketed as an island for all seasons but in January and February it rains more than it does in the UK and it gets very cold!

If you're moving abroad in retirement think about how far your pension income will stretch in your preferred overseas location - and find out whether your state entitlement will be frozen and your retirement income taxed - get forewarned about all of these facts.

If you're going to need to find a job overseas or you want to establish a business how likely is it that you will be successful in your endeavours. Do research before you make the commitment to move because you cannot mess about with your future financial security.

Now think about the cost of living - yes, the UK is notoriously expensive for certain services and luxuries as well...so what about the nation you're moving to, how does the cost of living compare - hopefully it's far less for day to day essentials, but then will you have to add on extra money for educating your children or taking out private healthcare?

Touching on both education and healthcare in the financial planning side of things is essential - but it's also wise to look a little more closely at available facilities and to determine whether these fall within your likely requirements and those of your family. If not, what are your alternatives - will you have to move elsewhere or come back to the UK for medical attention, will you have to privately educate your children back in the UK for example?

Other reasons that we Brits cite for leaving Blighty behind are lifestyle and the likes of rising crime statistics in the UK. Yes the British way of life can seem exhausting with the emphasis seemingly on living to work...so look abroad and find a place where the lifestyle more closely matches your own choices for the ways you live your life. With regards to crime - nowhere is crime free so be realistic, be safe and be fairly open minded!

When you move abroad you will have to adapt to a different culture and possibly a different language as well - if you have a strange penchant for xenophobia, chances are you'll find the move uncomfortable and strange and you'll never happily settle! Take time out to rent a property abroad in your preferred country for at least a few months to ensure you really can adapt - do this even if you are the most open minded, tolerant and adaptable person. You never know whether the collective quirks of a given nationality will actually begin to rub you up the wrong way - and it's better to determine this before you've moved lock, stock and barrel really!

Also, know that if you're moving to a country where English is not widely spoken that you will really only get the most out of your relocation if you learn the mother tongue of your new neighbours and associates.

Something you will need to pay close attention to is the emotions you, your family and friends will go through regarding your move. You'll feel excitement and apprehension building up to the relocation and at some point in the first couple of years you'll feel overwhelming senses of homesickness and regret mixed with highs and happiness. This process is normal and you'll get through it - but your family and friends may feel loss and regret when they see you leaving for your new life and you will have to work hard to keep links open and ties closely bound with regular visits 'back home' or with regular invites extended for your nearest and dearest to come and visit you.

Making new friends and enjoying new social experiences is one of the best aspects of moving abroad - so be prepared to embrace the experience with open arms. However, if you're shy and retiring you'll have to force yourself to get out and about otherwise how else will you discover all the interesting people out there!

Finally a word about real estate - property prices the world over have risen sharply in the past decade so look carefully at what your budget will enable you to buy, think about the re-saleability of a property as well in case you ever want to move on or repatriate. Look at exchange rates, the buying process, cost of purchase and ownership of property and also the laws for foreign owners of property in your chosen nation. And then get a lawyer, get your interests looked after and those of your successors because the rules of inheritance differ from nation to nation.

If you take time to review and think more deeply about these essential considerations with regards to your own personal situation you will quickly find a way through the planning and preparing and you'll be well on your way to starting a new life abroad from a position of far deeper understanding of everything involved in the entire relocation process.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about retiring, living and working abroad so if you?re thinking of going to live or work overseas then her resource ShelterOffshore.com has all the information you could possibly need.

Want to Move Abroad? But Where To?

I got an email from an old school friend recently. He had emigrated to Australia a few years back and we had lost touch. However, a chance email from a mutual friend inviting us all to a school reunion gave me his new contact address, and since then we have been catching up.

Like so many of the people now living Down Under he sings the praises of the life there: the sunshine, the outdoors living, the plentiful work and leisure opportunities. For all that, he still misses Europe at times. "I sometimes think having the sun and being closer to home would be nice, and you have that in Spain," he says.

Which underscores the predicament facing many prospective expatriate Brits: where is the best place to move to?

In every survey and poll Australia continues to top the list of the most popular destination for Brits moving abroad. And with good reason. There is the sunshine, of course. And the draw of those wide, sweeping, sandy beaches (just put the sharks out of your mind). Plus the chance to go diving off the Great Barrier Reef, skiing in the Blue Mountains or camping in the Outback.

But there is also the lifestyle. The balance that exists between work and play. The swimming pools and the barbies and the time to spend with family and friends.

It is English-speaking too, which makes the transition and integration so much easier.

On the downside, it is a day's flight away, with a time differential guaranteed to send your body clock haywire. Not the kind of place you can pop back from for the weekend.

As a result, everyone I know who lives there only makes it back for visits to the UK every few years or so. It hardly lends itself to close contact with the family and friends that have remained behind. Going to Oz (or New Zealand) is not just a move abroad, it is a dislocation.

By contrast, Spain - the second most popular British expat destination, and my home - is just a two or three hour plane ride away. Plus the flights are frequent and cheap. And while it may not have the Great Barrier Reef or Bondi Beach, it does have copious amounts of sunshine, fantastic scenery and a rich, vibrant culture.

Unless you speak Spanish though - or can pick it up quickly - integrating is going to be tougher. Without the language you will always remain a foreigner on the margins of the local community, as I see time and time again here.

Which brings me back to that conundrum.

Picking an English-speaking destination with the ease of transition it brings means travelling a long way from home: the States, Canada, parts of the Caribbean, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. Alternatively, choosing to move somewhere in Europe means overcoming those language barriers.

So which is most appealing to you?

Paul Allen is the author of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go? The Truth About Moving Abroad And Whether It's Right For You," a comprehensive ebook guide for people considering a move abroad. For more details about the book, and to get lots of free information and advice on moving and living overseas, visit his website http://www.expatliving101.com

Moving On Out - Top Ten Things To Take With You When You Move To Your New Teaching Job Abroad

Once you've secured your new teaching job abroad, you'll probably have several months to get yourself organized before taking up the post. Here are the top ten things you need to take with you when you move overseas. Read this now as some of these can take time to prepare properly!

1. Passport (valid for at least the length of your contract)

You may think this is an obvious one considering we're talking about relocating your whole life to another country. Tell me, do you know when your passport expires? Mine expires in 2015.

Depending on where you're living, a new passport may take up to 6 months to get. It's not wise to rely on the 'estimated turn around' time on the form as in the past both the UK and the USA have had extremely long delays in issuing new passports to their citizens. Of course, if you're running short of time you can usually apply for an express service, at a ridiculously inflated cost.

So, go now and check when your passport expires.

It's better for you to have a passport that's valid for the length of your contract because it's a real pain to have to get a new one issued from a consulate or embassy abroad. Trust me; I've had to do it!

2. Original documents that prove who you are and what you know

Government departments don't tend to accept copies of foreign identification or certification documents. Ensure that you take all your original documentation. If you don't have it, then get it.

It's always good to keep a copy at home too, either with a family member, a lawyer or in a safety deposit box, so if you can, get duplicate originals. An extra set is insurance against theft, fire or natural disaster and makes good sense.

You'll need:

* Birth certificate

* Marriage certificate

* Police clearance certificate

* Degree certificates

* Teacher certification

* Recommendation letters

3. Medical records and adequate supplies of medications

Anyone in your family that has an ongoing medical condition should request a copy of their medical records. For your children you should have or get a copy of their vaccination record.

Take at least a two month supply of your regular medications with you. This will give you adequate time to check out the medical services in your new country and register with a physician.

Some medications are sold under alternative brand names in different countries, so ask your doctor for alternative names before you leave. It took me ages to figure out that Tylenol was the American brand name for paracetamol.

4. Vaccinations and a vaccination certificate

You are going to be living and working abroad, which means that you'll be exposed to all sorts of new organisms. Check with your doctor or with a travel clinic to see what vaccinations are recommended for the country to which you're moving and be sure to let them know that you'll be living there long term rather than just going on holiday for a week or two. If you're traveling to Thailand for a holiday the recommended vaccinations are different to the ones recommended if you're staying here a while.

Get a vaccination certificate to prove what vaccinations you've had and ask your health professional to make a note of when you'll need to get any booster shots. Many vaccinations are good for a number of years, but some need a series of shots before you are covered for any appreciable length of time.

5. Emergency numbers

This is another one that may seem obvious to you, but guess what, you don't need only your Mum's phone number for checking in once you arrive.

You need to take these contact numbers with you, at least:

* A responsible member of your family

* Your bank

* Your credit card company

* Your insurance company

* Your Doctor

* Your travel agent

Now, you can probably find most if not all of this on the internet. But in an emergency, like your wallet being stolen, do you really want the hassle?

6. International Driver's License

An international driver's license is not a new license and doesn't require you to take a driving test.. It's a document that you use abroad to make your national driver's license acceptable to foreign officials. An international driver's license is a little booklet that you hand over with your license when it's requested.

Essentially it's a translation of your license into a number of prominent world languages so that officials in other countries can figure out what kind of vehicles your driver's license permits you to drive.

Even if you don't intend driving overseas, it's a good document to have because you never know what the future holds.

7. Contact details of the school, a copy of your teaching contract and a copy of all the communication you've had with the school (this can be in digital format)

It would be a nightmare to get to a foreign country and realize you don't actually have the phone number or address of the school that's supposed to be employing you, don't you think? Most likely, the school will have some kind of orientation programme in place to help you get settled in, and this may even mean someone meeting you at the airport. But, in case they don't turn up, have the school's contact details handy.

You should have a copy of your teaching contract to take with you. It's good to have a copy so that you can check your conditions and stand up for yourself if you feel you are not getting what was promised.

When I moved out to Thailand, I also made sure I had copies of all the emails that I had received. I gradually deleted them as I settled into Bangkok and acted on all the advice I'd received prior to making the move.

8. Your children's school records

Your children will probably be attending the same school where you'll be working. Take all their reports and transcripts with you so that you can ensure they get placed in the correct levels. Knowing as much as possible about your child will help the school's administrators and counselors plan a suitable orientation programme for them.

9. A guide book, culture shock book

Don't leave home without a guide book! Take some time looking at different brands of travel guide. Different brands have different styles. I prefer a different brand for traveling than staying long term because of the depth of information provided.

The Culture Shock series is superb. Get the one for the country or region you're moving to and read it from cover to cover. You'll get an insight into the cultural norms for the society you are moving into, and can prevent you from making any disastrous faux pas that could ruin your first few months abroad. First impressions count, make sure your first impression is a good one by doing some research.

10. Email addresses, mailing addresses and phone numbers of the friends and colleagues you're leaving behind

I also took the leaving cards I received from friends and colleagues. You may be tempted to pack these in your shipping or even throw them out. However, if you have enjoyed a great relationship with your colleagues then you will miss them. I found that having a reminder of them around me when I was dealing with the initial stages of culture shock reminded me of the good things I'd left behind, but also all the stuff I didn't like! It helped me to refocus on the reasons I had moved my career overseas!

Having been a global nomad for more than 10 years now, I've found that staying in touch with friends and colleagues at home is really up to me. I haven't stayed in touch with any of the fabulous people I met and got to know in the first 6-7 years of teaching abroad, and it's mostly my fault because I didn't make any effort.

I've been much more conscientious in recent years and I believe it's worth it. I love catching up with old friends when I go back to places I've lived before; I always have a plethora of places to stay and have even hosted some of my friends when they've visited my new home.

Bonus Tip for Women!

Check whether you can buy tampons where you're going! There are a number of countries in Asia and the Middle East that don't stock tampons on supermarket or chemist shelves. Check, check and check again if you're a tampon user!

Anyone sending me a package knows that they should use tampons as packing material rather than Styrofoam chips!

Kelly Blackwell is an international teacher with more than 10 years experience teaching abroad, click here to get her monthly newsletter and kick-start your own international teaching career! [http://www.teachoverseas.info/freenewsletter.html] Avoid the mistakes other international teachers have made by learning from the experts [http://www.teachoverseas.info/overseasteacherstalk.html].

Working and Volunteering Abroad - How to Forge Lifeline Friendships While Overseas

Most say that lifelong friendships are formed when living and working abroad. Make the most of your experience by broadening your social horizons.

Moving overseas to work or volunteer is a commitment, to a new place, a new job, and most of all new people. At the same time, those moving overseas leave their family, boyfriends, girlfriends and friends behind. Not having a support network while undertaking a major life change is not easy. Luckily, most volunteering programs are brings volunteers in groups, meaning that new volunteers are exposed to a instant social circle of similarly minded, socially conscious volunteers who are sharing the experience with you.

But you shouldn't stop your social circle there. While you can (and will) meet amazing, interesting people in your volunteer corps, to get a real culturally immersive experience, meeting friends your own age who are native to your host country is key.

This is a daunting task, to be sure. Making friends under any circumstances, without the language barrier or time constraints, is not an easy thing, especially in the increasingly digitized, computer-driven social world. While there are opportunities in the clubs, pubs and dancehalls, the best way to meet people is to think outside the box.

If you are volunteering abroad or working overseas, meeting people isn't as much of a challenge. The local staff that you see everyday will be interested in your own story, and your own cultural quirks. A great way to start a conversation is with a simple "Do you have any children/brothers/sisters?" You can even carry a photo of your family with you to show to your co-workers.

But what about the world beyond work or your volunteer corps social circle? There are many ways to get to know people, without being too pushy or over the top.

Take a dance class - While some classes will be geared towards tourists, but if you ask around enough, you'll be able to find a little whole in the wall salsa, meringue or other dance club that gives lessons on weeknights. This is a great opportunity for a group of friends, but even better to do alone. You'll have to be paired with a stranger, which is scary and first, but will ultimately lead to conversation, and great dancing.

If someone invites you somewhere, go - Of course, safety is always an issue, and this rule does not apply to every random guy on the street. But for many shy people, living away from everyone you know is an opportunity to go outside of your comfort zone. Even if you wouldn't normally say yes to Sunday brunch with your supervisor and his family, now is the time to take a leap.

Talk to strangers - Again, this has limits. But you'd be amazed at how interesting the lives of taxi drivers, waitresses and street vendors are. These people can teach you loads about the "ins and outs" of city or rural living. Comment on the weather; compliment what someone is wearing...anything to start even a short conversation. This will not only help expand your social horizons, but your language skills as well!

These are just a few tips to take to heart. Working abroad, whether volunteering in some way or teaching ESL, can be a life altering experience. Take maximum advantage of the opportunity to meet new friends and soak up the local culture.

Jobs abroad is just one of Lisa Jenkins' specialties. Jenkins writes about working and volunteering abroad for a free website: JobMonkey. She teaches college aged individuals and recent grads how to work abroad and about the different types of job opportunities from youth volunteering to teaching ESL.

Moving Abroad and the Strain on Relationships

At my daughter's school here in Spain there are children of many different nationalities: there is a large contingent from Morocco and Tunisia, as well as others from France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and, of course, Britain.

The kids' parents moved here in search of a better life in one shape or another. For many of those from North Africa the work prospects in Spain previously had been a big lure. One of her classmate's parents, meanwhile, are from Paris. They left though because of the high cost of living there, and saw the prospect of a better way of life in Spain. We relocated for similar reasons.

But now, with Spain's economy in the mire and unemployment rocketing, the father from Paris has had to go to Switzerland to find work. As a result, he's only back to see his family one weekend a fortnight. The long absences are hard for all of them. But there's bills to pay.

Not that this kind of separation, where a partner/parent - and most often the father - works away from home, is anything new. However, in this unprecedented period of global downturn it appears to be getting more common, as people seek out work wherever they can find it. And it is not just lower-income breadwinners who are going out into the world for the sake of a job.

For example, a Korn/Ferry Institute Executive Quiz released in November 2008 found 84 percent of executives were willing to consider relocating, with 55 percent willing to move overseas for their next position.

Of course, people don't just move abroad from employment necessity. Rather, relocating - whether with an existing employer or a new one - can also be a great way to improve your prospects and climb the corporate ladder, as Stacie Nevadomski Berdan and C. Perry. Yeatman highlight in their book "Get Ahead by Going Abroad: A Woman's Guide to Fast-Track Career Success."

Still, whatever the reason for expatriating - whether it's the opportunity of a big job promotion, the chance to put some cash in your pocket, the lure of a different culture or the thought of a nicer climate - it is important to be aware of the changes and stresses that can put on your relationships.

In the case of the father from Paris - and the millions of others in his position - it is the enforced distance and absence that will be the source of strain in a relationship.

But for those partners or families that relocate as a unit there are other issues to be aware of. For example, moving abroad may mean:

* Leaving your support network behind

Oftentimes moving to another country means leaving behind your extended family and close friends, all those people you could call up when needed for babysitting duties, a night out on the town, or a shoulder to cry on. As a result, that network can act as a valuable pressure release valve in any relationship.

But in moving abroad there's a good chance you'll be pushed into closer intimacy - or at least proximity - with your partner, especially when you're finding your feet in the early days. You may feel more isolated, or claustrophobic. You may end up being more dependent on each other for your emotional, social and intellectual needs than you're used to. And that can lead to arguments.

* Leaving your job

Your partner may have a new job to go to when you land in your new country, but what if you're the so-called 'trailing spouse'? Will the move mean sacrificing your career, and all the sense of identity, purpose and social position that goes with it?

That can put a great strain on you both, and impact on the ultimate success of your overseas venture.

For example, KPMG's 2008 Global Assignment Policies and Practices (GAPP) survey noted that 34% of the firms that participated said dual career couples increased the chance that their employee's expatriate assignment would end in failure.

* Coping with unfamiliarity

I remember the first time I used the post office when I moved to New York. It was a completely different system to the one I was used to - and the employee I dealt with wasn't particularly sympathetic - so just sending a parcel took much longer than it ordinarily would.

And moving abroad means you'll also have to wrestle with different social security requirements, health systems, utility companies, banks, insurers, local government bureaucracies, tax regimes and a host of other activities that constitute daily life. And if you have to do it all in a foreign language as well then the process becomes that much more complicated.

Then there are the cultural differences you must adapt to - things like social etiquette, timekeeping, the food in the shops, driving behaviour...

Many of these differences form part of the excitement and joy of living abroad - but inevitably they WILL bring frustrations too.

As a result, while living in a foreign country can bring enormous fulfilment and happiness, you're also likely to get edgy and stressed, at least some of the time. And the people we tend to take it out on are our nearest and dearest. In moving abroad then it's even more important to put in the time and effort to nurture your relationships.

Paul Allen is a freelance journalist and writer who has lived in northern Spain since 2003. He is the author of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go? The Truth About Moving Abroad And Whether It's Right For You," a comprehensive e-book guide for people seeking advice on whether or not to move abroad. For more details about the book, and to get lots of free information and advice on moving and living overseas, visit his website at http://www.expatliving101.com/