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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING ABROAD



Travelling! Travelling!! Travelling!!! are the three options I will say time and again if you ask me what I will never get tired of doing apart from reading. Although, it is a way of exploring the world, becoming educated about different cultures and being a better person as an individual, you can also magically lose the thirst for adventure, joy of discovery and suddenly become homesick if you do not have your compass (physical and mental) to guide you.


It can sometimes scary to be on your own in a foreign land irrespective of the reason for moving abroad. If you’ve had this pensive feeling, then you are absolutely not alone! I have been there. That is why I want to share with you some strategies that will brace you up for your new environment.

Be determined to adapt: The most important strategy you need to have before embarking on your exploration or discovery into an entirely new world is an intentional determination to adapt. This may mean training your taste buds to accept new foods, your brain to learn a new language, embracing a new etiquette and all this and lots more should be done with a positive outlook in order to enjoy your new land and the people you will come into contact with. Nevertheless, your virtues, values and culture should never be abandoned.

Save Money: Saving money should start long before you plan to move abroad. Regardless of the purpose of moving abroad, you will need money to be able to apply for visa or buy your flight ticket before you even step your feet in your new country. For you to survive in the new place you will also need money for your expenses pending when you get a job or ask for more money from your home country.

Research about the country you will be moving to: The best thing to do before even applying for a visa is to have a background knowledge of what to expect from your new land. The weather, language, currency, the state you’ll be moving to and lots more. If you can afford to travel to the place beforehand, then that’s certainly a better choice because you’ll get to have first-hand information and will be able to decide if you truly want to live in the country or not.


Find a place or possible place to stay: This strategy cannot be overemphasized. You need to have a roof over your head before leaving your country or a map and location of possible places which could be hostel, hotel or with a friend. This will help you adapt quickly and reduce undue stress in an entirely new world for you.

Take important things with you: You may want to take all the necessary things along with you. This could be the originals of your documents, phone numbers of your parents or relatives back home, your passport and Visa. Some foods if you are allergic to some new things while you find where to get what you can eat.
Settle all stuffs at home first at home: By settling stuffs at home I mean cancelling your rental agreement, selling your belongings that you do not need, collecting online codes from your bank codes (if there is need or your country).  It is best to deal with everything that will need your attention before leaving your home country.

Keep relationships alive back home: Make plans to keep stay in touch with the people who’ve left behind. Thanks to technology, you can still maintain intimate relationships without hassle, you should take advantage of it! This will help you adapt and combat loneliness while waiting to meet new acquaintances in your new world.

Learn the bureaucracy and transport systems: This can be challenging for newcomers. If possible, get in contact with one living in the same city to help you demystify the mystery in this case. It will save you a lot and help you hit the ground rolling. If you don’t know anyone, don’t be afraid to ask question from a stranger. You can never go wrong by simply asking for help especially when it deals with directions.

If all the above are checked on your list, then you’re set to go BUT don’t forget to go with an open mind, a friendly spirit and a hardworking mindset.

AS ALWAYS YOUR COMMENT IS A TREASURE TO ME

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