You have to do these 10 things if you want to work abroad

Working and traveling abroad is not only a great experience, but can also kick start an international career and open doors to new opportunities worldwide. Your language skills will improve enormously and your intercultural skills will shoot through the roof, while you will also learn all kinds of other soft skills. In short: if you have the opportunity to work abroad, do it! To help you prepare, here are a few things to consider, research, and ask yourself.

1. Find out everything you need to know about visas and work permits No matter how
much you plan and arrange, whether your dream abroad comes true ultimately depends on your visa or work permit. That’s why figuring out which papers you need to work legally in another country (and how to get those papers) is the very first step. Keep in mind that obtaining a visa or permit can cost money and time. You also need to know how long you can stay with these documents. And are they affiliated with an employer, or can you stay regardless of your job?

2. Research the cost of living in relation to your salary
Another important thing to consider: your finances. You may not yet know how much money you will make each month, but you do need to know what average amounts are in ‘your’ industry and how much that is in relation to the local cost of living. You should also calculate how much money you will have left after you have paid all monthly costs (rent, bills, taxes, etc.). Nothing is more depressing than living in a great city where you can’t afford anything.

3. Find out how to find a job and a home
Have you focused on a specific (dream) city? Then find out how easy it is to find work and a place to live there. Research how people travel from A to B and factor that into your budget and expectations (it might be easier if you just want to travel to a particular country and are more flexible about the city you want to work in, but even then you still need to have a job and a roof over your head).

4. Decide how much free time you want to have
One of the reasons you move abroad is probably because you want to discover a new culture, but it takes time. While it may not sound like a big deal at first, it’s important to find out how many vacation days (and sick leave) you get, as this can vary considerably by country. Those who only work and never even go out, are left with little adventure. Therefore, make sure you have the time (and the money) to discover the region and return home every now and then to visit your family.

6. Research the country and culture
When you are on vacation somewhere, everything is just that little bit more fantastic. We don’t want to give you your courage, but really living in a country is different from going there on vacation. You will have to deal with bills, taxes and delayed buses. Maybe you will live a little further from the beach than you imagined. We’re not saying things get more annoying, but we want you to be realistic and not judge your future home with holiday glasses on. Tip: visit your new place of residence in advance and ask yourself if you could live there. This is also the right time to meet potential employers (even if only for networking), visit fun neighborhoods and talk to locals about the current labor and housing market.

7. Discover how locals find a job
Different cultures require different ways to find a job: from a formal approach with a lot of paperwork to face-to-face contacts. Find out how locals look for a job and determine whether you can do this (remotely) or whether it is better to call in an employment agency or recruiter.

8. Learn how to prepare a resume and cover letter
Now that you know how to look for a job, prepare yourself to actually get started. Learn everything about preparing a resume and cover letter in your industry in the country you want to go to, from content to design and formalities. Make sure you know how many personal details you should provide and what documents or references you should include.

9. Research possible diplomas and certificates
Depending on your education, skills and work experience, the authorities in your new country may ask for an additional (language) diploma or certificate. Research job requirements and find out how, where and when you can get the necessary documents (this may mean spending a little more time and money getting to your final destination).

10. Prepare yourself for (cultural) differences
Discovering something new, starting a new chapter in your life and broadening your horizons are probably some of the reasons why you want to work abroad. Nevertheless, we cannot emphasize enough: prepare for the emergence of a possible culture shock, homesickness and a number of “but why?” Questions that are followed by a “well, why” answer. That can happen to the best, so see it as a sign that you develop yourself, become an even more complete person and will make memories that you will never forget in your life.

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