5 Common Challenges of Moving Abroad

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stay organized with a printable moving checklist Middle Class Dad man carrying 3 moving boxes with a checklist and pen

Moving abroad can be one of the most exciting changes you will ever experience. With so many new opportunities waiting for you, the possibilities for your future are endless.

That being said, it’s typical to have some concerns. It’s not easy to pack up your entire life, especially if you don’t consider yourself a minimalist.

If you have any worries, keep on reading! In this article, we will talk about five of the biggest challenges so that you can be as prepared as possible.

Accommodation

Understandably, one of the biggest challenges of moving abroad is finding suitable accommodation. It can be an extremely complicated process, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

The best advice is to start as early as possible and to get all of your paperwork sorted out in advance. It might also be wise to look into something like these short term rentals Etobicoke so that you can adequately browse your options before deciding on a permanent solution.

Financial Stress

When you add up all of the costs of moving abroad, it’s certainly not an insignificant expense. Depending on where you are traveling to, it can be thousands just to transport yourself and your belongings.

As a general rule, it’s always better to over-save than it is to under-save. You also want to have a great budget in place so that you can prepare for each of the major expenses.

You can find some money hacks to get started here.

Language Barrier

Mastering a language is no simple task. Feeling confident can take anywhere from three months to three years, making communication daunting.

The only tip here is that it’s best to start learning as soon as you can. Even just understanding a few basic phrases will help you get by until you can begin regular lessons.

Homesickness 

Unless you’re traveling back to family, another big challenge you may face is homesickness. Losing touch with our loved ones can be tough, especially if you don’t feel comfortable forming new friendships.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do when you miss someone but know that it will get easier. You can stay in touch via social media and will also form new connections too.

Culture Shock

You can do all of the research in the world, but nothing can quite prepare you for the feeling of culture shock. Even if you’re moving somewhere where you speak the same language, there can still be so many different changes.

Take time to adjust to your surroundings and find a support group. Getting involved and experiencing some of the cultural differences can also help you feel more like a local.

Final Words

While reading through the above might be a little scary, it’s important to remember the end goal. Yes, moving might be incredibly stressful, but it will be worth it in the end. You just have to keep in mind that you wont know what you are capable of until you put yourself out there.

 

Jeff Campbell
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