Moving down the street can be hard enough, let alone moving to a completely different country. Despite being one of the most exciting times of your life, it can also be particularly stressful, especially if you find yourself unprepared for what lies ahead. This manual aims to provide you with the necessary information to ensure as smooth a transition as possible to your new destination.


Chapter 1: Your New Home- What do you know about it?

Before agreeing to move, you should do some research on your intended destination. Every country is different and unique. Moving to a new country means you will become immersed within an entirely different culture. If you have not properly prepared for this event it will come as quite a shock to you, as all of the traditions you are familiar with are replaced with new and foreign ones.
There have been recommendations suggesting a pre-move visit to view the housing markets and job prospects; however this is not always possible nor is it particularly feasible. If however the aforementioned is a possibility, visiting your possible future destination will give you the opportunity to view the cultures and customs associated with this new country. It would also make the process of finding accommodation (Chapter 3) much easier.

In the event that a pre-move visit is not possible it is important to research and find as much information as possible about the country in which you intend to live. Start by researching information available on the internet. Here you will find a broad range of information on any topic you care to learn about. Try participating in an online forum. This will give you the chance to communicate with people who have visited or are currently living in your intended destination. Take this opportunity to voice any questions or concerns you may have.

Some information you might like to familiarize yourself with will be political, social and environmental factors of the country. These may be quite different to those you are normally accustomed to, so by learning as much as possible in advance you will ensure you are prepared and not in for any unexpected surprises once you relocate.

Learning about the social ideals of your intended destination will optimize your chances of settling in quickly and becoming comfortable with your new environment as you will be able to identify with new friends and work colleagues and socialize in a culturally appropriate manner. In the long run this will make adjusting to your new life significantly easier by creating a friendly and supportive environment within your new home.
Researching your possible new location is also important in regards to knowing the safety level and required security measures of your particular country. Some countries may be in a state of war or may have been declared dangerous, an important issue to be aware of. For information on your intended destination locate travel reports on your government website, which will be able to provide updated information on the current state of the country.


Chapter 2: Finding and Evaluating Employment Overseas

Many people move abroad for work related purposes. Even if you are not moving abroad for reasons such as these, a permanent change in location will probably mean that you at some stage will be working in your new country.
A wide variety of work exists in most countries. This chapter will provide you with information on finding jobs and evaluating how suitable they will be for your situation.
Firstly, decide what it is you require in a job. Will you be building on previous skills or starting something new? How long will you be planning to work for?
There are several different ways in which an individual may search for work overseas.
The most common method of seeking employment is to do it yourself rather than rely on an agency. Start searching for work over the internet...