Moving Abroad: Part One

Let the adventure begin!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wanted to live abroad. I’ve never felt like where I’ve been living is home and I’ve always had an itch to explore the world before I settle down into a relationship, a permanent job, etc. Lately, however, I’ve been really putting my dreams into an actual full-out plan.

While in the past, I only toyed with the idea of moving away from Canada or abroad in hopes of starting my life in the United Kingdom. I’ve decided that once my degree is finished, I will apply to Masters Programs in the UK – to test out my theory.

So whether you’re moving for love, school, or just for the heck of it, here are my tips:

1. Know why you want to go abroad.
Are you running from your Student Loans? Responsibility? Life? You’re making a big leap of faith here. So you might as well be open and honest about why you want to pack up and go across the globe. Knowing your reasons for leaving will not only make the process easier, but it’ll help you explain to your family and friends what you intend to accomplish.

I know many friends who want to live abroad because it’ll be romantic or it’s something different. However, you’re seriously putting the plans into affect here so you need to know and be honest about your motivations to move, your goals, and your expectations.

2. Know what you want and be picky!
Know what you want out of the experience. Figure out which country you want to go to and then I suggest writing down qualities and amenities you’d like to live around, the types of things you want to do, the kind of environment you want to live in, and then start from there. I want to be close to a grocery store, movie theaters, and busy neighborhoods, and then I went and looked online for people on various Expat websites that were open and willing to talk about various neighborhoods and locations.

3. Figure out your options.
Now that you know what you want, you can figure out what your options are. Many European countries have different schemes to get Canadians, Americans, and Australians in and vice versa. As a student, you have an option to go on to do a Masters or Certificate program or even Au Pair Abroad.

There are various options open to young adults that will fit their lifestyle goals while abroad. Many visas require support funds so you’ll have to plan your journey around raising the funds to go abroad. This includes figuring out required visas and permits, required vaccines, and restrictions or taxes on shipped household items.

4. Get all your paper work together.
Before applying for your visa, you’ll need to meet the requirements. Once you do, you’ll need to provide proof. That includes: Passport, Birth Certificate, Sin Card, Bank Statements, and your health card. It is also helpful to have the following paperwork together so you can have it all ready to go once you move.

Moving Abroad Check List:

• Birth certificates
• Proof of citizenship
• Naturalization
• Social Security card
• Vaccination
• Medical and dental records
• Academic transcripts (degrees, diplomas and certification)
• Employment records
• Proof of residency (utility bill, statement, etc.)
• Copy of your resume
• Letters of reference
• Emergency contacts.

5. Apply for necessary visas, work permits, and health plan coverage.
Now that you can apply, follow the instructions provided to you. This part is very much a waiting game so be patient!

Once you’ve entered the waiting game, it’s time to hold off the anxiety by creating a plan! Check back soon for Moving Abroad: Part Two.

♥AUTHOR: DANIELLE MAIR