Bella A professional stay abroad is tempting. Some are looking forward to the challenge of moving and working in a completely new environment. However, there are a few things that need to be prepared in order to reliably fill the job in the new country – and to enjoy life to the fullest. This post gives tips for preparation.
Quick check abroad job: What is absolutely necessary?
The following list shows the things that are strongly recommended to make your job abroad a positive experience. It is helpful if the preparation for the move abroad is not rushed and under time pressure. Those who can obtain detailed information about the country and its people and prepare the move or emigration carefully, save money. The following aspects also play a role:
- Sound professional basis: completed professional training, studies and / or work experience
- Good to very good knowledge of the national language and / or at least good to very good knowledge of English
- Requirements for the work permit are met
- Valid passport / ID card
- Impeccable police clearance certificate
- Financial cushion for moving and the first time as well as reserves for emergencies
- The climate abroad does not cause any difficulties
- Good health
It is also extremely helpful to be sociable, open-minded, willing to learn and open to the specifics of the local mentality. A good tolerance for frustration – the famous “thick fur” – helps through difficult phases.
Language skills of overriding importance
Knowledge of a foreign language is of great importance. To fill a job in an international company, you need knowledge of business English. Employers also expect a person to be fluent in a foreign language. The self-assessment of one’s own language skills is logically subject to change. It is generally advisable to refresh them in advance. Classic language courses with the help of books, online courses or language learning apps can also be considered.
In addition to purposefully refreshing a business foreign language, conversational vocabulary does not hurt. This makes it much easier to make contacts and settle in the new country.
Take out insurance
Social security abroad is an important aspect of preparation. The following insurances should be checked and their conclusion prepared accordingly:
- Health Insurance
- Accident insurance
- Liability insurance
- Pension insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Individual pension insurance
Find accommodation
Finding accommodation abroad is sometimes a real challenge. Taking care of it in advance helps to make the start-up phase less stressful. Should it be a room in the shared flat or your own apartment? The search for an apartment varies depending on the country. There are real estate advertisements in newspapers, city portals and social networks as well as official bodies such as the Federal Foreign Office and helpful associations.
Clarify and provide for the cost of living
The cost of living in a new country may differ significantly from your conditions. It is therefore important to find out at least the following cost areas and to put money aside for the first few months:
- Groceries
- Cultural and leisure activities
- Cell phone costs, internet costs
- Mobility costs
- Costs for home visits
Prepare psychologically for a professional stay abroad
As mentioned at the beginning, it takes time to prepare for a professional stay abroad. How much time specifically is always an individual assessment, but it should not be less than 6 months. A time span of 9-12 months is realistic. During this time, the right job abroad can be found and formalities such as entry permits / work permits can be completed.
Anyone who is seriously interested in establishing a new professional career abroad should keep the big picture in mind. Knowing intercultural differences helps a lot to find your way around quickly, as this report by an expat in India shows. It’s not just about a new job, but a whole new life with all its facets. For this reason several aspects play a role.
- Finance
- Formalities
- Technical requirements
- Psyche
- Socioculture
The most important central hard facts, such as the formalities, technical requirements and finances with regard to the intended foreign job, were briefly addressed in the quick check list above. But your own psyche and the socio-cultural framework conditions in the target country also play a major role.
Recognize the psychological challenge and develop strategies
Those who emigrate permanently leave loved ones behind. The emotions go crazy, even adults feel homesick. The inner willingness and motivation must be present so that the stay abroad does not lead to anxiety and depression. The entire life is turned upside down, social contacts are cut off and sociocultural competence is temporarily lost. Emigrants have to adapt to this.
Emigrating takes strength
Anyone who goes abroad starts from scratch and that takes a lot of energy, not only financially, but above all psychologically. Experience shows that the first 3 months in the new country create something like a honeymoon feeling. Emigrants get to know the new country, settle in and discover the new environment. Once this phase is over, it is not uncommon for exhaustion to spread, which is accompanied by feelings of doubt.
Emigrants often suffer from depression, burnout symptoms or addiction problems if they do not take adequate care of their psyche. In the first year in particular, emigrants should take good care of themselves and, for example, discover new hobbies, make contacts and take regular breaks to reflect. Those who familiarize themselves extensively with the socio-cultural peculiarities of the new country will find numerous points of contact in this area to meet the “emigrant blues”.
