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By Brenda

Tips to Survive and Thrive the Expat Life

May 22 2015 Parent Category I

Moving to a different country can be extremely stressful, as problems can arise while planning your stay, as well as when you are there. From figuring out your transportation to deciding on what personal belongings you should bring along, there are many decisions that need to be made. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to ensure that not only you survive living abroad, but you also thrive. Here are some tips to follow in order to make sure that your experience isnق€™t a stressful one.

Do Research Ahead of Time

Before you purchase your plane tickets make sure that all of your accommodations are arranged and that everything is wrapped up at home. This means turning in your notice to your current employer, and doing some research on your new location. You need to make sure that you know everything you need to when it comes to your cost of living, your visa applications, the culture youق€™ll be entering into, etc.

Create a Vision

What are the things you want to accomplish or achieve during your time abroad? Donق€™t be afraid to think big and be specific on the things you want to get out of being an expat. The more concise you are on your goals, the easier time youق€™ll find getting to where you want to be. If you have no idea where youق€™re going, then thereق€™s no way to know when youق€™ve arrived. Keep in mind that goal setting isnق€™t just for a business or for high achievers. Everyone can benefit from creating a plan and vision.

Consider a Financial Advisor

There are plenty of ways that a specialized financial advisor who is experienced in expat advice can aid you in making smart decisions on your future. Whether you want to move a pension or are looking into getting a mortgage, having a good financial advisor can help you get the lowdown on everything you need to do, including the paperwork. They will also help you avoid the financial pitfalls that can often come with moving abroad.

Make Lasting Relationships

It can be nerve wracking to meet new people in a foreign country. However, itق€™s important that you put yourself out there when you move to a new country, and donق€™t be afraid to be the first to ask for someoneق€™s number or come up with plans to see them again. Find other expats that are enjoying their time, and stay away from those who are negative about their experience, as theyق€™ll only bring you down. Your well being as an expat will be enhanced through having positive relationships.

Create a Budget

Many people move to a new country before having secured any sort of income or understanding of the economy or cost of living. If you are one of the expats who end up doing this then you may have to live off of your savings account for some time, which is something you ideally don’t want to do. However, as long as youق€™re willing to plan and budget then youق€™ll be just fine. Ensure that you know the price of food and other necessities, as well as moving and visa costs. It will also pay off to create a strict budget and then stick to it.

Keep a Positive Mindset

Be willing to do some self-reflection in order to look inside yourself and determine exactly how you feel about moving to a foreign country. Make sure that you look at it objectively. Try to focus on the positive aspects of moving, and think about the great opportunities that will be presented to you from moving abroad. It can help to write down your qualities, strengths and other positive aspects of your situation in order to feel great about the decision of moving abroad. Itق€™s okay to feel frightened or nervous, however know that it will be a wonderful experience.

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