If you want to move to a foreign country, the many good reasons to live abroad will prompt you to sell everything and jump on that plane with haste. Whether your aspirations are personal growth, enhanced lifestyles, or enriching experiences, the concept of everyday life with sun, sea and sand has been the mainstream norm for the last 20 years. Whereas the generations before us could only dream about international experiences, living overseas is now a realistic life goal or dream retirement plan.
Of course, the benefits of moving overseas include travel opportunities, professional growth, and more money in the bank. Some say they receive financial benefits, others have better career prospects, and retirees often comment they can embrace comfortable living with peace of mind away from the rat race. Indeed, expat life now has a hardcore army of fans who say it is the best thing they ever did.
However, we hear stories of people who move back after some time because they haven't mastered the challenges of their chosen foreign country. Some feel isolated, others miss family events and lifelong friends, and some struggle with bureaucratic processes in foreign countries, often leaving them feeling frustrated and helpless.
They can't overcome challenges and miss their closest friends, whom they have left behind. Given the benefits and disadvantages, it is wise to consider both before embarking on foreign adventures. So, in this article, we look at reasons to move, the hurdles to overcome, and useful advice for settling into expat living overseas.
Good Reasons to Live Abroad
1. Overseas Travel Destinations for the Soul
The number one benefit most people remark on is exciting travel experiences. They buy travel insurance and use their new home as a base to explore their dream destination. Whether this is visiting historical sites, attending social events, sandy beaches, or opting for weekend breaks in significant cities. Travelling is rewarding, has potential benefits, and is a great way to settle in. Travel boosts your confidence and character-building skills, and with an open mind, exciting prospects await adventurous expats.
2: Learning and Knowledge for Fulfilling Lives
Some people spend their entire lives in their comfort zones. There is nothing wrong with this, but experts say favouring personal growth over pleasure is vital for fulfilling lives. Whether improving communication skills, raising cultural awareness, or making friends, every foreign country offers unlimited learning and knowledge options.
The potential benefits to your character and sense of well-being are enormous, but mainly a sense of accomplishment. Embrace the willingness to start afresh and admit you don't know anything. Within a short period, you will see the positive effects. Regularly reflect on experiences and how you're growing from them, and recognise the challenges you've overcome to celebrate progress.
3: Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
Some overseas regions are experiencing rapid economic growth and have a high demand for skilled professionals. They cannot source people locally, hence turn to international employment to find qualified workers. Industries like technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering often have significant opportunities for global employees. The benefits are high wages, housing allowances, relocation expenses, and education allowances for children.
Working abroad exposes different methods, new technologies, and innovative practices that enhance employee skills and resumes. Workers connect with industry leaders, colleagues, and mentors worldwide who will open lucrative doors to opportunities, collaborations, and career growth.
Overall, cultural competence and language skills are highly valuable in today's globalised job market, and will differentiate you from other candidates and increase employability. Indeed, multilingual and culturally adapted people are highly sought after. Workers burnt out at their current job should choose countries renowned for work-life balance, like Denmark or the Netherlands, with shorter workweeks and generous vacation policies.
4: More Money
The old age quote of money making the world go round still stands true today, and the topic affects expats' decision to move overseas. From experiences, most expats find themselves better off, with more opportunities for financial growth of their net worth. Moving abroad offers various monetary benefits, depending on the destination, the nature of employment, and individual circumstances.
Moving somewhere with lower living costs significantly increases disposable income, because of more affordable expenses like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Also look at favourable tax regimes, like lower income tax rates, tax exemptions, or advantageous tax treaties for expatriates. Certain countries offer tax incentives for foreign workers or retirees, which leads to substantial savings.
Otherwise moving overseas opens new investment opportunities in real estate, stock markets, or business ventures. Diversifying investments internationally provides financial stability and growth, and many expats living overseas buy property, or open high interest savings account. Then there is currency benefits.
Earning in a stronger currency while spending in a weaker one increases purchasing power and allows you to save more money. Whereas for retirees, receiving a pension, most mention that it goes further than it would do in their home country.
5: Better Lifestyles Abroad
So, evidence shows everyone who benefits financially enjoys a better lifestyle. For most, the sun, sea and sand lead to alfresco-style dining, morning beachfront walks and days by the pool. Indeed, the great outdoors beckons to boost our mental health and wellbeing. Others spend the extra money on their social lives and frequently eat out. While some take up new hobbies like golf. People sleep better, have less stress, and overall cite themselves as much happier, a trait that some spend their lives pursuing and never quite reach.
But What are the Disadvantages of Living Abroad?
1. Negative Effects of Culture Shock
Unfortunately, one significant disadvantage is that culture shock can hit anyone at any time. Culture shock describes confusion, disorientation, and anxiety that people may experience when suddenly exposed to unfamiliar cultures or environments. This shock occurs when individuals travel to or live somewhere different, and last for several stages.
At the honeymoon stage, people feel excited and fascinated. This stage is characterised by euphoria and positivity as they explore and enjoy the differences. As the novelty wears off, individuals enter the frustration stage, and feel frustrated, anxious, or confused. Differences in customs and daily routines are overwhelming. This stage is often marked by homesickness.
Gradually, individuals enter the adjustment stage. They start to understand and navigate cultural differences more effectively, developing routines and coping mechanisms that help them feel more comfortable. In the final stage, individuals feel more at home and integrated, and the mental and emotional shock has disappeared. The key takeaway of this is to just give yourself time.
2. Foreign Language Skills
Ah, expats often complain about the language barrier. Despite all the best intentions, most expats struggle to learn the native language. The good news is that struggling to learn a new language isn't your fault, as science has proven. Experts say the best time to learn is at age 7! So, for expats who retire in their 60s and 70s, the odds are against them.
However, there is one common mistake all expats make, and this is only making friends with other expats. The fear of making mistakes and being laughed at, keeps expats in their comfort zone. Get to know neighbours and visit restaurants where the locals go. Sign up for courses online, and take your time with learning. Even learning one word daily will eventually broaden your knowledge of foreign languages.
3: Administrative Hurdles
Some expats, especially from European countries, assume they move, and that's it. However, every country has a visa application process, with visa fees to pay every year. Some countries make it easy, while others involve long-drawn-out processes and slow approval rates. In recent years, some countries have rolled out digital nomad visas. Still, in some cases, the minimum income level is totally unrealistic.
Research the visa processes of where you plan to move to. Remember that in immigration offices, staff rarely speak foreign languages, so you will need a translator. Find out what supporting documents are required. Examples include birth certificates, marriage and divorce and criminal records. Remember to update passports because countries won't issue a residency visa past the expiration date.
4: Access to Overseas Healthcare
We all desire quality healthcare, which will be exceptionally important in the future. Unfortunately, not all countries have the same standards when it comes to social health care. Research options, especially for pre-existing conditions. Some opt for social health care, while others prefer private insurance. Regardless, mental health systems are rarely provided, and you should envision all challenges before leaving.
Before Moving: Is healthcare public, private, or both? What are the costs, and how is it funded? Learn about the standard of healthcare and the availability of medical facilities, doctors, and specialists. Consider purchasing an international insurance plan that covers emergencies, hospitalisation, and routine care.
Vaccinations and Medical Records: Some countries have specific vaccine requirements. Gather and bring copies of medical records, including vaccination history, prescriptions, and ongoing treatment plans. In many countries, expats must register, which may include signing up for local insurance plans or health services.
Local Health Facilities: Locate the nearest hospitals, clinics, and emergency services. Understand the procedures for accessing these services in case of an emergency. Visit or research local pharmacies to understand how to get prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Ongoing Care: Lastly, schedule an initial check-up to establish a medical history and discuss ongoing health concerns. Maintain regular health check-ups and preventive care as recommended by healthcare providers. Know emergency numbers and procedures and buy a primary home first aid kit.
5: Foreign Education Challenges
Moving overseas for educational purposes presents big disadvantages for families and individual students. These challenges vary depending on the destination, educational systems, and personal circumstances. For families, the educational structures, curricula, and teaching methods vary significantly from one country to another. This makes it difficult for children to adjust and integrate.
Likewise, if the new country uses a different language for instruction, children have to learn a new method of study and language. The barriers might affect social integration and communication with teachers and peers.
Teaching styles and classroom environments will differ than what your child is used to. For example, some cultures emphasise rote learning, while others focus on critical thinking and interactive learning. Children will need time to adapt to expectations and educational practices, and make friends. Watch out for bullying or discrimination if the child is visibly different from their peers.
The aspect that needs to be considered before moving is that schools may not recognise or give full credit for previous education in another country, potentially requiring children to repeat grades or take additional assessments. Putting everything aside this is when you need to have faith in your child. Children are remarking strong, they bounce back from hurdles quicker, and adapt more easily to change than adults do. Give them time and they will adjust.
6: Missing old Friends and Family
Moving abroad and leaving behind people you have known is challenging. So, schedule regular video calls using platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, and use apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram for instant messaging and voice calls to stay in touch regularly. If loneliness or homesickness becomes overwhelming, seek support, and don’t suffer on your own.
Helpful Tips and Advice for Living Abroad
Research and Documentation: Learn about the culture, climate, healthcare, education system, and local laws of where you're moving to. Investigate neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. Also gather all necessary documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, and educational transcripts. Make multiple copies and keep them organised.
Financial Planning and Health Care: Create a budget including moving costs, initial living expenses, and potential emergency funds. If needed, set up an international bank account and inform your current bank of your move. Also, understand the tax implications, but your health is the most important thing. Ensure you are covered from day one of moving. Get prescriptions for pre-existing conditions. Find local doctors and dentists.
Packing and Shipping: Declutter and decide what to take, sell, or donate. Some expats sell everything and buy new when they arrive. Otherwise, hire a reliable moving company experienced in international relocations.
Notify Important Parties: Inform utility companies, landlords, and service providers about your move. Arrange for mail forwarding and update your address with banks, insurance companies, and other vital institutions.
Settle In: Unpack essentials first and gradually settle in. Ensure children are enrolled and help them adjust to the new environment. Before home-schooling, check laws and regulations to ensure you don't break the law. Participate in local community groups, expatriate networks, and social clubs to meet new people. Regularly contact family and friends through calls, video chats, and social media.
About Our Services
We are Property Turkey and have helped many foreigners buy a property and relocate to this country. We hope we have given plenty of good reasons to live abroad. Turkey will be fascinating if you haven't yet decided where to live.
Every year, roughly 40,000 foreigners of various nationalities buy property in the country, and thousands decide to relocate here. Turkey has much to offer, from exceptional living costs to great weather, sandy beaches, and communities with welcoming hospitality. Please find out more about why people choose Turkey here or browse our blog for more information about expats living overseas.
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