by Courtney
Ronan
At first glance,
today's twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings seem far less
apprehensive about living overseas than their older counterparts.
International travel is, of course, much more common today. No longer
is it considered the exclusive domain of the wealthy classes; it's
quite possible to travel overseas without going broke. Many college
students are experiencing life overseas as part of their academic
programs.
And with the increase in international travel comes an increased
interest in living overseas. Single professionals are doing just that
in order to "round out" their careers. The experience of living on
another continent is without question a growth opportunity both
professionally and personally. Many families, too, pack up their
belongings and their lives and move overseas, a scenario which often
can present a host of challenges, particularly when children are
involved. Regardless of whether you're single or married, parents or
not parents, moving overseas is stressful. How do you prepare yourself
and/or your family members and keep the process flowing as smoothly as
possible?
First of all, an overseas move requires additional planning and
preparation, which means that you've got to give yourself much more
time to prepare for your move than you would if you were moving within
the United States. According to most relocation companies, the average
international moving company will require a minimum four weeks' notice
to adequately prepare for your move. If you can help it, you should
give yourself more than four weeks' time to prepare for your move. From
paperwork to packing to simple research about your new country, you're
going to need as much time as you can possibly get before you embark on
this adventure. A last-minute move within the continental United States
is stressful enough; a hasty international move is virtually
inconceivable.
One of the first things you should do is to contact the embassy of your
new country to find out your obligations as a new resident -- from
vaccinations to visa requirements. The embassy also may be able to
provide you with helpful cultural facts (for example, what aspects
about your host country could cause you cultural shock?) about your new
country and, most important, contact information for expatriate groups
in the area. Contact those groups long before you leave the United
States; they'll be able to give you a general insider's view of your
host country, help you prepare for what lies ahead, and provide you
with recommendations for schools, neighborhoods, etc. Expatriate groups
can help put you in touch with other American families. The importance
of networking with these families cannot be understated, particularly
if you're a parent trying to prepare your child for what lies ahead.
Before you pack those boxes, do you have a firm understanding of the
cost of living in your host country? If you're accepting a job
transfer, will your salary overseas provide you with a lateral or
upward transition in your standard of living? Your goal is to maintain
a comparable standard of living. You can expect to make a few minor
adjustments, but if it's clear that your salary overseas will force you
to live hand to mouth, it's time to re-evaluate your decision or
negotiate with your employer.
If you're moving overseas for a job transfer, the vast majority of
employers will arrange for your move (including finding and often
paying for an appropriate moving company), assist you in finding a new
home and even help you locate local schools for your children in your
new hometown. But if you're on your own and you have to locate and hire
your own international moving company, you'll want to comparison shop.
With any luck, you'll have friends or family who can recommend moving
companies. But if you don't, log on to the Internet; it may be your
best resource right now. Once you've done a search of international
moving services and have located a few options, call each of them for a
quote. You're not aiming to hire the cheapest service; after all, this
is a big job, and the last thing you need upon arrival in a foreign
country is a problem with your movers. Pay close attention to the
services offered by each moving company and their guarantee policies.
Ask for references, as well.
Even though you're busy right now, don't rely on telephone
conversations with your moving company to plan out the details of your
relocation. You must meet with your moving company in person not once
but probably a few times prior to moving day. Arrange to have the
representatives visit your home, assess your belongings and establish a
comfort level with you and your family. You're trusting your movers
with an enormous responsibility, and you're about to hand them a
considerable sum of money for their time.
There's no time like the present to throw out any unnecessary items
you've collected over the years (sorry, all of you pack rats). If
there's time, have a garage sale. If not, select your favorite charity,
and make a donation. As moving day approaches, consider which items
you're going to need immediately upon your arrival in your new country.
You should pack a separate bag containing such items -- for example,
personal items/toiletries, clothing or important paperwork -- and take
it with you on your trip overseas. If you have any larger items that
you'll need immediately, have them shipped to arrive at your home when
you do.
Because moving overseas often means a journey into the unknown, it
tends to overwhelm relocating individuals and families. Not knowing
what questions to ask only compounds the stress they feel. When it
comes to moving overseas, knowledge is power -- in every sense of the
word. Preparing yourself and your family to the best of your ability
will free all of you to enjoy the wonderful adventure that may very
well be one of the most invaluable experiences of your life together.