Should you make the leap and move abroad?

Currently, about 17 million Europeans are living and working in a country different to their country of origin. If you are thinking about joining them but have questions and – possibly – doubts, here are some things to consider, as well as practical tips to help you on your way.

Find out your ‘why’

Ask yourself why you want to move abroad. Figuring out your reason or reasons will help you make your decision with more clarity and focus.

Benefits of living and working abroad

Relocating to another country has, of course, its challenges, but the overall gains are plenty:

Improved employability. All work experience counts, but working abroad gives you a few extra points in the eyes of future employers: it says that you are adaptable and open-minded, you likely have experience collaborating with people of different cultures and personalities, and you are not afraid to take risks and challenge yourself.
New life experiences. Moving abroad is an opportunity to see more of the world and meet more of its wonderful people, whose life stories and experiences might be very different to yours. Living abroad might also appeal to your adventurous side and your wish to explore new cultures and lifestyles.
Opportunity to learn a new language. Many companies in Europe, especially multinational ones, speak English. This means that technically, you can get by in the new country with speaking no other language, especially as nowadays, almost half the European population speaks English as a second language. However, there is no better opportunity to learn a foreign language than in the country where it is spoken: you will have plenty of opportunities to practice and, ultimately, life is just easier when you can understand and communicate in the local tongue.
Increased independence and confidence. Moving to a completely new environment will flex your adaptability muscles like nothing else. Settling into a new country, a new culture and a new job requires a high level of patience, flexibility and, sometimes, resourcefulness, helping you grow both personally and professionally, and building your self-reliance.

I’m convinced, now what?

Find work! Securing a job before or soon after arriving at the new country will relieve a lot of the stress of relocating. Reach out to a EURES Adviser as soon as you have made the decision to leave; they will guide you through the entire process of finding work and relocating. You can also join a European Job Days event: these Europe-wide online and onsite recruitment fairs match jobseekers with employers all over the continent and offer practical information about living and working abroad.
Take care of the logistics: These include: finding accommodation; packing and transporting your belongings; opening a bank account in the new country; finding a suitable school if you are relocating with children; registering for health coverage as soon as possible; and understanding tax rules and how they apply to you as an expat.

In the next article, we will take you through all the documents needed as a relocating citizen.

Are you currently working abroad, but thinking of returning home? Read our article Working abroad – is it time to go home? for insights into making the right decision for you and practical issues to consider.

Q&A part 2: EURES Advisers answer questions from jobseekers

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