16 Tips for Working Abroad
By Bootim Editorial (PR) Team
Published 2 years ago
The Bootim Public Relations Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Bootim's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey abroad. Travel can be an enjoyable benefit of many types of work and many employers. It is entirely possible that you can find a role in another country in your current industry or another and many professionals enjoy successful careers as expatriates, or people living in countries other than their own. If you are considering working abroad, researching and thinking ahead can help you have the most positive experience possible. In this article, we discuss why a person might pursue work abroad and provide 16 tips to help you get ready for your own international adventure.
Why work abroad?
Pursuing work abroad can support your career and personal well-being by allowing you to experience different places and cultures. Depending on your destination and industry, working abroad can also be a good way to make a comfortable living while seeing the world. People who enjoy traveling might be inclined to consider working abroad, as well as adventurous types who like to experience new things. If you prioritize the outcomes of your career, working abroad can also be a good way to fulfill a particular value or mission in your own career, if it means you can serve a particular need better in that new location. Working abroad can help increase your confidence, adaptability and independence as well.
If you are planning to work abroad, it can be helpful to think ahead about details and logistics that might impact your travel experience. To help you work abroad successfully, here are some tips to consider:
1. Research locations
Before choosing a destination for your international career, research possible locations. Learn about different countries and cultures, and determine whether you will be able to easily work in your industry in the places you'd like to live. If you are considering changing industries as part of your work abroad, research opportunities in your new industry in the locations that interest you. Discuss options with an experienced travelers in your industry, if it would help. Reach out to industry professionals in your intended destination, as well. Consider using a list application or spreadsheet to keep track of what you find.
2. Understand your visa conditions
Some visa types in some locations require international workers to return to their home country periodically, or if you leave the job you were hired for when you moved. Many employers provide support with the process of obtaining a work visa, so consider clarifying these details independently as well as with your human resources department to be sure your understanding is clear. Be sure to develop a contingency plan for what you will do regarding your visa if or when your employment conditions change.
3. Leverage your company's support
Your company will probably help you sort out the details of your visa and other necessary paperwork. Try to leverage your company's support as much as possible in other aspects of your transition to working abroad, as well. For example, you might want to find out if your company offers relocation assistance. Some companies will help provide funding for moving services and transportation or help arrange these services for employees who are working internationally. Explore your company's resources for locating housing and learning about your destination country's culture, as well.
4. Understand the company's culture
If you are joining a new company when you work abroad, be sure you have a sense of that company's culture. If you are working in a different division of your current company, try to find out if that location has any variations in company culture. This can be especially true of work-life balance expectations, which can differ from location to location. Knowing what is expected of participation in employee-sponsored activities, for example, can also be a useful when making a transition. Preparing for cultural differences ahead of time can ease your moving experience and help you get settled.
5. File taxes appropriately
Tax laws will vary depending on where you are moving for work, but you will probably have to pay U.S. federal taxes no matter where you go as long as you are a U.S. citizen. Research tax implications thoroughly as part of your decision-making process. You might take taxes into account, for example, when evaluating the relative salary you will receive in a particular location or role. Be sure to file your taxes appropriately as well, when they are due, and consider conferring with a tax specialist if you have questions.
6. Think ahead about banking
Banking options might vary from location to location and you might not have access to your current banking institution in your new country of residence. Research banking options and be sure you can smoothly deposit and access funds as necessary. If you have specific questions about banking and financial processes in your destination location, consider referring to a professional with experience in financial matters in that particular place.
7. Consider local transportation
Think ahead about how you will get around once you arrive in your destination. If you will need to purchase or rent a vehicle, look into those processes and availability before you go. If you are going to rely on public transportation, learn as much as you can about the local transit systems ahead of time and obtain any important maps and schedules. Try using the local transit system's mobile app to access transportation information on-the-go, if it makes sense for your situation.
8. Arrange logistics before you go
Planning as many details before you leave your home country can help expedite your transition to your new location because you will have the benefit of familiar resources available. Think about elements such as transportation, housing, health insurance, visa requirements and daily work and prepare any documents you might need ahead of time.
9. Find a community
Before and after you move to your new country, try to find a community of people with whom you share common characteristics. This might be friends from work, neighbors or another social group. These connections are also commonly groups of expats in your new location, because they will probably be experiencing similar successes and challenges as people living and working in a country other than the one they are most accustomed to.
10. Develop a routine
Developing a routine can be a useful strategy for productive living and working in most circumstances, and this can be especially true when you are working abroad. If you are traveling to a location where you are likely to experience jet lag due to a significant time difference, keeping a schedule can help you stay effective while your body is adjusting. A comfortable routine can also be a good personal foundation for the new experiences and adventures you are likely to encounter in your time working abroad.
11. Explore local culture
When you are working abroad, try to make a point to explore the local culture. Try finding social and cultural events listing for fun local activities to attend. Pay attention to forums such as social media and news articles that mention local cultural happenings as well. Consider visiting with your colleagues about possible experiences such as new places to see and foods to taste, and try to stay flexible as you encounter new things.
12. Anticipate language differences
Depending on where you are going, you might speak a different language than those in your destination country. Try to learn as much of the language as you can ahead of time. You might choose to focus on practical words and phrases that will help you navigate in your city, access basic utilities and perform effectively at work.
13. Carry your visa
In most places, it is often best to carry your visa with you when you are traveling in your new destination. You might be required to provide identification for different reasons in your travels, and if you are lost or experience an emergency your visa document might help you access services you need. Consider using a dedicated visa pouch and carry it close to your body to keep it safe.
14. Network effectively
Networking effectively is an important part of the career experience for many professionals in the U.S. and it can be useful to do so in the context of working abroad as well. Networking with international industry contacts might help you find an international role that suits your preferences and abilities. It might also help you connect with professionals in your destination location who can help you adjust to your new place and role. Networking in the context of abroad work can also be a great way to be of service to other professionals and help other people obtain opportunities too.
15. Stay positive
You will probably experience challenges of some degree when you are looking for work abroad, when you are moving and when you are getting comfortable in your new position. Keeping a positive outlook can help make these challenges easier and more pleasant to navigate. You might also be more likely to brainstorm creative solutions to challenges if you maintain a positive attitude.
16. Pack the right amount
Packing the right amount of luggage can be a useful priority when you are preparing to work abroad. Packing too much can run the risk of encountering challenges in transporting and storing your belongings during travel and when you arrive. Packing too little might mean you are missing important items when you reach your destination. Try to pack exactly the right quantity and type of items to make your trip comfortable and help you feel prepared for your first few days on the job.
Although you may be able to purchase items when you arrive, it can be helpful to bring at least what you will need until you are able to go to the store. Think about clothing, toiletries and necessary work equipment when packing for your trip.
