Motivations
People are motivated to move to another country for many different reasons – to gain access to high-quality education and training that may not be available in their home country, to seek job opportunities abroad in countries with higher income potential, to create for themselves a better standard of living, to reunite with a family member, and in other cases to escape from political or economic instability or even natural disaster.
When choosing to change countries, you should always look for the safe and regular routes which will allow you to accomplish your aim of having a good life and prevent you from exposure to risks and dangers during your journey and once you arrive in the new country.
Practicalities
If you are thinking of embarking on the life changing decision to move to another country, you need to consider the challenges that many migrants face. These can be from language barriers, adapting to new culture, social values and traditions, high cost of living, not being able to see family and friends to local climate and bureaucracy regulations and living laws. Some common challenges that migrants may often face are:
- Legal and immigration issues such as acquiring the necessary visa, residency and/or work permits.
- Adapting to new culture, local customs, and social norms.
- Communication difficulties due to language barriers.
- Finding suitable employment, including recognitions of diplomas.
- Finding accommodation and housing.
- Accessing health care services.
- Leaving behind family members
- Establishing social network in new environment.
- Different economic, cultural, and social conditions from one’s expectations.
- Possibility of facing discrimination and prejudice
Therefore, you need to think carefully before deciding on such life changing step and should try to find as much information as you can about the new country you are planning to move to.
Some questions you might want to ask yourself
- Am I prepared to live abroad – think about visa process, language, culture, social values, cost of living, climate, not be able to see your family and friends for long periods of time?
- Am I aware of the complete process – visa application process, travel, and accommodation arrangements?
- Do I have the required language proficiency to work or study?
- Isn’t it better if I study or work online instead of moving abroad?