Deciding Where to Move Abroad: A Strategic Approach
When you're considering moving to another country, deciding where to settle is one of the toughest choices you'll face. Guidebooks and online forums can give you a sense of what to expect, but they can never really capture what it feels like to live in a place day-to-day. At the end of the day, you'll need to visit, immerse yourself, and experience the culture firsthand to make an informed decision. However, before you hop on that plane, there are some crucial steps to help you plan the perfect move abroad.
Step 1: Create a List of Potential Cities and Countries
The first step is to create an extensive list of cities and countries you're interested in exploring. You might already have a mental list, but now is the time to organize it by continent or region. Ask yourself: Am I more drawn to Europe’s rich history? South America’s vibrant culture? Asia’s rapid urban development? For me, South America was an easy choice, with Eastern Europe coming in as a close second. By categorizing your options and ranking them by your preferences, you can start narrowing down your choices.
At this stage, consider the kind of lifestyle you're looking for. Do you want a bustling metropolis or a laid-back beach town? Are you after affordability, a vibrant nightlife, or proximity to other regions you’d like to explore? This initial research will help you figure out where to focus your attention.
Step 2: Plan Your First Extended Trip Abroad
Once you have your list of potential destinations, it’s time to plan an extensive trip to visit them. This isn’t a quick vacation—it’s a deeper dive into the cities that interest you. Start by identifying the major cities and landmarks you'd like to see. From there, fill in the gaps with smaller towns or unique spots that pique your curiosity. Guidebooks are helpful for logistical details like train or bus schedules, but be prepared to veer off the tourist trail as well.
When I first traveled to Europe, my approach was largely based on research. I hopped from city to city, taking notes and assessing whether each place would be a good fit for long-term living. Out of the 30 cities I visited, only two—Budapest being one of them—stood out as potential homes. Despite having learned German and spending time in Germany, Budapest ended up offering me more in terms of affordability, modernity, and, yes, the local dating scene.
This process of elimination is essential. You might visit several cities that don’t fit, but the few that do will make the search worthwhile. It's a rewarding journey, even if it takes time to find that one city you truly connect with.
Step 3: Address Financial and Work Logistics
This step often separates the dreamers from the doers. Figuring out how you'll support yourself financially while living abroad is crucial. Some people give up at this stage, thinking they "can’t afford it" or "it’s not realistic." My response to them? You don’t want it badly enough.
If you truly want to make the move, you'll find a way. I’ve received countless messages from people working extra hard just to save enough for a month-long trip. That’s how it starts. Once they take that first step, they figure out ways to extend their travels, often by transitioning to remote work or freelance gigs.
Personally, I started traveling through study abroad programs and saved up money to extend those trips. Now, in the age of remote work, I can live, travel, and work entirely online. The internet has created opportunities for "wifi money," allowing people to make a living from anywhere. If your job allows you to work remotely, you already have the golden ticket. Take advantage of it and start living life on your own terms.
Step 4: Fully Embrace the Experience
Once you've chosen a destination, it's time to fully immerse yourself in the culture. This is where true travel begins. Don't just skim the surface by staying in tourist areas or frequenting expat hotspots. Learn the local language, even if it's just a few hundred words, to help you communicate and connect with locals. In Latin America, for example, learning Spanish or Portuguese opens up a world of deeper interactions that go beyond ordering food or asking for directions.
Avoid the standard tourist traps. Instead, stay in an Airbnb or rent a local apartment rather than booking a hotel or hostel. This allows you to experience the rhythm of daily life in the city. For me, this means absolutely avoiding backpacker hostels. I’m here to live, not relive college spring break. When you integrate into a local neighborhood, you’ll get a much clearer picture of whether the city is a good long-term fit.
Step 5: Reflect on Your Trip and Plan Your Next Move
After your trip, take the time to reflect on the cities you visited. Which one resonated with you? Was there a place where you felt most at home? If one city stands out, it's time to start thinking about how to make it your long-term home. This might involve adjusting your financial strategy, perhaps by exploring remote work opportunities or starting your own business.
Seek out advice from expats who have successfully made the move to your chosen city. Learn from their experiences—both their successes and their mistakes. Replicating someone else’s journey isn’t always possible, but you can take valuable lessons from their stories to create your own path.
Step 6: Establish Yourself Abroad
Now that you've chosen your city and have a plan, it's time to dive in. Buy that one-way ticket, find a place to rent, and start building your new life abroad. Dedicate a few hours a day to working (if you’re remote) and learning the local language. The rest of your time should be spent exploring the city, building friendships, and indulging in the local culture—including romantic liaisons, if that’s part of your journey.
Your goal is to integrate. Attend local events, visit neighborhood bars and cafes, and be open to new experiences. Don’t just live like a tourist—immerse yourself in the community. Once you find your footing, you’ll start to feel like the city is truly your home base.
Moving Abroad is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Making the decision to move abroad is exciting, but it’s also a process that requires planning, patience, and an open mind. You can’t rush the experience, and you can’t expect every destination to be the right fit. But when you find the right place, you’ll know.
By following these steps—researching, traveling, reflecting, and establishing yourself—you’ll set yourself up for success. Living abroad isn’t just about changing your location; it’s about embracing a new way of life. And once you’ve settled in, don’t look back. The adventure has just begun.
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