Living abroad for the period of one year, whether that be for work or other job-related reasons, will affect your life in many, albeit mostly positive, ways. Nevertheless, before you decide to make such a drastic life change for your career it's imperative to figure out whether or not it is right for you. What are some reasons for living abroad for one year? Take a look at some reasons why you may want to take this leap.
1) Working abroad gives you the ability to add your experience to your resume. This can open up career opportunities for you in the future. It also shows that you are willing to work outside of your comfort zone.
2) Although you may already be able to care for yourself, you will become more independent and able to make your way in this world.
3) You will be able to live as well as work in a place with a different culture. This can help to broaden your knowledge of other peoples.
4) As everything will be an adventure (even grocery shopping!) it will open up your mind in a way you never thought possible.
5) Not only will you develop friendships with people from the country in which you are living, but you will also meet fellow travelers from all over the world. These could even turn into friendships that last for the rest of your life.
6) You will learn skills that will not only serve you in the career opportunities ahead but every other aspect of your life.
7) You will have the ability to immerse yourself in the country of your choice, and perhaps even be able to visit neighboring lands. This will certainly help you to fulfill any desire of traveling, as well as help you to make memories.
8) If you end up learning a new language, this will assist you in being more employable.
If you do take the decision ensure that you have insurance when working abroad.
While we have discussed the pros when it comes to moving abroad for a year, there are, of course, cons to consider. We will mention these, as well as solutions that can ease the effect of these issues.
1) For one year you will be away from loved ones. Of course, this means you won't be present for holidays or any special events that occur within your social circle.
Solution: Fortunately, there are ways to keep in touch with your friends and family. Download and use Skype to enjoy video calls with those you are missing. Stay up or wake up early to not miss out on special moments. Also, document your time where you are staying to share with those you love.
2) If you are working in a country where a different language is spoken primarily, this can cause frustration at times as you try to learn.
Solution: Find a tutor or use language software that can aid you in learning how to speak to natives of the country in which you are staying. You can also utilize a language application, such as Duolingo, to grasp the basics in a timely manner. While it is better to learn before you travel, showing effort will garner respect from natives and they will surely be willing to help you grow your vocabulary.
3) Staying abroad for a year may require you to sell, give away, or store any items that you cannot bring with you. This is especially true if you are renting an apartment and have to give up your residence until you return.
Solution: Let your friends use anything that you would like to keep so that they are not collecting dust, and are able to be reclaimed when you come home.
4) There may be times when you feel lonesome and homesick, especially at the beginning of your stay or before you have made a new group of friends.
Solution: Throw yourself into being busy and join clubs, memberships, and engage in activities that will lead you to meet new people. This will not only assist you in making new friendships but you will also be able to find people who share similar interests with you.
5) Living abroad can get expensive, especially if your employer does not assist you with relocation costs.
Solution: Start saving up before you move abroad, with a mind toward setting aside more than you believe you will need. Research cost-effective flights, set up price alerts, and calculate all of your costs beforehand so that you are prepared and experience no surprises or setbacks that hurt your bank account.
6) You may experience culture shock.
Solution: Be open-minded, and do not expect your new temporary home to be like where you came from. Learn to immerse yourself in a new culture. You'll be surprised at how quickly you adapt. If you feel homesick, enjoying a movie you love or food that brings you back to home can be just what the doctor ordered.
7) Not every employer will appreciate the time you spent abroad, perhaps even considering it frivolous.
Solution: Express your experience on your resume, and have a letter of recommendation from your employer from the country you work in to show that you were working seriously and adding to your experience. If you are still not appreciated by a potential employer, it may not be the right environment for you to further your career.
