Living and Working Overseas
Posted in Diversity & Inclusion
You have just signed a contract to work in China for three years. You are feeling a range of emotions and sensations - a combination of apprehension, anticipation, elation, and no little uncertainty. Your life as an expatriate can be enormously rewarding, not only in terms of career, but also in terms of personal development. This article provides expats with things to consider when planning to work in an overseas company.
Do your research
Moving to another country will be much less stressful if you do some research about the host country before you leave. You have to familiarize yourself with the country's cultural, political, economic, and security conditions. Also research about the host country's medical care standards and local health issues.
You can visit your local library or surf the Internet for more information. Additionally, talking to those who have been and worked in that country will give you an idea of what the country is like. If you are going to a country where English is not the official language, it will be beneficial to learn the language (even the most basic) before you leave.
Organize insurance
You need to organize your insurance if you are planning to work overseas. When organizing travel insurance, make sure that you are covered for hospitalization, medical evacuations, pre-existing medical conditions, general medical expenses, and the return of remains to your home country.
Check the expiration date of your travel insurance to make sure that you do not get caught without cover. If you are working overseas for a long period of time, you have to take into consideration local insurance instead of travel insurance.
Stay healthy
Take good care of your health when you work overseas. It is advisable to have a vaccination before you leave. This is to protect your body against disease outbreaks in the country you'll go to. You also need to make sure that the medications you're taking with you are not prohibited in your host country.
Manage your money
Before leaving your home country, make certain that you have enough money to support your settling in expenses. Know your obligations at the onset to avoid nasty surprises. If your money runs out, it may take a while before your family or friends can send you money.
You also need to check with your bank regarding the cost and ease of international money transfers between accounts in your home country and your host country.
Childcare and schooling
If you're bringing your family with you, taking care of your children would be a difficult task during the adjustment phase. You may want to consider employing the services of nannies overseas or placing your children in a childcare facility.
You must satisfy yourself regarding the standards of childcare being provided. If you decide to have your children continue their studies overseas, you need to take into account schooling conditions in your destination country.
Prepare your documents
If you are working overseas long-term, it is advisable bring your personal documents with you. These include birth certificate and other certificates relating to marriage, divorce, and citizenship. Keep your personal records in your hand luggage when you travel and make sure that you leave copies with a family member or a friend in your home country just in case you lose them overseas.
