Time to dip? First 5 Steps to Jet-Setting Your Expat Dreams
Ever felt like moving is the new... well, insert your favorite binge-worthy catchphrase here? Maybe I failed to create a catchy tagline, but the truth is, moving is sizzling hot right now. If your Google feed is flooded with stories of Americans exploring expat life, embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, and leaving the homeland behind, you're not alone. The political divide, wealth gap, healthcare costs, and mass shootings have many pondering an escape route from the U.S.
The Not-So-Crazy Choice: A Slow Burn Toward Change
Do you feel like contemplating such a move is a bit insane? You're not alone. It can feel crazy, even reactionary. Your friends and family might be supportive, but they're not making the same choice. So, why are you compelled to do this?
If you're anything like me, the desire to leave your familiar homeland isn't an instant spark but rather a slow burn. Over time, paying attention reveals injustices, hypocrisy, and turmoil that seem to escalate relentlessly. Sensitivity to these issues varies, and for those with mixed-race families or children, the stakes are even higher. It's not a one-size-fits-all decision.
The Hard, Heartbreaking, Bold, and Stressful Choice
Leaving everything and everyone you know is a monumental decision, exciting yet heartbreaking, bold yet stressful. But if you're considering such a bold move, you need to do your due diligence. Here are the first five steps based on my experience:
1. Soul Search
No woo-woo here, but a serious conversation with yourself and your partner is essential. Moving abroad is a lovely thought but the realities of this choice are challenging. Can you cope with distance from friends, family, or aging parents? How well do you handle change? Are you ready to learn a new language, even if you'll struggle for a while? Are you ok with parting with some of your stuff? Do you have realistic expectations, cuz it's a heaping helping of change. If you think you're just gonna recreate your old life in a new place. Think again. So really ask yourself.
And check out my FREE DOWNLOAD: ASK YO'SELF
It's a silly flowchart quiz with some not-so-silly questions to ask yourself!
2. Research
Obvi, right? But with so many options, you might surprise yourself. Explore different countries and watch travel shows for insights. No Reservations (or any of the Anthony Bourdain travel shows) is clutch. Rick Steves is good too. These dudes have gone to a lot of places. So the chances that they've been somewhere you’re interested in, is decent. But my personal favorites are Somebody Feed Phil and Travel Man with Richard Ayoade. Informative and Hilarious! Also, check out Expat YouTube channels like "Looking to Bounce" for valuable perspectives.
3. Dig Deep
Delve into the nitty-gritty. Learn about the political stability, crime rates, healthcare, and education systems. This deep research will help you narrow down your options. Portugal was at the top of our list already but finding out about the lower cost of living was a huge draw. Especially coming from California. A stable government, lack of gun violence, high vaccination rates, and good weather, sealed the deal.
4. Pinpoint
Narrow it down further. Decide where you want to spend your day-to-day. Major city, outskirts, or the tranquility of rural life? We used Google Maps and Street View to see the areas and what was near. Are there good school options, coffee shops, stores, and parks in the neighborhoods? You may be in search of different things but you need to know what the day-to-day could be. Repeat steps 1-3 for areas within your country of choice.
5. Scout It Out
Visit! A scouting trip is crucial. You might find the vibe isn't what you expected or that the weather is tougher than you thought. Feel the place, explore neighborhoods, and make an informed decision.
Check out my free download SCOUTING TRIP TIPS in FREEBIES!
BONUS TIPS: IF YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO TAKE THE LEAP!
TIP 1
Check specific background check requirements for your chosen country before you start jumping into it. For Portugal, it must be no older than 90 days at the time of your VFS Appointment. We did ours earlier and had to do it again, so know the score so you don't waste your time.
TIP 2
Ensure your important documents (marriage and birth certificates) are new, possibly within six months depending on your country, and apostilled for international recognition.
(New means new prints requested. You can do this on the Vital Docs website. And the Apostille is done by your local secretary of state)
Conclusion: Embark on Your Expat Journey
Moving abroad is no easy feat, but if you've decided to bounce out of the U.S., congratulations! Follow these steps, embrace the journey, and check out the provided resources for a smoother transition. Life is an adventure – why not make it an expat one?
Check out the FREE DOWNLOAD - GET YOUR EXPAT ON: ALL THE STEPS TO STEP INTO A NEW LIFE ABROAD
