Posts Tagged ‘Moving Overseas’

Scouting for a New Home Overseas

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

Moving internationally is a wonderful opportunity to discover a culture and start a new exciting life. The perfect place for one family or individual may not be perfect for another, so it’s important to explore all possibilities before jumping into a new property overseas. The best way to find out what new country or city is the most perfect fit is to visit as many places as possible for as much time as possible. This way you can experience a variety of different cultures and climates and find out which one is the best fit for you and your family. Scouting is also important for determining which places are most financially accessible on a fixed income if you’re not going to be working.

Scouting for a new place to live overseas can be an opportunity for fantastic adventure and exploration. As someone looking for a place to live you’ll be exploring the areas of cities and countries that most tourists never go. You’ll get to see exciting local restaurants, bars, cultural venues and you’ll get to see how people act and live on a day to day basis. Take these opportunities to meet the locals and decide whether the personalities of the community are compatible with your desired way of life.

If you’re not only scouting for a new place to live but also a place to work, traveling is a good chance to see what the employment situation is like in each place. Trying to find jobs overseas trough the Internet is popular, but a lot of prospects for employment can go missing if you don’t explore the community in person. Not only are there jobs available to only people who are local, but exploring a community in person gives you the chance to network with individuals and businesses that may offer you the job of a lifetime.

Relocating Internationally for Employment

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Have you recently been asked by your employer to relocate internationally? If you have been, you are not alone. Each year, thousands of individuals are asked about relocating by their employers. In today’s society, many companies are finding it difficult and costly to run a business. This is what leads many companies to consider downsizing or moving their headquarters to areas in which it is cheaper to operate a business. With this common occurrence, you may find yourself being asked by your employer to relocate.

If you have been asked by your employer to relocate, you may be unsure as to how you should proceed. One of the best ways to determine if relocating for your job is the right decision for you is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of relocation. These advantages and disadvantages can make it easier for you to make the decision that is best for your needs and possibly the needs of your family. Just a few of the many advantages and disadvantages of relocating  are outlined below.

Perhaps, the greatest advantage to relocating for a job is the fact that you are able to keep your job. While circumstances may vary, you will often find that you are given three choices when asked to relocate. Those three choices often include accepting the relocation offer, quitting your job, or being fired or laid off. If you have been faced with these choices, you may want to seriously consider relocating globally, as it will enable you to keep your job and often your current position, pay, and seniority as well.

Another one of the many advantages to relocating for a job is a fresh start. Many times, families or individuals just need a chance to start over. If you or your family are currently unhappy with where you live or life in general, a change may do you good. It is also important to mention cost of living. To save money, many companies make the decision to relocate in areas that are known for their low or affordable cost of living. This is what can enable them to save money. This low or affordable cost of living may also make it easier, as well as more affordable for you to go about buying a new home and so forth.

Moving Overseas and Learning a New Language

Friday, January 27th, 2012

One of the most disorienting aspects about moving to any new country is not knowing the language. It’s hard not the feel completely lost and helpless in a place where you can’t understand the signs and can’t ask people questions. That is why it is so important to at least learn a few conversational words before moving to a place with a new language. This can be accomplished quite easily with some online tools or a simple language program that you can find in almost any store. At first it’s a good idea to focus on pronunciation, as learning that will make it easier for you to understand native speakers and for them to understand you.

Once you finish your international move, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. This means going out to bars, restaurants and other social venues that will allow you to develop language skills. If at all possible, make friends with a native speaker who you can talk to on a regular basis, and make sure to stick to the local language. This is a great way to get immersed quickly and accurately. This is also a good opportunity to get immersed in the local culture as well. By speaking with the locals, you’ll discover all the secrets and customs of the people that you would most likely never read on the internet or any travel guide. You’ll also find out about the best restaurants and locations that they never tell the tourists about.

Choosing an International Moving Company

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Moving to an international country is one of the biggest steps someone can take in their life. Up until about 100 years ago, moving internationally was a huge multi week or multi month ordeal that involved huge costs and huge risks that sometimes resulted in death. Thankfully, modern travel like airplanes and powered ships have made international moving not only cheaper, but faster and safer as well. Relocation internationally, however, is still a big ordeal. Moving goods overseas can still create tremendous costs and logistical hassles that can have heads spinning. The best way to alleviate these problems is to hire a relocation services company that can handle most of the dirty work for you.

So what makes a good international moving company? There isn’t just one factor, but a trustworthy relocation company should have a positive standing with the community, good reviews and should be properly insured and licensed. These are all things that can be checked through public records like internet databases and through reports with the Better Business Bureau. It’s a good idea to talk to other people who have gone through an international move, or consult online reviews for companies that have a good reputation. It’s also a good idea to ask for quotes from a variety of companies so that you can compare prices and services. The most important part about choosing an international mover is that you do the right research. You are choosing a company that will helping you move your entire life, so don’t make a hasty decision.

Some Tips for Moving Overseas

Monday, January 16th, 2012

People have been moving overseas as far back as history has been recorded. Early settlers of the pacific islands moved from the mainland thousands of years ago in homemade wood boats.  Nomads crossed the frozen tundra during the ice age to reach North America. Pilgrims set sail across the rough north Atlantic to find a world that was new to them. Thankfully, moving overseas has gotten a lot easier, and quicker, since the days of the past. But moving overseas can still be a big stressful hassle, so any tips about the process and ways to make things easier is invaluable.

Probably the most important aspect of making an overseas move more manageable is to stay organized. This can be accomplished through keeping a detailed notebook, calendar or any other organizational system that works. With this system costs like insurance, travel tickets, food, lodging and other items can be accounted for so that the budget is not broken. Other items such as documentation, permits and important dates can be kept track of as well.

Another important aspect of moving overseas is research. Learning as much as possible about a new location before getting there is a great way to start the immersion process and feel more comfortable in a new home. Research involves learning primarily about language, but should also include other cultural things like food, music, art, socializing, games and any other aspects of the new culture that you may find interesting. The more you research about your new home the more comfortable you will feel when you get there.

Preparing for a Move Overseas

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Moving domestically can be a big hassle with a lot of things to take care of, but an overseas move is even more stressful. With large oceans, continents and borders to cross, moving internationally requires a lot of resources, planning and preparation. Why not make the whole process a little easier by following the tips below that have come from people and companies who have experience in moving overseas and who have made mistakes that we can all learn from.

-Learn the language as much as possible. At the very least, learn some words and phrases that will help you navigate and find essential resources in your new city. Once you are immersed in the culture, picking up the language will become much easier.

-Make use of a real estate agent/s. This is important not only for finding a home in your new country, but for selling your home in the old one too. Nothing can be more stressful than leaving behind unsold property, which can be a valuable source of funds for your new life.

-Documentation and Visas. Make sure you have all of the proper documentation and permits before you embark on the final leg of your overseas move. This not only applies to yourself, but to your household goods as well. Obtaining the services of a global relocation service will ensure that all the proper paperwork and documentation goes through so that your stuff can stay with you overseas.

-Research is your best weapon. Take in as much information as possible about your new home: food, culture, language, transportation, art, music or anything else you might think you need to know. The more knowledge you have before you get to your new overseas home the less out of place you will feel.

Relocating to Europe in 2012

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

If you’ve been paying attention to the news at all, you know that there is a lot of economic turmoil going on in Europe at the moment. The crux of the problem has to do with the debt of nations like Greece and how the EU is going to pay it off. The most popular method amongst politicians seem to be austerity measures, meaning cuts in good and services in order to save government money. While this may not seem important for someone who is looking to move to Europe, austerity measures and the current economic climate really do have a huge impact on how life will proceed for recent immigrants.

The main factor to pay attention to is employment. While many people going through an international relocation will have a job or funding from school to get by, some people like to wait and find a job until they arrive. This may not be a very wise decision while the European economy remains in its depressed state. Unemployment rates in many nations are in the double digits. This makes it very hard for ordinary citizens to find a job, let alone foreigners. There might be certain industries or professions that are still in need of labor, but it is a good idea to do your diligent research before departing.

Another concern about relocating to Europe at the moment is that austerity measures might cut back benefits that you might have expected when moving to Europe. One of the most highly prized of those benefits is health care. Many countries offer health care to foreigners as well as citizens, but with cut backs being made everywhere there is a risk of those types of services being cut. Call or speak to your prospective country’s embassy or representative before departing to find out about any changes to immigrant benefits or to the laws in general. Hard economic times tend to bring much change. Your most powerful weapon is knowledge.

Finding New Oppurtunities Overseas

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Moving overseas for work is probably one of the most common reasons people have for relocating to a new country.

Many people move themselves and their family to follow a job: either an international job offer that they have accepted or a transfer to an overseas office of their current employer. In some ways this can be the easiest way to move because all the practical aspects will be covered by your employer. However it can be hard on an employee and their family if they don’t really want to move to the new family.

If you are moving to find a job make sure that your skills are in demand and that your educational qualifications will be recognized in the new country. This is particularly important in the health and education fields. The licensing rules for health professionals and nurses in another country are normally very strict. It may take many months for your qualifications to be recognized and for you to be able to practice in your new country. In the worst case you might not even be able to start this process until you are in the country. Make sure you have a number of month’s expenses saved to see you through this period.

It is often easier to get university or college level qualifications recognized rather than associate or trade qualifications. A part-degree or qualification may be worthless so consider completing it before you depart or look at any options your school might have to allow you to transfer internationally to complete your qualification.

Alternatively you may be using your global relocation as an excuse to change careers and/or re-train. In this case it may be wise to get further training in your new country meaning that you will start to gain contacts and even student work experience in the same place as you will need to ultimately.

Affordable Overseas Relocations

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Moving across the ocean to a new home can be a daunting prospect. Most people aren’t even sure how they can get their household goods to their new home. Moving your household goods overseas can involve lots of different modes of transportation including ships, trucks, planes and even trains. Arranging and coordinating all of these different forms of transportation is not easy if you are not experienced. That is why it is recommended for people moving internationally to contact a global relocation company that can arrange the transportation of your goods for you.

When you are planning a move overseas, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several different companies so that you can compare and contrast services and costs. Price alone should not be the only factor in your decision, however. Make sure to pay attention to online reviews and get an in person recommendation if at all possible. Also make sure that the international relocation company you hire has all the proper credentials and insurance.  In the end, you will have been glad that you did all of the proper research an chose a reputable global relocation service like Unipack.

Where People Are Moving Overseas

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for immigrants worldwide. More people move to the USA to work and live than anywhere else on earth. But residents of the U.S are moving out of the country as well. Whether it be for jobs or a better quality of life, people relocate to new countries all the time. Outside of the United States, some of the most popular destinations are in Europe and the far east.

Germany has the highest immigration rates in the European Union. It also has the largest economy in Europe and the 4th largest economy in the world. People immigrate to Germany for a variety of reasons including employment in a high tech manufacturing economy and high level of social services. Germany is also home to a large US military base which may be attractive to American businesses. Other countries in Europe like Spain and the United Kingdom also see high raters of immigrants.

In the far east, Japan remains one of the most popular destinations for immigration. Japan has the third largest economy in the world behind the United States and China. It hosts a high tech manufacturing and service economy with limited land space. Japan, like Germany, also has US military bases which attract American families and businesses. Japan has been known for stagnant growth in the last couple of decades, but they maintain a low unemployment rate and a high standard of living.