I have lived overseas twice, once as a kid with my parents, and, now as a middle-aged woman. I have learned that for preparing to move abroad, as with any new adventure or venture, as prepared as you might think you are, you are never fully prepared for what you will find yourself immersed in. That is part of the adventure!! BUT, as with any game, the best offense is a good defense or as good a defense as you can prepare. Here is a very short list based on my experiences and screw-ups of things that can help guide you and, perhaps, avoid some of the frustrations and pitfalls that might await you on your new life in a far away land.
1.) Network as much as possible, either by Internet or letters with those ex-pats that have already resided for a time in the area where you will be moving to. They will prove to be your most valuable source of information of do's and dont's, especially on what to bring and not bother buying and packing up to take to your new home.
2.) As with most endevors, organization and staying organzied is 75% of the game and will help keep you focused and might just save your sanity in this process of getting all ready for the move.
3.) Set your mind that this move is only temporary (even if it is for up to four years) not permanent and treat it like a big adventure, not a prison sentence. If you have the proper mindset then the transition will be that much easier to make. You just might have a wonderful surpise and find that you really love your new, temporary home and regret that you didn't move sooner!!
4.) Don't wait to the last minute to get ready for this move. As soon as you make the commitment to make the move, start making the master list of things to be done and things to be purchased for the move. (This tip should really be attached to #2)
5.) Don't take items of your present home that are of priceless value with you but do take some personal items, such as personal photos of your family and a few favorite knickknacks that you have always liked to be part of your home.
6.) When time allows in between getting ready for this great adventure, read as much as possible about the cuture and the people of the place you are moving to.
By all means DON'T FORGET to log onto expatexchange.com to ask questions or ask for help in this move. It is a tremendous resource - use it!
I am presently living in Tianjin, China where my husband is working on a joint venture project. We expect to be here a total of four years but, as one of the common sayings expats working all over the world learn to live by states, "stay tuned."
