What to Consider Before Living Abroad - Wolters World
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Date: 2022-02-04
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Comments and reviews: 10
Severity
I can actually speak from experience, but mine was a permanent move. I moved from the Netherlands to Malta to be with my now wife. There's quite a bit of a culture difference, and then I'm from the part of the Netherlands that is culturally closest.
Moving country is no joke, and I moved in with a local, who took care of so many things - and had her own house. The language is different, the currency at the time was different, they drive on the other side of the road. And everything just works differently from what you're used to.
Learning the language is important, but Maltese is a particularly difficult language to learn, and because English is an official language, and it's widely spoken (only the UK and Ireland have more English speakers, percentage-wise) the incentive to learn the language isn't that great, what with all the other things going on, and so many foreigners living here anyway.
And by emigrating, you end up being neither fish nor fowl. You never truly become part of your new country, because you haven't lived there your entire life, and even if you learn the language, you'll never be as fluent. On the other hand, you drift away from your native country, and wonder why people complain so much about a country that has world-class (and hideously expensive) health care, education, road system. move abroad and see what you get there, and you'll learn to appreciate what you have.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely. It's scary, it's stressful, but you become a much more complete person. You'll be able to adapt, appreciate other cultures from even further afield (I have some good friends in/from India, and it's just very enriching.
But be prepared for some shake-ups, and if it's a permanent move, leaving your friends and family behind. That's pretty tough.
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I can actually speak from experience, but mine was a permanent move. I moved from the Netherlands to Malta to be with my now wife. There's quite a bit of a culture difference, and then I'm from the part of the Netherlands that is culturally closest.
Moving country is no joke, and I moved in with a local, who took care of so many things - and had her own house. The language is different, the currency at the time was different, they drive on the other side of the road. And everything just works differently from what you're used to.
Learning the language is important, but Maltese is a particularly difficult language to learn, and because English is an official language, and it's widely spoken (only the UK and Ireland have more English speakers, percentage-wise) the incentive to learn the language isn't that great, what with all the other things going on, and so many foreigners living here anyway.
And by emigrating, you end up being neither fish nor fowl. You never truly become part of your new country, because you haven't lived there your entire life, and even if you learn the language, you'll never be as fluent. On the other hand, you drift away from your native country, and wonder why people complain so much about a country that has world-class (and hideously expensive) health care, education, road system. move abroad and see what you get there, and you'll learn to appreciate what you have.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely. It's scary, it's stressful, but you become a much more complete person. You'll be able to adapt, appreciate other cultures from even further afield (I have some good friends in/from India, and it's just very enriching.
But be prepared for some shake-ups, and if it's a permanent move, leaving your friends and family behind. That's pretty tough.
reply
IMJW1000
The borrower is a slave to the lender. Prov. 22: 7.
Jehovah knows that we need some money. But money cannot protect and sustain us the way godly wisdom can. (Eccl. 7: 12; Luke 12: 15) In many cases, individuals underestimate the cost of going overseas to work, and there are no guarantees that they will make money abroad. In fact, there are grave dangers. Many emigrants return with even greater debt. Rather than being freer to serve God, they end up serving those to whom they owe money. The wise course is to avoid going into debt in the first place. Seek Jehovahs direction before you make decisions and commitments, not after making them. Pray for his holy spirit, wisdom, and guidance. (2 Tim. 1: 7) Seek scriptural advice, and show your faith and trust in Jehovahs promise to help you by following his counsel. 2 Cor. 1: 24
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The borrower is a slave to the lender. Prov. 22: 7.
Jehovah knows that we need some money. But money cannot protect and sustain us the way godly wisdom can. (Eccl. 7: 12; Luke 12: 15) In many cases, individuals underestimate the cost of going overseas to work, and there are no guarantees that they will make money abroad. In fact, there are grave dangers. Many emigrants return with even greater debt. Rather than being freer to serve God, they end up serving those to whom they owe money. The wise course is to avoid going into debt in the first place. Seek Jehovahs direction before you make decisions and commitments, not after making them. Pray for his holy spirit, wisdom, and guidance. (2 Tim. 1: 7) Seek scriptural advice, and show your faith and trust in Jehovahs promise to help you by following his counsel. 2 Cor. 1: 24
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travel
Speaking the language: So true! I arrived in Brazil speaking fluent Portuguese. I was the last norteamericano to arrive at customs. Dozens had their bags opened for the inspectors. The customs guide led me to an agent -- who was busy pawing through a couple's belongings -- and told her I had only two things to declare. She asked, Que ele tem? (What does he have) I jumped in -- in Portuguese -- to describe the two items and to say that their total value was less than $700. She stopped rummaging through the couple's baggage, looked sidelong at me, waved a hand over her shoulder, and said, Pode passar. (You can pass)
Last in, first out. I got bitter looks from all the gringos as I strolled out of the customs area.
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Speaking the language: So true! I arrived in Brazil speaking fluent Portuguese. I was the last norteamericano to arrive at customs. Dozens had their bags opened for the inspectors. The customs guide led me to an agent -- who was busy pawing through a couple's belongings -- and told her I had only two things to declare. She asked, Que ele tem? (What does he have) I jumped in -- in Portuguese -- to describe the two items and to say that their total value was less than $700. She stopped rummaging through the couple's baggage, looked sidelong at me, waved a hand over her shoulder, and said, Pode passar. (You can pass)
Last in, first out. I got bitter looks from all the gringos as I strolled out of the customs area.
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acajudi100
I am 74, and retired at 58 and 70, but I did travel all 50 states, and around the world on my own dime. I love your videos, but happy I earned my living in the USA.
Google: Judi grace StoryCorps. Solutions.
Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.
You can't get rich in politics unless you're a crook.
-- Harry S. Truman
(1884-1972, 33rd US President
The measure of a man's character is what he would do
if he knew he never would be found out.
-- Thomas Babington Macaulay
(1800-1859)
No legacy is so rich as honesty.
-- William Shakespeare
(1564-1616) Playwright
Source: All's Well That Ends Well.
Google: Judi Grace StoryCorps.
Thank you.
reply
I am 74, and retired at 58 and 70, but I did travel all 50 states, and around the world on my own dime. I love your videos, but happy I earned my living in the USA.
Google: Judi grace StoryCorps. Solutions.
Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.
You can't get rich in politics unless you're a crook.
-- Harry S. Truman
(1884-1972, 33rd US President
The measure of a man's character is what he would do
if he knew he never would be found out.
-- Thomas Babington Macaulay
(1800-1859)
No legacy is so rich as honesty.
-- William Shakespeare
(1564-1616) Playwright
Source: All's Well That Ends Well.
Google: Judi Grace StoryCorps.
Thank you.
reply
Pining
Great video as always, very informative. I have a question. I'm a British citizen and my girlfriend is American. So far we just have contact online and on holidays. She wants to come to the UK or Europe to live, but neither of us has a degree or a high-paying job. As a UK citizen I can live in another EU country without a visa, but she will need one. What's the best option for her to get a working visa for the UK or Europe without a university degree? In your opinion, are some countries easier for an American to get a job and visa in than others?
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Great video as always, very informative. I have a question. I'm a British citizen and my girlfriend is American. So far we just have contact online and on holidays. She wants to come to the UK or Europe to live, but neither of us has a degree or a high-paying job. As a UK citizen I can live in another EU country without a visa, but she will need one. What's the best option for her to get a working visa for the UK or Europe without a university degree? In your opinion, are some countries easier for an American to get a job and visa in than others?
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Russell
I moved to Kazakhstan to teach at an international school. Generally they provide free housing and tax free income plus free health insurance. You make less than USA but you have less expenses such as rent, mortgage, health insurance etc. you also have winter, spring, fall, and summer breaks just like teachers back in the states so plenty of travel opportunities. I was able to go to Thailand, Georgia, Turkey, Belarus, Ukraine, and all over Kazakhstan on a teacher's salary! Not bad! I keep telling myself why didn't I do this earlier?
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I moved to Kazakhstan to teach at an international school. Generally they provide free housing and tax free income plus free health insurance. You make less than USA but you have less expenses such as rent, mortgage, health insurance etc. you also have winter, spring, fall, and summer breaks just like teachers back in the states so plenty of travel opportunities. I was able to go to Thailand, Georgia, Turkey, Belarus, Ukraine, and all over Kazakhstan on a teacher's salary! Not bad! I keep telling myself why didn't I do this earlier?
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Maureen
Hey Marc! You're awesome! Thanks so much for the advise! I just found out, last minute, I'll be living in Prague for a month, and traveling throughout Europe for another! I'm so excited and your videos have been a godsend.
I've been watching around 5/10 a day, and have learned so much! You're a crash course in what to do/not do!
Thanks for always suppling helpful info. What do you teach btw?
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Hey Marc! You're awesome! Thanks so much for the advise! I just found out, last minute, I'll be living in Prague for a month, and traveling throughout Europe for another! I'm so excited and your videos have been a godsend.
I've been watching around 5/10 a day, and have learned so much! You're a crash course in what to do/not do!
Thanks for always suppling helpful info. What do you teach btw?
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Elliot
Then there are the economic things no one sees. In Germany people jump on and off trams and you never see a ticket. Until you get busted not having a ticket. No one crosses at a red crossing light, because if you do, you are personally liable for any accident that can even be remotely blamed on you. Every one carries personal liability insurance in case you fall on someone's Van Gogh at a party.
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Then there are the economic things no one sees. In Germany people jump on and off trams and you never see a ticket. Until you get busted not having a ticket. No one crosses at a red crossing light, because if you do, you are personally liable for any accident that can even be remotely blamed on you. Every one carries personal liability insurance in case you fall on someone's Van Gogh at a party.
reply
WeimarRepublic
Really enjoy your vids. Ich weiss, dass du Deutsch kannst. Ich geniesse deine Videos sehr und ich finde dich sehr freundlich und interessant. Ich reise auch gern. Ich habe auch in vielen Landern gelebt. Es war eine gute Erfahrung. Ich habe auch viel von dir gelernt. Gut gemacht und ich freue mich darauf, mehr videos von dir zu sehen, mehr reise videos NACH COVID
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Really enjoy your vids. Ich weiss, dass du Deutsch kannst. Ich geniesse deine Videos sehr und ich finde dich sehr freundlich und interessant. Ich reise auch gern. Ich habe auch in vielen Landern gelebt. Es war eine gute Erfahrung. Ich habe auch viel von dir gelernt. Gut gemacht und ich freue mich darauf, mehr videos von dir zu sehen, mehr reise videos NACH COVID
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merc
Thank you for this reality check. I had a friend that did consulting all over the world. He said that he lived out of a suitcase, went from airport to hotel to client, to airport to hotel to client, back to airport to hotel to client, to airport to hotel to client, etc. etc. etc. Seems to me that working abroad is nothing but a hassle. more glamour than anything else.
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Thank you for this reality check. I had a friend that did consulting all over the world. He said that he lived out of a suitcase, went from airport to hotel to client, to airport to hotel to client, back to airport to hotel to client, to airport to hotel to client, etc. etc. etc. Seems to me that working abroad is nothing but a hassle. more glamour than anything else.
reply
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