Potential Risks To Consider When Moving Internationally

When we consider undertaking a specific course of action, it is always good to know whether or not such endeavours will succeed or have a negative personal outcome, and whether the course of action is worth the potential risk. When moving internationally, risks to consider include cost (the relocation could cost more than you initially budgeted for), loneliness due to cultural and language differences in the destination country, an increase in stress, family tension, and feeling homesick in your first few months abroad. Today, we explore the potential risks of moving internationally.

What Are The Risks Associated With Moving Internationally?

Other than the move itself, there are quite a few things to consider when moving internationally. You are uprooting your life, and the lives of those around you, so any decision to move abroad should also be considered from this lens. Your destination country has the potential to be similar to the one you leave behind, but it is also possible that you will feel like a complete stranger. It is therefore important to weigh potential risks against benefits before moving internationally.

• Money: Moving internationally is expensive. From the moment you initiate the move to the moment you settle down and unpack your last box, you are probably spending more money than you originally budgeted for. Unplanned storage, transportation (if you don’t have a car in your new home country yet), and takeaways (before your fridge is up and running) all cost money, not to mention the potentially higher cost of living and all the fees you’ll incur for setting up your taxes and utilities. Relocating internationally is a significant investment.
  
• Culture shock: Even if a country seems somewhat similar to the one you left behind, it won’t be exactly the same. Be prepared to experience different points of view and traditions. And if you are moving to a country where the language, religion, and culture are significantly different from what you are used to, the risk of feeling isolated is even greater. In this case, it is highly recommended to join in community activities, make an effort to learn the language and to make friends who can help you navigate your new home.
  
• The language barrier: Following the previous point, language can be a significant isolating factor in some countries, and deserves a special mention. While English is spoken widely around the world, many communities prefer to speak their mother tongue in social situations. Moreover, if you are moving around or working in smaller villages, such as those found in Greece, Italy, and other European countries, there is a good chance that English won’t be spoken by the older generations. For this reason, if you are moving to a country where English is a second or third language, do not assume you can get by with a limited local vocabulary. Make an effort to learn the language so it does not become a limiting or isolating factor.
  
• Stress: Relocation is stressful. Now add to this the other points on this list. When moving, it is recommended to manage your stress so that it does not become debilitating. The best way to manage moving stress is by planning so that you know what to expect and nothing catches you off guard. This is also why choosing a highly experienced and reputable moving company like Elliott is key to a successful transition.
  
• Friends and family: Depending on where you move, you might be leaving a lot of people behind. Visiting them frequently is also costly, and at times will not be possible. Be prepared to miss your loved ones.
  
• Homesickness: Even if you have every good reason to move to a different country, consider the fact that you will miss your old home (beyond missing family and friends). You might miss specific dishes, certain cultural practices (like the proudly South African braai), and perhaps even access to amenities such as live music and entertainment that isn’t available where you are (especially if you have moved to an island or remote destination). Make sure that you can fully accept your new country’s way of life.

Relocating Internationally Can Be Worth The Potential Risks

Only you can decide whether relocating overseas is worth the personal risks or not. For some, moving to a new country is everything they have dreamed of. Your story will not be the same as anyone else’s, so the decision should be yours to make. Sure, there are times when things will not be as you expected them to be, but expecting the unexpected is a great way to prepare for a relocation. Beyond potential personal risks, there are also significant benefits to moving, such as job opportunities and positive lifestyle changes.

Whatever your reason is for moving, Elliott can help.

Contact an experienced Elliott representative today about moving internationally.