Moving to another country, be it for educational reasons, better job opportunities, or an improved lifestyle, requires careful research and planning. The process might take time, but it is well worth the effort.
This guide offers a detailed explanation of five factors you should consider when leaving Zimbabwe and moving to a foreign country. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth transition and peace of mind:
1. Research Your Destination
The first thing you should do is research the country you’ll be moving to. It will help you physically and mentally prepare for the move and manage expectations. In addition to visa requirements, here are some key aspects you should consider looking into:
- Traditional holidays
- Cultural practices
- Climate
- Accessibility of medical care and healthcare costs
- Crime rates
- Political and economic stability
- Education prospects
- Potential job opportunities
- Driving license requirements
Researching such aspects about your future country might seem inconsequential, but it can save you from unfortunate incidents and fines.
2. Calculate Living Expenses
The cost of living in a country directly impacts your quality of life. Research the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, basic amenities, and healthcare. This will give you a clear idea of how far you can stretch your income and enjoy luxury facilities.
Different regions in a country have varying housing and meal costs. Thorough research will allow you to choose a location that best suits your budget.
3. Make Robust Budgeting Plans
Once you have calculated living expenses, create a comprehensive financial plan to meet your personal goals. First, add the expenses associated with the move, including visa fees, ticket costs, and temporary accommodation. Set aside the deposit and the housing rent for at least two months.
Consider creating an emergency fund, saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This will help you support your loved ones in Zimbabwe should an emergency happen.
4. Know How to Sent Money Back Home
Understanding the fees, time, and procedures of various transfer methods can be challenging. Take proactive measures and start looking for suitable methods for money transfer to Zimbabwe beforehand.
Look into wire transfers, bank drafts, prepaid debit cards, and money orders. Access the comfort and suitability of the recipient, such as bank account formation or proximity to money order locations, to choose the best method. Planning can also help you avoid high exchange fees and other scams.
5. Learn the Language
Learning the local language before moving to a foreign country can offer numerous benefits, such as:
- Better integration with the community
- Ease in navigating day-to-day conversations
- Access to high-paying professional opportunities
- Better immersion in cultural practices
- Sense of belonging
- Confidence in navigating daily activities
Before departure, make sure you know the basic phrases and expressions to avoid miscommunication when going to your hotel or apartment. To improve your fluency and pronunciation, you can take additional learning classes and interact with locals.
Learning the local language can help battle feelings of loneliness and isolation. With added interaction, you can build meaningful connections and form lifelong friendships.
