If you’ve recently accepted a role abroad, whether it’s for the company you already work for or a job working for a brand-new company, congratulations! Getting a new job is something to be proud of, and it opens the door to a range of new opportunities that could land you in your dream career.
However, amidst all the excitement, it’s important not to forget that there are several things you need to organize when you become an international employee. You will need to sort out the appropriate visa and insurance for health and travel.
You will need to consider the legal implications of working abroad, too. Taxes, employee rights, and citizenship documentation can get complicated, but they’re necessary when you’re working abroad.
Below, we’ve covered some helpful tips and strategies you can use to settle into your new role as an international employee. Following these tips will ensure that you don’t forget to complete important documentation and should make the transition into overseas working as seamless as possible.
Organize Health Insurance
Health insurance is an essential aspect of moving abroad. As soon as you accept a job abroad and confirm that you’ll be living overseas, you will need to arrange a health insurance plan that covers you in your destination country.
Your employee may offer group insurance for non-U.S. citizens as part of the job offer. However, this is not always the case, so you should check with your employer beforehand. If your employer doesn’t offer any health insurance coverage to their overseas employees, you’ll need to arrange it yourself.
Find a health insurance plan that offers adequate coverage for your needs. You might only need a basic plan that enables you to access local healthcare facilities in your new country. However, if you deal with a chronic medical condition that requires specialist treatments, you’ll need to find a policy that covers the medications and therapies you need. If you’re struggling to find the right policy for your needs, contact your preferred health insurance company and speak with a member of their team directly for expert guidance.
Stay in Touch with Your Employer
Starting a new job or getting a promotion at work can provide a range of challenges in and of itself. Add moving to a foreign country to that, and you’re bound to feel overwhelmed.
Staying in close contact with your employee will make the process easier. You can speak to them if you have any worries or concerns about the process, and they can provide guidance on how to manage such a significant life change.
They can also advise you regarding the legalities of relocating to work abroad, such as offshore planning, helping you navigate any challenges and barriers you face as you settle into your new role. They can also arrange to buddy you up with a mentor in your new workplace who can support you in your professional transition.
Get International Life Insurance
Life insurance is another important type of insurance you need to organize when you decide to work abroad. It provides financial protection for your loved ones, particularly those who are financially dependent on you, whether it’s your children or an elderly parent.
Check with your employer to see if they offer life insurance as part of your benefits package. If so, confirm whether their life insurance plans are enough to cover your current financial responsibilities. If not, you may need to purchase supplemental life insurance to ensure it aligns with your and your family’s future financial needs.
Choose a plan from an insurance provider that specializes in international life insurance, covering aspects of living and working abroad. These plans may include enhanced features like currency flexibility to suit international living.
Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture
Moving abroad is often associated with a phenomenon known as culture shock. It refers to the feeling of being unsettled when moving to a new area that has a completely different culture from the one in your hometown.
Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, especially if you’re underprepared. It can cause you to feel uneasy and like you don’t belong in your new home when you move there. It could start affecting your ability to work and your mental health as a whole if you’re unable to cope with the shock of moving abroad.
Prepare yourself for culture shock by learning more about the culture in the area you’ll be moving to for work. Learn about the cultural norms and social expectations so you know how to behave when you arrive in your new home.
Attend cultural events, try local dishes, and engage with people in the workplace to gain a deeper understanding of your new work environment. Being culturally aware helps you build strong relationships with your new colleagues and makes you feel a sense of belonging.
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