Want to Move Abroad? How to Choose the Perfect Lifestyle for You and Your Family

Here are some top lifestyle considerations when considering where to move abroad….

For many families the decision to move abroad comes from a strong desire to radically change up their day to day lifestyle and way of life. Many families are looking for a slower and more balanced pace of life, while others might be looking for a dream location with job opportunities and good education and amenities for their children.

Regardless of what your reasons for wanting to move abroad are, it is important to consider what it is you are seeking in your day to day lifestyle when imagining your new life abroad and which country and location might best suit those goals.

Lifestyle encompasses many critical details that make up day-to-day life in a new country. It is important to understand what life is like in that location and if it is a good match based on these daily life factors. So let’s take a look at the many factors that contribute to an ideal lifestyle abroad so you can determine which location is the best fit for you and your family.

Listed Below are Lifestyle Topics to Consider When Choosing Where to Move Abroad…

Way of Life: The general habits, activities, and behaviors of a location. The way of life also includes the typical pace and patterns of a locale. Food and dietary considerations are a big part of this category as well and considering your own food preferences and how those align with different countries is an important topic to look into. Understanding the typical patterns of a community and location and how it matches your ideal way of life is important to understand.

Language: The primary language spoken in a location is relevant and can play a big role in your ability to adapt to a new community.

Cultural Fit: How well does the culture of your new location align with your worldview. Be sure to learn about the social and religious values of your potential location. While some countries may sound intriguing or appealing, there may be significant cultural differences that prove to be challenging to fit into.

Size: The overall size of a location refers to its population and density. This can affect things like amenities, services, and conveniences. It can influence many things, like diversity, access to entertainment, healthcare, and education. Some people prefer a smaller community while others prefer a bustling metropolis.

Weather and Climate: What are the average temperatures and seasons of a location and how does that impact lifestyle and habits? Additionally, it’s important to understand if there are extreme weather events or climate issues.

Expat Community: Having access to a community and social network of expats is very helpful when relocating to a new country. Expats and other foreigners who are going through or have gone through the unique experience of moving abroad can be a tremendous resource and source of support when settling into a new country.

Nature: How close or far you are to nature can be a very influential factor for many people moving abroad and affect their quality of life. If you want to primarily be in open space or if you prefer the city, understanding the setting as it relates to nature and the outdoors is key.

Instincts and Intuition: Almost everyone feels a calling to visit or explore an unfamiliar place on the planet. It is important to explore an instinct you have about a particular spot. Feeling excited about your new location can go a long way in helping you cope with the challenges of moving abroad. So be sure to listen to your instincts around your interest in a particular place.

Now that you have a good idea of the topics and considerations you need to take into account before choosing where to move abroad, you can begin to do research to find the country that best suites you and your goals.

Below are the exact steps you need to take to help you determine the best country for you to start living your dream life abroad!

STEPS TO TAKE…

1. Way of Life

Dive into anything you can that talks about the lifestyle and way of life in your new location. Watch videos, read books and blogs about the community and location of the destination you are interested in. Learn as much as you can about what life is really like in that location. Ask questions of locals and expats in forums to get a clear and personal description of life in that community.

Questions to explore…

• Is the culture laid back or fast paced?
• Does it have a work-life balance or is it focused on careers and the economy?
• Is family the focus, or is it more of an individualistic culture?
• Does it have an active population that spends time outdoors or is it more indoors?
• Is the population older or younger?
• Is it international or more homogenous?
• Are there events, celebrations, and community events?
• What are the dietary and food considerations?

2. Language

Research the primary languages spoken in your potential location. Many locations around the world, despite having a primary language, use other languages as well. This is especially true with English, as it is used in many locations throughout the world. Understand if other languages are used or if it is exclusively the native language.

Questions to explore…

• Is the primary language different from your first language?
• Are you proficient in that new language?
• Are you willing to learn or is it too out of your comfort zone?
• Are you comfortable not being fluent and navigating life without speaking the primary language?
• Are other languages spoken?

3. Cultural Fit

Research the culture of a location, paying attention to the history, religion, and practices of its people and community.

Questions to explore…

• What are the cultural norms, customs, and religion?
• Is it more traditional and conservative, or more open minded and progressive?
• How do your values and beliefs fit into this culture?

4. Size

Research the population and density of your potential location. Understand how this impacts access to activities and culture as well as hospitals and transportation hubs.

Questions to explore…

• Does the size work for me and my family members?
• Does the size of the town swell or shrink depending on tourism and does that affect year-round amenities?
• What is the population?
• How does this impact lifestyle?
• Proximity to larger towns in the event of needing amenities or medical treatment?
• Proximity to nature if you are in a larger or more densely populated city.
• Size can affect cost of living, thus considering overhead and implications of population.

5. Weather and Climate

Research the weather and climate of your potential location.

Questions to explore…

• Overall climate and average temperature
• Extreme weather events or recent natural disasters
• Is the climate conducive to your lifestyle?
• Are there seasons?

6. Expat Community

Reach out to expat forums.

Questions to explore…

• Is there an extensive expat community?
• Is the expat community engaged and resourceful?
• Is the potential new location receptive to foreigners or more closed off?

7. Nature

Explore maps, local websites, and resources to find out about the outdoor life and natural environment in the potential location.

Questions to explore…

• How active is the outdoor community? Are there walks, races, and events centered around the outdoors?
• How many green spaces, community gardens, and parks are there in the community?
• How far is it to find nature, such as mountains, swimming, lakes, and the ocean?
• Is the location in a spot that suits your lifestyle, such as being more urban or closer to mountains, open spaces, bodies of water, or the ocean?

8. Instincts and Intuition

Get in touch with how you feel and your instincts about a place.

Questions to explore…

• Have you always felt intrigued by a location? Why?
• Does it feel like a good fit or is something giving you the impression that it might not be the right fit?
• What are your instincts and intuition saying about this location?

Fill Out the Worksheet below…

We have provided the worksheet below to compare and contrast the major lifestyle considerations between three different countries so you can see what country best suits you and your family.

After completing the worksheet below and diving into the lifestyle factors mentioned above you will have completed a very thorough examination of the meaningful lifestyle factors that will have a big impact on your quality of life and day to day lifestyle.

This will allow you to move forward and start living your dream life!

Choosing Your Perfect Country to Move Abroad

Whether you want to move abroad for a career, to study, for love, retirement, or to raise your family, this engaging, easy to follow roadmap will help you find the perfect location to start your new life.

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