Itching for an overseas move but not sure where to go? You could spin a globe or throw a dart at a world map. But you could wind up in the middle of the Atlantic that way, and it wouldn’t work out. You might do better to consider a few criteria if you haven’t yet found a place that’s stolen your heart. But what to consider? What are the solid realities beyond tropical beaches or brilliant nightlife that can help you narrow your consideration down to a handful of spots to explore? Here’s a few practicalities to consider if you’re considering moving overseas.
- The world might be your oyster, but you cannot just move anywhere. If you are an Irish citizen, you can move to any other European Union country. If you are looking further afield, you are probably going to need to go for a specific job unless you have family ties to the country.
- Jobs have historically been the big issue for Irish people moving overseas. Perhaps for some, that’s been a handy cover for our wanderlust. Regardless, you need to consider your skills and qualifications, and investigate where in the world they are needed. Teaching English is one route to overseas employment, and if you are a fluent Irish speaker, you might even be able to find a gig teaching Irish. But it’s rare to land in a new place and find a casual job you can actually live on anymore.
- If you are looking to go for more than a year, consider the climate – not just the weather in the tourism season. Does that tropical paradise get lashed with hurricanes or monsoons in the off season? We’re quite lucky here in Ireland that we aren’t subject to the sort of natural disasters other places are.
- Yes, it is part of the adventure of moving overseas… but how adventurous are you? You can’t live off global fast food chains and specialty groceries for long. Have you tried the national dishes? Do you like them? Food is central to socializing in much of the world, so it would be pretty uncomfortable to spend much time somewhere you really can’t stand the national cuisine.
- Social Norms. For women and particularly for LGBT people, consider if the culture, laws and crime rate would require sacrificing a degree of your freedom and ease for safety. It is one thing to be considered an oddball, but quite another to need someone to escort you to do errands or to face prison if you are outed. You can search online to learn about the laws and prominent religions of countries you are considering.
Choosing where to move always involves balancing pros and cons. No place is perfect. But if you are considering a long-term move, you want to make sure you’re going to be happy with everyday life there.
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