How to Successfully Work Abroad, From Someone Who's Done It

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Prepare for Growing Pains

As exciting as it is to move and work abroad, such monumental change can also bring on waves of anxiety.

Routines and cultural norms you take for granted don’t exist in other countries. Instead of fighting against them, recognize the benefit of a different way of doing things—learn new customs and challenge yourself to adapt to different business practices.

Visiting vs. Living in a new place

Try visit the place you're interested in moving to if it's feasible. Because working in a country or city is not the same as vacationing there.

While hitting the tourist hot spots is great, try to explore neighborhoods where the locals live, visit grocery stores, and sit in restaurants. Then you can do one better and speak to other expats who live there to get a sense of what day-to-day life is like.

Build a Community

Don’t be afraid to make the first move.

Beyond work colleagues, tap into Facebook groups and Meetups, which will enable you to meet fellow expats embracing life in a new culture.

Move for the Company, Not Just the Place

As tempting as it is to move to a beautiful place for the location and lifestyle, don’t do it at the cost of your career. There’s nothing worse than moving to a country for a job you end up hating, especially if your legal status depends on an employer-sponsored visa.

Be proactive about researching the reputation of any company you’re considering.