Presents

1. Know About the Country You are

Planning to Emigrate To
It has been well said that knowledge is power. If you plan to emigrate to a foreign
country, it is imperative that you learn something about the country you plan to
make your new home. While no one will expect you to be an expert on every detail
of their country, it will help you if you know something about the overall culture of
your new country.
Some of the things you will want to know before emigrating to another country
are: What religions are practiced there? What formalities are observed? How
should I great someone there? What language do they speak? Even amongst
countries that share a common language, you will find that customs and traditions
are often very different. For example, in some countries it is customary to hug or
kiss cheeks when you meet someone, but in other countries this is considered
terribly forward.
Take some time to study the country you are planning to move to. Information is
readily available on the Internet regarding proper business and personal etiquette
for every country on the planet. Remember that you are moving into their culture.
While some people will make great effort to accommodate your cultural
differences, others will not. As much as you can, try to at least show an attempt to
communicate with the people you meet in a manner that shows you are trying to fit
in with their ways of doing things. Most people will respect your sincere attempts,
even if you dont always hit the nail exactly on the head. The fact that you show
that you are making an attempt to understand the countrys culture and ways of
doing things demonstrates respect, and will open many doors for you in your new
country.













2. Begin to Overcome Language
Barriers Before You Emigrate
If you are considering emigrating to a country where a different language is
spoken, you should learn at least the basics of your new countrys native tongue
before departure. When you first arrive in a new country, it will be obvious to most
people that you are of foreign origin. Even if you speak their language fluently,
you are likely to speak with what they will consider a thick accent. Be ready to
repeat yourself, as they may not always understand you. Most people will be
patient with you if it is obvious you are trying to learn their language, and they will
consider it much more respectful than if you went on speaking in what they
consider a foreign language.
Even if emigrating to another country that speaks your language, do a little
research into the dialect spoken there. English is spoken differently in London than
it is in the Deep South of the United States. Likewise, the Spanish learned in a
textbook is likely to be Castillian Spanish, spoken in parts of Spain. Both
pronunciation and the words themselves are often different throughout Latin
America. All languages have regional dialects. The more you learn about how
people speak where you plan to emigrate before you go, the better you will be able
to communicate with the people there.
Fortunately, picking up the rudiments of a foreign language is not difficult. There
are tons of resources on the Internet and in bookstores to help you start learning the
language of your choice. While you wont likely be fluent until youve spent
several months in the new country communicating, you help yourself considerably
if youve learned some of your new countrys language.















3. Understand the Religious Culture
Before You Emigrate
All of us have distinct belief systems. Whether we are religious or not, our beliefs
are very important to most of us. The same is true of people all over the world.
Before emigrating to a new country, learn something about the religious culture of
the country you plan to move to. Knowing what to expect can help ease the sense
of culture shock you will experience when first living in a country whose core
beliefs and values may be very different from what you have come to accept as
true.
First, as you begin to study the religious culture of your prospective new home,
find out whether or not religion plays an important factor in peoples lives. Some
countries allow a great deal of freedom of religion, allowing and perhaps even
encouraging people with diverse beliefs to share their beliefs and thoughts openly.
In other countries, sharing religious views openly can get you in a lot of trouble.
Look into the laws of the country you are moving to regarding practicing your
faith.
Learn about the religions that are prevalent in the country and region you are
moving to, especially if they are different from your own. Learning about a
religion does not mean that you have to convert or even accept the beliefs of
someone elses religion, but it will give you valuable insight into the way people
view the world in your new home. When we come from a place of understanding,
we are better able to convey respect to others. And showing respect is always the
best way to earn the respect of others.

















4. Do Some Research Into Employment
Opportunities Before You Emigrate
Most people emigrate because they hope to make a better life for themselves and
their families in another country. Nothing can be more frustrating than investing all
you have in getting to another country only to find out there wasnt as much
opportunity there as you thought there would be.
In many countries, employment opportunities are limited for immigrants.
Understanding the business culture of the country you hope to move to can go a
long way towards helping you find employment. So will spending some time
learning about what job skills are in demand in the new country. Theres no point
in moving to a country where your talents and skills are not in demand, if you can
help it. Of course, the ideal situation would be to move to a country where you
already have a job lined up. But, if that isnt possible, at least look into what kinds
of skills are most valued in the country you want to move to.
You can often find out what kinds of skills are in demand in a foreign country by
perusing employment websites. Several Internet sites exist for the purpose of
helping you find international employment, and many of them can help you set up
employment before you move to your new country.
Finally, make sure you check into the laws regarding immigrants and employment
in the country you are moving to. Many countries will require you to register so
that you can pay appropriate income taxes. As long as you are emigrating legally,
this information is generally readily available through the new countrys
immigration services.















5. What Emigration Can Mean to Your
Family
Most immigrants bring their families with them. Of course, should you choose to
leave your family behind in your mother country, even temporarily, this will cause
all of the difficulties that separation can bring to a marriage. Hardly anyone wants
their family to be divided by national boundaries for long, so if you do bring them
to the new country separately, do your best to make the move as quickly as
possible.
When your family arrives in a new country, expect them to experience some
culture shock. Chances are, the new country will be very different from anything
they have experience before. Perhaps the people speak a different language. The
children might play different games. The people may dress differently. It is normal
for all of this to be a little frightening, especially for children.
The best thing to do when you move to a new country is to encourage your
children to get to know their neighbors as best they can. Ultimately, the only way
to become comfortable with a foreign culture is to immerse yourself in it.
Fortunately, children adapt quickly. Another important thing is to allow your
children to still hold on to their own distinct culture. This requires a delicate
balance, because you want your children to adapt to the culture around them, but
you may also want them to retain their own sense of national identity. Of course
only you can decide how much to allow your children to blend with the new
culture and how much to retain your native culture, but be aware that your children
will begin to adopt new ways of thinking and looking at the world as they
intermingle with other children in your new country.















6. How Emigrating Can Affect Your
Lifestyle
When you move to a new country, you are the guest. Just like you would expect a
guest in your house to adapt to your rules and customs, your lifestyle may be
affected by the customs and laws of your new country of residence.
Be prepared by knowing something about the country you are moving to. Of
course, no amount of studying or reading can completely prepare you for living in
another country, but knowing something about how the people of your new
country live can certainly help you understand how you might fit in.
Lifestyles vary greatly from country to country. Of course, some countries are
more affluent than others, and this certainly affects the manner in which they are
able to live. But that is by no means the only factor that affects how people live. Be
aware of any differences in religion, worldview, and government that may exist
between your birth country and the country you wish to emigrate to. All of these
things can affect your lifestyle in your new home.
Of course, there are other factors in your lifestyle that may be affected when you
emigrate. Be aware ahead of time, if you can, of any differences in climate. This
may affect what kinds of clothing you wear, as well as what kinds of expenses you
will incur in your new country. For example, if you are moving from a tropical
climate, be aware if you move to New York that you will have heating expenses
during the winter time. Perhaps the best way to prepare yourself is by contacting
other people who are living or have lived in the country you wish to move to.















7. Be Ready for the Waiting Game
Consider carefully if you truly want to emigrate to a new country, because the
process can be a bit of a headache on both sides of the move. This isnt to say you
should not emigrate, rather, that you should be aware that there is a somewhat
drawn out process to the whole matter.
The country you are leaving will likely want you to make clear to their officials
that you are planning on leaving the country indefinitely(or perhaps permanently).
The processes and paperwork involved vary greatly from country to country, but in
virtually every case, the country you are leaving will want to ensure that you have
paid any taxes or fees you may owe before leaving. You may also be entitled to
such tings as pensions or other citizens benefits, even though you are leaving the
country and will be living as an expatriate.
Of course, the country you are moving to will also have their own processes that
you will need to go through. This often involves registering for taxation purposes,
information on where you are planning to live, what kind of employment you have
set up or intend to find, and virtually any information their government deems
important. Often, you will need to apply for drivers licenses, work permits, and
other documentation that will verify to your new countrys authorities that you are
indeed there legally and documented appropriately.
The process of moving from one country to another can be tedious, and at times
seem overly drawn out, but bear with it. Generally, you will only have to go
through the process one time.
















8. Should You Use an Immigration
Consultant?
Many peoples ask the question when considering emigration, should I use an
immigration consultant?
The answer, quite simply, is that it depends. If you are quite capable of
maneuvering the red tape that often accompanies such a move, then by all means
go ahead and do it yourself. Save yourself the expense.
If, on the other hand, because of a language barrier or other impediment, you feel
that you will have trouble with the processes involved in one country or the other,
you would be wise to consider using an immigration consultant. Immigration
consultants can help you fill out forms, petitions, and other documents that will
need to be filled out, and can help translate and explain things that may not be clear
to you.
You should be aware, however, that an immigration consultant is not a lawyer, and
should not give you legal advice or tell you how to answer questions on
immigration forms, and cannot represent you in court or other legal proceedings. If
you are in need of nay of these services, you should consult an immigration
attorney instead.
The bottom line is that immigration consultants can be useful, predominantly with
issues concerning knowing what forms to fill out and where to turn them in, and
translating as necessary. Of course, if you dont already speak the language of the
country you are moving to, you will want to learn because chances are, there will
still be lots of forms to fill out from time to time after youve emigrated.














9. Know Why Youre Emigrating

While its certainly true that none of us can predict the future, and we have to be
ready for our lives to turn out much differently than we had planned, it is also true
that good planning leads to success, in immigration or anything else. And the first
step in planning how to accomplish anything is to understand what it is you want to
do.
With that in mind, perhaps the most important question to ask yourself if you are
considering emigrating is why? Simply put, why do you want to uproot yourself
and move to a new country? Understanding your reasons for wanting to emigrate
can go a long way towards helping you make appropriate immigration plans.
Questions you will want to consider are; Do you plan on living in the new country
permanently? Are you seeking a new career? Are you moving to another country
for educational opportunities? If so, do you plan on returning to your native
country when you have finished your studies?
Understanding why you want to move to another country will help you plan
effectively for the move. Officials on both sides of your journey will want to know
why you are emigrating. It behooves you to have an answer ready for them. And,
understanding your personal reasons for relocating to a new country will help you
determine what kinds of residency you need to apply for in the new country. Do
you only need a student VISA? Or will you need a work permit? Of course,
regulations vary and you will need to look into them before attempting to move,
but being clear on why you are moving will help when it comes time to navigate
the paperwork and process of settling in to a new country.














10. Financial Issues to Consider
Before Emigrating

Life is expensive. No matter where you move, you will find this to be true. Those
who are considering emigrating to another country have additional financial issues
that they need to concern themselves with. While there are some situations that
dont allow immigrants the luxury of proper planning (refugee situations, for
instance), most emigrants do have the opportunity to plan their move, and would
do well to take some time to plan thoroughly for their financial needs.
Perhaps the most obvious expense an immigrant will need to budget for is the
move itself. Depending on what manner of transportation you are using, and what
you are taking with you, the costs can vary greatly on this. A person moving from
Germany to Austria naturally incurs much different expenses than a person moving
from the United States to France. Make sure that you have factored in all moving
expenses, including your passage and any freight or baggage that you need moved.
Next, consider your living expenses after you get to the new country. If you dont
have a job lined up yet, you should try to have at least four months worth of living
expenses. Even if you do have a job, you will want to have enough cash on hand to
make it through at least two months, to make room for any lags in payment as you
start your new job. Consider what the costs of living will be in the new country, as
they may be very different than what it costs to live in your in your current
country. Much of the information about cost of living is available online, or if you
know someone who is living in the country you plan to move to, ask them.















BONUS TIP: Keeping Track of
Documentation

In todays world, there are some forms of paperwork that all of us should be
holding on to. Tax records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. But for the
immigrant, keeping proper track of your documentation can mean the difference
between being allowed to stay and being told to leave.
For most countries, a work or study VISA and a passport suffice for most of your
documentation needs, and if you need other forms, having these two documents
handy will help you get what you need. However, regulations vary from country to
country. Its a good idea to look into exactly what documentation you are going to
need, both to leave your country of origin and to settle in to your destination
country.
In any case, until you are officially a citizen of the country you are moving to, it is
critical that you keep a readily accessible file of all your important documents. Of
course, this includes your passport, identification, and VISA, but it should also
include any employment or taxation records and other documents.
Before you ever leave your country of origin, you should have a sturdy briefcase or
other organizational tool that will allow you to organize and carry all of your
important paperwork, and a filing system that will allow you to find everything
you need quickly. Theres enough red tape and paperwork in dealing with the
government officials of the country you are leaving and the one you are moving to.
The last thing you need to deal with is a misplaced document causing delays in the
process.