5 Important Things To Consider Before Moving To Another Country

So you’re moving to another country, are you ready?

Moving to another country is quite an enormous undertaking for most. People migrate for a host of reasons. Some migrate because of job opportunities, while others migrate in search of a better life. For me, it was simply a matter of moving to my husband’s country of birth. We wanted to keep our growing family together and ensure a bright future for our kids.

At 28, I had been married for almost two years, and my firstborn was eight months old. I was working full-time as a medical doctor and was content with my job. For most, this would be the beginning of a somewhat predictable future, something to settle into. For me, however, things were about to change drastically. We were moving, not down the street or to another town, but we were moving to another country.

I was leaving my country of birth, Trinidad and Tobago for good to live in the United States with my husband and my 8-month-old son. Frankly, I was scared because I was leaving behind everything and everyone I knew. Growing up, I lived a very sheltered life and had only left my country once before. That was for our honeymoon in the US. Now here I was, getting ready to go again, but this time for good.

My husband and I met in Medical School in Trinidad. He was born and raised in the US. For him, it was just a matter of moving back home. When we got married, as most married couples do, we talked about our plans for the future. Leaving Trinidad was one of them, and at that time, I was excited about the change. But when the reality of the situation set in, it was a difficult pill to swallow. It would be like starting all over again.

My medical degree wouldn’t get me anywhere until I did my board exams, so I knew from the get-go I couldn’t be employed as a doctor. The same applied to my husband. We were going to be starting from scratch. In some cases, that alone might be the deciding factor to just stay put. Unfortunately, for me, that was not an option. At some earlier point, it might have been, but we had made the unanimous decision to leave, and I was going to stick to my decision, no matter how painfully hard it would be.

As you can imagine, as the time drew near to say our goodbyes, I was a mess! I had lived with my parents until I got married, which is not uncommon in the island’s culture, and I was going to miss them like crazy. My brother and sister and their families and our family home would also be terribly missed. I was going to miss the island life. Oh, how I would miss it all!

Sadly, I had to leave many things behind, things that at the time had great sentimental value. I even had to leave my wedding dress behind………I almost heard you gasp! It’s ok, though, because I don’t think I’ll be needing one anytime soon!

Having never actually spoken with someone who had migrated, I was learning the ropes as I went. My husband and I had moved back into my parents’ house a few months before our departure, so we didn’t have to sell a home before the move. Thank goodness! I sold my car to my brother. Bank accounts were closed, and I already had my green card. I was spending all this time tying up loose ends, but there were some things about moving to another country that I neglected to consider.

Are you mentally and emotionally prepared?

The best-case scenario is you are migrating with your entire family. You have successfully tied up all your loose ends and have NO sentimental attachment to the home you are leaving behind. If that’s you, your move might be a breeze. For many, though, this is not the case. It certainly wasn’t for me.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all as you try to knock things off your to-do list. I urge you to slow down and let reality sink in. Let’s face it; whether you like it or not, things will never be the same. When the move is all done, you’ll be sleeping in a different bed every night. As you look out the window in the morning, the view will be different, and when you drive about to do errands, your route will be different.

Ponder over all the different things you’ll be experiencing and all the experiences, sights, and sounds you will be leaving behind. Think of all your loved ones. Recognize that hugging and kissing them won’t be possible from miles away. When I left home, video chatting was not as commonplace or readily available as it is today. I sometimes went months without seeing the faces of my family members. Modern-day technology has certainly softened this blow for many migrants these days.

Hopefully, you can come to terms with the imminent change and easily let go of the old routine. Be thankful for your life as you knew it, and be strong and optimistic about the new life you are embarking on. Stand firm in your decision and know that you can do this. If I did it, so can you!

Cultural differences

Trinidad and Tobago, my country of birth, has a vibrant cultural flair due to the many ethnicities that reside there. The food, the various religious celebrations, the people, and the very lifestyle all leave an indelible mark on anyone who has had the opportunity to live there for a while.

Have you ever heard of Trinidad Carnival? Oh, it’s something to behold and is a celebration like no other. On Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Trinidadians showcase their talent and creativity via exquisite costumes, calypso music, and the beautiful sounds of the steel pan. Maybe you can add Carnival to your bucket list! I knew that when we moved, I would lose all of this. Is this something you are willing to give up?

Have you found a community of your native people where you are moving to? For me, it’s been difficult as not many Trinidadians live in my area. I promise you, however, that it gets better over time. Be proud of your heritage and where you came from. Accept that these are some of the things you will have to give up, but know that these things have made you who you are today. They live on in you as long as you let them. Be open to the new cultures you will be exposed to; they, too, will shape who you are as an individual.

Living accommodations

When my husband and I made the decision to move, we opted to move in with his parents for a while. We felt that was the best option for us and our circumstances. It would be an easy physical transition, and it was the cheapest option by far.

I have mixed feelings about this to this day. I believe if I had another chance, I would have opted to live elsewhere. Even though I will be eternally grateful to my in-laws for their hospitality, it was exceedingly difficult for me to adjust. I was a new mom. My husband and I had only been married for close to two years, and I had just left all of my family behind. Needless to say, I was missing them like crazy. I was now not only living in a different country altogether, but I also had to learn to live with new people in my life.

What are your options when it comes to living accommodations? Everyone has different needs, but it’s imperative to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Should you stay with family or friends? Should you rent or should you buy a home? Which one are you financially able to do at the time of your move? How is your choice going to affect not only your finances but your emotional well-being?

Different climate

This might sound silly, but it took a while for a tropical island girl like me to get used to the different climate. We moved to California in the Fall, and the first time my husband suggested we take a stroll at night, I was in for a huge awakening! It was so cold! In reality, it was only about 69 degrees. I was ready to run indoors and bundle up. However, I decided to be a big girl and keep going.

I have since learned to appreciate the cold because we have moved to the midwest, where the winters are cold and snowy. And thankfully, I kinda like them! My mom visited us a few times in the midwest before she passed away. She could not tolerate the cold at all. It was beyond her how anyone could live in such temperatures! Make sure climate is something you consider when you make your move because, like it or not, it will be your reality…..every single day.

Support system

Everybody needs one of these! It doesn’t matter how strong you think you are or how adaptable to change you might be; you will need support from time to time. Asking for help can be hard for some, but it can be a game-changer in some situations. You may just need someone to talk to if you’re having a bad day or need something more; having someone you can call on can be a great asset to you. My family was always there for me, but it was expensive to call overseas all the time.

As a new mom living with new family members, I felt isolated and alone. It was quite comforting knowing that my loved ones were just a call away. I had to limit how long we talked, but at least I had the opportunity to hear their voices. Sometimes that was all that I needed. Don’t forget the people in your life who you are leaving behind when you move. They have known you the longest, and they will always be there for you.

That being said, making connections in your new hometown is highly recommended as you make the big move. Search for mom groups on social media, find a church that aligns with your beliefs, and befriend your new neighbors. Do your part to actively seek out a new support system for yourself, one that is easily accessible to you when you need it. Human connection and interaction are vital for our existence, sanity, and mental well-being.

So you’re planning to move to another country? Good for you! Best of luck in the future. I hope everything goes smoothly for you. I would love to hear where you’ll be jetting off to!