Travelling overseas to explore new territories is always exciting. Whether it be sightseeing, taking a 7-day hike up a mountain, or witnessing the Northern Lights in the Arctic, we love to see what the world has to offer.
Sometimes, the best way to truly explore a new country is to spend a few years there. This makes overseas working holidays perfect for ticking off your bucket list while making an income to support your antics abroad.
If you’ve decided to take a short-term work opportunity overseas, here are some tips to help you de-stress and enjoy the experience.
Research Your New Area
Before you start working overseas, be sure to read up on the country you’re relocating to. Researching the culture, language, people, and currency can help take the edge off the inevitable culture shock.
Don’t just get a grasp of the history and traditions of your new home, though. You should go a little deeper and check out your new local area. Take note of transportation options from your new place to your office, and study maps for an idea of the layout of the area.
Familiarise yourself with your new area by identifying the nearest grocery store, shopping centre, doctor, café, and park. This will save you a bit of running around when you get there.
Don’t forget to learn about minimum wage and employment rights in your new country to ensure you’re getting what you’re entitled to and being treated fairly.
Start Building Relationships Before You Arrive
If you’re starting a new job, chances are you’ve been in touch with a new colleague or two. It’s worth using email or social media to connect with your new colleagues to break the ice and make the transition a little less nerve-wracking.
You might even like to join a hobby or sports club/group to meet likeminded people with similar interests in your new area. Creating a network before you arrive will make it easier to get out and about and enjoy some social contact.
Organise a meet-up with your new colleagues in a casual setting before your official first day. This can help break the ice and ease those first-day jitters.
Prepare Your Paperwork
The last thing you need when you’re settling into a new job is to be chasing down important paperwork from back home. Be sure to pack everything you need for your new job, from your visa and education certificates to references and police background checks.
If you’re not sure what you need, double-check with your new employer with plenty of time to spare. This includes any special clothes or equipment you might require.
Confirm what paperwork, clothing, and equipment is required for your new job to ensure you’re ready to go.
Create Your Bucket List
Don’t forget the main reason you’re hopping on that plane: to travel. It can be easy to let the stress of a new job and unfamiliar surroundings get in the way of that long weekend in Paris, or an afternoon bike ride in Central Park. But what’s an overseas working holiday without a little exploring?
A great way to make sure you feed your wanderlust is to make a list of all the things you want to see during your time abroad.
List the places you’d like to see and things you’d like to experience to ensure you don’t let work get in the way of your travel plans.
Still on the fence about setting off on an overseas adventure? We bust the top 4 excuses for putting off travel right here.
