This article was originally written by Kate Johanns and was polished on The Washington Post.
The glamor of working in a foreign country appeals to many Americans. Who wouldn’t want their own Emily in Paris-style adventure? What Hollywood leaves out are the bureaucratic and cultural challenges that might leave you yearning for the red, white, and blue. Before you pack your suitcase, make sure you fully understand the risks you’re taking.
1. Have you secured a work sponsor?
The requirements for securing a job visa will depend on the destination country, but in nearly all cases, you’ll need to have a job offer in hand from a willing employer-sponsor before you apply for a work visa. Some countries may have specific language requirements or varied rules depending on your industry. Your employer should guide you through this process. If it does not, consider it a giant red flag.
2. Will your partner be able to work, and where will your children attend school?
Your ability to secure a work visa doesn’t necessarily extend to your partner. Your company might offer guidance in this area, or you may need to consult an immigration attorney in your destination country.
Similarly, your children will need to continue their schooling. Your choices could include a local school taught primarily in your new country’s predominant language, an international school catering to expats, or homeschooling—each of which has pros and cons. If your company is not providing guidance, look for expat communities online for tips on making this choice.
3. How will you pay for your healthcare?
American citizens often romanticize the universal healthcare available in other countries, but just because you’re residing in one of those countries it doesn’t mean you’ll be eligible for that healthcare. Again, your situation will vary widely depending on your destination. The U.S. State Department strongly recommends coverage under an international health plan no matter your length of stay. Keep in mind that most private health insurance in the U.S. as well as Medicare and Medicaid only cover domestic medical expenses.
4. What will your tax liability be?
If you’re a U.S. citizen living and working in another country, won’t you pay taxes to the new country? Yes, probably. Will you also need to pay U.S. taxes? Yes, probably. The expat life could leave you with tax liability in two countries. Your tax situation will be complicated, and reducing your tax bill might require you to take steps with lasting consequences, such as renouncing your citizenship or ending your U.S. resident status. Consult with CPAs and immigration attorneys experienced in this area before making any firm decisions.
5. Do you have enough savings to make the move?
Moving costs a lot of money. Ideally, your company will cover your relocation expenses and help you with costs such as rent deposits and utilities. But such assistance may not be available to you. Be sure you have enough savings to make it to your first paycheck—and don’t forget the exchange rate or the new cost of living.
6. What is the language barrier?
Duolingo is great for travel, but there’s a big difference between the language knowledge required of a casual tourist and the fluency needed to work in a different language. Will your new employer assist you with learning the language (and give you time to do so)? Is fluency required to function successfully in your new job, or will you primarily be communicating in English with colleagues around the world?
7. Are you prepared for cultural differences at work?
American workplace culture is, overall, friendly and direct. Americans mix small talk with getting down to business, and generally speaking, employees are encouraged to speak up. That’s not the case in every country. Are you prepared to adapt?
8. What happens if you don’t like your new job?
If you start a new job in the U.S. and don’t like it, finding a new one will be a pain, and you might worry about the effect on your resume. But you won’t have invested time and money into relocating to another country. If you end your expat employment early, you might owe money to your company, and you might not be able to transfer your work visa to a new employer. Be sure to know upfront what happens if you need to come back home.
Working abroad can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s not for everyone. Some of us may be happier watching a few episodes of House Hunters International and daydreaming.
