An expatriate is an individual who resides outside of the confines of his home country, usually for work purposes or for some other temporary situation. These individuals are, in many cases, skilled workers or professionals contracted to perform work for various industries that operate around the world.

As an expatriate, there are a lot of variables that might make life difficult for individuals living outside of his/her country of citizenship. Such difficulties might include learning local customs and languages or even getting around to different points of interest, for work purposes or otherwise.

Expatriates, or “Expats,” as they are often referred to, generally need a bit of assistance to settle into a new country. Thankfully, there are many tools and resources available for these individuals.

Venturing Abroad

Though many expats are opting to relocate temporarily for work purposes only, some also do so with the hope of fulfilling dreams and ambitions. Often, this is done by taking a high-paying position with hopes of boosting their career or strengthening their resume or simply grabbing the opportunity to live in an exotic locale.

Some, on the other hand, want to leave the problems of their home country behind and never return. And, many of them do precisely the latter, especially if they fall in love with the land they find themselves in.

Today, with a more flexible and globalized world, it’s become much more comfortable for expatriates to get around and travel with ease, though some limiting factors still exist. It’s become so much easier since the demographics of expats have shifted from older senior-level professionals to younger ones, generally aged 20-39 years old.

Resources for Transitioning

All expats will most likely need a bit of assistance depending on how well-traveled or educated they are on the culture and place they will be assigned to. These resources often include information on a variety of services and industries that any expat may need while staying in a foreign country.

Common resource needs include:

• Embassy Location and Information
• International Insurance Information
• Calling Codes
• Relocation Companies
• Foreign Exchange Services
• Hospitals and Pharmacy Information

The resources an expat may need aren’t limited to the list mentioned above. Today, many businesses take care of their foreign workers’ needs. However, not all requirements may be able to be met by the employer. For this reason, many companies and websites offer a compiled list of services that any expatriate may need for.

Going Forward Abroad

Perhaps you’ve had your eye on a promotion, and the only way to get it is to travel abroad. Or maybe you love the idea of leaving home and want to experience the world and people of other cultures. No matter the reason, becoming an expatriate is a great way to advance a career and gain real-world, global experience all at the same time.

Anyone who has ever traveled knows that even if you drive a few hours away from home, the people and customs can be quite differentiating. For many, this is an exciting venture that must be explored.

If you’re considering becoming an expatriate, make sure that you educate yourself on the region where you’ll be traveling, and use the resources available for expats so that your transition to a new place will be a pleasant experience.