How did you become an expat?

couple of things to think about:

1) figure out what your marketable skills are. English use in business is far more prevalent than I realized before I moved. That was my initial foot in the door, and I spent a lot of time fixing confusing/terrible text in English in my first expat job.

2) do some online research about what companies might be hiring in that industry. Some people also suggest finding a US based company with international offices who might be willing to transfer but that seems like it'd take longer!

3) look into visa requirements in your country of choice. Most immigration authorities have websites where you can see what they will expect when you apply. Some paperwork (like a criminal record or school transcript) is easier to get when you're in your home country, so it's good to have those on hand.

4) start practicing the language of wherever you plan to move so you're not totally lost when you arrive.

Thanks for the reply.  A few more questions.  How long did it take you to find work? Did you find the job before or after you moved?  You mentioned assessing marketable skills - do you find that int'l employers look more at your skill set rather than prior /positions/titles that you've held?

I moved during a boom time and got a job within six weeks. The visa application process took about 2 months from when my new employer offered me a job until I was working (this varies HUGELY depending on the country though).

Some skills are more easily transferred. Programmers/IT generally seem to find work easily since it's a bit of an international language and IT firms often work in English. If you're a lawyer or doctor it's more tricky because you usually have to take certification exams in the new country. Marketing/sales type positions are often tricky because they will want people who speak their local language.

however, in some of those more "soft" skill type jobs, you may offer the new perspective that they're looking for. I was an art history major in college and I got hired for an IT position. They did recognize my school's name but the company where I'd worked in the states didn't mean a thing to my new employer. That's hugely dependent on the country, the company, and possibly even who interviews you or looks at your CV though.

one thing: before you start applying for positions, check out what is considered a standard CV format for your target country(ies). Some think birthdate is totally normal, some want pictures, some expect marital status etc. I got a CV once recently that included the occupation of the spouse, the age and names of the children, and several other things that would be considered illegal and totally inappropriate in the US.

From what I've heard talking to people from other countries, it's generally easier for Americans to go elsewhere.  Everyone knows where our country is and most of them seem to like it.  We usually have to pay more for visas and paperwork, but I think it's a lot easier to leave the US than to get in.

I did not really decide where I went. It is just how my path unfolded.

My businesses are not dependent on where I live.

Seems most people get a job in the country that they want to got to. Usually this help get work permits.

You can go to school somewhere and get a student visa.

You could volunteer for an organization an get a volunteer visa.

If you have verifiable income, residency is possible in lots of places.

Investing money in a country can get you different types of visas.

Plan for the big move?

Sell everything and just go.

But I like Cortez's idea about burning the boats. Makes retreat impossible.

tmichelle wrote:

I'm a single American female.  I have a strong desire, but no clue as to how to move outside the U.S. (legally).  I'm curious to hear from others who've done it.  How did you decide where to go?  How did you find work?  How did you plan for the big move?  Any tips you can offer me?  Thanks a bunch!

I became an expat by chance !! ...but it worked out for the best!
I came here for a short visit and then a company offered me chance to work here. I did show interest and took up their offer short term. Then after my time was up, they wanted me to stay here..

I learned one important thing about my self. I was in my own comfort zone (UK) before arriving here, it educated me a lot about the Middle East and other parts of the world. You learn things from a different perspective and not only from the country you are in. Its been on life changing experience for me.

What would help you is doing some research on the net and using this site to find the answers helps too.
What you can do too is post any questions you have. in the country that you wish to go to and see what answers you get. This site is very useful..

Good Luck in your quest to become and expat..

Jaz

Correct.........