Before you pack your bags: What you need to know about moving abroad

The prospect of moving abroad is attractive to most regardless of age or occupation. But as someone might have told you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite our preconceived notions it's important to know exactly what you're likely to face. So here are a few facts for those of you wanting to work or study abroad.

Culture shock

Change of culture is one of the major shifts that people experience abroad. And believe it or not many people return to their home country soon because of it. The culture an individual is accustomed to determines how he/she perceives the world. Being exposed to different ways of doing things can cause disparity in people's minds to the extent that it can lead to anxiety. Because of the internet and social media it has become easier than ever to learn about other cultures beforehand and reduce the shock. Maisha Huq, a junior at WVU said that she was taken back at first because of the way people dressed and behaved in her college which made her stand out from the crowd.

Blending in

Socialising cannot and should not be limited to interacting with people from the same subcontinent. Travelling abroad is a great opportunity to meet different people and make new friends. Even though some people have a hard time blending in, knowing the native language can help immensely. Fraternities are a great way of meeting a lot of people at the same time and make lasting relationships. The benefits of having diverse social groups cannot be overstated as it can enhance you overall experience. Arif Mohammad another junior at WVU said ' If you befriend everyone they're going to be cool. But they will hate on you if you make a pact of a race.'

Receptiveness

Not every country will welcome you with arms wide open. Countries vary in their level of receptiveness to foreigners and although some are built on immigrants, others are xenophobic. Sometimes it even varies in different parts of the same country. Be sure to check out the immigrant policy of your desired destination and Google research can come in handy as well. Make sure you new address is suitable for you and your aspirations.

Hard work

If you think you can make easy money overseas, then there's more substance to it. The pay scale might be better but on other side you might have to work even harder. There's no doubt people in developed countries are more skilled and proficient, so to compete with them we'll have to work harder than we do. Before seeking work it's important to make sure that we have the required skill sets to perform tasks. And with globalisation and changing markets, it's tougher than ever to find a job let alone retain it. Naser Chowdhury an Associate at the Royal Bank of Canada had to say ' People here are more professional. They mind their business and like to maintain balance between personal and work life. If they choose you for a job then they expect you to deliver.'

In the end make sure you're travelling for the right reasons. If your reason is to buy a sports car then you probably need to start all over again. Be open to the idea of adapting to new situations and embrace the change. Make friends, try new things but also make sure you have the right skills to survive and compete.

The writer is a freshman at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka