Immigration - the Pros and Cons
Your country may be in shambles. Or you're just in need of a change. After all, isn't a change as good as a holiday? Living in another country on a
permanent basis is whole different story. It takes at least 2 years to settle into your adoptive country. This should be reason enough to do some research about the country you wish to immigrate to, before you take the plunge. It certainly couldn't hurt.
So, you've called a consultant and you're ready to make the move. Not so quick tiger. Have you considered what the lifestyle is like in your chosen country? Do you know what the exchange rate is? Sure, you've always wanted to live in Antarctica, but are you sure you'll withstand the weather?
Let's face it
immigration is a huge choice to make. So, you'd better make the or you might end up kicking yourself.
There are a few questions you should ask yourself about a country before you decide to make it your home. Remember, you're making a long-term decision, so you'd better make the right choice.
Will I enjoy the culture?
Keep in mind, not only are you leaving your home country behind, you're leaving a culture behind. Research the lifestyle of the country. Ensure that you find it a comfortable transition. Is the lifestyle close to the lifestyle you're accustomed to? Consider whether the people are generally distant in you country of choice. If you're a warm, welcoming person that is used to borrowing a cup of sugar from your neighbours, then you should find a country that will accept your ways.
Is the weather tolerable?
If you were born and bred in sunny Cape Town, it may take some time before you warm up top the grey skies in London town. So, gather enough information that you possibly can about the weather in the country that you'd like to immigrate to. What's winter like over there? Of course, if you're planning to immigrate to Australia there are no worries for you!
What is the cost of living?
If you're immigrating, the last thing you want is to leave for a country that will cost a fortune to live in. For example, in 2006, in London, a six figure US salary will convert to about 52K sterling. In this instance, you could live well in London on that income as the average was about 30K.
What is the native language?
It makes sense to learn the native language. So, perhaps before you immigrate ensure that you at least are fluent in basic French (Canada immigration),or which ever language is used in the country. It will simply make the settling in a bit easier.
Is crime a huge problem in this country?
The most important factor is to ensure that you have a strong support base. Do you have family in your chosen country? Perhaps you have friends or work colleagues that reside there. Immigrating to another country is a major decision. It's certainly not a case of bag your bags and leave. So, now that you've made the life-changing decision to leave, perhaps it'll do you good to research a little more.
