I’ve been living abroad for several years now – in a bunch of different countries. If you’re thinking of moving to another country or if you wish to experience something new, you’ll love this post. Below, you’ll find the best reasons to move to another country including some advantages and tips.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the reasons to move to another country and what you can expect abroad.

By the end of this post, you should find plenty of good ways to leave your country if you’ve been wondering “How can I move abroad” or “Should I move to another country“.

You’ll also find tips to start your expat journey.

moving abroad

Moving To Another Country For A Job

One of the main reasons why people move to another country is for work. Whether it’s to go on a working holiday visa or simply accept a promotion overseas, it’s a great way to get started.

Knowing that you’ll have a job to go to when you move to a different country will help you feel safe. It can allow you to live abroad for a while or even permanently.

Although, it can be hard to apply for a job abroad. You may need to go through a long interview process. It could be easier if you have a special skill that is hard to find.

If you wish to do a working holiday visa, you could take a look at the options in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. These programs usually allow you to stay 1 or 2 years and it’s relatively easy to find a job there especially if you speak English.

You can learn more about the working holiday visa in Australia here.

Moving To Another Country To Study

Another popular way to move abroad is by studying overseas. Whether it’s only for one semester or for a few years, it’s an excellent way to learn more about another culture, and travel while being a student

Many European students can do a semester abroad via Erasmus. When I was living in Bali, I also met many students doing their internships there.

Not only does it look good on a resume, but allows you to experience life outside your comfort zone, learn a new language, and make friends abroad.

Another alternative to consider is to study a language abroad or even a sport. For example, Thailand offers long-term visas for those who want to learn the Thai language or Muay Thai.

Moving To Another Country For Retirement

Many people decide to move abroad once they are retired. It can be easy to find destinations with special visas for those who want to buy a property abroad or simply retire there.

There’s no surprise that many people opt for sunny destinations as retirement destinations. Think of the Carribeans, Thailand, and Portugal.

Moving To Another Country For A Better Life

If you’re in search of a better life, it can be a great reason to move to a different country. This is why many people decide to work remotely or become digital nomads so they can have more freedom and decide where to live whenever they want.

Some people will relocate to find a place with a lower cost of living, with better weather conditions, or simply to escape a life they don’t enjoy. Moving abroad is the best way to get a fresh start.

This is the reason why I moved abroad in the first place. I was after a better life, new experiences, and new challenges. I first moved to Australia, and then, I became a digital nomad.

Moving To Another Country For A Relationship

The final reason to move abroad is for love. When you fall in love with a foreigner, you may do everything you can so you can stay together. By relocating, you could get a residency abroad so you can be closer to your partner.

Many people do not enjoy being in a long-distance relationship, so when possible, moving abroad to be together is an excellent alternative.

moving to Bansko

Tips For Moving To Another Country

Now that you know the reasons to move to another country, you may be wondering how easy it is to move abroad. For some, it is going to be tough, and for others, it will be easy!

Below, you’ll find our top tips to help you get started with your expat journey.

How Hard Is It To Move To Another Country?

It’s not hard, but it can be challenging for some. For example, visas can be hard to get and many will give up because the process can be challenging and complicated.

Moving to another country has been easy for me because I’ve done it several times. I always had great reasons to move to a different country and I kept that in mind when facing new challenges.

If you’re strongly motivated to succeed, you will.

Things To Consider When Moving To Another Country

Now if you’re still deciding whether or not you wish to move to a different country, note that there are a few things to consider when picking a destination where to live.

  • Long-term visa
  • Expat community
  • Cost of living
  • Language
  • Cultural differences
  • Long-term rental or process to buy a property as a foreigner
  • Job
  • Etc.

Researching your destination is an important step because you can’t simply move anywhere without the proper visa, or a place to live. There are a lot of steps needed when moving overseas, and it’s important to know what to look for.

On our website, we cover lots of expat destinations, so you may be able to find information on how to move to a different country in our “Living Abroad” section.

Final Thoughts On Reasons For Moving To Another Country

In the end, if you really want to move abroad and you’re not really sure where to start, these reasons can help you figure out a way to live in another country. Make sure to take a look at our checklist before moving to another country.

On A Broken Backpack, you’ll find plenty of guides to learn how to move to Vietnam, Bulgaria, and more.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

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