Moving to Europe is one of the most interesting and exciting things a person can do, but you cannot do it quickly or without consideration. Whether going to Europe to learn a new language, work, or study, preparing yourself and anticipating some of the challenges you may face is crucial.
Notably, the shifting process can be hectic and requires adequate preparation. This article will outline eight things to do before moving to Europe.
1. Understand visa requirements
If you intend to stay in Europe for more than six months, you may need a visa to live, work, or study. So, before making any travel plans, check the immigration website to ensure you’re eligible for a visa and understand all of the requirements. Many governments, for example, require applicants to take an approved English language proficiency test, such as PTE Academic, to study or work in a country.
You could also hire a registered migration agent if you need visa assistance. These are immigration professionals who can help you complete your visa application, prepare documents, and provide advice throughout the process.
However, you can relieve this burden by contacting a moving company. International Van Lines can assist you at every stage of your long-distance or international move. Their national moving services cover the entire continental United States; hence they can assist with the removals to Europe from the US and serve over 140 countries worldwide.
2. Search for Housing
Finding suitable housing can be one of the most exciting aspects of moving to Europe. You can imagine your new life once you’ve found a place to call home. If you’re moving on a work visa, your new employer can assist you in finding temporary housing.
Similarly, if you’re going to study, your university should provide housing options for international students, such as on-campus apartments or other homestay partnerships. Joining local housing Facebook groups, where people post their apartments or houses for temporary or long-term rentals, is also a good idea.
3. Apply for healthcare or insurance
Even if your destination country provides universal healthcare, you may not be automatically eligible for health coverage.
For example, each province is responsible for its own publicly funded healthcare system in Europe. That means your healthcare eligibility will be determined by where you study if you’re a student. If you are ineligible, your university should provide you with insurance.
You can apply for publicly funded healthcare if you have a work visa or a permanent resident visa. However, there may be a waiting period before you can gain access, so buying insurance ahead of time is important to ensure you’re covered.
4. Learn the language
It’s always a good idea to learn the language of the country you’re moving to; most European countries have their native language unless you’re studying in London. Learning the local language, even if only the basics at first, will keep you from feeling lost and alone in a strange new country.
It may be tempting to pick up a language book from a nearby store, but you’re unlikely to learn much. Instead, we recommend enrolling in a proper language class, preferably one-on-one. Language is complex, and classes will provide experienced tutors to assist you with your pronunciation and encourage you.
5. Pick up a new camera
You can skip this step if you already have a good DSLR camera or aren’t a self-proclaimed shutterbug. Those of you who enjoy taking pictures and have been debating whether or not to purchase a camera should do so right now.
Moving to Europe will provide you with new scenery and experiences that you will undoubtedly want to remember. The latest camera models now include built-in Wi-Fi, making it simple to share your photos directly to Facebook or Instagram on your phone.
6. Get familiar with the local transportation options
Understanding the local transportation system and knowing where their supermarkets and budget-friendly restaurants are is critical to assist you in settling into your new environment. Some foreign transportation systems operate differently than you are accustomed to. For example, if you’re traveling by bus or train in Italy, you must validate your ticket by having it stamped with the date and time, or you’ll be fined. Investigating and comprehending the transportation system will also assist you in determining the best place to live in terms of accessibility and affordability.
7. Get a no-fee credit card
When it comes to international ATM withdrawals and debit card services, most banks charge a variety of fees. Call your bank and ask for a breakdown of the various charges for your current account and cards and whether there is a way to reduce or eliminate those charges. If that is not possible, look for other banks that will open a bank account in Europe and apply for a credit card there.
8. Figure out your communication plan
The internet makes communication extremely simple these days, but things become a little more difficult when you don’t have a working phone in a foreign country. Determine how you will notify your family that you have arrived safely and what you will do about getting a phone once you arrive in Europe. It’s fairly simple and inexpensive to obtain a pay-as-you-go SIM card that will fit in your smartphone (if it’s unlocked).
Bottomline
After reading this list of things to do before moving to Europe, hopefully, you’re feeling energized and motivated to start crossing things off your list before boarding that plane. Enjoy the excitement of the planning stage, complete small tasks daily, and before you know it, the departure day will arrive, and you’ll be ready to go. Moving to Europe is an exciting and rewarding adventure, and while nothing can be planned for, a little forethought never hurts anyone.
