Ready to Start Life as a “Global Citizen”?
Lacking a specific residence and living in different countries at various times of the year can be a great way to motivate yourself to achieve more international travel. However, it also presents multiple logistical challenges that others do not face. Let’s look at what it takes to become a true global citizen.
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Health Considerations Before Moving Abroad
Health is probably the number one concern that you will have with the large amount of international travel you’ll be doing.
Always check the Centers for Disease Control website to find out about health warnings in any area where you will be spending a significant amount of time.
Global health insurance from International Insurance can help you on your journey, but it is essential to understand the type of healthcare available in each country.
In countries where expat communities are well-established, expat-focused care can be somewhat better than local care, but it is also significantly more expensive.
Become aware of your healthcare options, ensure that you stay up to date on any necessary vaccinations, and focus on preventive care in the first one to two years of your new lifestyle.
It will also be beneficial to cultivate healthy eating habits. In many countries, local approaches to food can be instructive.
Thinking of becoming an expat? Our in-depth guide on expat life covers what to expect while living abroad, how to start your journey, and the benefits and challenges of expat life. Get expert tips, practical advice, and guidance on choosing the best country for you.
Finding a Place to Live Abroad
Choosing a place to live relies on many factors, including the local culture, tax laws, property regulations, and whether you will be able to connect with a local expat community.
In the first year of your journey, being able to connect with others who share a similar background can help you navigate your new surroundings.
It is a good idea to consult with a tax planner and an attorney when considering which countries to visit and how long to stay; these experts will help you maximize your gains and minimize potential trouble.
Also, be aware of language barriers and how much effort you are willing to put into language study; it is difficult to get along in many countries without basic language skills.
Safety in a Global World
Safety is of paramount importance when you have a distributed, global lifestyle. In many countries, most crime, except for petty scams and theft, does not involve tourists.
However, once you plan to stay for an extended period, it becomes very important to understand your surroundings as a local would.
You can take a multifaceted approach to this. Start with forums on the Internet that can help you connect with locals and long-term visitors.
Get in touch with a real estate agent who speaks your language and specializes in your area of interest; even if you are not interested in the property, you can get a feel for a region, a city, or a neighborhood.
Also, look at the “big picture.” Countries that may seem stable on the surface could be more dangerous than they look.
Go online to review travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State to determine if you feel comfortable with the current situation. Additionally, study the nation’s politics and culture to understand the potential for conflict.
Keeping in Touch as a Global Citizen
Keeping in touch can be challenging depending on the telecommunications structures of your host country.
In many countries, you can easily acquire prepaid phone cards for calling friends and family; however, these can be expensive.
If your host country offers high-quality Internet service, consider exploring voice-over-IP programs that enable you to contact others abroad without incurring expenses on prepaid cards or an expensive phone.
If you have a generous budget, a satellite phone can facilitate easy connections with loved ones across multiple countries, but it is typically costly.
Culture Shock
Within a few “cycles” of traveling multiple countries, you will become used to some of the major quirks of each one. However, some things may take longer or may never feel quite “right.”
There are several ways to stave off culture shock, but be cautious about relying too heavily on the familiar. It’s a good idea to stay in touch with friends and family, and to cultivate friendships among local expats, but this will not help you become more accustomed to the local culture any faster.
Immerse yourself in local media, including newspapers and television. If there is a language barrier, begin your practice with basic information and commit to speaking with local people every day. They will often be glad to practice their English in return.
Also, avoid familiar chain restaurants and look for opportunities to “eat like a local,” assuming safe and sanitary conditions, of course. This alone will go a long way toward helping to shift your mindset.
One of my goals as head of International Insurance is to help people reach beyond what they know and challenge themselves to learn more about the world while doing so in a safe manner.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, I think you’ll find that the adventure is well worth it.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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