Living and working in a foreign country may be the next big adventure you are waiting for. Being immersed in completely different surroundings, new culture, new language is undoubtedly a thrilling experience. However, whatever pleasant things you may experience, there should be coupled with a sense of responsibility.
The idea of working abroad is getting more common as countries become more open to foreign workers. Trade and geopolitical relationships between nations have improved through the years, thus increasing foreign workers’ and visitors’ exchange. Plane tickets are also becoming more available by the year.
One can also research the chosen host country through different sources. Nevertheless, since you are working overseas, you need to be careful every step of the way. Being mindful will enable you to protect yourself fully and enjoy this brand-new experience. Here are a few tips.
Be aware of the political and public health climate of your host country.
Before signing up for any contract, you must conduct intensive research on your host country’s current political climate. Consider doing a study on any manifestation of a coup, corruption, an emerging war, or its citizens’ civil disobedience. Currently, the Covid-19 virus has taken a worldwide toll. You may also want to research the intensity of spreading the virus in the city you have chosen. Doing this research will help you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the challenges you are about to face there.
Get to know its public transportation.
Basic knowledge on the list of the safest and most effective means of transportation in a particular country is essential to avoid accidents and untoward situations. Knowing these modes of transportation will also let you know the cheapest and most accessible type in the area you are going. What are your best choices of transportation in getting around that area? Will it be better to take a bus, train, subway, or monorail? Learn which of these options is the safest and farthest from pickpockets and the most efficient.
Be familiar with common laws and social practices.
Remember, you are not in your country anymore. As an expatriate, you have to respect your host country’s local norms, mores, and social practices. Is there any unique practice that you have to learn? Is public intoxication allowed? Are there driving patterns and behaviors while inside public transportation that you have to observe? Educating yourself of these things will keep you away from trouble. You don’t want another stubborn foreigner who got spend some hours in jail for not following a traffic sign! Once you touch ground in a new country, you are a recipient of its laws and must obey them every time.
Secure your travel documents and work credentials.
From the moment you get inside an airplane heading to another country, you must ensure that you have your travel documents and work credentials safe and secure. Ensure that you keep these essential papers in a different pouch or bag held in a conspicuous part of your suitcase. The bag should also be efficient enough to provide a separate room for your cash, credit cards, passports, identification cards, and work visas. Scan each document and upload them to your mailbox for future backup.
Choose ground transportation in advance before landing at the airport.
As a foreigner, you may feel unsure on which ground transportation is the safest at the airport. You may research information about this to avoid getting lost and being a victim of scams and pickpockets. Be assertive in asking questions to your employer. It is best if the employer will provide transportation to pick you up at the airport or during the first few days of your stay in the country. Upon landing at the airport, be watchful of your belongings. Ensure that you do not carry anything in your back pocket that may attract bad guys to rob you.
While you are working in another country, you must never forget about your friends and family you have left behind. Let them know any updates on your welfare and your job situation. Relaying information to them is also for your safety. In the case of unforeseen incidents, their stories will serve as evidence and will help locate you. Also, get hold of emergency numbers abroad. Keep a list of phone numbers of your country’s embassy, the police station, and the agency that recruited you for the job.
And, don’t forget to blend in. Of course, integrating into a new culture would require sufficient knowledge of social practices and a code of conduct that you will learn through time. Dress like a local and act a local. And, remember to enjoy your stay there and relish this new experience.
Meta title: Safety Methods You Should Learn When Working Abroad
Meta desc: Working abroad is a fun and thrilling experience. You need to learn its laws, norms, and social practices to protect yourself from public faux pas.
