8 things to consider before moving abroad

PTE Author
PTE Author
image- new world 1080px
Reading time: 6 minutes

There’s a lot to think about when moving overseas. Will you need health insurance? What identity documents will you need to apply for? And of course, where will you live and work?

We’ve been there, and we get it! That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 things to consider before moving abroad. Let’s take a look:  

1. Understand visa requirements

If you plan to move abroad for more than six months, you might need a visa to live, work or study. So before making any travel plans, you should visit your destination country’s immigration website to ensure you’re eligible for a visa – and understand all the requirements. Many governments, for example, require applicants to take an approved English language proficiency test like PTE Academic to study or work in the country.

If you’re looking for visa support, you may also decide to hire a registered migration agent. These are immigration professionals and can complete your visa application for you, help prepare documents, and provide advice throughout the application process.

You can more about specific visa requirements on these government websites:

You might be interested in reading our article: Should you hire a migration agent to move to Australia?  

2. Find out if you’re eligible to work 

Just because you’ve been granted a visa to live in a country, doesn’t mean you have the right to work full-time.

Many student visas put a cap on how many hours people can work. For example, in Australia students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. In the UK, students are able to work 20 hours per week during the semester. And in Malaysia, students can also work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks longer than eight days.

If you’re not on a student visa, it is likely you’ll have permission to work full-time. However, many countries require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you can.

In Canada, for example, permanent and temporary residents need to apply for a social insurance number after they land in the country, and it can take about 20 days to arrive.

3. Create a budget

Before moving to a new country, you should have some savings. In some cases, depending on your visa type and the country you’re moving to, you might be required to show proof of savings with your visa application.

Day-to-day living costs may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than anticipated to find a job – so it’s important to have money put away to help you settle in.

If you’re a student planning to move to Canada or the UK, we’ve put together some detailed guides that outline the living costs in each country: 

Many governments offer cost of living calculators online, which can be a great resource for new immigrants. Take a look at New Zealand’s cost of living tool, for example.

When you arrive, you’ll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically designed for newcomers and offer credit cards to help build credit history. 

4. Search for housing 

Looking for accommodation can be one of the most exciting parts of moving abroad. Once you find a place to call home, you’re able to really imagine what your new life will be like – you get to explore Google Maps from afar, check out neighborhood restaurants online, and plan where you might socialize with friends.

If you’re moving with a work visa, your new workplace might be able to help you find temporary accommodation. Likewise, if you’re moving abroad to study, your institution should offer housing options for international students – such as on-campus apartments or other homestay partnerships. It’s also a great idea to join local housing Facebook groups, where people post their apartments or houses for temporary or long-term rentals.

You might be interested in: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

5. Discover transportation options

Once you know where you’ll live, you can figure out how you’ll get around. Is your apartment close to public transportation? Or have you opted to live outside a city center, and will need to get around by car?

You could be able to drive with an international driver’s license right after landing abroad. But after a few months, lots of countries will require you to apply for a local driver’s license instead. If you’re moving to a country where it snows, it might also be a good idea to invest in driving lessons to learn how to drive safely on icy roads.

6. Apply for healthcare or insurance

You might not be automatically eligible for health coverage in your destination country, even if it offers universal healthcare to citizens.

In Canada, for example, each province administers its own publicly-funded healthcare. That means, if you’re a student, your eligibility for healthcare will depend on where you study. If you’re not eligible, your university should offer you insurance.

On the other hand, if you’re on a work visa or permanent resident visa, you may be able to apply for publicly-funded healthcare. But, there might be a waiting period before you’re able to have access – so it’s important to buy insurance to make sure you’re covered beforehand.

Always check with the local government in your destination country to see what your rights are regarding healthcare. It’s also important to research the mental health services that may be available once you arrive. If you’re a student, your university may offer counseling services on campus.  

7. Keep up to date with travel regulations

Travel regulations change quickly, so it’s essential to keep up to date on what you’ll need to do before – and after – arriving at your destination country.

Always consult the health authorities in the country you’re traveling to ensure you follow public health guidelines – and you’ll be allowed to enter the country. 

8. Don’t forget about the little things 

When moving abroad, we tend to focus on the big things – like housing, work, and healthcare. But there are lots of little things to think about, too! Remember to:

  • Close your utility accounts – like internet and hydro – before leaving home (and do it before the cut-off date, so you don’t get charged extra)

  • Unlock your mobile phone so you’ll be able to use a local SIM card, and get a power plug adapter for your charger if you need one.

  • Bring a few things that remind you of home and that you won’t be able to buy abroad. Something as simple as packing your favorite face wash or snack food can make a big difference when just starting to settle in.

Overall, getting a head-start on your travel preparations will help you to reduce stress and hit the ground running when you arrive.

Related Content

  • Image - firework
    10 British cultural events for international students
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    UK culture and traditions are rich and diverse – and it’s not all about drinking tea at 5 o’clock, we promise. There are lots of British festivals and events, and you’ll never find yourself stuck for things to see and do. If you’re studying at a British university, you’ll definitely want to make your time as memorable as possible.  

    That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best cultural events and festivals in the UK. You can take a break from your studies and go exploring at weekends throughout the academic year.  

    With everything from flower shows to fashion shows - you’re sure to find a UK festival that suits you.  

    Read on to discover the best 10 British cultural events for international students. 

    1. London Fashion Week  

  • Image - online meeting
    How to prepare for your UK university interview
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Do interviews make you nervous? You feel under the spotlight. Every answer is important – and it’s even scarier when something big is at stake, like a place at your dream university.

    But college interviews really don’t have to be nerve-wracking!  

    First, remember that not every UK university or subject will ask you to do an admissions interview. Only some universities, like the University of Oxford, Imperial College London and University College London always interview their applicants.  

    For others, it will depend on the course you are taking. Dentistry, teaching, social work and medicine, tend to feature admissions interviews, for example.  

    In this guide, we’ll share some interview tips for freshers, so you’ll feel fully prepared by the day of your university interview. You’ll soon be able to leave your nerves behind and walk into the interview room with confidence.  

    1. Take care of the practical preparation 

    If you’re attending an in-person interview, research how to travel there and make sure you have your ticket organized. It might even be worth doing a trial run a few days before. This will  just to make sure you know exactly where you’re going.  

    University campuses can be confusing, and departments can be spread out over different buildings. So, make sure you know the exact street address, floor and office number where your university interview is being held.  

    What if you are doing an online university interview? Well, the standard Zoom interview tips apply! Make sure that your laptop is connected to charge, that your microphone is working properly, that you have a good Wi-Fi signal and a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. You might also want to set up a neutral virtual background, if you think your surroundings look unprofessional. That way, you won’t get distracted during the interview and you’ll be able to do your best to answer the student interview questions you’ll be asked.  

    It’s also a good idea to do a bit of research into the academics who will be interviewing you. You don’t have to read all their published works, but showing that you are at least familiar with their research will create a good impression. It will tell them that you have a genuine interest in the subject and in their work.  

    On that note, it’s important to dress smartly. You don’t need to wear a suit, but wearing something smart like a shirt or a blouse shows that you are taking the interview seriously and that you want to give the interview panel a good impression.  

    2. Prepare some relevant student interview questions and answers  

    Preparation is key when it comes to how to impress in an interview. That being said, it’s not a good idea to learn answers off by heart. Even if the exact question you have prepared for comes up, you’ll be so focused on trying to remember your answer that your answer will seem stilted. It’s better to make notes about the things you’d like to talk about, and then your answers will flow more naturally, and you’ll be able to convey your enthusiasm and excitement.  

    So, what are some common student interview questions that you might be asked? Let’s take a look: 

    • Tell us about yourself.  

    • Why do you want to study at this university? 

    • Why have you applied to study this particular course?  

    • What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?  

    • Tell us about someone you admire.

    • What would you like to be doing ten years from now?

    • What are you reading at the moment?

    • What do you like doing in your free time?

    • What will you contribute to our institution?  

    When you’re preparing, it’s important to remember there are no right or wrong answers. The interviewers want to get to know you, so try to give full, detailed answers to the questions. The final question you are likely to be asked is:  

    • Do you have any questions for us?  

    It’s really important to prepare some thoughtful questions for your student interview panel in response. This is where your research can come in handy! You can ask the panel about their work and how it informs the course, or any questions you have about the university.  

    A well-informed question shows the panel that you are well-prepared and you’ve done your research. Again, this will create a good impression.  

    And if there is a question you don’t understand, don’t panic! Just ask the interviewer to repeat the question, or ask for clarification. Likewise, if you make a mistake when you’re speaking, try not to worry or get embarrassed. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes - even fluent English speakers!  

    3. Read over your personal statement just before the interview  

    Your personal statement is what got you the interview, and it’s likely to set the agenda for the conversation. So, it’s a good idea to read it over before your interview as part of your interview preparation, and remind yourself of the talking points.  

    Your interviewers will refer to the things that you said in your personal statement when they are asking you questions, so it’s worth refreshing your memory - after all, you probably wrote it a few months ago.  

    Rereading your personal statement will also help you feel more confident. It will remind you of everything you’ve achieved so far. Seeing your qualifications, talents and attributes written down in black and white can have a powerful effect. It will help you to shake off any lingering imposter syndrome and you’ll go into the interview feeling that you deserve to be there.  

    Get tips on how to write a great personal statement for your UCAS application.  

    4. Do a power pose 

    Research has found that power posing - standing in an open, expansive stance for two minutes - can change your body chemistry and make you feel more confident. In a job interview experiment, researchers found that people who did a two minute power pose before the interview projected more confidence, seemed less flustered, and were more dynamic and enthusiastic when speaking. As a result, the interviewers scored their performance higher than people who didn’t do the power pose.  

    So even if you’re doing an interview over Zoom, it’s worth doing a power pose beforehand. Just stand with your legs wide apart and your arms held up and out in a wide, expansive pose. The idea is to take up as much space as possible. Hold this pose for two minutes - and you’ll be ready to impress!  

    Learn more 

    If you need to prove your level of English as part of the UCAS application process, PTE Academic can help you. You’ll typically receive your score in typically just 48 hours, and PTE Academic is accepted by the UK Home Office for student visas, as well as by 99% of universities in the UK.  

    Learn more about how PTE Academic can help you achieve your dream of living and studying in the United Kingdom.

  • Image - A man accepting job offer
    Employment opportunities for postgraduate students in the UK
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Studying in the United Kingdom opens doors for international students. With the right to work during your studies, you’ll have the chance to gain valuable work experience before graduation.  

    But what if you decide you want to stay and work in the UK after your studies? Now, it’s easier than ever to find graduate jobs in the UK, thanks to recent visa changes.  

    Let’s explore what this new UK government initiative means for finding a job after graduating.  

    How to work in the UK after graduating

    You can start your career off with the Graduate Route. Since July 2021, International students have been allowed to spend an additional two years in the UK after successfully completing their degrees. It’s an unsponsored route: this means you don’t need a job offer or funding to apply. 

    You’ll be able to search for a job and get professional experience of the UK job market before returning to your own country.  

    If you decide to remain in the UK and pursue your career after your visa expires, you’ll be able to switch from the Graduate route to the Skilled Worker route.  

    As long as you meet the relevant requirements, the Skilled Worker route allows you to work in the UK for a further five years. It allows you to stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa also contributes to settlement rights – meaning you may be able to apply to live permanently in the UK.  

    Read more about the different types of Visas available in the UK.  

    Employment opportunities in the UK 

    Now that working in the UK after your degree is easier than ever before, what kind of graduate jobs are available?  

    The jobs market in the UK is full of opportunities for international students. After all, the UK economy is the fifth biggest in the world. And, there are certain fields which are crying out for workers.  

    It’s certainly helpful to know what’s available for you when it comes to your graduate job search in the UK. Science technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers in the UK are in especially high demand.  

    Let’s take a look at some of the STEM jobs on the UK Shortage Occupation list:  

    Graduate jobs in the sciences 

    If you have recently graduated with a degree in the sciences, then you’re in luck. There are lots of science jobs in the UK for graduates. The nuclear industry, the oil and gas industry, and the engineering industry need people in the following roles:  

    • Chemical scientists 

    • Biological scientists and biochemists 

    • Geologists and geophysicists 

    • Hydrogeologists  

    • Geoscientists and geochemists 

    It’s good news for students planning to study biology, physics, chemistry, or geology. Your knowledge and skills will be in demand after you graduate!  

    Find out more about studying the sciences in the UK.  

    Graduate jobs in engineering  

    Engineers of all kinds are always in high demand in a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing to construction to retail. Most undergraduate engineering degrees require you to specialize in mechanical engineering, for example, or electronic engineering. But there are some general engineering degrees where you can specialize later in your studies, once you’ve decided where your interests lie.  

    Once you graduate, there’s a shortage in the UK of the following:  

    • Civil engineers 

    • Mechanical engineers 

    • Electrical engineers 

    • Electronics engineers 

    • Design and development engineers 

    • Production and process engineers 

    Find out more about studying engineering in the UK.  

    Graduate jobs in the tech world 

    Studying computer science or software engineering is a good choice if you want to future-proof your career. Nowadays, technology is all around us, underpinning our everyday life.  

    With a computer science degree, you can work in virtually any sector. The following jobs are in high demand:  

    • IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers 

    •  Programmers and software development professionals 

    • Web design and development professionals 

    Learn more about studying computer science in the UK. 

    Graduate jobs in the arts   

    It’s not just science and technology jobs that are in demand in the UK. The creative industries are also looking for skilled practitioners to work within the UK in the following roles:  

    • Artists 

    • Classical ballet dancers 

    • Contemporary dancers  

    • Orchestral musicians  

    • Arts officers, producers, and directors  

    • Graphic designers 

    • Architects  

    If you’re studying in a creative field, you’ll have lots of opportunities to work in the UK after graduating. Learn more about studying the creative arts, design, music, or architecture in the UK.  

    Discover 5 more graduate jobs in demand in the UK.  

    How PTE Academic can help you study in the UK 

    If you want to study at a university in the UK, you’ll need to attend lectures, participate in seminars and tutorials, write essays, and complete assignments — all in English. So, you’ll need to show that you have good language skills.  

    PTE Academic is a robust, reliable test of English that’s accepted by 99% of universities in the UK, as well as the UK Home Office. So, you can also use your PTE Academic score to apply for a UK student visa. 

    Learn more about studying in the UK with PTE Academic.