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Emigration check-list
Suss out the personal and the practical before you go.
According to figures published by Eurostat in July 2010, Ireland has the highest emigration rate in the EU. The figures are not set to change much either, with ESRI predicting that another 120,000 people will leave Ireland in 2010. So, emigration is becoming pretty common. Some people leave for a year or two to get work experience across the water in the UK. Others go further afield to places such as Australia or New Zealand. Don’t feel pressurised to go to Oz if everyone seems to be going though; the world is a big place.
Key Things to wrap up at home before you leave:
- Prepare well in advance. You don’t want to forget something important. It also gives you time to spend with your family and friends.
- Get your meds sussed. If you are on any regular medicines, get a three month supply to take with you. If you are worried about Customs, your G.P. can write a letter explaining what meds you are on and what dosages you take. Some countries are pretty strict about importing medicines, so a letter will make things easier.
- Make sure you have an up-to-date passport and don’t just look for it the night before you leave.
- Photocopy important documents such as passport, insurance, birth cert, work references and driving license.
- Do some reading on the country you are going to. You’re likely to make the most of being there if you have an idea of what’s on offer beforehand. Clueing up on cultural sensitivities could come in handy too.
- Suss your CV and make it work for the job market/country you are going to.
- Try and pay off any debts you have before you leave. Financial hangovers definitely put pressure on that you just don’t need.
- Make sure to book your flight well in advance. Knowing when you’re really going will help you plan practicalities and give you mental and emotional time to prep for the big move
- Give advance notice to your employer if you are working, and get your P45 before you leave. You’re likely to get a good reference if you thank them for your time with the company and then play up your desire to take on new challenges abroad.
- Get credit references from your bank/credit union. You may need them to set up an account in your new country.
- Cancel any regular standing orders/payments for rent, TV, gas, electricity, phone etc.
- Get some currency for the country you are going to.
- Mark the occasion in a meaningful way. This is a big milestone, and even though there may be mixed feelings around emigration, acknowledging this big move can make it seem less daunting. Throw a good-bye party or make a point to individually say your good-byes, whatever feels right to you.
Difficulties saying goodbye:
You may be leaving because you want to explore the world and see what’s out there. Or you may be leaving because funds are low and you need to go abroad to get a job. Either way, it can be difficult saying goodbye to loved ones. Even if you are going because you really want to, saying goodbye can still be heart wrenching.
Bear in mind that times have changed. With the advent of the Internet- you can now Skype, IM and e-mail every day if you like. Flights and sea fares are also much cheaper than they were in the past. So, you might not see your loved ones every day, but you still can keep in very regular contact.
Coming home:
You might end up loving where you land and simply have the time of your life. You may make your foreign land a new home. Or, you may decide to return home so that you can see your family regularly, spend time with an ill relative or take advantage of a great job opp. Or maybe you may just long for the green, green fields...
Returning home can be a big adjustment, what with looking for a new flat, sorting out your job, bills etc. So, take it slow, since it will be culture shock in reverse.
Whether you decide to stay or to go, remember that there is information and support available for you every step of the way. Check out our travel links for even more info.
More information:
Travel checklist
Travel health
