Have you been offered a job? Or perhaps you’re already employed and your boss has spotted just the kind of position and opportunity you’ve been waiting to take. The only issue is that the job is overseas. For most people, while a big decision, that’s the kind of chance that can’t be missed.

We all want to see more of the world and being able to do while being paid is a blessing. But it’s a blessing that can bring with it a few real challenges if you’re not prepared for it.

Make sure you’re ready

The logistics side of relocating for a job is the part of the move that most people will anticipate. However, it doesn’t hurt to ensure that you’re extra prepared. Make sure you’ve done thorough research not just on the job but on the kind of area you’re expected to move to. Inform yourself as much on what it will be like there so you’re not caught off guard by the new living situation.

It’s a good idea to get briefed on any differences in the law and to start learning the language if you’re moving somewhere that doesn’t share your mother tongue. Most importantly, save as much as you can while moving. It takes a decent amount of funding to set up in a new place.

Get it in writing

You need to make sure the road is paved as much as possible in preparation for your arrival. Your employer should be taking on the majority of the effort to ensure that you’re legally allowed to stay and to work where you’re going.

That said, it doesn’t hurt to have an immigration lawyer contacted before your start the process of moving. Applications to gain the right to live and work in another country aren’t always straightforward and you might need someone who has the experience of making a good case as to why you should be able to.

Similarly, you should start looking at legal requirements for gaining things like a driving license, especially if your work requires it.

Expect a culture shock

If you’re well on your way to getting the practicalities of relocating then you still need to think about what it will be like living there emotionally. Even countries that share a language and a great deal of their culture are going to have differences that can prove jarring to a newcomer. The might be differences in etiquette, differences in working styles, differences in how you’re expected to handle responsibilities.

While it can be a shock, working overseas is also a great opportunity to shake off some of the preconceived notions of work life that might have been holding you back before. Still, it pays to at least learn about etiquette and the like so you don’t embarrass yourself on your first day.

Working overseas can be a difficult time as well as an exciting one. Cutting all the red tape, ensuring you’re prepared to live comfortable in a new environment and getting used to the culture can take time. It’s the kind of opportunity that few get, however, so think twice about passing it up.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.