Traveling without a travel agent can save you a decent amount of money. However, this way to travel to another country is fraught with many pitfalls. If you are ready to take the risk and go on a trip on your own, we have created a reminder for you that will tell you what you need to remember before the trip.

Paperwork

Decor necessary documents before the trip is the most important moment. Before you buy tickets and book a hotel, find out what documents are required to visit the selected country.

For trips around Russia, you will need a citizen's passport Russian Federation, but in order to go abroad - international passport and in most cases a visa.

There are a number of countries where you can enter without a visa, but before leaving, it is still better to check with the embassy once again the list of documents required for the trip in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. If there are usually no problems with obtaining a foreign passport, then there may be difficulties in obtaining a visa. In order not to encounter them, be sure to go to the website of the authority issuing visas to visit the country of your choice, download full list documents and specify how long it may take to receive it. For some countries, this period may be delayed for several months.

After Required documents will be collected, your further actions will depend on the embassy of the chosen state: sometimes you can send all the completed papers and scans by e-mail, in some cases you will need your personal presence. It also happens that the embassy requires in advance to obtain a visa approximate route of your trip and a confirmed hotel reservation, then you will need to complete the following steps from our checklist before submitting your documents.

Medical insurance

Many people think that the design medical insurance is a waste of money. But do not forget that no one is insured against illness and injury, and if something happens to you during the trip, you may not receive appropriate medical care or spend much more money on it than insurance would cost. Even if you have excellent health, there is always a risk of getting poisoned by an unusual stomach of exotic food or suffering from the bites of local insects. Therefore, it is better to play it safe.

Transport

At a time when the Internet had not yet conquered the world, it could be difficult to buy tickets for a plane, train or ship. Now there are many sites where you can see the schedule of all existing flights, compare prices, choose the most comfortable seat and buy tickets without leaving your home. Before buying tickets, you can chat on the forums or in social network with people who have already been to the country you are interested in - they can suggest something useful, especially if you need some additional transport to get from the airport or train station to the place where you plan to live.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the transport routes of the selected city in advance in order to roughly imagine how you will move from place to place during your vacation. Find out the prices for local transport, download the timetable you need and be sure to buy a guide with routes, or install a navigator application on your smartphone. Be sure to look at websites dedicated to traveling to your chosen country, read people's reviews about the difficulties that arose during their trip and think through all the little things that you may encounter.

Hotel reservation

You can now book a hotel room, like tickets, without leaving your home, with payment on the spot, or in advance through a bank card or online payment services. There are many sites where you can find suitable hotels according to the parameters you set, such as the number of stars, the availability of amenities in the room, free wi-fi, breakfast included in the price and any other criteria. Almost all such sites publish honest traveler reviews, which are also worth reading so as not to run into poor-quality service. Thanks to such sites, you do not even need to call the hotel - booking takes place directly on the site.

Excursions

When booking a trip through a travel agency, you will most likely be offered several excursions included in the tour price, but since everyone has different interests, you may not like them. Independent travel is a great opportunity to visit where you really want to. You can independently find information on the Internet about the sights of the country or city you are going to, see how to get to them on public transport, find out how much entrance tickets cost and plan your travel itinerary. You can also easily find reviews and tips from travelers who have already been there. If you need a guided tour, you can also order it via the Internet by entering the city you are interested in or the name of the attraction in the search query. There are many private guides and excursion companies from which you can order an excursion not only in advance, but also 1-2 days in advance, i.e. do so when you arrive.

Nutrition

It would seem that everything is simple with food: restaurants, cafes and shops in bulk in any city. However, it is better to deal with this issue in advance. Look at the map on the Internet, find out which catering outlets and shops are located near your hotel. Read the reviews of travelers, and you will be surprised: even in the same city in different cafes, the cost of approximately the same dish can vary significantly, and if your goal is to save money on vacation, then it is better to plan in advance for yourself a list of places worth visiting for lunch or dinner.

The language barrier

For traveling abroad, this is a very important point. If you have traveled to another country alone, you need to know at least a basic knowledge of the basics, if not state language places where you are going, then at least the most common English. Even if you always had an “excellent” mark in a foreign language at school, still do not be too lazy to take a tourist phrasebook with the most common words and expressions, because you may need to ask for directions or find out the price of the item you like in the store.

Money

Think in advance how you will pay in local transport, cafes and shops. The best way is to take with you a bank card that is accepted for payment in any country in the world, and, of course, some cash in cash for small expenses, such as transport, tips, buying souvenirs at the local market. Just in case, it’s better not to keep cash with a bank card, in this case, if you lose your wallet or card, you will still have some kind of reserve finance.

Safety

Read in advance about the criminal situation in the area and city where you are going to live. It is best to rely on the reviews of people who have been there - they will give the most practical advice on this matter. If there are pickpockets in the local market, it is unlikely that they will write about this on the information portal, but it will be easy to learn about this from tourists who encountered them during the trip.

Before traveling to exotic countries, carefully familiarize yourself with the dangerous insects and reptiles that live there in order to avoid their bites and attacks, and also stock up on special protective equipment, which you can also learn about from the stories of “experienced” travelers.

mobile connection

We are always worried when our relatives and friends are far away from us. Do not forget to activate roaming before the trip or, upon arrival, buy a SIM card from a local operator. Firstly, in case of urgent need, you can always call, and secondly, your loved ones will not worry about you.

Generally solo travel is an excellent choice for those who want to save money, create their own individual trip program and are not afraid of possible difficulties.

With the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year, dozens of foreigners went to Russian schools, and dozens of Russian schoolchildren went to study abroad. In this case, we are not talking about the children of diplomats or migrants, but about participants in international school exchanges. How and for what can I exchange within the framework of the program?

With the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year, dozens of foreigners went to Russian schools, and dozens of Russian schoolchildren went to study abroad. In this case, we are not talking about the children of diplomats or migrants, but about participants in international school exchanges. What is the oldest AFS exchange program, what countries does it send children to, what is the difference between commercial and non-commercial exchange programs - Russian representatives of AFS told Letidor about this.

For the first time in the world, a school exchange was conducted by the organization AFS (American field service), which is almost 100 years old. It was created by several young Americans in 1914, when the first World War. Today they would be called idealists - 15 people without influence and power in the midst of military chaos, who decided that they needed to act on their own for the speedy onset of peace. The guys bought several vans, converted them into ambulances and went to the front with a firm condition: not to take up arms, not to interfere in the course of hostilities and to provide assistance to every wounded man, regardless of which side he is fighting on.

Surprisingly, the idea turned out to be not so naive - both in the military and in Peaceful time more and more new volunteers came to AFS, and by the mid-40s there were already about 2000 of them, and not only in Europe - after all, both the United States and Asian states participated in World War II ...

In 1947, a seemingly insane thought arose: here are recent enemies, but let their children make friends. And the enthusiasts succeeded again. 50 children from devastated Europe went to the States for a whole year to settle in American families and study in schools.

historical fact The first school exchange took place 65 years ago. Today there are 56 participating countries in the program, and 20 years since Russia is one of them.

What is it for students and their parents? The program is designed primarily for teenagers aged 15-18. Children go to another country, live in a family as a son or daughter (and with responsibilities!) and attend a local school. Similarly, foreign students live with Russian families and study in schools. Moreover, this is not an exchange “family for family” or “school for school”, many families only send or only accept a participant.

Packing a suitcase for your child and sending it somewhere for a whole year is not only psychologically difficult, but also scary. As well as letting someone else's child into your house with your habits and troubles. And why!? Not in order to learn a foreign language or look after a university for further study. The AFS program is sometimes compared to a tough but effective way to learn how to swim by throwing it off a boat. Willy-nilly, a schoolboy (often yesterday's sissy) learns to make decisions on his own and confront difficulties, and of course there are many difficulties - and returns home as a self-sufficient, formed personality.

But the most important thing that everyone knows in words, but almost no one in practice is the understanding that all people are different, and this is normal. That there is no unambiguous “good” or “bad” and that there are much more halftones than it seems. In applied terms, all these "intercultural" skills greatly facilitate communication, career and further adult life for young people. Over the years, impressive statistics have accumulated - former program participants, who have long been big boys and girls, now occupy leadership positions, run their own businesses, work in governments and administrations, and one even became the president of the state.

Of course, a year in a foreign country is not an uncontrolled solo voyage, the host country provides constant support.

By the way, the "volunteer" principle of AFS work has not changed in 100 years - most of the AFS employees are volunteers and do not receive money. Peace in the world - the idea, of course, is wonderful, but rather abstract - mostly volunteers come to AFS for the sake of communication, the opportunity to "see people and show themselves." Host families also do not receive material rewards for participating in the program, but there are always enough willing ones.

For those who think "what if it's interesting?" or “can this be useful to me / my children in some way?”, many questions arise. She answered some of them in an interview with Letidor Nonna Yakovlevna Kovrizhnykh, executive director of the Interculture Foundation (Russian branch of AFS).

- What are the options for exchange programs today?

There is actually only one option. Participants travel to another country, live with a host family, and go to school. The duration of the program depends primarily on the characteristics of the educational system of the host country - it can be an academic year (about 10.5 months), a semester (5.5 months) or a trimester (up to 90 days).

It is necessary to clarify that it is not families or schools that are exchanging, countries are exchanging - it is not at all necessary that the participant's family hosts a foreign student. Admission and referral to AFS are not directly related.

A lot has changed in our country in 20 years. Have the preferences of the parents of program participants changed over this period?

Lots of changes. In the past, for example, most parents sought to send their children to the United States. Interest in the United States has remained, but now the countries of Europe are in priority, countries are becoming more and more popular Latin America and Asia, especially China and Japan. Even 5 years ago, the direction to Indonesia or India seemed exotic, but now it is becoming the norm. Next year, Russian children will go to Malaysia and the Philippines. In total, the fund today works with 31 states.

It is especially pleasant and important for us that the motivations of children and parents have changed (especially parents, since they are the ones who make the final decision). At the very beginning of AFS in Russia, everyone, one hundred percent of the participants saw the point only in learning a foreign language. But language is the means, not the end, of the program. Parents are increasingly counting on the fact that the child will grow up sooner, broaden his horizons, and learn to be independent. Many people talk about competitiveness in adult life, about “not sitting on the neck”, about new opportunities for the child after the end of the program.

- What are the possibilities?

First of all, life experience. Purpose, if you will. Adolescents are able to choose their own way of life, with the support of their parents, but not blindly “I will be a doctor, like a mother” or “I will become a diplomat, this is prestigious”, but consciously, taking into account their inclinations and weaknesses.

But there are also quite practical moments. Foreign language in a year it is mastered to perfection, and if it is a rare or little demanded language, then it can become a profession. None of the participants after the program had any problems with graduating from a Russian school, everyone who wanted to entered Russian universities. Some decide to continue their education abroad and become students there - usually in the Czech Republic, Scandinavia, Germany. But this, of course, depends only on the desire and activity of the participant himself.

There are many organizations that deal with school exchanges, what are the specifics of AFS? Can you talk about the benefits of your program?

There is specificity, and again both in the emotional and in the domestic sphere. 99% of organizations conducting school exchanges are commercial. This means that families and schools accept participants for a fee. Unlike the AFS program, where the child becomes not a source of income, but a real family member. Just like his own children, he washes dishes, or walks with a dog - as is customary in the house. Parents will forbid and allow him the same as their son or daughter.

The child does not feel like a guest in a hotel, and parents do not feel like service personnel. In a family “for money”, such feelings are inevitable, even if the relationship has developed the warmest.

AFS is not a travel agency, and the fashionable term "educational tourism" does not apply to us. As for more mundane issues, due to the age of the organization, a well-established scheme for supporting participants during the program has developed over the years: there are international standards for preparing for programs, each student has his own “adviser” from the AFS of the host country.

- And for those who travel abroad, the program is paid?

The program, of course, has a "cost", which depends on the country of destination - air tickets, visas, insurance - everything costs money. The program is paid for by a charitable contribution, both from the host countries or sponsoring companies, and from individuals - including parents.
Interkultura constantly holds competitions, the winners of which receive scholarships and grants. This year - 37 participants out of 93.

In any case, all participants go through a fairly rigorous selection, testing and interview, it is simply impossible to “pay and go”.

- Is it possible to participate in the program for students under 15 years old?

Direction to another country is possible only for high school students over 15 years old. The minimum age depends on the host country - for example, in Japan, the "high" school starts at 15, and in Switzerland at 16. And in Russia, please. Children from Russian host families and schools where foreigners study participate in many of our activities.

For example, now together with the Swiss Embassy we are holding a competition for schoolchildren starting from the age of 13. The winners will have a trip to Moscow and a gala dinner with the ambassador.

Everyone has their own reasons for this. One is tired of the routine and wants adventure. Others, on the contrary, crave peace and relaxation from exhausting work on vacation.

See new.

One of the most common reasons why every year we go on vacation abroad is the desire to look at a different life of other people who are different from us. The desire to see the new lies deep in the human mind. It was it that in ancient times moved many pioneers.

Find adventure.

Climb high mountains, explore the jungle, raft fast river or travel the whole country by car - the thirst for adventure drives many travelers. Often, such people perceive the train abroad as a contrast to the gray monotony of everyday work or a small escape from everyday life, which seems to them dull and monotonous. The main companion of such travelers is a good camera, and they then describe their adventures in blogs and forums.

Immerse yourself in tranquility.

These tourists are the exact opposite of the previous description. On vacation, they want to take a break from everyday stress, work stress and everyday problems. Travelers, driven by this motive, choose a calm and unhurried beach holiday. They spend their entire vacation relaxing slowly on the seashore, in good hotel all-inclusive, only occasionally going on excursions. Relaxing in the spa and cruising from the buffet to the pool, they plunge into a pleasantly apathetic state, as if accumulating strength for the next six months of work. “On vacation you need to rest” is the favorite motto of tourists who want to immerse themselves in tranquility.

Rethink life.

Some go on vacation to other countries in order to rethink their lives. Perhaps these people are planning significant changes in their work or personal life in the near future, and now they want to calmly think things over in a new environment. Our other compatriots go on a journey with a conscious or subconscious thought to find a more suitable place of residence and move in the future to one country or another for a completely or for a long time.

Have fun with company.

“It's great that we are all here today,” is the motto of companion travelers. The main thing on vacation for them is to chat with friends and have fun all together. Bosom friends prefer to have fun to the fullest and stock up on impressions from an unbridled vacation for the year ahead.

Tell friends.

This is one of the most mysterious reasons for traveling, colloquially called "show-offs". Travelers driven by such a reason, in fact, do not really understand why they should go on holiday abroad. However, they see that it is fashionable and popular, listen to the stories of friends who have just returned from a foreign vacation and decide to keep up. Sometimes such a holiday is used to emphasize their status. Tourists driven by this motive usually take a lot of photos of the hotel and their room, and upon their return they enthusiastically discuss the quality of service and the variety of the menu.

Find love.

Residents of megacities often travel to other countries in search of love. How long it will last - a lifetime, several months, one week or one day - depends on each individual case. A holiday romance is a rather superficial reason for looking for love abroad. In another country, many expect to “start communicating with people from scratch”, present themselves in a new way, or simply finally find mutual understanding, albeit on a commercial basis.

Update your wardrobe.

Many choose to travel abroad to update their wardrobe. Such tourists are sure that in Russia everything is sold at exorbitant prices, and abroad you can buy more fashionable, high-quality and relevant things for much less money. Travelers-shoppers move along proven shopping routes, taking time to see the sights and taste local cuisine in between purchases.

Be alone.

Some go on a journey in search of solitude. They are not afraid of the dangers and prejudices that lie in wait for a lonely wanderer. Such tourists alone climb mountains, canoes across the river, and travel along non-tourist Aboriginal routes. For them, this is a challenge, a way to get to know yourself and escape from ordinary life. Where else can you be alone, if not in another country?!

Just.

Spontaneity is one of the most common reasons for traveling abroad. You saw cheap flights or an inexpensive tour that suits you, quickly found a companion and set off on an exciting journey. There is nothing more pleasant than a spontaneous trip, which will forever remain a pleasant memory of an unexpected and wonderful vacation.

Moving to another country is one of the biggest changes you can make in life. While it can be difficult and paperwork hassle, it is also an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you are moving for business or personal reasons, if you are well prepared, the move will be much easier and much more enjoyable. This article will show you what to consider.

Steps

Practical aspects of moving

Make sure your passport is valid and you have a visa that will allow you to enter the country. If you may need to move, especially soon, make sure you are prepared for this eventuality. Anything you can prepare ahead of time will help you reduce the hassle of getting ready when it's time to move. Visa problems may delay your departure.

• Make sure your passport is valid. If you need a new one, then this is the first thing to do. It can take several weeks to apply for and receive a new passport.

1. Make a plan. First of all, make a plan, the points of which can be crossed off as they are completed. This plan must be thorough and must include deadlines. Here are some more considerations:

   Give yourself enough time. Some corporations and government organizations that send their employees abroad usually give months, but sometimes days, notice that they have chosen you to move abroad. In this case, ask for as much financial help as possible, as you will need it.

   • If you have the luxury of your own deadlines, give yourself at least six months. You will need every minute of this time to tie up all the loose ends, including dealing with your possessions, car, pets, insurance, packing, shipping, banking, educational transfers, and so on. In some cases, you may not have that luxury.
   • But you can also move quickly, so don't get discouraged if the move hits you like a bolt from the blue. Nevertheless, immediately choose your assistants in this matter. You will really need as many hands as possible.

2. Try to find accommodation as soon as possible new country. Will you stay in a hotel or a daily apartment while you look for an apartment to buy or rent?

   • It is not recommended to buy an apartment via the Internet. In absentia, you can buy something terrible. You need to be there to get an idea of ​​the area, to see the dry rot at the base of the house, to realize that the price is too high!
   • One way to resolve this issue is for you or a family member to make a preliminary visit, inspect the property to see existing offers and choose the best option. Or perhaps you know someone in a new country who could be your eyes and ears.
   • Even if you want to buy a house or apartment in a new country, it is recommended that you first rent the property. Renting gives you a quick exit if you choose the wrong area or you just don't like being in a new country. After about half a year has passed, you will have a better idea of ​​whether you want to stay or not, plus a much better understanding of real estate and more livable areas. This means less pressure and a greater chance of making the right decision.
   • Know that initially you will find yourself without your shipped items. This means that staying in a hotel or a serviced apartment is a good choice for the first time.
   • Hire a good lawyer if you are planning to buy property in another country. You will need someone on your side who understands all the taxes, fees, deposits, warnings, and so on, of the country you are moving to. Your current lawyer can give you advice about a lawyer in a new country.

3. Create bank accounts the way that suits you. It becomes easier to transfer money between many countries without giving away too much when transferring. Check with your current bank representative to learn about transfer options - some banks allow transfers cash to bank accounts over the phone, so consider all options.

   • Unless you plan to never return to your current country of residence, it is advisable to keep at least one bank account open here. The longer your account is open, the better your creditworthiness. When you return, it will be easier for you to start with what you left than to open new accounts. Thanks to Internet banking, it will be easier for you to control your account in the country you left.
   • In some countries access to money will be much more difficult than in others. Be sure to discuss problems and solutions with your bank and a reputable financial advisor knowledgeable about the country you are moving to.

4. Check if people you know live in this country. They can be an invaluable source of help should you need information, support, or communication. Let them know your plans and it is likely that they will do their best to provide you with the information you need.

   Be honest about your belongings and start giving back. We really don't need much to live on, yet our homes tend to be crammed full of consumer goods we've accumulated over the years, many of which we don't need or use. Instead of lugging all these things with you or paying to store them, honestly assess whether you need so many belongings. When possible, donate or give away things you don't need. It is much better to travel light and not worry about things in storage than to burden yourself.

   Get money for your stuff. Use online auctions and classifieds sites to get rid of your items. Even if you're short on time, this is a great way to sell items in bulk, even whole rooms. Tell people that you are moving abroad and that everything must be sold. People love big deals!

   • Be ruthless. Each item added means a large shipping cost.
   • Sometimes containers go overboard, although damage to items can occur at any other stage of the journey due to rough handling or other accidents. Keep this in mind when shipping your antique trinket collection - it might be better to keep them in storage or sell them for cash. Insure adequately against any accidents during transport.

5. Consider all possible options for any pets you may have. For some, this means giving them to a friend or family member to look after them. For others, it means taking the animals with them. If you are taking your pets with you, consider the following:

   Find out about your driver's license in a new country. Some countries will accept your current driver's license or international driver's license. Some will have to pass a local check after a certain time. Don't wait to find out - you might be uncomfortable if you lose the ability to drive in a new location.

   Provide appropriate notice to the place of work. If you are moving outside of your current job, you will need to adhere to their termination policy. Be sure to let them know in advance. However, if your scheduling does not obviously affect your place of work, then it is not recommended to report too early. This is in case you change your mind or your employer decides to replace you sooner than you expected.

Culture shock

Get ready for big changes. If you move to a place that is very different from your home, you may experience culture shock that will make your move more difficult, but you can overcome it after a few months of immersing yourself in the environment. People do things differently different countries, and their ways are alien to us. Yes, this is the biggest and most amazing opportunity you will ever have to understand another culture. When you commit yourself to the mindset of the people of another country, you will never go back to the old way - it is much more difficult to imagine the world as "us and them" when you go through this experience.

Understand that small inconveniences can become bigger problems than you thought. That favorite coffee or cafe you love may become obvious to you when it disappears from your life. It is important to acknowledge the sense of loss you feel, but remain open to finding new favorite experiences. The unknown may even surpass the former, and you will learn to love it more than what you loved in your native country.

• If you are moving from a country with a large selection of consumer goods to a country with a small selection, life may seem difficult to you. You no longer have a whole range of breakfast cereals (now it's just a couple of shelves) or a chic selection of cars (you take either the blue one or the gray one). At first, this may be very disappointing. You have two options: one is to accept it and understand that having fewer choices reduces your thinking time and saves the resources of the planet; and the second is to go back to your country and shop (or ask understanding family and friends to send you what you need). Although for many people the lack of choice does not fade with time (you will notice that you often think back to the days when you could get such and such a product five different types), but you'll get used to fewer options!

1. Be prepared for the fact that the joy subsides after a few months. Initially, the first few months will seem like an amazing vacation, and you will spend most of your time discovering new things and feeling excited. However, over time, you will realize that this is now your life and that it is not even half as amazing as you thought. For some, this realization may come sooner, as bureaucracy, housekeeping problems, and minor crises interrupt the flow of learning in a new environment.

   • First, ask about decent merchants. Over time, something is bound to break. In addition, you will need someone reliable, who shows up when he promises and quotes an honest price. If you have not yet found such people through acquaintances, then you can be taken advantage of or charged an inflated price. This can be a nightmare, and since you have the ability to plan rather than wait for the worst to happen, plan ahead.
   • Remain calm while going through bureaucratic procedures. Most countries have forms, most have queues, and most have insanely stupid reasons to fill out something and wait for something. You should not ask why, but rather find out through locals and Internet sites how in the best possible way deal with these issues. There is always a way, be sure to find the best one. If you don't ask, you'll never know.

2. Be willing to accept limitations in your daily routine and the way you do things. Another form of culture shock is when you find out that you are not allowed to do something even though you could have done it in your previous country of residence. You don't have to question it - admit that it's just the way it is. Let the society in which you find yourself be more or less liberal than the previous one, be sure to adapt to it. If you want to make a fuss or show your position, then you probably shouldn't move to another country, stay at home for that!

   Get support. The country change is right at the top of the stress bar. Some days will be fun. Some days will be the worst experiences. On other days you will feel at home, because the new country will become your new home.

   Stay safe. Another issue related to culture shock is when you move somewhere that is not as safe as where you live now. Ask the locals for advice on what to stay away from and what problems might arise.

   • Wear appropriate clothing for the area and try to fit in. Sometimes a person is insecure because criminals mistake him for a tourist or because he is inappropriately dressed.
   • Call your local police station for security advice. You can also ask about crime rates in areas where you are looking to buy or rent an apartment.

If you're only thinking of moving

1. Decide which country you are interested in moving to. Unless you are moving for work and you have no choice, then the decision is yours, and you must understand where you think you will live best. IN beautiful city roses of Toulouse in the southwest of France? In Berlin in Germany? In Mexico? In Venezuela? Spain? Australia? China?

   • Imagine that you live in this new country. Watch the video on the Internet to get an idea of ​​what it is like there in all seasons. Consider weather, pollution levels, ease of access to food, transportation, and medical care. Make a list of things to do there for work and pleasure.
   • Search the Internet for stories of people who have already made such a move. Expatriates can be the best source of information, learning from their experience will help you develop a broader idea of ​​whether this is a reasonable option or if most run into trouble in this case. Show some faith in their words, because they are really experiencing it, but also note that individual experiences will differ from each other, depending on the reasons for the move of the person, their level of income, their work experience, region of residence, and so on. Ask questions on the site's forum, if possible.
   • Can you work in a new country? Is there a demand for your profession? What tests will you have to go through to get a job? Is it possible to get a job there even before moving to guarantee yourself a salary? Few people can afford to take the risk of not having a job in a new country, unless they are wealthy enough to cover the costs of staying there. Also, learn about Social Security and what controls you will need to pass to be eligible - know that sometimes you do not qualify for Social Security even if you have lived in the country for months or years.

2. Take a holiday in the country so you can get a feel for it before you call it home. Travel guides are a good source of information, but don't rely entirely on them. Try to avoid the country's tourist areas and visit "off the beaten path" places where you can connect with the locals on a personal level. But keep in mind: if you are burning with the desire to move abroad because you spent a vacation in this country, then understand that spending a vacation and living in a country are two completely different things. On vacation, you don’t have routine work, you don’t have to deal with bureaucracy every day, and in general, you don’t care about anything. When you live there, the realities of life can be completely different from the experience of a tourist. Do not base your decision to move only on the fact that you have been to this country!

   Learn all you can about the country. This includes local customs (very important), language (even more important), and the areas that make up cities and regions. It is very important to know if you can live under other laws, with other customs and routines, because all this will affect your daily life. For example, strict rules about what you can and can't do in a country like Singapore (to the extent that you can't chew gum in a public place, you can go to jail) can make our freedom-loving fellow citizen feel squeezed. .

   Learn about immigration laws and procedures. Can you at least move to the country you would like to live in? Some countries have very strict requirements for immigrants, depending on income, age, skills, training and family ties. You may find that if you are not rich enough, do not have the necessary skills, are too old, or do not have relatives already living in this country, then there is no way for you to move there. Read the country-specific rules on their immigration website. Call the relevant immigration department and ask for more specific information about yourself - no amount of printed information is as clear as setting out your personal situation to someone who can advise on specific matters.

3. Consider the language barrier. Do people speak a different language in the country you are moving to? If so, do you speak this language? Be honest with yourself about your ability to master a new language - some people find it very difficult to learn a new language, even if they are immersed in the environment. Until you know it, you will feel alienated from much that is going on around you. If you already lack self-confidence, this can be an extremely frustrating experience.

   • Consider learning a language to an advanced level before leaving your country.
   • Sign up for language immersion courses as soon as you arrive. Find a tutor who understands well both the language you speak and the one he will teach you. Make sure he can take the time to have you go to different places together and have him teach you the language in specific contexts such as shopping, talking to a landlord, banking, buying a car, registering for school/college, and so on.

4. If you have children, moving abroad can become more difficult. To begin with, think carefully about whether you want to pull children out of their current daily life and friendships. For them, this can be a devastating change. Is studying in a new country as good or better than where you are now, or is it less reliable? What options are there for a decent foreigner education if local training does not satisfy you? Find out about these things ahead of time as they really make a huge difference!

   • Keep in mind that depending on where you are moving, your children will most likely need to learn a new language. And while some parents see this as a good thing, since their child will have the opportunity to know several languages, if your child has any kind of learning problems, this can be a real test for him.
   • This is especially true if the new language is based on a different alphabet than the child's first language.

• When learning a language, don't forget to learn colloquial expressions and idioms - learn how people speak In fact. Use language forums and websites to help you stay up to date with words and meanings. There you can ask questions about what you do not understand.
• Do not burn all the bridges at home - you may someday have to return! For example, it is highly recommended not to sell your home. Rent it out and keep it yours should you ever need to return. In the same way, you should not renounce citizenship, one day you may want to return to the country where you were born.

Warnings

• You may face discrimination. Remember that you are a foreigner in a new country.
• Your experience may differ from someone else's. While it's helpful to read or listen to the experiences of others, understand that their experiences will be unique just like yours, so don't assume everything will be so great or so terrible just because they said so. Do your own research and keep an open mind.
• Be realistic and be sure that you have the opportunity to return home.
• Know that some people will say terrible things to you because they don't like to be abroad, especially spouses who accompany their soul mate on business trips abroad. This man wanted to stay at home, but he went anyway, with his narrow outlook, and, of course, he did not like it terribly. Be careful with such people, they are usually easy to identify, as all they say is how they hate the new country and how they would like to return home.
• When thinking about applying for a job, be sure to check with the firm for any strange/suspicious cases (it's worth doing Always, both in a foreign country and in one's own). You don't want to end up in a place you wouldn't even think to consider!
• Do not move to another country with pessimism and depression. This will get you nowhere and may even hurt your decision making.
• Don't romanticize the move. No perfect place and you won't become a whole new person overnight. Learn more about culture and facts, don't just rely on your friend's story about his holiday in this country.
• Moving to a new country will be exciting at first, but often proves too difficult (for both you and your family) emotionally and physically. Be prepared for the worst and you will be prepared for anything.
• If you find yourself constantly complaining about new life and want to return to the old one, know that you may be looking at the old country through rose-colored glasses. If you do return home, the culture shock upon returning home can be as overwhelming as the one you already had when you arrived in a new country! Give a new country a chance, if you're still complaining after five years, then it might be time to pack up and head back to your homeland.
• Use the services of a well-known and reliable real estate agent. There is a risk that you will be charged a large amount when buying a property.

Going to another country, it does not hurt to get acquainted with the local rules of conduct and traditions, so as not to lose face or appear rude.

We have collected for you tips from foreigners on how not to behave in their country. These are the tips of local residents who are tired of uncouth tourists.

Their comments on the Internet will tell you better than any guidebooks how to behave in their home.

Ireland
If someone treats you to a drink, you need to treat him in return. And this applies not only to men: here everyone is equal. It is not necessary to leave a tip for those who work at the bar, they are paid well. But a tip for the waiter is welcome. Yes, and we've heard the joke about the Irish being drunk a million times.

Scotland
Don't call anyone English here. The strength of a man directly depends on how much he can drink. We do not drink little and do not refuse to drink.

Great Britain
In no case do not break the queue here, you risk your life.

Sweden
Don't jump in line. You won't be yelled at, and no one will even look at you with hate, but someone will write a very, very angry status on Facebook, and his friends will be upset. You do not need to start a conversation with people you do not know (unless, of course, you need help). Sit as far apart as possible on public transport. And if the free space is only next to someone, then it is better to ride standing up. We're not sociopaths, it's just such a strange way to be polite without intruding into someone else's comfort zone. By the way, the comfort zone is 3 meters.

Netherlands
If you think you can safely walk along the bike path, you are crazy. Do not expect mercy: at best, you will simply be scolded.

Belgium
It's best not to compliment anyone. We can easily spend the next half hour to prove that in fact we are much worse, and everyone else is incomparably more beautiful.

Poland
Smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited in public places. Moreover, if you do not drink or even open a bottle of alcohol, but simply carry it in your hands, you can also be fined. We often do not eat red borscht, but drink it, so the glass may contain not a drink, but this soup. You can buy borscht even in a coffee machine.

France
You can’t add water to wine, pour sauce on cheese, add alcohol to a dish, the only exception is ice cream, here you can give yourself free rein. When you ask for directions, always start the conversation in a polite manner. Use “hello”, “excuse me”, “would you be so kind”, etc. Of course, in French.

Greece
Do not point at someone with an open palm, this gesture is offensive and, in essence, the same as if you were saying to someone: “Yes, you are an ass, sir.”

Iran
Our men don't wear shorts in public. If you openly criticize the government, you will attract a lot of attention. Locals may demand money from you for taking pictures of the surroundings. Do not give in to provocation. When entering the country, you may be asked for a username and password from your social network account for security purposes. Create a fake account before leaving. Just in case.

Türkiye
You must take off your shoes when you enter the house, unless the owner himself tells you that you can remain shod. Don't give up tea, just not tea. That's rough. There are two topics that it is better not to touch upon in dealing with the Turks - the Kurds and Cyprus. Do not call Istanbul Constantinople and confuse the capital of the state ( main city Turkey is now Ankara). If a woman gives a handshake at a meeting, it looks strange. This gesture means that the woman is ready to get to know each other very closely.

China
Don't drink tap water if you don't want to get indigestion or die.

Japan
If you leave a tip for someone, you show that you consider him an unprofessional worker because you think he needs extra pay. We do not speak mobile phone at the station, stop, and even more so on the train - this disturbs the peace of other passengers and is considered the height of incivility (everyone writes SMS).

Thailand
For an unflattering statement about the king or the royal family, you can get fifteen years in prison. If a local invites you to dinner, eat more slowly than he does. It is extremely impolite if the guest handles the contents of the plate before the host.

India
It is customary for us to bargain, and, moreover, everywhere - in the markets and in shops. If you don't know how to bargain, no one will respect you. Just do not give white flowers - it is customary to give them for funerals.

USA
In no case should you touch children, especially if you are a stranger to them. You will be misunderstood and may be arrested. IN big cities(especially in New York City) residents move quickly. There is always someone who is faster than you - don't line up, let's get ahead of ourselves. Leaning against a stranger in a vehicle is fine, but not in a store. Telephones do not work in the subway - call in advance.

Venezuela
The main thing is not to trust the police and taxi drivers. Do not show your phone and money in public places - you will definitely be robbed.

Salvador
If you speak English, the locals assume that you are from America, which means you have money. So, most likely they will rob you when they find such an opportunity. Learn Spanish.

Paraguay
Better stay as far away from our police as possible. Try not to let the police hear your accent and see your documents. Just count on shelling out about 50 bucks each time you ignore this warning.

New Zealand
Don't make fun of Haka. Don't touch our sheep. And for God's sake, don't look for the ring of omnipotence.

Australia
Please try to speak with an Australian accent, we have so much fun. And anyway, this is Australia, do whatever you want.

If you have something to add about the rules of etiquette and the peculiarities of communication in different countries, share it in the comments.