LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Staying in Your Host Country Post-Graduation

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity filled with learning, growth, and personal and professional development. Toward the end of your adventure, it’s important to consider how it will conclude and what you want to do next. Deciding whether you should stay or move back to your home country after your study abroad experience is a major decision that may be difficult to make. Here are a few considerations to help you decide between living and working in your host country or moving back home.

Visa and Immigration Considerations

Each country has its own policies and procedures for people who choose to not only study abroad but stay in their host country for work. It’s important to understand those qualifications and tax filing requirements to begin the necessary paperwork. Campus resources for international students can be helpful when considering working in your host country post-graduation.

Job Opportunities

Understanding the job market in your host country within your chosen field of study is critical. Putting into practice all you have learned will lead to professional and personal development, but that isn’t the only consideration. A position’s benefits, salary and career advancement opportunities are also important to review.

Cost of Living

While taking job benefits into consideration, it’s also important to analyze the amount of income you will make versus your required expenses. Should you find the cost of living higher than your income can afford, it will be important to decide if the benefits of the job — such as professional development and advancement — may be worth the additional work to stay.

Support System

If you elect to stay in your host country, it will be important to establish or maintain a support system. Remember that fellow graduates will also be making important decisions and your current circle of support may change. Be sure to put a plan together to keep the connections you have while creating new ones.

Cultural Adjustments

Just as you may have had to adjust to the culture of your current city or campus, your host country could have a vast pool of different cultures depending on its location. It will be important to do your research about the area where you plan to live. This will help you decide if it's a change you want to pursue.

The choice to begin the process of staying in your host country for work may be easy for some and difficult for others. No matter which category you fall into, it's important to do your research. This will give you a lot of information that can help you feel more confident moving forward. Lastly, this is not an exhaustive list of considerations, so it’s vital to find support, get professional guidance and create a plan.

Sources:

https://isc.tamucc.edu/blog/top-7-tips-international-students-usa

https://www.cignaglobal.com/blog/becoming-an-expat/5-things-expats-should-know-about-moving#:~:text=Finding%20connections%20in%20your%20new%20place%20before,live%20in%20or%20have%20visited%20the%20country

https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/should-you-move-abroad#:~:text=Table%20of%20Contents,Gap%20Year