Moving for an international fellowship or study abroad can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. Whether you’re embarking on a fellowship to conduct research, pursue academic endeavors, or contribute to global sustainability initiatives, navigating the logistics of moving abroad is crucial for a smooth transition. From visa applications to cultural adjustments, understanding the intricacies of relocating internationally is essential for maximizing the opportunities that lie ahead. In this article, we’ll explore valuable advice and insights to help streamline the moving process. Whether your move is for a few weeks, months, or even years, these frequently asked questions will ensure your fellowship kicks off without common road bumps.
To sample expert knowledge, we spoke with multi-fellowship winners and study-abroad students from the ProFellow Community. Combined, these individuals have spent considerable years on international excursions across 7+ countries.
1. Find Housing After You Arrive
When moving abroad for an international fellowship, finding housing can be challenging, especially when relocating from the U.S. It’s often easier to secure housing after arrival rather than attempting to do so from afar. Before signing a lease, visit neighborhoods and assess safety, public transit accessibility, and accommodations in person to avoid surprises in living conditions.
Sublets are typically advertised closer to the start date, so booking a temporary stay in a hostel or hotel for a week allows for in-person viewings. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local housing platforms, as each location or country may have different rental listing websites.
Consider what’s most important for you, such as affordability and proximity to central areas. Try opting for neighborhoods less frequented by ex-pats and tourists to immerse yourself in the local culture
“What do you consider important in housing? For me it was affordability and walkability to central – even though others assumed, as an American, I wanted to live in the “nicest” neighborhood. And remember, people’s perceptions of safety and practicality can vary significantly.” – Dr. Vicki Johnson
2. Make use of public transportation
Depending on your new location, you may have highly accessible public transportation. It’ll be helpful in the long run to familiarize yourself and become comfortable with this new transit system instead of purchasing a vehicle outright.
If a car is necessary, learning how to drive a manual transmission (stick shift) car can be beneficial, as they may be more common and affordable in certain regions worldwide. Even if you don’t plan to purchase a car, knowing how to drive a stick shift can be helpful, especially if you need to rent or borrow one.
3. Pack essential clothes
Packing essential clothing and layers is crucial for adapting to new environments and keeping your luggage manageable. Try to be selective and prioritize optimal clothes instead of packing a wide range of everyday items. Focus on basics and versatile things that can be mixed, matched, and layered, such as slacks, turtlenecks, and tops.
Additionally, look at weather patterns in your new home country and invest in the proper attire that will be essential. For example, you may need new essentials if you’re moving from California to the Netherlands!
You may find that the cost of clothing is significantly higher (or significantly lower) than the cost in your home country, so consider if you need to purchase key items like good quality shoes, a winter jacket, a bathing suit, and other items to bring with you. If you find these items are cheaper where you are going, buy them there!
Multi-fellowship winner and multimedia journalist Rowan Glass emphasizes that good footwear is an investment, especially for his fieldwork in Senegal and Colombia. So, prioritize comfort and longevity to ensure your shoes withstand the demands of your fellowship abroad.
4. Be a minimalist
Embracing minimalism is key when preparing for international fellowships, as it allows for flexibility and reduces unnecessary stress. Start by divesting from non-essentials. Holding on to excess belongings can sometimes be costly and impractical. There are options to utilize a storage unit, but be aware of the monthly cost versus the length of your move. If you’ll be away for 2+ years, will you really want to keep the same clothes afterward?
When packing, challenge yourself to declutter all but the bare necessities: a minimal wardrobe, basic toiletries, and essential work equipment. Try to have items that serve multiple purposes, such as dual-purpose jackets and compact accessories like a blanket-pillow hybrid and a portable umbrella, especially if your fellowship involves fieldwork. A minimalist approach will simplify your move and avoid the burden of tracking or paying for excessive moving boxes.
On that note, pack the necessary batteries, chargers, and converters for all your tech. You may need to purchase an additional phone if your current device is incompatible with the network abroad. Based on your cell phone service provider, be sure to check ahead of time if you’ll need a new SIM card or a different service plan. Remember, coverage and available providers may differ by country and region.
“I used my American SIM in Latin America because it had unlimited coverage. However, I had to get local SIMs in Europe and Africa to avoid daily charges from my US carrier. I often changed SIMs as frequently as I changed countries!” – Rowan Glass
5. Prepare financials before leaving
Prepare your finances beforehand for a smooth transition and peace of mind while abroad. Start by notifying your bank about your move. Explore the best financial solutions for your needs, including opening a local bank account in your new country. Research money transfer options and compare fees and exchange rates to ensure cost-effective transactions between your U.S. and regional accounts. Consider obtaining U.S. credit and debit cards with minimal or no international transaction fees to avoid unexpected charges.
Consider establishing a contingency budget for unforeseen expenses and emergencies. Whether moving fees or paying for additional visas/permits, having a financial cushion is key for a worry-free international experience.
In a similar light, ensure you have copies of all critical documents, such as identification and financial records, and organize them for easy access. Or see if you can leave copies with trusted family members if needed.
“When we moved to New Zealand, I still had bills to pay in the U.S., and I needed to be able to transfer money between international bank accounts. It’s important to do your homework so your finances are well organized while you’re away.” – Ryan Johnson
6. Connect with local and online communities
Connecting with local and online communities is invaluable! Start by reaching out to local international students or expat online communities for insights and advice from those who have already made the move. These communities can provide up-to-date information on items to pack from home and what you can easily buy later. Introducing yourself to these communities can also lead to a supportive network and friendships beyond your fellowship program.
If your fellowship is academic, don’t hesitate to connect with the international student offices about available resources for you. From tax preparation software tailored for international students to textbook and winter clothing drives, campuses often offer support services to facilitate your transition and enhance your experience abroad.
7. Network with current and former fellows
Networking with current and former fellows can be invaluable as you conduct your move. Similarly to connecting with a local community, former fellows can give you insider advice on where to live, the best cafes to work, and resources to leverage for your fellowship.
If the fellowship program is recurring, reach out to individuals who are completing their fellowship just before your arrival, particularly those in similar family situations. You can learn more about school options if you have children and even ways to help your kids adapt to their new environment, too!
Establishing connections with these individuals not only provides practical benefits but also allows you to gain advice on everyday things, such as managing the fellowship budget or accessing local resources.
8. Bring keepsakes!
Although you want to be a minimalist, don’t forget to bring keepsakes that will remind you of home, such as little gifts for yourself or snacks from your home country that are easy to prepare. Additionally, having trinkets can also serve as simple but fun gifts to share with new friends that you’ll meet. These items can be conversation starters, a way to share more about yourself with locals, and a way for others to get to know you better. Being homesick can affect you regardless of age, so having these belongings can help keep those feelings at bay.
“I found that small items I brought from home could be great conversation and friendship starters. If you have tiny spaces in your luggage, consider filling them with snacks to share with your friends” – Chichi Tasi
9. Health and traveler insurance
When it comes to health and traveler insurance for your international fellowship, thorough research and preparation are vital. For the short term, consider getting travel insurance, which typically covers unexpected emergencies, health issues, and travel delays. However, for long-term moves, such as relocating for academic or industry positions, it’s crucial to research the specific insurance requirements of the country you’ll be living in. If you’ll be affiliated with a university or academic institution, insurance may be included in your student or employee package.
Similarly, some companies provide insurance packages for employees or contractors working abroad. However, depending on your citizenship and residency status, you may need to seek private insurance. In all cases, do the research ahead of time to ensure you’ll have adequate coverage for your health and travel needs.
10. Take time to learn about the country
Taking time to learn about the country’s language and culture is essential for a successful international fellowship experience. If you’re moving to a country where the primary language differs from your own, invest in learning the basics, even if English is predominantly spoken in academic or professional settings. This will help break down the barrier with locals beyond work, fostering socialization and cultural immersion. Becoming fluent in the local language can also be a valuable asset in the job market.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with cultural norms and etiquette to navigate social interactions effectively. Study the culture of the host country beforehand to understand its customs, traditions, and behavioral expectations, allowing you to adapt to your new environment seamlessly.
One More…
And one last unspoken tip: be sure to have fun and enjoy your fellowship! Moving can be stressful, especially for an international experience, but such opportunities can open doors or lead you on a career adventure you may not have imagined otherwise. Be flexible but practical, and with the above tips, you’re sure to start off on the right foot.
Additional Resources:
Here are some additional resources to help not only with moving abroad, but application tips, finding community, and connecting with the locals in your new home country.
- 6 Top Resources for Fulbright Applicants and Grantees
- The Ultimate Guide to Winning a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship
- 10 Ways to Cultivate Community During Your International Fellowship
- From CLS to Fulbright: Anesce Dremen on Immersion in Asia and Personal Growth
Article contributors:
ProFellow Founder Dr. Vicki Johnon is a four-time fellow, top Ph.D. scholar, Fulbright recipient, and an award-winning social entrepreneur. She holds a BA from Cornell University, an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), and a PhD from Massey University (New Zealand).
Ryan Johnson is the co-founder of ProFellow. He spent nearly two years living and working abroad. He is passionate about social impact causes and helping diverse audiences find and win fellowships and full funding for graduate study. He holds a B.S. in Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems from George Mason University.
Chichi Tsai is a writer, editor, and aspiring publishing professional. A third-culture kid, she has studied and lived in Taiwan, Indonesia, Russia, and the US. She earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Education from Smith College, where she was Features Editor of The Sophian and won the Helen Kate Furness Prize.
Rowan Glass, holding a BA in cultural anthropology, is an anthropologist, multimedia journalist, writer, and filmmaker from Oregon. His research, reporting, and travels have taken him to Colombia, Mexico, Senegal, Greece, and Morocco. In all his work, Rowan endeavors to help tell engaging stories about underreported people and places through incisive research and creative endeavors.
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