Housing

Before accepting a position, look into the costs of accommodation in your host country and make a comparison with the salary you are being offered.

What may initially seem like an attractive offer could end up being insufficient to cover basic living expenses abroad.

If your contract provides for housing, request a detailed description or photos of the accommodations in advance. Also, find out whether you have the right to stay in your dwelling the time necessary to plan your return home, should you decide to break your contract.

Ask to see photos of the room, furniture and surrounding neighbourhood, all the while keeping in mind that the standard of living in your host country may not be identical to that of your country of origin. That said, the accommodations should be clean, comfortable and well-maintained.

Find out whether public transportation is available within close proximity to your prospective lodgings and make sure the neighbourhood is safe and secure. Also, verify whether you will have to share accommodations with someone else.

If housing is not part of the agreement, you may want to organize a trip to the country in question prior to moving so you can secure housing, take care of any administrative tasks and prepare for your family’s arrival. If the latter isn’t an option, don’t sign any contracts or legally binding documents until you have set foot in the country.

Last but not least, make sure you are well-versed in the housing and renting laws in effect in your host country.