I didn't even decide on Germany until December of 2009. It was really one of those things that just hit you when you least expected it. Before that time, I was concentrating on going to the UK but had a harder time than I thought. Luckily, I was learning German for an upcoming trip and really loved the language and thought, "Why not?" After pin pointing where I was heading (at least country wise), everything seemed to move forward more smoothly. Perhaps it was meant to be?
I wrote up a list of things to do before I leave. Heck, I even colour coded it by category (Condo, Accounts, Papers/Documents, and Research). This was the best thing I could ever do as it kept me on track at all times. On top of that, when I completed a task on the list, I crossed it off and it felt good to see all these tasks withering away. I felt not only a sense of accomplishment but relief.
So here are some quick things off the list that may help someone down the road:
- Living Arrangements - figure out what you want to do with your current living arrangements. If you own, is the market best for rental or for selling? What furniture do you want to keep and/or sell? How do you store the ones you want? This will be the biggest pain to deal with, so deal with it early.
- Learn the Language - make an effort to learn the language. Find a tutor locally. Learn from online websites (e.g. Deutsche Welle). Get a pocket dictionary. Arm yourself with some tools.
- Visas - Look into what you need for getting the visa you want. Visit the consulate websites. Print off the applications. Complete them in advance just to see if there are any questions in completing the form. Email/Call them if needed. The German Consulate here in Edmonton as well as Vancouver were extremely helpful for me. Goodness knows how many dumb questions I have asked them, but better to do it correctly the first time.
*Even if the applications do not ask for bank statements, I would add them in so they know you have funds to help you out in case.
- Health Insurance - You may be asked to purchase and submit them with your visa applications. If not, it's good to get travel insurance that includes liability as well as the other basics. World Nomads has a good package but I needed a 1 year one and they offered up to 6 mns. I went through my local insurance agent and went through Travel Underwriters.
*make sure you contact your provincial health care about extending your plan or inform them that you will be away.
- Accounts - Ensure you call your bank and credit card companies about your leave if you are thinking about using the accounts still. Get the contact numbers to use when you are abroad. Most companies accept collect calls. Close any accounts you are not going to need.
- Back ups - Back up or scan any documents you may need for work applications. This includes certificates, syllabus, degrees, transcripts, reference letters etc. Some countries like to see them. Back up anything for portfolios. Have copies of prescriptions by your doctor. Have a few passport photos for IDs etc you may need to apply for once you are abroad.
- Tax - As much as we would like to avoid this, the fact of the matter is that is has to be done. Put all your tax stubs together and give it to someone who does your taxes. It's one less thing to remember. You may need to add anything you make abroad if there is an agreement between the countries.
*Fill out the NR73 form (Declaration of Residency Status - Leaving Canada) before or after you've arrived in your destined country.
- Checklist - Make a checklist of what you need to bring with you in terms of documents and your stuff.
- Register - Register yourself in your country's registry system for those travelling abroad in case of emergency - in my case the Canadian one.
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