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David McNeill

Do you want to be a digital nomad, work as an expat employee, or retire in another country?

Do you feel overwhelmed thinking about all the steps involved in moving to a foreign country?

Are you unsure or anxious about preparing to move abroad?

If you answered “YES. ” to any of these questions, then this course is for you.

Read more

Do you want to be a digital nomad, work as an expat employee, or retire in another country?

Do you feel overwhelmed thinking about all the steps involved in moving to a foreign country?

Are you unsure or anxious about preparing to move abroad?

If you answered “YES. ” to any of these questions, then this course is for you.

How to Move, Live and Work Abroad: Start Your Expat Journey is THE course you need to begin planning your life abroad. By the time you finish the course, you'll have an actionable step-by-step plan for all of the things you need to do in the months before your moving date.

No matter where you are moving from and where you want to go to, you’ll come away from this course knowing exactly what you need to do to get ready for the next international chapter of your life.

Please note that this is the first course in a 2-part series on moving abroad and settling in a new country. This course is focused on the steps you need to take before your moving date. The second course in the series, “How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad: Settling Into Expat Life,” covers everything you need to do within the first year after moving to a new country.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE COURSE

"This is very useful. When coming from someone who has done it themselves, you get these details and caveats that you will never learn when simply researching the information online on your own. David provides the framework that allows you to not get overwhelmed by the number of things you need to consider when moving abroad. I definitely recommend this to anyone who is serious about moving abroad. " - Louigi

"This was a very thoughtful and informative course. David provides step-by-step instructions on how to successfully reach your goal of living and working abroad. Through his story and experiences, he shows you how attainable this dream can be with careful planning and hard work. Living abroad can seemingly be a daunting, scary endeavor but with David’s course you’ll hopefully see that it doesn’t have to be. " - Andrew

"This course was great. It covered everything I could think of for moving abroad. David's presentation was straightforward and easy to understand - I especially liked that he gave specific examples of services I could use for shipping my things abroad, etc. Thanks, David. " - Thomas

  • Aspiring expats and nomads who are already making plans to go abroad - even if you are already in the middle of planning your international journey, take this course to make sure you don’t forget to add some important items to your to-do list.

  • Current expats and nomads thinking about moving again - it’s good to have a reference guide handy to keep you on track even if you have been through the painful and challenging process of moving abroad before.

  • Expat Empire courses are focused on providing useful, honest, and actionable advice to help students just like you to take their next steps abroad.

    The content in this course is comprised of a mix of 1) your instructor David’s personal experiences and learnings that you can apply to your situation and 2) thorough discussions on the lesson topics along with actionable recommendations.

    Originally from the United States, David has lived in Singapore, China, Japan, Germany, and Portugal, and he will share all the tips and tricks he has picked up over the last decade in this course. Most lessons feature David speaking over presentation slides so that you can hear his advice and perspective while seeing the main takeaways to take notes easily.

    In addition to in-depth videos on all these topics, most lessons include additional resources such as relevant blog posts, important takeaways from the discussions, and Google Sheets worksheets to help you implement the material taught in the lessons.

    Ideally, you will want to make sure to complete the tasks in the first section before the 3-month mark prior to the flight to your destination and then tackle the tasks in the second section in the last 3 months leading up to your moving date.

    After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

    • Determine the lifestyle you want to have abroad and balance the cost of living with your budget

    • Understand how you can make money abroad and maximize your potential earnings

    • Gather the documents you’ll need for your visa application

    • Manage your money across countries and currencies

    • Help your pets have a smooth landing in your new country

    • Plan for the best education options for your children abroad

    • Save money on booking flights and accommodation

    • Live a more minimal life by reducing the belongings you’ll take overseas

    • Deal with the hassles of postal mail and international shipping addresses

    • Prepare your phone numbers, SIM cards, and more so you can use them abroad

    In short, you’ll be able to confidently move forward with your international plans with a solid understanding of the multitude of challenges you’ll have to overcome.

    Originally from the United States, David’s interest in living abroad began when he started studying the Japanese language at 12 years old. He spent a semester studying in Singapore in 2009, was sent to Beijing for a 3-month work deployment in 2013, and then permanently left the US in 2014 to live in Tokyo, Berlin, and Porto. He has traveled to nearly 60 countries and is an avid scuba diver.

    In addition to producing online courses, the Expat Empire Podcast, books, blog posts, events, and more, the company offers personalized consulting services to support people from all walks of life in moving to a new country. Expat Empire’s mission is to make living abroad a more achievable dream for people around the world.

    Enroll in this course today and start making your exciting overseas adventure a reality.

    Enroll now

    What's inside

    Learning objectives

    • All the steps you need to take as you plan and prepare to leave your home country and go abroad
    • Advice and tips for tools and services that will make your international life easier to manage
    • Recommendations for international financial management strategies
    • Tips for finding good deals on accommodation and flights
    • Advice on several ways to make money while abroad
    • How to create a budget for your new life so you can fully enjoy your international lifestyle
    • Which documents you'll need to gather and prepare for your visa application
    • How to live a more minimal life abroad by reducing your belongings
    • How to manage your postal mail and deal with international shipping addresses
    • How to prepare your phone for new phone numbers and sim cards

    Syllabus

    By the end of this section, students will know what they can expect from this course and will be better acquainted with their instructor.

    In this lesson, we will go through all the topics we will be covering in this course and what you can expect to know by the end of the course.

    Read more

    In this lesson, you will learn about your instructor David's exciting experiences living and traveling in many countries around the world and get inspired to make your move abroad!

    In this lesson, we will briefly touch on all the topics we will discuss during this section of the course.

    In this lesson, we will discuss how you can calculate the cost of living in your new destination and tips for making a budget so that you can live the life you want in your new home.

    In this lesson, we will be discussing the different ways you can make money abroad and some tips for finding work in different countries.

    In this lesson, we will be talking about making sure your passport is up-to-date and the typical visa application processes and required documents that you will need to prepare.

    In this lesson, we will share some strategies and tips for managing your money across your old country and new country, exchanging currencies, and much more.

    In this lesson, we will discuss a few things to consider and prepare for when planning to move your pets with you to your new destination.

    In this lesson, we will talk through the important considerations and preparations for schooling your children abroad including comparing public and private international school options.

    In this lesson, we will review all the material discussed in this section of the course!

    Let's review the key topics discussed in this section of the course!

    In this lesson, we will discuss a high-level overview of the material shared in this section of the course.

    In this lesson, we will share some tips on booking your flights to your new country and how you can save some money along the way.

    In this lesson, we will be talking about how to minimize the number of things you take abroad, packing tips to keep your items safe and sound, and the pros and cons of air, sea, and ground shipping.

    In this lesson, we will talk about your options for booking initial accommodations for the first weeks and months in your new country before getting long-term accommodations.

    In this lesson, we will talk about how to change your mailing address and dealing with postal mail in your original country after you move abroad.

    In this lesson, we will discuss how to manage your phone number from your old country and tips for dealing with phones and SIM cards just after arriving in your new country.

    In this lesson, we will review all the material discussed in this course!

    Get a ton of free resources and learn what you can do to take your next steps abroad after this course!

    Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Offers advice on financial management strategies, which is helpful for those planning to handle money across different countries and currencies
    Provides tips on booking flights and accommodations, which can help learners save money during their international move
    Discusses how to minimize belongings and manage international shipping, which is useful for those aiming for a more minimal lifestyle abroad
    Explores ways to make money while abroad, which is valuable for individuals seeking to sustain their lifestyle in a new country
    Requires learners to take a follow-up course on settling into expat life, which may be a drawback for those seeking a standalone guide
    Covers preparing phone numbers and SIM cards for international use, which is essential for staying connected in a new country

    Save this course

    Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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    Reviews summary

    Practical guide to moving abroad

    According to learners, this course offers a clear, practical, and comprehensive roadmap for anyone planning to move abroad. Students frequently highlight the value of the instructor's extensive personal experience, which provides valuable insights and anecdotes not easily found elsewhere. The step-by-step structure is particularly appreciated for making the daunting process feel manageable and less overwhelming. While praised for its broad coverage of essential topics like finances, visas, and logistics, some reviewers note that it serves best as a solid overview and may require additional, more specific research for complex individual situations or detailed country requirements.
    Excellent for beginners, may lack depth.
    "A very solid overview... Could maybe go a bit deeper on specific country requirements, but that's probably too much to ask for a general course."
    "Good starting point for beginners... Some parts felt a little generic, but overall, it's very useful for someone just starting to think about moving."
    "It covers the basics, but I was hoping for more detailed guidance on legal aspects and setting up a business abroad."
    "It's a broad overview; those needing in-depth advice on complex topics might need further research."
    Offers clear steps and useful tips/resources.
    "David provides step-by-step instructions on how to successfully reach your goal of living and working abroad."
    "I especially liked that he gave specific examples of services I could use for shipping my things abroad, etc."
    "Loved the practical tips and recommended services. Worth every penny."
    "Helped me create a realistic plan."
    Covers a wide range of essential topics.
    "This course was great. It covered everything I could think of for moving abroad."
    "It covers all the major points I was worried about, from finances to moving pets."
    "Provides the framework that allows you to not get overwhelmed by the number of things you need to consider."
    "Helped me consider all the crucial steps I hadn't even thought of yet."
    Instructor shares valuable real-world insights.
    "Coming from someone who has done it themselves, you get these details and caveats that you will never learn when simply researching the information online on your own."
    "Through his story and experiences, he shows you how attainable this dream can be with careful planning and hard work."
    "David's personal anecdotes were invaluable, and the step-by-step guide cut through the overwhelm."
    "David clearly knows his stuff and shares openly. It gave me a good roadmap."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad: Start Your Expat Journey with these activities:
    Review International Finance Basics
    Reinforce your understanding of international finance concepts to better manage your money across countries and currencies.
    Browse courses on International Finance
    Show steps
    • Review basic concepts of currency exchange rates.
    • Understand the impact of exchange rates on your budget.
    • Research different international banking options.
    Read 'Vagabonding'
    Explore the philosophy and practicalities of long-term travel to enhance your expat experience.
    Show steps
    • Read the book and reflect on its themes.
    • Consider how to apply its principles to your move.
    • Identify potential challenges and solutions.
    Read 'The 4-Hour Workweek'
    Gain insights into lifestyle design and remote work to support your expat journey.
    Show steps
    • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
    • Identify strategies applicable to your expat goals.
    • Brainstorm ways to implement these strategies.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Expat Planning Study Group
    Participate in a peer study group to discuss expat planning challenges and share solutions.
    Show steps
    • Find other students interested in moving abroad.
    • Schedule regular online or in-person meetings.
    • Discuss challenges and share resources.
    • Provide mutual support and encouragement.
    Create a Budget Spreadsheet
    Develop a detailed budget spreadsheet to estimate your cost of living in your target country.
    Show steps
    • Research the cost of living in your destination.
    • List all potential expenses in a spreadsheet.
    • Estimate your income and create budget scenarios.
    • Refine your budget based on your lifestyle.
    Visa Application Checklist
    Compile a comprehensive checklist of all documents required for your specific visa application.
    Show steps
    • Research visa requirements for your destination.
    • Create a detailed checklist of required documents.
    • Gather and organize all necessary documents.
    • Double-check the checklist for accuracy.
    Document Your Expat Plan
    Create a detailed written plan outlining all the steps you need to take before moving abroad.
    Show steps
    • Outline all tasks from the course.
    • Create a timeline for completing each task.
    • Document resources and contacts.
    • Regularly update your plan as you progress.

    Career center

    Learners who complete How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad: Start Your Expat Journey will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Digital Nomad
    A Digital Nomad works remotely from different locations around the globe, often moving from country to country. This course directly aligns with the Digital Nomad lifestyle since it focuses on the practical aspects of moving abroad, which is often frequent for digital nomads. This course helps by providing a framework for managing finances across currencies, finding affordable accommodation, and understanding the logistics involved in international shipping and mail management. A digital nomad will find this course helpful since these topics are typically of immense concern to those who do not live in a fixed location. In addition, this course addresses the challenges of international moves, all of which will be useful.
    International Relocation Consultant
    An International Relocation Consultant guides individuals and families through the complexities of moving to a new country, very much like a student of this course will do for themselves. This role involves advising on visa applications, finding suitable housing, managing finances, and navigating cultural differences. This course helps build a foundation for understanding what is involved in the process of moving abroad, from planning to execution. The course specifically covers topics like visa preparation, financial management, international shipping, and even pet relocation, all of which will assist an International Relocation Consultant in successfully advising their clients.
    Expat Blogger
    An Expat Blogger writes about their experiences living in a foreign country. This course provides the Expat Blogger with a wealth of information that will be useful for their blog, particularly since it covers the realities of international life. The course directly addresses topics such as managing finances, preparing for visa applications, and dealing with the practicalities of moving abroad. The course's lessons will help one write with confidence about international transitions, as well as provide useful advice to others who are considering or planning their own expat journey. Those who wish to write about these topics should take this course.
    Expatriate Coach
    An Expatriate Coach supports individuals before, during, and after their international relocation. Specifically, this role helps people adjust to a new environment. The course, 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad,' teaches the practical aspects of planning an international move, such as budgeting, finding accommodation, and managing international logistics. As an Expatriate Coach, one must understand these challenges firsthand. The course will help one understand the common hurdles expats experience, giving useful reference points for coaching clients. This course has also prepared the coach with resources helpful for clients, such as information about international shipping and financial management.
    Global Mobility Specialist
    A Global Mobility Specialist manages the logistical and administrative aspects of international assignments. This can include visa processing, relocation assistance, and compliance with international regulations. The course will allow a Global Mobility Specialist to develop a strong understanding of what expat clients experience. This course provides specific information on topics such as visa applications, international shipping, managing finances, and minimizing belongings. With this understanding, the Global Mobility Specialist is better equipped to handle the details of employee relocation, helping companies and employees alike navigate their international transitions.
    International Education Consultant
    An International Education Consultant advises families on educational options for their children abroad, which is a key aspect covered by this course. The course gives valuable insights into international schooling options, as well as the practical considerations of moving with children. This course can help the consultant by introducing them to the very real and specific challenges that face parents moving their children abroad, whether they be educational or otherwise. 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad' will help the consultant better understand the concerns of families moving internationally.
    International Recruiter
    An International Recruiter sources and hires talent across borders, which requires understanding the challenges and opportunities of international work. The Recruiter could benefit greatly from taking this course, which covers crucial elements of living and working abroad, including the financial and logistical aspects of relocation. This course addresses preparing for a visa application, maximizing international earnings, and determining the cost of living abroad. An International Recruiter who is versed in these areas is better positioned to assist candidates in understanding the requirements, benefits, and challenges of international assignments.
    Travel Blogger
    A Travel Blogger creates content about travel experiences, which often includes living abroad. This course is particularly useful because the blogger will have first-hand knowledge about the specifics of what it is like to move abroad. This course addresses a number of important topics, including finding cost-effective accommodation and flights, managing budgets, and dealing with logistical challenges related to international moves. The course helps build a foundation for the blogger who wants to write about their own experience of moving and living overseas. Students of this course will have a strong understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for it, which is a great asset.
    International Assignment Manager
    An International Assignment Manager oversees the process of sending employees on international assignments. This includes areas such as visa processing, relocation, and cultural training. The course, 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad,' helps build a strong understanding of what employees experience when moving. This course offers specific information on preparing for visa applications, managing finances across countries, and dealing with the logistics of shipping belongings. Having this kind of preparation will allow an International Assignment Manager to carry out their duties more effectively and with more empathy for employees.
    Immigration Advisor
    An Immigration Advisor assists individuals with the legal and administrative aspects of moving to a new country, which is a key area covered by this course. The course provides students with a guide on how to navigate the process of moving abroad, including the steps for successful visa applications. Such knowledge is invaluable to an Immigration Advisor. 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad' can help the advisor gain a robust understanding of the challenges and opportunities that await those migrating internationally. Such preparation will help them guide their clients.
    Remote Work Consultant
    A Remote Work Consultant advises individuals and companies on how to effectively manage remote work arrangements. Many people who work remotely move to a new country and this course is helpful because it directly addresses the practicalities of making an international move, along with information on how to manage finances and find affordable housing. This course can inform a consultant on the specific challenges of working abroad, as well as best practices to recommend to clients. A Remote Work Consultant will be better able to assist their clients by taking this course.
    Cross-Cultural Trainer
    A Cross Cultural Trainer helps individuals understand and navigate cultural differences, especially for those moving to or working in a new country. This course helps an aspiring trainer since it addresses many practical aspects of moving abroad, such as adapting to a new environment and managing international logistics. This course can provide a foundation for a Cross Cultural Trainer to help clients. The course provides a useful understanding of the challenges and opportunities that people experience when moving internationally, thus helping the trainer become more effective in their work. While this course does not focus on culture, it addresses key practical details.
    International Sales Representative
    An International Sales Representative manages sales across different countries. This course will give the sales representative a leg up as it provides the sales professional with a comprehensive look at what it is like to move and live abroad. This course covers several topics of extreme relevance, including cost of living, international finance, and the management of belongings when moving. The lessons in the course can help the Sales Representative empathize with individuals who relocate for business or employment opportunities. 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad' provides a useful overview of the expat experience.
    International Customer Service Representative
    An International Customer Service Representative supports clients across different countries, assisting them with inquiries and resolving their issues. This course may be useful as it provides the customer service representative with a better understanding of the unique challenges that people face when moving. Through this course, the service representative will gain empathy for customers who are moving. 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad' addresses topics such as managing finances and international shipping, all of which might come up when serving an international client base. The course may be useful for cultivating empathy.
    Travel Agent
    A Travel Agent helps clients plan and book trips, sometimes including international relocation. This course may help as it covers practical aspects of moving abroad, such as finding good deals on accommodation and planning for international shipping. This course provides information on managing finances and budgeting while living and working abroad, which may come in handy when assisting clients who are planning their international move. A travel agent may pick up helpful tips that are specifically relevant to the needs of clients looking to relocate. 'How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad' may be a useful resource.

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Move, Live, and Work Abroad: Start Your Expat Journey.
    Provides a philosophical and practical guide to long-term travel. It encourages readers to prioritize experiences over material possessions. It is particularly useful for those considering extended travel or a nomadic lifestyle. It offers advice on budgeting, planning, and adapting to life on the road, adding depth to the course's focus on international living.
    Explores lifestyle design and remote work strategies. It provides inspiration and practical advice for creating a location-independent income. It is useful for those considering digital nomadism or remote work abroad. While not directly focused on expat life, it offers valuable insights into building a flexible lifestyle.

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