Moving Countries 101

In this episode, Clare talks through the four main challenges faced by global movers. Helping you to confront and overcome the challenges of - pressure to perform in a new job, changes in family dynamics, the logistics of finding new housing and adapting to a new culture. Clare also announces her new Facebook group, Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kay - where listeners can connect, share, and find support beyond the podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSThere is no grace period. From day one, you have to deliver results in your new job.If you do not perform in the job, you cannot look after your family, who are likely to already be feeling quite vulnerable.Each family member will be experiencing the move in a different way and be facing different challenges.Sometimes your spouse will not be legally able to work, which can affect the family dynamic.Even when a spouse can work they may not be able to stay on the career trajectory they were on previously.In many countries finding a new home throws up unexpected challenges e.g. all of the movers are booked up months in advance.Some cultural adaptions you will like, others you will struggle with.Even something that seems simple can be more challenging than you expect e.g. adapting to the weather.All of these pressures together have an accumulative effect which can mean that something relatively small knocks you off course.Clare is currently pulling together meaningful, practical and up to date resources to serve global professionals and their families as they settle into their new countries.BEST MOMENTS“The top four problems that nearly every global mover encounter are not just small inconveniences.”“You often have to hit the ground running in your new job.”“Sometimes the burden on you, the new hire, can be immense, because perhaps your family is going to follow you in a few months.”“Each member of the family is having a unique experience and seeing life from their perspective.”“You're not alone in your endeavours.”“It's not that each challenge comes up in steps, they all come up at once.”“This podcast has been a wonderful journey, and I am very grateful for everyone who's been there with me.”ABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, Clare inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and continues the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group. Join the conversation by clicking this link - Moving Countries 101 with Clare KayIt’s a space for global movers – people choosing to build lives abroad – to prepare emotionally, culturally, and practically, and to turn cultural differences into connections.https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

In this episode, Clare talks about the importance of being open-minded enough to make friends with strangers when you move country – including those from different backgrounds or lives from yours. She shares tips to move past our instinctive “stranger danger” and connect more freely. Drawing on her own moves – from the UK to Africa, Asia, and the USA – Clare shows how cultural differences can become bridges rather than barriers.Clare also launches her new Facebook Group – Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kay – a space focused on the cultural and emotional side of moving countries.KEY TAKEAWAYSIt is only natural to be drawn to people who you already have a connection with and resonate with.Remember that other people see you as a stranger, in the same way you see them as strangers.Switching your thinking and considering yourself as the stranger reminds you to adopt a persona that makes others feel comfortable.You get to choose how you come across when you meet someone for the first time.Being warm and friendly with everyone makes it easier for them to connect with you.Look at how the other person chooses to be and adapt a bit to meet them where they are. But still be yourself, authenticity matters.Understand the merits others see in you and play up to them a little, while toning down the things you know put them off. This is part of being culturally sensitive.Talk to people who share habits or common interests or concerns with you.Be genuinely open minded and willing to try things, but don´t participate in anything that does not sit well with you.BEST MOMENTS“Naturally, looking out we regard everyone around us as strangers, but we are also regarded as strangers when we step into a new country.”“If I related to it as, “Oh, here we go again”. I diminished the promise of what that interaction could yield.”“Different modes of behaviour work in different cultural settings.”“No matter how much we acclimatize to a country, community will start with strangers.”“I like any “in” that gets me to know the people locally.”“You are breaking the ice, but it's on your terms, so you're not breaking a sweat.”ABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, Clare inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and continues the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group. Join the conversation by clicking this link - Moving Countries 101 with Clare KayIt’s a space for global movers – people choosing to build lives abroad – to prepare emotionally, culturally, and practically, and to turn cultural differences into connections.https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

In this episode, Clare talks about the six pillars you need to connect deeply with your new country: food, language, traditions, relationships, history and values. Fortunately, provided you are willing to take the time, you will find connecting using these pillars very enjoyable. Clare shares her approach to learning all about a new country. A simple, yet effective approach that will work for anyone regardless of where they relocate to.KEY TAKEAWAYSConnect with the heart of your new country – don’t just experience life on the periphery.Food is a gateway to culture. Everyone eats, most people love it, and many are passionate about their nation’s cuisine – so you connect deeply through food.When people invite you to dinner, accept the offer – it’s a great entry point.Eating with local people opens the chance to build multiple pillars at once.Learning even a few words of your new country’s language makes a big difference.Using your new language helps you pick up on cultural differences and nuances.Learning and respecting traditions is important.You can still respect traditions you don’t fully agree with – without undermining your own values and beliefs.Foster relationships.Learning the history and enjoying experiences locals love shows respect – your new friends and neighbours will appreciate it.Understanding the values of your new country is the best way to fit in faster.Be mindful and respectful of others’ values – but don’t lose sight of your own.BEST MOMENTS“Food is the gateway to a culture.”“There are many things that can create interesting and stimulating conversation that start with food.”“In learning a language, you also end up learning nuances and cultural preferences.”“There are some wonderful experiences of tradition that can be challenging or engaging. Either way, it's really worth it when we persevere and get to know them.”“Showing an interest in the history of a place is a great way to get some context for why things are the way they are.”ABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, Clare inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and continues the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group. Join the conversation by clicking this link - Moving Countries 101 with Clare KayIt’s a space for global movers – people choosing to build lives abroad – to prepare emotionally, culturally, and practically, and to turn cultural differences into connections.https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

 In this solo episode, Clare once again takes a look at a practical aspect of moving abroad, which an awful lot of people fail to pay enough attention to. She explains why what you take with you and how you get it there is very important.  We all have things that we would struggle to live without. For some it is a treasured possession that has great sentimental value and for others it is a person or pet. Still, others have activities and hobbies that make a huge difference when it comes to physical, emotional or mental wellbeing. Clare has moved abroad multiple times, so the advice and strategies she provides to tackle the task of packing and leaving some things behind really do work.KEY TAKEAWAYSWe all have things we would struggle to live without. Finding a way to take them with you or leave them behind on your terms can play a big role in how well you settle in a new country.If an item is particularly precious to you, pack it in a way that ensures it won´t be broken and can easily be accessed upon your arrival.If you want to continue to pursue a hobby or activity while you are living abroad, work out how you are going to do that before you actually move.Sometimes continuing to pursue your interests won´t be possible. In that case, consider what you might be able to do instead.Before you start to pack, prepare yourself emotionally. Organising everything and physically packing will have an impact on you.Getting started can be tough, Clare explains how to overcome this hesitancy.Start in one room, go through each item and ask yourself do I want to take this item? Do I need to take this item? And make two lists.Leaving someone who is very precious to you is hard. Clare shares several things you can do to make it more bearable.BEST MOMENTS“What is the one thing that you absolutely do not want to be without? Reflect on that and have that as your starting point.”“If a hobby is not realistic, consider what you could do in its place that would bring about the same happy vibes.”“Unprocessed emotions will follow us anywhere.”“Surrender to expertise.”“I wasn't needing the things. I needed that emotional journey of having the time to revisit and evoke memories.”ABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, Clare inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and continues the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group. Join the conversation by clicking this link - Moving Countries 101 with Clare KayIt’s a space for global movers – people choosing to build lives abroad – to prepare emotionally, culturally, and practically, and to turn cultural differences into connections.https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

For this episode, Clare is joined by her long-term friend Matthew Young, who decided to move from the UK to Dubai when inspiration struck him during a shopping trip in the country. He shares what it is like to live in such a diverse country, adapting to working with so many people who do things differently from you and how to take full advantage of the high level of connectivity with the rest of the world that Dubai offers.Matthew explains how he simply packed a bag and moved to Dubai. He shares how he arrived using a tourist visa and turned that into permanent residency.KEY TAKEAWAYSDubai is incredibly multi-national, which makes it a great place for people from everywhere to live.To live in Dubai, you have to be accepting of others and adapt to the fact that you are going to encounter multiple different ways of behaving. You really need to behave as a guest, even after you have been living in Dubai for many years.It is really easy to move to Dubai. You can arrive as a tourist, but if you want to stay getting a job is essential.The heat has an impact on the way the city works e.g. Everything is done online.Dubai is a virtually cashless society.The economy of Dubai is dependent on attracting new residents, so it is a great place to set up a business or work remotely.Like Singapore, Dubai is a very self-contained and locally controlled city.Dubai is not as expensive as you think. Remember that even though you live in Dubai some of your life will still be back in the UK. Work out how you are going to pull these two aspects together.The older you get the more the cost of your healthcare in Dubai goes up, so you may not be able to afford to live there all of your life.Your employer pays for your medical insurance, so if you lose your job, you lose that.Currently, the UAE is far more tolerant than its reputation suggests.BEST MOMENTS“The whole place was wondrous.”“Everything is set up for digital…even the visa application process.”“They want businesses to be here, and they want people to be successful because that helps the economy.”“You see a country one way as a visitor, and you see it entirely differently as someone who's living there.”“Dubai is in the middle of all sorts of places, so it's kind of equidistant to London and Bangkok.”“Once you get a job, then you can open a bank account, then you can rent a place.”“I'd say that since COVID, Dubai has become, a lot more relaxed in all sorts of things.”EPISODE RESOURCESMoving to Dubai - https://wise.com/gb/blog/moving-to-dubai-guideABOUT THE GUESTMatthew moved to Dubai in January 2019 requiring a change of scenery and a fresh start. He was 49 at the time. In the UK, he had a career in the City of London working in financial services before he set up his own property management business in 2004. He was married for 21 years and has one son. Other than his professional interest in property management, Matthew is an avid supporter of Chelsea FC and have been qualified as a football referee since 1990.https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsyoung Matthew's podcast: MY Proper Property Managementhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/my-proper-property-management/id1819489117ABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, she inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and deepens the conversation in her Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

In this solo episode of Moving Countries 101, Clare examines why people think that moving countries is the best way to start living the dream. She explains that while moving can help, it can sometimes make things worse, especially, for someone that is struggling to recognise the positives and find joy in the life they are currently living.Clare shares a simple mindset shift anyone can use to make living the dream a reality even if you cannot currently move countries. A change in the way you think that improves your enjoyment of life and your resilience. So, should you eventually find yourself able to move abroad it is far more likely to be a life-enhancing experience.KEY TAKEAWAYSHow often do you dismiss the potential for joy and fulfilment simply because your life doesn't align with what you envisioned for yourself? i.e. fail to recognise and enjoy what is good about the life you already have.How you engage with the world determines whether you enjoy life and feel like you are living the dream.If you are frustrated with life, simply moving country is not going to solve all your problems.Regardless of how much you want to do it, moving countries, exposes you to higher levels of stress. Sometimes people end up feeling even less like they are living their dreams, especially during the early days.Moving countries does give you a fresh start but it is up to you what you do with that opportunity.Experiencing a new culture changes how you perceive things, it can help you to become more positive.To some extent we are a product of our environment e.g. living somewhere everyone is a go-getter can help you to become a bit more like that too. BEST MOMENTS“Many people think that moving countries is the path to living the dream.”“Moving countries can be a powerful catalyst, a mirror reflecting what we value most and what we're most capable of .”“The dream is not out there, it's something we cultivate within how we think, feel and engage with our surroundings .”“Our environments leave a lasting imprint on us.”“If moving countries feels out of reach… embrace discovery and transformation right where you are, without moving countries.”EPISODE RESOURCESThe Magic of Thinking Big - https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Magic-of-Thinking-Big/dp/B015EXTAEOABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, she inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and deepens the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group – Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kayhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

For this episode, Clare is joined by Taylan Ali who was born in Eastern Turkey, close to the Armenian-Iranian border but moved to Istanbul as a child. He now lives in Amsterdam, Holland, but also spent time living in Berlin. Tylan was an architect in Turkey, primarily working on restoring important medieval buildings. Work he thoroughly enjoyed, yet at the age of 41 he shut his highly successful practice and began a new journey which eventually led to him becoming a healer.During this revealing episode, Tylan and Clare discuss some of the lessons he learned from moving countries and adapting to different cultures. Importantly, doing so in a respectful way without losing touch with his own values and personality.KEY TAKEAWAYSLearning the language and social rules when you move into a new society shows respect for your new community. But you need to be balanced and stay true to your own values as well.If you discover that you are not a good fit for your new country, it is better to move again rather than let pride and fear keep you living in a place that is not good for you.Before moving to a country, take time to understand the politics and culture. But, also be ready for things not being as you expect.Europe is culturally more diverse than many people realise. Tylan demonstrates this by comparing his time in Berlin with his life in Amsterdam, especially when it comes to the way populations protest.Because immigrants are initially looking at their new country as outsiders, they often see things in a different light than long-term citizens do.The Dutch are very practical people who are still mostly accepting of others who see things differently.Moving to a new country teaches you to be more resilient.BEST MOMENTS“They never teach you. You have to learn them (invisible rules/societal norms) by trial and error.”“Istanbul is just between Asia and Europe, and it's just totally different.”“In Turkey, it's more tribal and collective, and there's extreme individualism in the Netherlands.”“It´s my tribe against your tribe - really, don't we have anything in common?”“it took me, like, two years to understand the police is not going to do anything bad to me..”“Having your base is very important, somewhere to go back to, no matter what. It's so important.”“ How can we be open and interested and receptive to things without losing ourselves?”EPISODE RESOURCEShttps://www.instagram.com/taylonipolati/ABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, she inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and deepens the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group – Moving Countries 101 with Clare KayCONTACThttps://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

In this solo episode, Clare looks at preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for moving to another country, something that very few people do. As a result, many migrants feel overwhelmed by their move, often, even when that move is something they have dreamed of doing for decades.To help you avoid finding yourself in this situation, Clare shares 5 short reflection exercises she has learned to do before moving to centre herself mentally and emotionally. Exercises that will also help you. KEY TAKEAWAYSBe clear about your reasons for moving and note how you feel when you think about them.When moving as a family consider how the needs of each person can be met in your new country e.g. work, friendship, pursuing pastimes etc.Do some research and test your expectations of your new country. For example, don´t assume that because you speak the same language, communication and making friends will be easy. Factor in the need to adapt to the local culture.We all have items that bring us calm, e.g. a family ornament, prioritise taking them with you.Say goodbye to places as well as people when you move. Clare explains why in the episode.Ask yourself what you love about your home country to help you create strong memories that will bring you joy wherever you are.Don´t compare your home country with your new one. Instead, relish the new joys your new country brings.Prioritise self-care. BEST MOMENTS“Understand the deeper emotions behind your move.”“Are your expectations based on anything you know, or are they based on what you want that destination country to be for you?”“Take time to think about the people, the places that you hold dear, that you're carrying with you in your heart.”“I don't have one foot in one country and one foot in another. I'm firmly stood in my destination country.”“It's important to be connected to what is important to us to leave behind what isn't and take with us what is.” EPISODE RESOURCESClare draws on ideas from previous episodes – The nitty gritty of getting ready to move countries, her conversation with Ella, and her conversation with Jennifer He.Eat That Frog - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eat-That-Frog-Important-Things-ebook/dp/B01E4AQRAS.Atomic Habits - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B01N5AX61WThe Magic of Thinking Big - https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Magic-of-Thinking-Big/dp/B015EXTAEOABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, she inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and deepens the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group – Moving Countries 101 with Clare KayCONTACThttps://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay 

In this solo episode, Clare explains how to get yourself ready to move countries, starting by looking at the 5 most important things you need to have covered well before your planned move data. The list includes your passport, visa, driving license, and travel insurance leading into medical insurance. As well as your phone, bank account, credit score and emergency funds. Clare goes into a lot of detail, so includes tips that you are not likely to have heard elsewhere.KEY TAKEAWAYSWithout your passport and visa, you aren´t going anywhere.If you need a visa understand what your options are, so you choose the right one for what you are planning to do.Make sure your visa is a multiple-entry one so you can travel home in an emergency or take vacations.Check whether you can work or not using that visa.Always keep copies of your passports, visas, driving licences and other important documents.For most places your passport will have to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the country you are travelling to.Understand how long you can drive using your existing licence in your new country (if at all). Make sure it has as much validity on it as possible.Travel insurance is needed, but it will not cover all medical bills. You will need medical insurance for the rest of your stay.Some visas require you to have full medical insurance already in place.Make sure you can use your phone in your new country. Make sure it is unlocked and will accept a local SIM.Look at international banking and compare it to local banking options.To be able to open a local bank account you will need to meet certain criteria, understand what that is and work out if you will qualify when you first arrive.Get your credit score from your home country, often, it will help you to rent a home in your new country.BEST MOMENTS“Check that you have some blank pages in your passport to allow for stamps and visas. .”“My driving license expired while I was in my first few months in America, and that was really unhelpful.”“Ideally you don't want to have a single day in your new country without medical cover… have your travel insurance migrate into the local medical insurance.”“Mishaps, or what ifs can arise and you're going to need money, pretty much always, to get yourself out of a situation.”EPISODE RESOURCEShttps://visaguide.world/tips/passport-6-month-rulehttps://www.insureandgo.comhttps://www.revolut.comhttps://monzo.comhttps://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cardsABOUT THE HOSTClare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, she inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and continues the cultural and emotional conversation in her Facebook Group – Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kayhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay