Eight months ago, I moved abroad to take up a teaching post in an International school, and the, ‘telling the friends and family bit,’ didn’t go very well at first.

Moving abroad for a minimum of a two year contract, to Borneo – in other words, the other side of the planet, and to a country that most people had barely heard of, was a big decision, and not one that everyone could understand easily. Let’s just say, not everyone took the news very well at first.

How To Begin To Tell Family And Friends That You Are Planning To Move Abroad

Firstly, be honest. As soon as you start looking for jobs, keep friends and family in the proverbial loop and tell them exactly what, why and where your thoughts are. While everything is, ‘pie in the sky,’ and, ‘What a nice idea that would be, (in theory,)’ it can be very easy for friends and family to stick their heads in the sand and think that they don’t need to worry about it as it is never likely to happen. The moment the situation becomes more definite, things could start to get a bit more messy!

Keep Them Involved With Plans

It is always a good idea to involve loved ones at all stages of the planning process. After all, honesty is, most of the time, the best policy. Make sure they are kept up to date with information and fully involved in the decision making process.

However, if this doesn’t seem to be working too well, provide any detractors with facts, figures, and cold hard information. The chances are, whether moving abroad permanently or making finite travel plans, any issues that arise between you and your loved one as a direct result of travel plans made are, (mostly,) borne out of their desire to see you stay physically close to them and out of perceived harm’s way.

Facts And Figures

Another tip is to break the information down into bite-sized pieces so that friends and family do not end up bombarded with excessive information that it is impossible for them to digest. Tell them what they need to know and make sure to be absolutely clear on the reasons for making this move abroad. It is very hard to argue with accurate, clear facts that have been well researched and planned from the start.

What Happens If Things Go Wrong?

Make sure that all possible queries and questions are covered and that there are well-rehearsed answers ready and waiting for them. What will happen if your passport gets stolen? Does your insurance cover scuba-diving/horse riding/whatever activities you may be planning to do?

Are the chosen destinations safe for a solo woman traveller/with a young family/whatever your personal circumstances may be? What about the recommended vaccinations for that region? These are all questions that may be preying heavily on the minds of loved ones and demand answers for both your, and their, peace of mind.

Lastly, remember most of their arguments probably stem from worry, concern and quite often, a fear of the unknown and a desire to make sure you are safe and happy. Don’t forget to enjoy the trip!