Moving abroad is one of the most interesting and exciting things a person can do.
Whether you're going abroad to learn a new language, work or study, taking the time to prepare is absolutely necessary.
Formalities and documentation.
This should be your first task. Your passport or identity card must be valid.
If you need a visa, make it a priority, as this process can take a long time. Unless you are an EU citizen moving to Spain, you would need a visa. In this case, if your intention is to study, you could get a student visa; or if you have been offered a job, you could get a work visa. You may also be able to get a visa if you are moving because you have married a national of Spain.
It is highly recommended to make digital and physical copies of all official documents.
Get advice from the nearest Spanish Consulate in your country, which paperwork is convenient to arrange in advance there.
You can prepare important but not indispensable documents and keep them handy in case you are asked for them. Course or study diplomas, vaccination certificates, etc.
Remember to cancel services such as direct debits, the gym, water, electricity, telephone and internet, etc.
Save money and find out if you need health care.
After checking that you are eligible to enter and live in Spain, your next move should be to start saving. If you don't plan to take a lot of things with you, think about selling them.
In addition, in several cases, it is necessary to prove your financial solvency to government agencies.
If you already have health insurance, find out if it covers you if you live abroad. You will usually be insured abroad if you are traveling, but not if you are moving internationally. If not, you may need to look for local health insurance, even though Spain has public health care, in some cases expats may not be entitled to it.
Research your destination.
Immerse yourself in immersive online study days about your future destination. Research the culture, people, food, interesting cities, natural wonders and, of course, the language.
If you don't speak it, plan to take a basic course before you arrive, just if you have time, energy and interest. It can be very useful to learn certain phrases to communicate the basics, for that you can carry a translation book or install a translation application. Afterwards, once immersed in the local culture, your fluency and communication skills will improve enormously, but your confidence during those first few days will be much greater if you plan ahead. Anyway, Valencia has a large expat community, which will slightly reduce the culture shock of moving. No worries!
Make new connections
Remember, as me, others have walked the same path before you. To learn from their experiences, communicate with them and join social media groups for expats in Valencia. They will be a good source of information on culture shock.
Cultivate your and your family emotional health
Prepare yourself mentally, every start is difficult. Try to live it with positivity and, above all, transmit confidence and joy to your children about the decision you have made. If they are young, it is advisable not to tell them that it is a definitive decision, but rather that it is an adventure for a few years and that you will then decide together, so that they do not feel anxious.
As the big departure date approaches, you are likely to have mixed feelings and experience waves of excitement, stress, confidence and worry. Know that this is normal, I know from first hand how it feels like...
you can count on me.