Here's how you can navigate the common pitfalls of working in a different country.

Whenever I work in a different country I do this: 1. Use my network to ask questions about things I need to know. Local knowledge is helpful for finding good restaurants too! 2. Be humble. You might be a respected authority in your home country, but in a new environment you are 'the new guy'. Listen. Learn. Be thankful. 3. Don't make it all about you. I've travelled from New Zealand to Finland to learn about bats. I was on the ground for 6 nights and travelled for 6 days to get the opportunity. There were other people here for the same reason. Although they might not have travelled as far, they deserved their chance too. Be respectful of other peoples needs and wants.

If we are thinking of emigrating to work in another country, the first thing we need to do is find out about the legal procedures required by the host country and the type of visa that is most appropriate for each situation. More and more host countries require a work contract before you arrive in the country. Work requirements vary from country to country, but today's high technology demands mean that IT professionals are in high demand. There are also social norms, business etiquette and communication styles to consider. While in some countries it's considered polite to talk about salary and even to make it public, in others it should be done at the right time.

I've lived in 5 different countries, all with different rules and regulations. Here's what I've learned: 1. Ask for help often and early. There's nothing worse than having your application returned. Use the phone, not email! 2. Have good health and life insurance policies in your home country. These can be hard to find for a decent price and with decent coverage. They are also a pain to change each time you move. 3. Travel insurance is often a legal (and common sense) requirement. Don't let it lapse! Replacing your work computer out of living expenses can be niggly in terms of lost revenue and time! In short, consult the experts and have at least one of them on speed dial for when things get hairy (and they will).

I can speak and read two languages, but only write one. Here's how I manage: 1. Use the phone instead of email. It's more personal and plays to my strength. 2. People often like to practice their second language. When that's English I am more than happy to help! 3. Use apps to rapidly increase your vocabulary. When people see and hear you trying, they are usually very sympathetic. Moving countires is not easy, especially when your profession requires you to operate in a second language. The reward is worth it though!

I learned this the hard way: 1. Start early. Develop your network before you think you'll need it. 2. Offer help to those entering your local area. Consider how grateful you would be to receive that kind of help. 3. Put yourself out there. Ask for opportunities. Tell your network what you're looking for. One of your connections might be looking for you! Your network is invaluable. Nurture it. Grow it. Use it!

Working abroad is great for work life balance if: 1. You can travel while you work. This requires some effort and organisation, but amazing when it happens! 2. You can work on your schedule without constant phonecalls from colleagues (who are sleeping!). 3. If you choose the right kind of work, you get to travel (if that's want you want) to do it! Win win! I have never had as good work life balance as I do while working abroad. It makes you more deliberate in your actions, and as a result it is easier to achieve balance.