Yes, the rewards are there but you do have to battle through some stresses to get there.

If you know that as a family unit you will survive, or youre considering making the move alone and you know that youre strong enough to keep going through the unknown to establish a life for yourself, then all you now need to do is go back to your motivation for choosing a new life abroad and hold on to that...it will get you through.

Step Four Choosing the right country.

You may already have a country in mind; somewhere youve holidayed and fallen in love with, somewhere you already have family or friends or somewhere youve seen on the TV or in movies and where you dream of making a new life

Some people do have very definite plans about where in the world theyd like to be this time next year, but it seems that just as many people are a little overwhelmed at the choice and have yet to make a final destination decision.

So, how do you decide?

Well, everyone has different desires but as a general guide, the following are some of the main areas you should consider and research before you make your ultimate choice. Theyll help your head keep your heart in check when you visit and fall in love with a property or pace of life!

Demographics
Population statistics
Immigration policy
Cost of living
School rankings & quality of education
Career & job prospects
Law & order
Accessibility & transportation
Health care services
Weather & climate
Ease of relocation
Lifestyle & entertainment

Step Five - Visit the countries you've short listed as dream destinations.

This may sound so obvious to many people, but unfortunately in my time as an expatriate in 5 very different countries I've met many people who have made the move based on house prices or photographs alone and seriously regret their decision.

You have to get a feel for a country before you make a commitment to it.

First impressions do count but they are not the be all and end all - when you spend longer in a place you begin to see both the cracks and the hidden treasures.

Step Six - Remember that you can't run away from your problems or who you are.

Problems, issues, debts and emotional baggage will follow you around the world!

You'll still react to upsets the same way whether youre at home or abroad.

Self knowledge is the key to success in life. Problems always crop up, but if you can learn to live or deal with them before you go, you are far more likely to survive life abroad.

Step Seven Ready, steadily, go!

If youve done your homework, covered all the considerations and suggestions Ive made, and researched all your options you will have found your motivation, found the inner stoicism to see this through, and you will ultimately have your new life mapped out in your mind.

You are now ready to make the whole thing happen!

Its time to move steadily through the practicalities of sorting out your old life and preparing your new life.

And if you spend time dealing with the necessary organisation and arrangements, the time to go will come around so quickly, youll soon find youre living your new life abroad and never looking back.

Rhiannon Williamson is a publisher with specialist knowledge covering literally every single aspect of moving & living abroad. From offshore investment and offshore banking to international living and buying property abroad.

Check out her site Shelter Offshore to find out how you can escape from the rat race, relocate overseas, and profit from your move!