Just came across a book Grown-up’s Guide to Running Away From Home: Making a New Life Abroad by Rosanne Knorr.
The title of this book is somewhat misleading: it’s really a detailed guide to overseas relocation. Knorr’s book gets 5 stars simply because it does what it promises: offers a straightforward guide to those who are considering an overseas move but have no idea where to start.
The book is heavy on checklists, which I usually don’t like. But it’s got lots of text and the checklists are more comprehensive than most.
However, I would recommend (a) reading multiple guides and (b) talking to folks who have been there. Try to find someone who’s been in your situation. A 60+ retiree won’t benefit from talking to a twenty-something; a single person needs to understand how a culture interprets her lifestyle.
I spent a few years in Canada on a “landed immigrant” visa (equivalent to a green card) as a business school professor. It’s been awhile, but I would say the info here seems accurate and balanced. The author assumes her readers will be concerned about safety and health care. Your beliefs, values, and interpretation of events will influence your own priorities.
But for a starting point, you could do a lot worse.