Living Abroad

Living abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your life. It allows you to explore new cultures, learn new languages, meet new people, and gain a global perspective. But living abroad is not always easy, and it comes with its challenges. After living in seven different countries around the world, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that have helped me navigate the ups and downs of expat life.

Moving to a new country is exhilarating and daunting at the same time. You’re leaving behind what you know and diving into the unknown. I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainty and be open to new experiences, no matter how unfamiliar they might be. When I moved to Japan, I had no idea how to speak the language, but I stayed curious and took every opportunity to engage with the culture. Within a few months, I was able to have basic conversations, and it opened up a whole new world of connections and friendships.

Being open-minded has allowed me to see the world through different lenses and to appreciate the diversity of perspectives that exist. In Egypt, I learned to appreciate the slower pace of life and the importance of family. In contrast, in South Korea, I discovered the value of discipline and hard work. It takes time to understand and adapt to new ways of thinking, but being open to learning new approaches can be an eye-opening experience.

Learning the language of the country you’re living in can be a game-changer. It opens up doors to new friendships and experiences, and it helps you to integrate into the local community. In Italy, I took the time to learn the language, and it allowed me to connect with my neighbors, shopkeepers, and colleagues on a deeper level. It also helped me to navigate daily tasks, such as ordering food, buying tickets, and asking for directions.

Living abroad can be isolating at times, but finding a community can make all the difference. Whether it’s joining a local club or attending expat events, connecting with others who share a common interest or experience can provide a sense of belonging and support. In Oman, I joined a hiking club, and it allowed me to explore the beautiful mountains and meet other expats who shared my love of the outdoors.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential when living abroad. No matter how much research and preparation you do, things will inevitably go wrong, and plans will change. Being able to pivot and adjust to unforeseen circumstances is key to surviving and thriving as an expat. In Kenya, I had to navigate power outages,water shortages, and unreliable transportation. But by staying calm and adaptable, I was able to find creative solutions and make the most of my time in the country.

Living abroad can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to expand your horizons, gain new perspectives, and develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others. But it’s not for everyone, and it’s important to do your research and prepare yourself for the challenges that lie ahead.

If you’re considering moving abroad, my advice is to stay open-minded, stay curious, and be willing to learn and adapt. Embrace the uncertainty, find a community, learn the language, and be flexible. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. If you are not a person that literally enjoys the journey, why take a chance? Otherwise, living abroad can be a life-changing experience, and I highly recommend to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and explore the world.

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Original story (created by me) published on Medium.com. Any changes and/or updates that have been added on Vocal.media are for content consumption purposes.

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