‘Should I move abroad?’ It’s a question I hear often.
And yes, there are many good reasons to move to another country.
Wanting to explore more of the world, have more money in the bank, have days relaxing in the sun or even just witnessing the sun rise from a different angle…
However, though there are lots of people who think about moving abroad, there are not many who actually make the dream a reality.
Many are set back by the task of essentially starting from scratch. But, if you’re willing to take that first step, there are some wonderful benefits of moving abroad.
5 Reasons to Move to Another Country
1. Build Your Character
As soon as you move abroad, you will be dealing with new challenges on a daily basis.
If you move abroad at a younger age, these are likely challenges you have never faced before, and dealing with them in another country will be a real test of character.
Finding somewhere to live, making new friends, and making your own decisions without having your friends or family to support you will all be tough tasks, especially if there is a language barrier too.
Nevertheless, when you make these decisions and are able to successfully do these things for yourself, you will become stronger and you will be a lot better off for it!
Living abroad changes you and helps you grow as a person. If you are looking for reasons to move to another country, this is definitely number one!
2. Enhance Your CV
For most fields, the job market is competitive. By saying that you have lived abroad, you can give yourself a big advantage over many other people applying for the same role.
You’ll be able to demonstrate that you’ve learned and developed additional life skills.
And if you’re applying for a role at a multi-national business that has offices around the world, being able to speak multiple languages can be a real benefit.
3. Immerse Yourself in the Culture
By living in a new country, you will have the chance to immerse yourself completely in the culture.
You will essentially learn a new way of living and see how the different attitudes in the country define how people go about their day-to-day lives.
Whether it’s the siesta in Spain or the Sunday Roast in the UK, you will be able to partake in these cultural norms.
Yes, you can try to immerse yourself in a foreign culture when you visit a country, but that’s nothing like living in that country.
Having a daily routine, local colleagues, celebrating local holidays, sharing dinners with local friends… It all helps you understand how people with a completely different background live their lives. And that will broaden your horizon.
4. Truly Experience the Country
Yes, going on vacation to another country is a lot of fun and will give you some great memories. However, one of the problems with this is that you are usually trying to cram everything the country or city has to offer into a few days or weeks.
When you move to another country, you are able to travel around slowly. You can spend numerous weekends visiting your favorite museum or taking day trips to the beach or the mountains.
Over time, you’ll meet so many local people showing you sights you would have never seen as a tourist.
It really is a different experience. Making a new country your home, even if it’s only temporary, gives you the unique experience of really getting to know what the country is like.
5. A Sense of Accomplishment
When you look back on the time you spent living abroad, you will be able to look back with fond memories and feel proud of the fact that you were able to deal with the stress that came with moving to another country.
You’ll notice how much you have achieved in your new country: you have made new friends, found a good place to live, and got to understand and adjust to a new culture.
You have grown as a person, and that experience is incredibly valuable and truly unique!
So, to answer the question ‘Should I move abroad?’, I would say, if you get the opportunity, do it! Even if it’s only for a few months, the experience will change you and will be an incredible memory forever.
But, also read my article about things to consider before moving abroad, to make sure you’re well prepared.
What It’s Really Like to Move to Another Country
Check out the Ask an Expat Series to read interviews with people who have moved to various places all over the world.
They share their experiences and honest opinions about what living abroad is really like. It will give you a good idea of why people move to another country, what they love about it and what challenges they faced.
Also Read:
- 6 Reasons Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience
- Living & Working Abroad: What You Thought vs What It’s Really Like
- How to Find a Job Abroad and Make it Work
- What Living Abroad Long-Term Does to You – Things Nobody Tells You
And, if you are already living abroad but are thinking about moving home, then read about the reverse culture shock.
Like this article with reasons to move to another country? Pin it!
To live somewhere one should pick a country with a rising economy and welcoming native people. I have traveled all over Europe and for me, that place is Tbilisi GE. I spent twelve weeks there and saw most of the country on day trips.
Nice! Loved your pictures. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Great reasons and the “Immerse Yourself in The Culture” and “Truly Experience The Country” may be my favourites. I also hadn’t thought of the way it could make your CV look better so that’s a good one too! Thanks for sharing!
Never looked at reasons to move abroad through this angle. Now you got me thinking of moving. Great article.