Living Abroad: Surprising Benefits

Living abroad is an exciting and unique way to experience a new place and culture. It can be the perfect opportunity to learn about new customs and traditions, meet new people, explore the world, and grow as a person. 

While there are plenty of benefits to living abroad, such as improving your language skills or discovering new foods, these aren’t always the first things that come to mind when you think about moving abroad. 

So here’s our list of surprising benefits of living abroad.

Benefits of living abroad

• You will become a local expert
• You will learn a new language
• Self-improvement and growth
• Learn to be out of your comfort zone
• You will be able to travel more and explore
• Learn to respect different cultures
• Try new cuisines
• Develop international network

Become a local expert

Surprisingly, you are a foreigner but you will one day become a local expert as you settle and explore the place.

You’ll learn the language, become familiar with local traditions, and explore the history of the area. You’ll know what people do for fun on a Friday night, where they go for holidays, and how they spend their weekends. You’ll understand the place’s life and story. 

You’ll even be able to navigate your way around the town like a native!

Learn a new language

Learning a new language is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s also one of the most difficult, but there are so many benefits to learning a new language that it’s well worth it.

Learning and speaking the language of the place where you moved in will open more opportunities for you to connect very well to society as well as finding a job.

It increases your cultural understanding and gives you an edge over other people who don’t speak any foreign languages—which can be essential when looking for jobs, or if you are planning to study. Being bilingual is an edge!

So how do you actually learn another language? There are plenty of different programs available out there—from classes at local community schools all the way up through immersive programs at universities—and all have their own pros and cons depending on what exactly is important for your learning needs: whether the speed is more important than accuracy (for example), whether cost matters more than convenience (such as taking classes online versus commuting), etcetera…

Self Improvement and growth

Staying overseas can improve your relationships in a number of ways. First, it allows you to put yourself in new situations that challenge your adaptability, flexibility, and learning skills. You will get to learn to live according to every situation, you will learn to appreciate and see things differently than before.

For example, now that I live in a country with a long winter season, I get to appreciate the beauty and importance of the sun I did not even give a big deal about it when I was living back home.

I want to say that you will appreciate simple things that you probably have been ignoring when you did not move abroad.

Second, living abroad gives you an opportunity to learn more about people from other walks of life. 

Third, living abroad gives many people a chance to pursue new interests and hobbies—like language learning or skiing—that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible without leaving their homes.

Get out of your comfort zone

As you get older, it’s easy to fall into a routine and stick with the same things that are comfortable—like eating your favorite food, watching the same TV show or movie over and over again, and doing what everyone else wants to do.

But there are many benefits to stepping out of your comfort zone.

If you are used to doing the same routine or doing things with someone back home, then maybe exploring the new place alone, dining in alone, and or just walking alone is out of your comfort zone. 

Living overseas is a great way to learn about yourself. You will be forced to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, but this can also be a good way for you to grow as a person. You may find that there are some skills that you didn’t know you have until you are exposed to a new environment.

Travel and explore

Traveling and exploring new places is a great way to learn and get accustomed to the cultures, traditions, and practices of every society.

For example, moving to Europe will give you countless opportunities to travel to its neighboring countries, especially if you are holding a Schengen visa that allows you to travel without applying for another visa. Transportations like trains and buses will easily get you around from one place to another. 

You will later find yourself exploring every possibility that is laid for you.

Learn about different cultures

You might be surprised to realize that living abroad has a significant impact on your personality. You learn to respect other cultures, be open to change and become more tolerant and open-minded. Living in another country will teach you to understand other peoples’ practices,  beliefs, or cultural norms. 

You will surely find cultures and practices that are not normal to your place but are normal to them and vice versa. This will open your eyes and see people with respect despite cultural differences.

Try different cuisines

One of the best parts about living abroad is being able to try new cuisines and delicacies. In many countries, you will find a variety of delicious dishes that are different from what you’re used to back home. You will definitely encounter foods that you have not seen or tasted before!

Develop an international network

As you move to a new location, it’s important to let your social circle grow organically. Here are some tips for how you can make new friends:

• Try to meet people in your neighborhood and at work.
• Seek out international events that may be happening in your area.
• Check out local Meetup groups and other organizations for ex-pats who share your interests.

There are many ways to expand your network of international connections through online platforms as well. You can join groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other social media sites that connect people from one country to another.

Conclusion

Living overseas is difficult and challenging but at the end of the day, you cannot deny the fact that you are a better different person than you were before when you are living abroad. It is because you have learned to adapt and embrace a new environment. 

So yes, staying abroad as a foreigner has unexpected benefits for you as a person, as a student, or as a businessman. 

While living abroad can be a roller coaster emotionally, physically, financially, and mentally—it’s often harder than you think!—you’ll find that the experience is worth it because living overseas has changed you a lot as a whole. The difficulties you face in living abroad bring out the best in you as a person.