5 Reasons Why You Should Live Abroad At Least Once

Are you thinking about moving abroad?

In my previous article, we share the disadvantages of living abroad and what you should be aware of. However, living abroad brings lots of positive changes, and there are many reasons you should do it.

Here are five reasons why you should live abroad at least once in your life.

1. Understand more about yourself

Moving to a foreign country is a life-changing experience.

You will have to learn a new language, make new friends, and realize the truth that you have to start your life again. 

These experiences will reveal who you are when facing these situations. Are you an introvert or extrovert person? Are you tidy or messy?

Can you easily make friends? How long does it take you to have a basic conversation with the locals in their mother tongue?

The only way to find out is to live abroad.

2. Become mature and more independent

One of the few experiences that make people grow quickly is living in a different environment. 

If you still live in the same area, the same country, you won’t have much difficulty communicating with new people, learning about the new place’s culture. Also, you can still receive bits of help materially and physically from your family.

However, when living abroad, you mostly rely on yourselves.

Even if you’re fortunate to live with acquaintances or in a familiar community, there will be decisions you have to make and the barriers of language, culture, and ethnicity you have to overcome on your own.

3. Become more open

Moving to a new country means meeting different people and exploring new cultures.

You’ll also be more open about learning and accepting different values.

For example, it isn’t polite to make sounds when eating noodles in Vietnam. However, it’s a way to show your appreciation for the chef’s skills in Japan. 

Also, you will know how to broaden your mind when dealing with people who sometimes think the opposite.

4. Learn new things about your host country

It can be language, culture, or simple cooking style.

Instead of spending a lot of money studying and still not grasping the most basic ideas, just a few months living abroad can allow you to learn quickly.

Also, it’s more interesting to learn from the locals, and you have more chances to practice.

5. Have more adventures

Living abroad is a turning point in your life. It brings lots of new opportunities that you’ve never dreamed about. 

Depending on your location, it can be easy to move around the region and explore new lands. 

Weekends and holidays are an excellent opportunity for you to explore your host country and possibly neighboring countries.

For example, if you live in Thailand, you can get weekend trips to other Southeast Asian countries or hop on the islands.

Read more: How to choose which country to live abroad?