Moving abroad is a bittersweet experience. While there is a lot of excitement for the upcoming chapter of your Life, there is also a hollowing feeling of leaving behind your current life and home.
From the corner shop on your block and your favorite Chinese restaurant in downtown to your first independent apartment and the church where you got married, there is so much that you have to leave behind when relocating.
However, moving across countries can be an extremely fulfilling and positive turn in your life.
In this article, we will discuss the many reasons why moving abroad can add value to your life and be the start of your best years.
- Planning the Move
Before talking about the wonderful changes your upcoming move will bring to your life, it is necessary to plan for it.
You’ll have to look into many things when switching countries, from registrations, relocation intimations, canceling subscriptions, and finding a moving company.
You may have moved around the country a couple of times already and hence feel confident that you’ll handle the move easily.
You must understand that moving from the US to South America or Europe is a totally different ballgame than your move from New York to Miami.
There are so many technicalities that come with a long-distance move, the most important of which is that you can’t just road trip back on a long weekend to tie up loose ends.
Therefore, try to get your affairs in order well in advance so you have time in case things don’t go as planned.
With that sorted, let’s start with our list of reasons this move can be a positive turn in your life.
- A Fresh Start
Moving abroad is one of the few scenarios in life where you get a complete do-over. When you live somewhere for a long time, there are a lot of good and bad experiences that place holds for you. However, some of the bad experiences become etched in people’s memories.
Perhaps you fell off the stage during your senior year musical or got arrested for jaywalking at some point in your life. Whatever it may be, we’re sure you’d very much like people to stop referring to you as “that guy/girl” or whatever original nickname they came up with for you.
Moving abroad is the perfect opportunity for you to rid yourself of old impressions and finally start anew.
In your new city, you can decide how you want people to perceive you and finally live the life you’ve always wanted.
- A Chance to Make New Friends
They say the relationships you make in this life are the real wealth you acquire. We have no choice but to agree, as there is nothing more meaningful than having a strong support system of family and friends who participate in every joy and tragedy of your life.
When you move abroad, everything and everyone will be new to you. That means you have the potential to make new friends and connect with people with a fresh perspective. The culture clash your friendship will bring will allow you both to learn from each other and enrich your life.
You never know; sometimes, you meet the most important people in your life in the strangest and most unlikely of ways.
This new move will likely allow you to make strong, life-long friendships you will cherish for years.
- A Socio-Cultural Experience
As humans, and more importantly, Americans, we are set on doing things our way, which we believe to be the only right way. Moving abroad will allow you to learn that there is an entire world outside the red, white, and blue, and it is richer than anything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Experiencing another country’s art, history, languages, and culture will give you a newfound appreciation for life.
From leaving your shoes in the foyer to cooking rice on the stovetop, there is so much that other cultures can teach us. As long as you keep an open mind, your new venture will be the best learning experience of your life.
- A Self-Dependant Attitude
We often talk about the stress, anxiety, excitement, and opportunities of moving to a new country. However, we seldom discuss the sheer bravery that is required to make such a drastic life decision.
It takes an incredibly brave person to leave behind a comfort zone and venture into unchartered territory. Nobody knows you in your new city, and you know nobody either. As such, you must learn to be independent in an entirely new way.
No longer relying on the support system of friends and family for backup, moving abroad will teach you just how much more you are capable of as an individual.
Just one year down the line, you will be surprised at the level of self-reliance and confidence that you possess.
- A Chance to Travel
If you enjoy traveling, moving abroad will open up an entirely new world for you. Places that previously seemed too far away will now just be a few hours away by flight. That means you can explore and feed your inner travel bug to the limit.
You may be thinking that planning to travel extensively after an international move may not be as easy. However, you have to remember that for you, even the city you’re moving to has the potential to be new and exotic.
You will be new to an entirely different part of the world. Even a walk to your local grocery store can be considered exploring. Plus, you always have the weekends and public holidays to visit nearby cities and towns and see more of your wonderful new home.
Final Words
Moving abroad can be life-changing, but if done right, it will be for the better. All you need to do is keep an open mind, a friendly demeanor, and a fresh perspective.
Everything else will slowly and gradually fall into place, and before you know it, you will be living in a new city that you call home, being grateful for every day.