Moving abroad can be scary. Leaving friends and family behind, learning a new language and dealing with the ‘culture shock’ are no easy matters. You move out of your comfort zone and jump with two feet into the unknown; how can that not feel scary?
When I moved overseas five years ago, I was terrified, to say the least. There’s nothing worse than uncertainty for someone who likes to plan life years ahead. It was hard at the beginning (and still is!), but the lessons I’ve learnt have made it all the more worth it.
Living in a foreign country is fun; it’s an ever-evolving, empowering and enriching experience. The benefits of living abroad are endless, and if you’re wondering why, keep reading!
1. My own company is enough
I have always enjoyed being around my friends. Quantity over quality was something I favoured when I was younger. The more friendships, the better. When I moved to the UK, I didn’t know anyone meaning my company was the only certainty. This made me realise how important it is to have some alone time. Having a coffee while reading a book alone isn’t a failure. It’s the ultimate cure.
2. I am prone to learning new skills
Whether I’m taking part in a baking competition, attending a knitting workshop or joining a running club, leaving my home country encouraged me to challenge myself and try things I would have never thought of before. Was I successful? That’s another story. But does it matter? Not really. Experiencing something new was a win, no matter if I made the podium.
3. I can let go
You can meet so many different people when you live overseas. Some will stay and become your friends, and some will go. It may hurt – it did for me – and I second-thought myself way more than I should. But looking at the other side of the coin can help. Maybe these people are not meant to stay. And that’s okay. Letting go is part of what makes us humans.
4. I focus on the ‘now’
Like I said at the start, I love planning my life. I tend to look ahead (too much even) and imagine the different scenarios I might face. Does it help? Yes and no. It helps if done within limits. Mine is more of what I like to call ‘over-planning’, which is counterproductive, so I have taught myself to focus on the present. On the now. On taking things day by day and enjoying them. I spent so much time overthinking what would be that I forgot what is. The advantage of living abroad is that it allows you to be in the present moment. I promise – it’s worth it!
5. I see my actual home with different eyes
Nobody can argue that Italy isn’t beautiful. Personally, it’s the greatest country in the world, but okay, I’ll take it. I am biased.
Leaving was tough. I’ll be honest; if I could have stayed, I would have. Nice food, sunny weather, friendly people and fascinating culture. Can you blame me? I don’t think so. But as with every other country, Italy has its imperfections. When I was living there, they seemed to be too many. Then I moved here, and I realised there were just as many. Some things work better in the UK, and some things work better back home. One of the benefits of living abroad is being able to see your own country with different eyes. Appreciate its imperfections and celebrate its beauty.
6. I learnt the art of self-confidence
Self-confidence can be a life-long journey. At least, it is for me. I can be my greatest supporter and also the one that drags me down. I often see the wrong in me and the right in others. But the opportunity to travel and live abroad has taught me that I should be there for myself. I need to be the one who believes I can do it. I can’t leave the power of validation to other people because they can walk all over me. I am enough, and I can do it.
Living abroad includes this and so much more. I am lucky to have an international experience that has taught me the world is worth discovering. It’s meant to be travelled and made home. People are choosing to live abroad for different reasons: to find a job, get a higher salary, have a better cost of living and quality of life, as well as explore local cultures and cultural backgrounds. Each story is unique and incomparable. Mine is a story of fear, letting go and surrendering. But it’s also a happy story. It’s a story of self-discovery, growth and pride. Pride in myself and the people who believed I could do it.
Living abroad is a rollercoaster of many emotions, but the benefits I gained from it are truly unmeasurable.
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Written by Giulia Daniele
Illustrated by Francesca Mariama
