Being a millennial living abroad is a liberating experience that continues to transform me for the better just as it also continues to place a fire under my butt! I am always curious to ask expats what made them decide to move overseas. Today I’m going to share with you 5 reasons why I moved abroad and why you should too! Maybe I’ll inspire you to do the same.
Photo by Brennan Tolman
1. Freedom
I’m originally from Chicago’s South Side, which isn’t known for being the safest place in the States. For the sake of my safety and overall development I was sheltered for the majority of my life.
Simple liberties you probably got to experience weren’t there for me until I began university. That includes going for a walk, visiting friends, sleepovers, birthday parties, etc.
Now imagine this “sheltered” person studying abroad for the first time. Almost immediately I made plans to come back. After finishing undergrad, back to Europe I went.
No longer requiring a car to get anywhere, I roam around cities in my pastel pink Converse. This is a major win for someone who can’t drive. Also, one cant deny that its generally easier to travel in Europe. One wink of a plane ride and you’re already in Germany!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
2. Personal growth
Okay, so remember how I said I was sheltered? Well, I moved abroad hoping to grow up and mature as a person. I wanted to reinvent the naive girl I was (and still am) and become a self-sufficient, independent woman of the world!
Living in another country can provide constant stimulation, especially if you live in a country that speaks a different language. The cultural exchange that exists in doing basic everyday things, makes you reflect broadly on your identity.
Not only that but sometimes the things you experience overseas may prove frustrating or even scary at times. In these moments you may feel alone and misunderstood. But hey, life is gonna suck sometimes and you’re gonna have to figure it out. And when you do, you learn and grow.
I have definitely gone through growing pains by living abroad. As a result, I have more wisdom and maturity. Now… I sure wish I’d had it before, but I remain grateful all the same. I was able to discover true strength within myself, the same strength I’m sure exits inside you too!
Photo by Artem Beliaikin
3. Love
While I adore foreign architecture, I would be lying if I said that love hadn’t been a significant factor in my decision to venture overseas.
A passionate fling during a study abroad trip isn’t too uncommon of a story (so I’ve learned). I’ve come to find that what greatly impacts your personal journey are the people you meet along the way. Some will inspire you like nobody else.
Especially ones whom you sit intimately with on a park bench, kissing for the next hour as the clouds travel toward sunset.
It’s possible you’ll be left with a broken heart in the end but you’ll get over it, keeping the nostalgic memories with you as your story carries on.
And if anything, taking in the depth of architectural and historical sights all around you may be enough to get your heart racing!
4. Language learning
I find languages so fascinating, don’t you? They say the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Using books, videos, and learning apps like Duolingo can only take you so far!
And even if you know the language well when you read in write, I find the real test is your ability to communicate in person!
Dare to take that step! Move to a place where you can immerse yourself in a foreign language. Many people are forgiving and happy that you try. And what’s more, once you conquer your initial fear of embarrassment, or worries that you’ll make a mistake, things will get easier.
You’ll become more confident speaking and soon find yourself improving like never before!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
5.Inner compass
I’m sure my parents thought me opting out of the U.S. workforce experience after graduating was fine. That I’ll be back in a year to join the American workforce. Only, I haven’t gone back. I left because I needed to.
Maybe it’s the millennial opposition in me, not desiring the typical working model in American society. I only know what I desire is true fulfillment, the freedom to live and prosper doing the things I love.
To me, a good start to that is trying a different model; finding work while overseas. Tuning out all worries about money or security, I try to focus on following my heart.
I don’t know anyone in my family that would dare to do the things I’ve done, or jump through the hoops I’ve jumped through and will continue to. Who knows where this journey will take me. I just know as the black sheep of my family, it is my duty to risk it all. I’ll risk it all to win. How about you?
Have you ever lived or traveled abroad? Are you also a rebel desiring freedom? What is your heart calling you to do with your life? Leave a comment and let me know! May you all continue adventuring towards a life that fulfills you!
Featured Photo: Porapak Apichodilok
