Looking back, next year will be my fourth year living here. Of course that doesn’t make me eligible for giving out life advice on living overseas. Maybe some of you are considering living abroad and getting a fresh start someplace new, and this post could be for you.
5 Pros of Living Abroad:
You get to discover places
Of course, it’s a foreign land and you are the foreigner. What better way to spend your time other than experiencing new places and feast your eyes with views you’ve never seen before? Travelling will become your frequent venture. It doesn’t have to be everyday, but enough to remind you that this world is huge.
Here are some places I have visited in Japan
Nobody knows you
It’s a fresh start. You can absolutely make new friends, in new environment. A whole new you. Reborn from the ashes of phoenix.
Your view is readjusted
This world has an infinite amount of possibility and humans are so different yet so alike. When we travel, we see things and most of the time we’ll see only the good part due to our short period. But when you live abroad, you see both good and bad and instead of questioning, you’d try to understand and become more reasonable.
No comfort zone
I’m an introvert. Living in Japan, my house is my comfort zone. Out of house = out of comfort zone. But this has pushed me into ways I could never imagine. It’s amazing.
The food
Every country has its specialty and when you live in that area, obviously you’d want a taste of their delicacies. (halal ones) Living oversea will totally awaken the foodie in you. I don’t really eat raw fish back in my hometown but I never hesitate to have some now. Yes, bring that ootoro to me.
5 Cons of Living Abroad:
Cost
This only applies if you live in countries with high living cost. You have to consider the rent, bills, taxes (if you’re working) and the list goes on…
You get lonely
For me, personally I love having my family and friends around, being away from them for months was so hard in the beginning, but I learnt to occupy myself with other things and make sure I keep contacting them time to time to keep myself updated. Have you read about me splurging on house plants to be less lonely?
Too comfortable
Living abroad makes you accustomed to the local culture, and in time you’ll get unfamiliar with things back home. The sense of home is floating in the middle, like being in a limbo. You’re home, but you’re not home.
Language barrier
Of course, how can I omit this? Living in a country that doesn’t use English as their main language can be extremely tiring, especially when you’re involved in official business. I am so used with miscommunication by now. Which is why it is important to learn the language before you move somewhere new. There are many ways now to learn new language and it’s always a fun process.
Culture shock
I think this one is very common and could happen to anyone at any age due to the struggle adjusting. Everybody lives differently and there’s no manual on living abroad that fits perfectly into each one of us.
I am making these lists based on my experience and observation. Each experience is different and if you can relate to these then cheers! (clink glass)
So is it worth it? I think from some aspects, it is. I get to grow personally and really know myself. But will I stay here forever? Well that depends.What do you think of living far away from your family? Which country would you move to? Let me know!
Thank you for reading x
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