There are many reasons why people choose to move abroad. Work, school, adventure, romance – you name it! Becoming an expatriate, or expat, is not an easy decision, but it can be extremely rewarding.
If you are considering becoming an expat, take a look at the top 10 reasons to become one put together by a community of Black Expats.
Top 10 Reasons to Become An Expat
If you aren’t already convinced, these top reasons to become an expat may sway your decision in favor of making a bold move.
1. Travel Opportunities
You may feel like you know everything there is to know about your current city, state, or region. Moving to another country opens up a plethora of travel opportunities you’ve never had before. Not only will you have countless opportunities for local travel, but you will open up plenty of opportunities for weekend trips or even vacations in places you never had access to.
2. Making New Friends
As an expat, you will be in a community of new and diverse people. You will also be surrounded by new groups of travelers who may come from all over the world. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and forge relationships that will last a lifetime.
3. Finding Value in Others
When most people expatriate, they take only the bare essentials with them. There is a process of realizing that people matter more than possessions. Instead of spending money on material things, you are spending your money (and time) on experiences that you share with those around you.
4. Language Immersion
When you move to a new country, you are around people who speak the native language fluently. But more importantly, they speak it in conversation. This is a great way to learn a new language in a meaningful way.
5. Gaining Independence
If you are moving to a new country, especially if you are moving solo, you gain a new independence that you likely have never experienced. You are completely on your own. While for some people this can be distressing, for others it means freedom. No more sorting out family problems or worrying about running into your ex in the grocery store. You have freedom!
6. Letting Go
Most of us want solid control over our lives. By becoming an expat, you lose a bit of that control and learn to let go of things more easily. As an expat, you have different priorities and concerns. Sometimes it is best to learn to let go and allow things to happen naturally.
7. Boosting Your Self Confidence
The moment that you realize that you are in complete control and your life is turning into an amazing adventure is one you will never forget. The realization that you can handle what life throws at you, even in a sometimes challenging situation like expatriation, is a great one. You realize just how strong and capable you are.
8. Gaining a Broader Perspective
Over time, your life and environment has become comfortable. You personal corner of the world. By becoming an expat, you are broadening your perspective and may even form a completely new world view. Many expats find that they question the ideas and ideals that they grew up with after being exposed to new cultures and communities.
9. Realizing Your Home Country is Expensive
One of the most interesting things about being an expat is realizing just how expensive your home country is. If you hail from the United States, Australia, or Japan, you will find that living in Germany, Canada, or Mexico is much less expensive. In other words, your money goes farther in some countries than in others.
10. Opening New Doors
Moving to a new country can open doors to new industry, cultures, and opportunities for work and leisure. You may find new hobbies and things that interest you. There are countless doors that can be opened!
Shift Frequency © 2020 – Top Reasons to
Become An Expat