essay pros and cons of living abroad

30 Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Abroad

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: March 18, 2023  - Last updated: July 5, 2023

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I love that I’ve created a life where I can live anywhere in the world, but there are definitely advantages and disadvantages of living abroad.

While moving abroad might be the best decision you will ever make, there will no doubt be ups and downs.

Living abroad is both exciting and adventurous, but it also means leaving behind the comforts of home, like friends, family, and your favorite foods.

In this post, I will break down the pros and cons of living abroad to help prepare you if you’re considering a move!

Overview: Advantages and disadvantages of living abroad

Don’t forget health insurance.

Before you move abroad, one of the most important things is to protect yourself with health insurance.

I use and love SafetyWing , which is insurance made for digital nomads. It works in over 190 countries, so it covers you worldwide, no matter where you choose to call home.

Getting stuck with expensive medical bills can be a major disadvantage to living abroad, but you can minimize that risk by protecting yourself with travel insurance.

Disadvantages of Living Abroad

There are so many pros to living abroad, but before we get into those – let’s go over some of the cons of living abroad.

#1. Language barriers

Ok, so this might be an advantage if you love learning new languages and are a fast learner. But if you’re anything like me, you may find it hard to communicate with the locals beyond anything but going to the supermarket.

As soon as you have to do anything bureaucratic, rent an apartment, or sign up for the gym, it can feel extremely frustrating not knowing the language. It can be one of the hardest parts of living abroad!

How frustrating this is will depend on the English levels in the country and area you are moving to. For example, living in Spain or Portugal can be easy in the major cities with large expat groups like Lisbon and Tenerife, but it may be a challenge in a smaller town where fewer locals speak English.

Want to learn a language before you go? This language-learning app can help!

#2. Visas and bureaucracy

One of the biggest cons to living abroad is dealing with the local bureaucracy, which is usually a world apart from what you are used to in your home country.

Depending on the country you are living in, you might have to go through extreme processes for small things. For example, in Portugal, I had to sign over 100 pages just to open a bank account!

It can be an extremely frustrating process, especially when combined with a foreign language. You often end up feeling like a ping-pong ball running from office to office, trying to figure out what’s going on!

Often, it is worth it to pay a lawyer or a professional to help with the paperwork if you find it too frustrating. Sometimes it is just worth the extra expense to get it done right and save your energy for something fun instead.

I recently paid a lawyer to help me get my temporary residency status in Mexico, and it was worth every penny.

#3. You are far from friends and family

While this can be a blessing for some that have a hard relationship with family and friends, many people find it difficult to be away from friends and family. Whether it is a parent, both parents, or one or several friends, most of us have at least one person that has been a rock in our life.

And while being far apart may seem easy with today’s technology and video calls available at all times, in real life, it can feel incredibly lonely not to have people who know you well. People that know how you feel just by a look at you and that can heal you with their hug.

Especially when you have to go through hard processes with language barriers on a day, you just feel generally down.

We all have those days, and trust me, they can feel a lot darker when you are in a new place, and everyone that truly knows you is far away. And maybe they are in a completely different time zone, so you can not call them when you want to because it is 3 AM on a worknight for them.

Moving abroad can put a strain on romantic relationships, friendships, and family ties, and it may take time to adjust to the distance.

#4. Health and Safety Concerns

Moving to a new country can come with some health and safety concerns, such as exposure to new diseases or viruses.

Three days after moving to Barbados, I was infected with dengue fever which left me bedridden for two weeks! It was an awful experience, and not having anyone around to take care of me made it even worse.

Fortunately, many diseases can be prevented by keeping your vaccinations up to date , which is why it’s so important to research the health and safety risks associated with your destination before you make the move.

#5. It can be hard to build a new community

Depending on your destination, it can be hard to get make new friends you feel close to. But not impossible. If you move to a destination with a thriving expat and digital nomad community, you can connect with the community before moving to start building relationships before you even get there.

Most of my best friends I have met on the road, and the positive thing about meeting other expats is that they know exactly what you are going through.

They have already gone through or will be going through the same ups and downs of living abroad, which can make it easier to help you get through it.

One of the best ways to connect with locals and other expats is to join meetups in your interests. All this can be even more overwhelming if you are an introvert, but when you move abroad, you have to push yourself a little extra if you want to build a new community.

#6. You’ll miss things from home

Depending on where you move, it may be extremely different from your home country. For example, if you move from the United States to Thailand, you’ll probably end up craving American comfort foods. No matter how incredible Thai food is!

But even if you move to a western European country with a lot of similar food, there will be certain things you cannot get hold of.

Sometimes you can get surprised by the foods you miss.

It could be that one brand of raspberry jam that you hardly ever ate back home, but now you want it, and you cannot find it anywhere, or maybe the late-night takeaway from around the corner.

It can also be hard to send food, especially to the EU. So while you might get some food sent to you from home, customs might stop it.

But remember that the food is also one of the best things about moving abroad – you will try so many amazing new dishes!

#7. Culture shock

Culture shock is real. It’s the feeling of disorientation that comes from being in an unfamiliar culture, and it can be difficult to cope with.

Sometimes you expect it – for example, if you move from the United States to India, you can be assured that you’ll have to deal with a completely new culture that will likely be a shock for you.

But if you move from one country in Europe to another, you may still be surprised by how many cultural differences you will encounter.

For example, say you have lived in laid-back Spain for a year and then decide to move to Germany, where everyone expects you to be on time. It will take some time to readjust.

It usually takes a few months before the culture shock truly kicks in because, in the beginning, you will be in the “honeymoon phase.” Everything is exciting and new; you are getting to know a new place, new people, and maybe a new job.

But once this phase passes, you are left with the reality of living in a new country. You start to feel daily life and notice that it is so different from what you are used to. Your autopilot does not work in this new country.

This period can feel daunting, but if you know it is coming, you can prepare mentally and look for all the fantastic advantages of living abroad instead.

#8. It can be expensive

Moving is generally expensive and can be very expensive when you’re moving abroad. Between buying international flight tickets, putting deposits down, and furnishing new apartments. Plus, you’re likely to want to go out often and experience the new country you’re in, which can also add up quickly.

However, moving abroad can also put you in a financially advantageous situation if you relocate somewhere with living expenses cheaper than in your home country. For example, my costs of living in Mexico are significantly more affordable than they were in Toronto.

By moving to affordable destinations , this can actually be a massive advantage.

You can save money abroad by creating a free multi-currency account here

#9. Career setbacks

Moving abroad can come with career setbacks, such as having to start over in a new industry or facing a lower salary than you would have in your home country.

But sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and leave behind something “safe” to find something better. Everyone thought I was crazy when I quit my 9-5 government job in Canada, but there’s not a day that goes by I regret it!

#10. Loss of connection to home

Living abroad can lead to a loss of connection to your home country and culture. Aside from the distancing of relationships, you may return to your home country feeling that you don’t belong at all anymore. This is what eventually happened to me and Canada.

But on the flip side, this means that you may have found somewhere better that feels more like home.

#11. Finding employment may be hard

Finding employment in a foreign country can be challenging. There may be cultural and language barriers to navigate and legal and visa requirements that can limit your employment options.

It also just may be a lousy job market. When I moved abroad for the first time to Dublin in 2009, the immigration officer asked me why I was entering the country. When I told him to work, he literally laughed in my face and stamped me in! I guess that’s what I get for moving during a global recession, but still, I made it work.

Now, the rise of remote work opportunities has made it much more feasible to work worldwide. By working remotely, you can live abroad in many countries without having a work visa. Many countries have introduced digital nomad visas for exactly this reason!

#12. It’s exhausting moving around

Packing up your old life and starting a new one is exhausting. Trust me; I’ve done it a hundred times. But as annoying as packing is, the trade-off is always worth it.

One way to minimize the annoyance of packing and moving is investing in quality luggage that’s easy to move around. These are my favorite carry-on suitcases for women , which are perfect for weekend trips from your new home.

This is the suitcase I’ve been traveling around the world with!

#13. It can be difficult to stay long-term

There are advantages and disadvantages to moving abroad, and for some people, it may be that they want to stay long-term in the country!

If you move abroad and fall completely in love with the country, you may want to consider becoming a permanent resident. But, unfortunately, this isn’t always possible.

While some countries have a pathway to citizenship, many don’t. You may find yourself having to say goodbye to a place you love due to legal restrictions, which can be difficult.

When choosing where to move abroad, you may want to consider what places will allow you to stay long-term. Or try to find someone who will marry you while you’re there!

#14. Taxes are confusing

You’ll have to figure out how the taxes work in your new country and if you must notify your home country about earnings even after moving away. All of this can feel extremely overwhelming when you just want to enjoy a glass of vino!

As mentioned above, it’s often worth it just to pay someone to advise or help you. Because you don’t want the tax man coming after you!

#15. You may not agree with the local customs

When you’re living in a foreign country, you must adapt to the local rules and customs, and you may not always agree with them. Still, it’s important to be respectful and follow them so you don’t get in trouble.

For the most part, it’s a beautiful thing to experience another country’s culture and immerse yourself in it. You may end up taking some of their traditions back home with you!

Advantages of living abroad

#15. you’ll make incredible memories.

Having new experiences with new friends in a foreign country are likely to be some of your life’s best memories. Despite all the disadvantages mentioned above, I wouldn’t trade the memories I’ve made abroad for anything.

From moving to Ireland on a solo trip for the first time, studying in New Zealand, and getting my first tattoo in Chiang Mai , I’ve had many life-changing experiences abroad.

Keep track of your new memories in this travel journal!

#16. Discover new hobbies and passions

Living abroad can expose you to new hobbies and interests you may not even know you had! You’ll have the chance to try new activities and develop new passions, maybe even find a new career.

It was moving abroad that gave me my passion for hiking and the outdoors. In Canada, I was inside all the time because I hated the cold! But living in places like New Zealand helped me discover new interests that I still love today.

#17. You’ll step out of your comfort zone

One of the best advantages of living abroad is that you will have to deal with all the cons of moving abroad, which will make you a much stronger person. Stepping out of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do for personal development!

No, this is not just a clishé. It is actually real.

Handling all the hard times, new environments, language skills, solving problems alone without your normal support network, and trusting strangers, will make you a much stronger person. It will build you up to handle life challenges and adapt to new environments and situations much easier.

#18. Find out who your true friends are

Once you have lived abroad or traveled for a long period of time, you will realize who your real friends are back home.

The friends that thought would be there for you for life, may not actually be there for you when you get back. On the other hand, others that you have not talked to in months and thought you would lose as friends are the ones supporting you when you come back.

This might feel like a painful process, but it is also a good way to weed out the people that you grow apart from while using your energy on the people that will have your back.

#19. Learn to master communication

If you live in a country with a new language, you must communicate in some way. Yes, you might find it frustrating, but it can also be a positive thing.

If the locals you meet do not speak English well and you are still not getting the new language, you might have to use sign language and smiles.

You will be surprised by how far you can get with that and how many fun memories you will create with complete strangers – filled with laughter.

This is a universal skill you can use wherever you travel that will be extremely useful!

#20. You can easily travel to new places

If you are moving abroad from the U.S. or Canada to Europe or Southeast Asia, you will be so excited about how easy it is to travel to different countries compared to home.

Both train/bus travel and low-cost airlines will transport you across borders in no time, and you can easily expand your horizons beyond your new country.

Instead of just getting to visit one country, you’ll have the opportunity to visit dozens.

#21. Grow a global mindset

One of the best advantages of moving abroad is to experience how people from a country really are. You might get rid of biases and fears and gain a new perspective.

Meeting people from around the world with different cultural backgrounds makes you realize that we are all people, and we all dream of freedom and happiness.

You will grow your cultural awareness and adapt to different cultures easier, which is a valuable life skill. The culture shock you might get by moving abroad will also become your strength.

#22. You can learn a new language

Okay, so we talked about having to learn a new language as a disadvantage. But it can also be an extreme advantage!

If you studied a new language at school, you know how easy it is to forget it if you do not use it. But if you’re living in the country and hearing the language every day, it is so much easier to learn.

The most important thing to do is to get out of your comfort zone and try to speak the language and not be afraid of making mistakes (because we all make mistakes when we are learning.)

It is so easy to lean on English when the other person speaks the language. However, if you tell the other person that you want to practice their language, you will often be met with a positive attitude.

Another good option is to look for local language swap groups. At these, you’ll speak English for a set time for the other person to improve their English conversation skills, and then swap to the local language so that you can practice your conversational skills.

#23. Sense of excitement and adventure

Moving abroad is a big change. It’s an adventure of a lifetime that fills you with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

You’ll be embarking on a new chapter in your life, and there’s no better feeling in the world than that.

#24. Higher quality of life

Moving to a new country can sometimes mean an increase in your life quality, with better healthcare, education, or lifestyle opportunities.

While Canada is generally considered a country with a higher quality of life, I find myself much happier living in climates like the Caribbean or Mexico, where there’s more sunshine and opportunities to be outdoors in the sea.

#25. It gives you a break from routine

Moving abroad can be a refreshing change from the familiarity and routine of home life. You’ll have the chance to challenge yourself and try new things, which can be energizing and inspiring.

In the times that I’ve felt stuck in life, moving abroad has always helped.

#26. It makes you more independent

Moving abroad can be a great opportunity to become more independent and self-reliant.

You’ll be navigating a new culture and environment on your own, which can help you develop new skills and strengths. Having to overcome problems and challenges will build up your confidence and make you a more independent person.

#27. Build a global network of friends

When you move abroad, you have the chance to build new relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. This can be a great way to expand your social network and create a global network of friends.

I’m so grateful for the network of friends I have around the world now. It’s rare that I show up in a destination without knowing someone, and that’s a beautiful feeling.

#28. Improved health and wellness

In some countries, there may be better access to healthcare, healthier food options, and a culture that prioritizes wellness. Starting a new life in such an environment can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health – it’s certainly been the case for me!

In Canada (especially during the winter), I tend to hibernate and do minimal physical exercise. But while living abroad in places like Bali , I’m outside all the time exploring the amazing nature.

#29. Help create a new sense of identity

Moving abroad can lead to a new sense of identity as you adapt to new cultural norms and values. This can be a chance to redefine yourself and your place in the world.

When I moved abroad for the first time at 19 to Dublin, I was on the verge of failing out of university because I was studying something that wasn’t aligned with me.

It was my time abroad that made me realize my true passions, and by taking that gap year abroad, I ended up switching majors and graduating on the dean’s list.

#30. Networking

Living abroad can provide networking opportunities that may not have been available in your home country. You’ll have the chance to meet people from different industries and backgrounds, which can lead to new job opportunities and collaborations.

Plus, gaining international experience working in different cultures and environments can be attractive to employers and may lead to new job opportunities.

FAQ: Advantages and disadvantages of living abroad

What are the advantages of living abroad.

Living abroad can offer many advantages, such as cultural enrichment, language skills, career opportunities, personal growth, adventure, networking, and more.

What are the disadvantages of living abroad?

While there are many advantages to living abroad, there are also some disadvantages to consider. These can include feelings of homesickness and loneliness, as well as difficulties in adapting to a new culture, language, and environment. It may be challenging to navigate unfamiliar social norms and customs, and you may encounter cultural misunderstandings or barriers.

What are the pros and cons of living and working abroad?

Living and working abroad can have both pros and cons. On one hand, it can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, cultural enrichment, language acquisition, and travel. It can provide opportunities for career advancement, exposure to new industries and markets, and the chance to develop a global network. On the other side, living and working abroad can be challenging and lonely, especially if you do not have a support system in place. You may encounter cultural barriers and have difficulty adapting to a new environment, which can cause stress and anxiety.

What are the advantage and disadvantages of leaving your country to live or study abroad?

Living or studying abroad can offer advantages such as cultural enrichment, language acquisition, personal growth, and career opportunities. However, it can also pose challenges such as culture shock, homesickness, financial strain, and legal and annoying bureaucracy.

Final thoughts on the pros and cons of living abroad

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of living abroad, and most of the cons can actually be pros if you look at them in a new light.

Living in a different country will only make you a stronger and more versatile person to handle what life has in store for you. Still, it’s important to be aware of the potential disadvantages, such as homesickness, cultural differences, and financial challenges.

Weigh the pros and cons if you’re considering moving abroad, but I am positive that moving abroad at least once in your life is one of the best things you can do.

With the right mindset and preparation, it can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure that broadens your horizons and enriches your life.

Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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Oh I relate a lot to this – especially the feeling not belonging in your home anymore. I live abroad since 2016 and it is always a weird feeling visiting France for holidays. Like I am not “at home” anymore.

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35 Pros and Cons of Living Abroad 2024 from an Expert

Table of Contents

I first moved abroad without really weighing the pros and cons of living abroad.

I was 16, had an opportunity to move to Italy alone, and took it.

While I ultimately loved the experience, it was ROUGH to say the least. There was a lot of crying on the floor while packing, terrible homesickness, and the general terror that goes into flying halfway around the world back when you didn’t travel with a cellphone and WIFI was almost nonexistent.

But the pros still outweighed the cons.

So I did it again, by moving to a new province. Then to a new country: Scotland .

Scotland was one of the worst adventures of my life.

But I still learned things.

So I came back home and planned to go abroad again.

Soon I’d lived in 8+ countries in less than 10 years!

All that is to say: I’ve lived abroad a lot. While I highly recommend giving it a go, I know it isn’t for everyone.

Check the pros and cons of living abroad that I’ve figured out after a decade of slowmading around the world.

You’ll find out why loving in a foreign country can be the best thing to ever happen to you and why your tongue may hate you for moving abroad.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living Abroad

18 pros of moving abroad: advantages of living in another country.

1. Make Lifelong Friends

One of the things I least expected from moving abroad was to make lifelong friends .

I figured I’d meet people who would flit in and out of my life. They’d be proximity friends: like the ones you make as a kid, who you sort of hang out with solely cause they’re nearby, but then you grow up and never see them again.

That was never the case with the friends I made living in another country.

Whether they were locals, other expats, or tourists, the people that I met living abroad have become some of my closest friends.

There’s something about living somewhere new that helps you find your true soulmates (platonically, I mean). You’ll find people with the same interests, sharing incredible experiences.

Those are the friends you’ll have forever.

When I moved back to Toronto, the place I’d grown up and lived for 17 years, I had no friends in the city. Meanwhile, I had besties scattered across New Zealand, the UK, Halifax , and other places in Europe.

👉 Want to make friends around the world? Join Meetups today for free!

2. Learn a New Language

I can say hello in different languages, and I’m menu fluent in a few (aka. I can always order dinner), but I am TERRIBLE at learning languages.

I grew up in Canada where we’re all supposed to be bilingual .

It didn’t stick for me. Even after 10 years of French lessons.

3 years of Spanish lessons didn’t click either.

Meanwhile, I moved to Italy for 4 months and was fluently arguing in the markets within a month!

Moving abroad immerses you in the local language. It becomes a requirement to figure out how to wrap your tongue around the new words so you can get the things you need.

While you may worry about not knowing the language before you visit, it’s much easier to learn it when you’re abroad.

I lived in Berlin for a month and quickly started chatting with locals at Christmas markets.

Unfortunately, once I left, I lost all of my German except for the difference between creme fraiche and sour cream (a mistake I made repeatedly when I lived there).

Gain a new language by moving abroad – it’s a definite advantage to being somewhere new.

👉  Want to learn a new language? I recommend this language learning app!

3. Get a Fresh Start

There’s something to be said for reinventing yourself.

When you move abroad, no one knows you. That gives you a chance to redefine yourself.

I’m not talking about dyeing your hair and changing your name.

It’s more of an opportunity to be your true self, without the hang ups of your past life.

When I left for Italy, I was the shy, goth girl who never spoke in high school. When I returned, I was a bubbly preppy who never stopped talking.

Getting rid of the weight of your past life and the expectations placed on you can help you discover the true you so you can redefine yourself.

4. Try New Food

One of my favourite parts of living abroad was the food.

When I lived in New Zealand , I made it my mission to eat all of the local New Zealand food .

It’s no fun to live in a new place and not embrace the cuisine. Plus, you can learn a lot about a place by its food.

A definite pro of living abroad is the freedom to eat EVERYTHING. I mean, it’s for science, right?? So no one can say anything when you need to try 6 different pavlovas to ensure you really don’t like meringue.

If you can, take a local cooking class – like I did in Morocco and New Zealand – so you can have a unique souvenir from your time abroad to bring home.

I recommend finding a food tour with this company to get started learning about local cuisine!

5. Learn to Adapt

One of the pros of living abroad (that comes with one of the cons) is learning how to adapt.

At home, you get complacent. You know what to expect from life.

When challenges pop up, they’re so much harder to face.

Abroad, everything is new. So when things change, you become much better at going with the flow.

With every new scenario you face, you’ll quickly become more and more adaptable. It’s something you can take with you for the rest of your life as you continue to move to new countries.

6. Boost Your Confidence

There’s nothing braver than living abroad – or so I’ve been told by literally everyone I tell about my experiences as an expat.

Not only does that give you a nice external confidence boost, but moving abroad also internally builds your confidence.

Much like with solo travel , you don’t have anyone else to figure out problems for you. You have to face them head on.

Every challenge you face will help you believe in yourself more and more. Soon, you’ll be taking on travel horror stories with ease!

Even if you aren’t confident before you go (I definitely wasn’t!), you’ll gain it throughout the process of moving abroad. When other challenges face you later in life, you’ll know you can take them on because you moved across the world by yourself!

7. Get New Travel Opportunities

The best advantage of living abroad is the travel opportunities.

Sure, you may be working full time or studying abroad, but there is always time to travel. Even if it is just on weekends or a few holidays here and there.

What’s exciting is that you’re in a new locale. So everything nearby for short trips is completely different!

I visited little blue penguins in Dunedin on a long weekend when I worked in Auckland. On a day off classes, I headed to Stratford-upon-Avon in England.

Every destination you consider moving to will have unique foreign experiences that you can make the most of when you have the time to travel.

8. Personal Growth

I’ve hinted at this a bit with the newfound confidence and adaptability you’ll gain, but personal growth is a huge pro of living abroad .

Putting yourself in a new environment can help you really discover yourself. You’ll gain perspective by taking on challenges you may not have thought you could face. You’ll learn more about the world and figure out your place in it.

I credit living abroad with making me the person I am today.

Before I travelled, I was an anxious wreck of a girl who genuinely didn’t like herself.

Now, I’m a badass woman who thinks she’s fricken awesome!

That never would have happened without moving to a foreign country and having the space to get to know myself.

Track your personal growth in this Empowered Solo Travel Planner – with a great journal section at the end.

9. Every Day is an Adventure

It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut doing the same thing day in and day out.

It’s hard to find joy when you know exactly what’s going to happen next in your day.

Living abroad takes you out of that rut.

Even if you’re working the same job, living your same routine, just being in a new space will completely shake up your day. There will be unique hurdles, fun new experiences, and sometimes annoying changes that will make each day an adventure.

It can also help you shake up that rut so you find a new, more exciting routine.

10. Experience a New Culture

You learn the most about the world by being immersed in it.

Get out of your bubble and discover cultures from other areas of the world. You’ll be able to learn more about the local culture of another place and become more compassionate to other humans.

I never would have learned so much about the Maori people of New Zealand if I hadn’t moved to the country. Sure, I went to a haka festival , but actually working alongside Maori people and getting local perspectives was so much more impactful.

Even non-indigenous peoples will help you gain more perspective.

After living abroad, you’ll have a more expanded worldview.

11. Become More Independent

You may not believe this now, but I was that kid that made her mom order her food.

I’m not talking like as a little kid. I’m talking like well into high school.

I used to think I couldn’t do anything on my own.

Then I moved to Italy , where the lack of adult supervision probably should have been disturbing but actually offered me a chance to discover my independence.

I became the girl who would go on walks alone to find new muses for her stories, who would chat up the local bartender and give him tips on his manuscript, who could order her own damn meal without help!

Since I started solo travelling, I’ve become even more independent.

Now I know what I’m capable of – I mean I moved to New Zealand alone! How hard can ordering my own dinner be after that??

12. Make Unforgettable Memories

Moving abroad, much like travelling in any way, leads to some of the best memories you’ll ever have.

Life is short. Don’t waste it letting every day feel the same.

When you move abroad, an advantage of living in a foreign country is that the little things are exciting again.

Conquering grocery stories in Swedish or navigating the tube in London on your way to work are suddenly exciting. There’s a reason to remember every day.

The ultimate experiences you’ll have will also be one for the travel journal. You’ll be packing it full of unique adventures from your time abroad. Like the locals you went to dinner with or the hot air ballooning experience you tried on the weekend.

I can’t imagine working a 9-to-5 in the same place. I need the memories of adventures to accompany my desk job!

Keep track of your memories in my favourite travel journal !

13. Learn What You Really Need

A con of moving abroad is that you have to pack up everything you need. But the pro is that you learn what you really need!

Let’s be real: no one loves packing for packing’s sake.

But it’s a necessity, especially if you’re going to be moving to live in another country.

Whether you’re going to study abroad, on sabbatical, for a working holiday, or for a permanent move, you’ll need to pack up your belongings.

Sorting through the things you own will help you realize what you actually need.

I donated 12 bags of clothes and other tat after I got back from my year in Europe . After every subsequent move abroad, I’d donate even more.

Soon I was down to an essential two suitcases worth of items that actually mattered to me.

While you may not downsize quite that much, you will get rid of the nonsense that you realize you don’t need. And you’ll learn that you can live with much less than you have.

I recommend using this durable suitcase for your move abroad!

14. Gives You More Opportunities

Moving abroad can be the best option to expand your opportunities.

Some places just aren’t great for work. By moving abroad, you open yourself up to new experiences and new options for employment. They may come with better salaries, more benefits, or a better work-life balance.

One of my favourite parts of working in New Zealand was the extended holiday leave that we don’t get in Canada. I was making more money at an entry level job, getting 6 weeks of paid vacation, and getting to leave my work at the office.

Those benefits definitely outweighed any cons of moving abroad for me.

15. Discover Your Passions

I wouldn’t be a travel blogger full time without living abroad.

I’d have taken the scholarship I got, gone to law school, and probably be having daily panic attacks in a law firm just waiting for retirement.

Living abroad, meeting people who weren’t obsessed with the 9 to 5 traditional life, and trying new things really helped me figure out what I was meant to do.

16. Learn New Languages

Now, I’m not very good with languages, but I’ve always wanted to try and learn a new one.

Learning Spanish has been on my bucket list for years, and it’s something that I’m determined to finally do! When I lived in Spain, I picked it up so much faster.

Same for Italian! During my time living in Italy, I spoke it so easily at the weekly markets or joking with the local bartender.

Now, I can barely get through the pasta section on a menu. Being immersed in the culture makes a massive difference to your language skills.

It’s also so cool to learn new ways to say things either in slang or in the local language. I can say cheers in so many languages now!

17. Nothing Holding You Back

I always struggled to really be myself because so many people back home knew these past versions of my growing up.

To this day, my family still mocks my goth phase or my obsession with vampires.

It’s all fun and games now, but at the time it added a deep layer of frustration whenever I’d try to experiment and adapt.

By leaving behind all the expectations and past versions of myself physically, I was able to find myself abroad.

18. Network Across Borders

Some people worry when they live abroad, even for a short period of time, that they’re losing their connections or going to get behind their peers in work.

I’ve found the opposite!

You can make amazing connections with people abroad. That’s landed me free places to stay, amazing work opportunities, and more options than I ever would have had if I just stayed in Toronto.

Even just speaking with people at the bar of a restaurant or in a hostel can help you meet amazing people who can change your career path entirely.

17 Cons of Moving Abroad: Disadvantages of Living in Another Country

19. language barrier.

Languages can be a challenge.

If you move to a country where you don’t speak the language, you can learn it in time.

Unfortunately, if business is conducted in this language, you’ll have a hard time finding a job.

I could never live in France because after taking 12 years of French lessons, I can still only say about three words in French. Although they do business in English, many companies won’t hire people that cannot speak a little bit of French.

It’s important to research the language requirements for work before you move to a foreign country.

👉  Want to learn a new language? I recommend this language learning app!

20. Culture Shock

Not every place is the same.

Moving abroad can lead to serious culture shock – a major con of living abroad.

You’ll be all excited for this new experience, then arrive and BOOM, everything is so different. You’ll have to adapt to new office dynamics, different ways of shopping, and different social dynamics in public.

When I moved to Halifax , I had to become 40x friendlier just to get by. They literally say hi to everyone on the street there!

When I visited Toronto after and tried to say hi to people, they genuinely thought I was crazy and would cross the street to avoid me.

While culture shock can be overcome, it throws a lot of expats for a loop. They expect to love the experience immediately, then struggle when they find all of these little challenges they didn’t expect.

21. Homesickness

One of the biggest cons of living abroad is dealing with homesickness.

Even after my fifth time moving to a new country, I would still occasionally get homesick for Canada – a place I didn’t even really consider home anymore.

I made the first time solo traveller mistake of trying to reduce my homesickness so I felt it less. But that didn’t help.

It nearly made me return from Glasgow numerous times, even though I didn’t know what I’d be returning too.

Now, I realize that homesickness is just me missing a particular thing.

Sometimes it can be remedied by cooking a familiar meal. Other times I need to call my family. Occasionally, I just need a good cry because something else is bothering me.

Whatever it is, homesickness is completely liveable.

Besides, as my mom always says, “if you hate it, you can just go home”.

22. Moving is Expensive

Moving is always expensive. I moved from Toronto to Ottawa and just getting a bedframe and desk out here cost over $600 CAD.

Now imagine the cost of moving that stuff to a foreign country!

But there are other costs too: Visa fees, plane tickets, shipping, medical tests, and new items you’ll need to buy.

Moving abroad isn’t always the cheapest option, but it can be done without breaking the bank.

It’s up to you to decide if you’re going to bring a ton of things with you, or if you’re ok to travel light. Would you prefer a large house or are you alright in an apartment or sharing a flat?

Ultimately, you’ll have to make the choice of how much you’re willing to spend.

I’ve managed to move to 5 countries and the only time I lost money on the venture was when I studied abroad and had no income. Even then, I don’t see it as “losing” money, as the experience was definitely worth it.

23. There’s A Lot of Paperwork

Ugh paperwork is a definite disadvantage of living abroad!

It’s one of the things I hate most in life.

When you move abroad, there is going to be paperwork.

You’ll need Visas, work permits, plane tickets, insurance, proof of medical clearance, and more depending on the country you’re going to. If you thought opening a bank account, getting a house, and getting a tax number were hard at home, wait till you have to do it in a totally foreign country.

The bureaucracy of moving abroad is definitely a disadvantage. Luckily, it’s usually a one-time thing (or at most only once a year).

Opening a bank account is so much EASIER by creating a free multi-currency account here.

24. You’ll Be an Outsider

A lot of people fear being an outsider.

When you move to a foreign country, you may be the only English-speaking person or the only person from your nation.

It can make you stand out.

Personally, I love being the only Canadian in the room. That’s partially cause I can play pranks on people – like telling them we eat Beavertails (which we do, just not the ones you’re thinking of!).

But it can be hard for people who don’t want to stick out.

I recommend finding a group of expats to hang out with and trying to make some local friends.

25. Loneliness

People really fear loneliness.

Whether it’s solo travellers worried about loneliness or expats fearing the isolation of being abroad, humans are not solitary creatures so we worry about being alone.

I won’t lie: it can be very lonely to move abroad.

When I moved to Glasgow, I didn’t try to make any friends. I went to my two classes, then went home and hid in bed from my anxious thoughts.

I blamed Glasgow for my loneliness, when in truth it was my own fault.

Years later when I returned to the UK to live in Oxford, I didn’t make my same mistakes. Namely, I didn’t:

• Stay in my room alone
• Not join clubs
• Only do solitary activities
• Blamed my loneliness for my poor mood, then didn’t go out from my poor mood, and kept the cycle going
• Refuse to try to speak to people for small daily interactions, like a barista at a coffee shop
• Only socialize with people back home
• Try to stay on Canada-time so I could talk to my friends at home, thereby making days even more challenging in the UK

Don’t make these mistakes and you won’t be lonely!

It only takes 1% of effort to meet people.

26. Your Favourite Things May Not Be Available

If you have comfort foods, routines you love, or activities that you do weekly, moving abroad can be hard. Those familiar things that comfort you may not be available.

In New Zealand, I couldn’t get any of the junk food I was used to in Canada (which turned out to be a great thing, because theirs are way better). When I was having a rough time and I just wanted something familiar, it was hard to not have access to it.

Sometimes I struggle because pumpkin pie is one of my favourite desserts, but outside of North America, it’s impossible to get. So I had to make it from scratch – inevitably causing a pumpkin massacre and a flambe nightmare in a dorm oven.

If you know there are things that really matter to you, pack some along. Otherwise, look forward to having them as a treat when you visit or in a care package from home.

And then get excited to find some new favourites!

27. Tax Implications

Taxes are a con everywhere. They suck to figure out. No one enjoys the paperwork or the stress.

Working abroad means learning a whole new system of taxes to challenge you.

I got lucky in New Zealand – a country with the easiest tax system in the world, as voted by expats. But many countries don’t have it so easy.

You’ll have to file in two countries as well for your first year, when you’ll have some income in both places.

I recommend getting a tax accountant your first year, if not for the entirety of your time as an expat. It’ll make things a lot easier and will ensure that it’s all set up correctly.

Or move to New Zealand, where it’s a breeze!

28. It’s Difficult to Become a Citizen

Many countries are happy to let in Working Holiday Visa holders or give out temporary work permits. But becoming a citizen can be much more challenging.

There’s a reason so many people get married for green cards!

When I was considering moving to the UK, I checked and I’d need to stay in the country for at least 5 years before I could even begin to apply. That meant 5 years of needing to scrounge Visas from companies who would sponsor me, or paying the expensive application fee myself if the company wouldn’t.

It didn’t even assure me a place for more than a year at a time.

If your ultimate goal is citizenship, you’ll need to be more thoughtful about the types of Visas you use and what type of work you have.

Pro tip : Government jobs are always best for getting your Visas sponsored.

29. Hard to Find a Job Before You Arrive

When I moved to New Zealand, I was so sure that I was hot shit.

I thought I’d get a job instantly.

Instead, I arrived a week before the country closed for Christmas . So I had to wait 6 weeks before I could even consider finding a job.

Although I could afford to wait the 6 weeks, I got super nervous and freaked out about my finances to my whole family.

Thankfully, I got a job soon after.

But that situation happens to many people who aren’t in my situation.

With a Working Holiday Visa , I could show up without a job. Many work visas don’t let you even apply until you have proof of employment.

This might mean accepting a lower position or a position that’s not quite your dream job just to get in the door.

30. New Social Rules to Adapt To

Every country has taboos and social conventions.

But you may not expect them before you arrive.

For example, in Canada, you have to say “please” and “thank you” constantly. And get used to everyone saying “eh” at the end of sentences.

In Morocco, women can’t look men in the eyes or it’s a sign of flirtation.

The social norms can vary from place to place. Expats are often unsure of what’s acceptable and will make some mistakes.

It’s totally fine to slip up, but you will be expected to learn as you go.

I recommend chatting with a local as soon as possible to ask about what you should avoid doing so you don’t offend anyone.

31. Currency Fluctuation

When you move abroad, you have to transfer money – at least to get you started.

Transfering money can be great if you’re going to a country where the currency is worth less. That means more money when you transfer $1 and it becomes $1.50!

But, while you’re there, the currency can fluctuate. You may come back to your home country and find that hard earned money is worth $0.75 rather than the $1 you thought it would be. Or it could be even less than you expected when the markets dip.

I loved going to New Zealand, because I got a few extra cents for every dollar.

But on the way back, my savings were quickly chopped below $0.50 for every $1 when I moved to the UK.

Send your money abroad at the cheapest rates with Wise.com !

32. Packing Sucks

Packing sucks.

There I said it.

It’s the bane of my existence – even though I’m really good at it now.

Packing for long-term trips is especially challenging.

Whether you’re going forever or just for a year, packing is a definite disadvantage of moving abroad.

My advice is to take as little as possible.

You really don’t need that much.

I moved to New Zealand with 10 shirts! In the end, I wish I’d only brought 8.

Make packing easier by pre-ordering all your moving supplies here.

33. Pressure to Do Everything

When you move, it kinda feels like travelling at first.

So you try to do everything all at once – work and travel. That’s exhausting!

You might catch yourself trying to book trips every weekend and go out every single day after work. But that’s just not feasible.

You need to take breaks, chill in the backyard or have a lazy day on the couch.

Otherwise you’ll burn out.

34. Need New Clothes

Different climates might mean a whole new wardrobe – yet another expense for people moving abroad.

Living in a foreign country will suck if you’re shivering for half the year.

But finding the time and money to go buy the stuff, also isn’t fun.

In New Zealand, it took me a couple months before I finally had the energy and the money to get a winter coat (admittedly, I was broke at the time).

If you move around as often as I do, it can suck needing so many different items in so many different places.

35. Allergies and Unexpected Illness

Your body is used to one place. When you move, it suddenly has all sorts of new germs and environmental factors to contend with.

When I moved to Serbia, I unlocked allergies I didn’t even know lurked beneath the surface and needed to get prescription level allergy meds.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, I barely ever sneezed.

But I found out I’m allergic to their sand flies.

Between that and unexpected reactions to elevation, humidity, etc, you can’t really be sure how your body will aclimatize to your new area and its seasons.

Transfer Money to Canada

Moving abroad requires a lot of steps. One of the biggest ones is sending over money so you can start your life here.

I used to use outdated bank transfers and Paypal, which meant paying HUGE fees and inflated exchange rates. I’d often lose thousands just trying to move my own money.

Then I found Wise.com.

I use them exclusively now to send my money around the world. Whether I’m moving to a new country, taking a gap year, or studying abroad, I’ve relied on Wise.com to transfer my money for the lowest rates.

If you’re skeptical, they even have a tool that will compare their service fees and exchange rates with other providers to prove that they are saving you the most money.

Sign up today to start moving your money to live abroad securely and without ridiculous added fees.

👉  Transfering money abroad? Use Wise.com for the best rates!

Get Travel Insurance

No one wants things to go wrong when they move abroad, but sometimes accidents happen.

When things don’t go to plan, have Safety Wing on your side. You don’t need the added stress of dealing with medical bills, lost luggage, or delayed flights when things are going awry. You need a travel insurance provider you can trust to get you through the stress and be accessible 24/7.

Whether you need short-term, long-term or budget-friendly coverage, Safety Wing has your back.

I’ve always been able to rely on them when I’m sick abroad, have had flight cancellations, or had something lost/stolen (these things do happen!).

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Make Friends Abroad

Are you worried about being lonely while living in a foreign country? Or don’t know how to meet some locals who do things you do?

Thank god for the internet!

Now you don’t have to bother hunting down flyers in a coffee shop.

Join Meetup to find tons of events hosted by locals and expats alike.

Whether your hobbies include hiking, crafting, comedy nights, or board games, you’ll find a Meetup group that’s perfect for you. If one doesn’t already exist, you can even start your own to find some friends with similar interests.

It’s free to join – although some activities cost money, like going bowling or joining a cooking class. You’ll meet tons of people looking for new friends who enjoy the same activities as you.

The events, especially hiking or cultural events, can also be a great way to find hidden travel gems. I never would have discovered some of my 10 Best Auckland Day Trips without the help of my hiking Meetups group.

FAQs About Moving Abroad

How to move to another country.

There are unique requirements for each country that you’ll have to research. I recommend doing the following: -Check if your job has other offices -Or pick a dream destination -Check their visa work requirements -Start preparing your documents, including having a valid passport -Look into getting a bank account, getting a tax number, and finding a place to live -Decide if you’re going to retain your items at home -Just do it! The hardest part of moving abroad is deciding to do it. The rest is all administrative junk!

Should You Move Abroad?

In my opinion, everyone should live abroad at least once. There are so many advantages that outweigh the disadvantages of moving to another country. You’ll come back a better version of yourself – if you decide to come back at all! Moving abroad helped me shake off the shackles of the person I was trying to be to please everyone else. It helped me find out who I really am, what I really want, and how to live my life for me. Whether you move abroad to study, work, or just hang out for a while, I think it’s a must-do for everyone.

Is Living Overseas Right for You?

It’s hard to tell if living in another country will be right for you until you do it. If you’d asked anyone if it was right for me before I moved to Italy or Scotland, you’d probably get a resounding “no!”. I think moving abroad is one of those things no one can ever really be ready for. You just have to dive in and give it a shot. Worst case, you hate it and you can come home. Best case, you love it! I’d take those odds, and I’m not even a betting woman.

Reasons Not to Move Abroad

• The location is dangerous/in a war
• You need specialized healthcare that you can only get in your country
• It’s scary (but is that really a reason??)
• Your work won’t let you (… sounds like a bad job to me!)
• You can’t speak the language ( get some classes going or pick another country!)
• You worry what people will think (psh, the only opinion that matters is yours. Do you think your 80 year old self would regret not going? Then go!)
• You can’t afford it (not an excuse! I saved enough to live in Europe for a year within 2 months. You can do it, too!)
• I have kids (I know soooo many people who have kids and move abroad. I think it’s great for them!)
• I have pets (pets can move , too! Just research vaccinations)
• I don’t want to (this is the only valid reason I can think of to not move abroad)

Wrap Up of Living Abroad

Have you always wanted to live in another country? Have you just been worried about the pros and cons of moving abroad?

Now you know the highs and lows from someone who has moved abroad almost every year for a decade!

Don’t let fear hold you back from living your dream.

Move abroad so you can live in the Italian countryside drinking wine as you remote work, or find a cool foreign office in Ireland so you can explore the Cliffs of Dover on your weekend off.

Live the life you want to live today. Don’t wait for some potential tomorrow that may never come.

Your next task is to start googling some places you want to live (or creating a dream Pinterest board ). Get that inspiration going and you’ll be living in a foreign country in no time!

When you’re ready to visit Singapore, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

Benefits of Living Abroad?

There are many benefits to living abroad, including the opportunity to learn about new cultures, customs and languages.

Additionally, living abroad can also lead to better job prospects and improved lifestyle choices.

Finally, by living in a foreign country you will have the chance to meet new people and make lifelong friends.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Abroad?

One advantage of living abroad is that you have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and customs. Additionally, living abroad can also lead to better job prospects and improved lifestyle choices. However, there are also some disadvantages to living abroad, such as feeling homesick or isolated from your friends and family. It can also be challenging to find work without local work experience.

What are the possible effects of moving to another country?

The possible effects of moving to another country are both positive a

nd negative. Positive effects can include things such as learning a new language, experiencing different cultures, and developing new skills. Negative effects can include things such as culture shock, homesickness, and feeling isolated. It is important to research a potential destination country carefully before making the decision to move in order to be prepared for both the good and the bad.

Disadvantages of living in a foreign county?

There are several disadvantages of living in a foreign county. They include: feeling homesick or isolated, challenges in finding work, and adjusting to a new culture. Additionally, there may be language barriers and you may not have access to the same level of medical care as you would in your home country.

Advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country?

There are many advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country. Some of the advantages include:

1) You get to experience a new culture and way of life.

2) You get to meet new people from all over the world.

3) You get to learn a new language.

And some disadvantages may include:

1) You may not be able to find a job that pays as well as you would like.

2) You may not be able to find a place to live that is as comfortable as you would like.

3) You may not be able to get the same type of medical care that you are used to.

Advantages of living in a foreign country?

There are many advantages to living in a foreign country. One advantage is that you get to experience a new culture and way of life. This can be very exciting and enriching. Another advantage is that you get to meet new people and make new friends. This can be a great way to broaden your social horizons. Finally, living in a foreign country can be a great way to learn a new language. This can be very beneficial both professionally and personally.

Should I move to another country?

This is a difficult question to answer. There are many factors to consider, such as your current situation, your desired situation, and the pros and cons of living in a foreign country.

Some people find that moving to another country is a great way to improve their life, while others find it to be disruptive and difficult.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to move to another country is a personal one that depends on your specific circumstances.

Benefits of moving to another country?

There are many potential benefits of moving to another country. One benefit is that you can learn about new cultures and customs. Additionally, living abroad can also lead to better job prospects and improved lifestyle choices. Finally, by living in a foreign country you will have the chance to meet new people and make lifelong friends.

Advantages of foreign employment?

There are many advantages to foreign employment, including the opportunity to:

1. Earn a higher salary than you would at home.

2. Enjoy a better standard of living, with access to nicer homes and better schools.

3. Experience new cultures and lifestyles.

4. Learn new languages and gain valuable international contacts

Challenges of living abroad?

There are several challenges that come with living abroad, such as:

1. Culture shock – This can be a big adjustment, and it may take some time to get used to the new culture.

2. Language barriers – If you don’t speak the language of your host country, it can be difficult to communicate with people and make friends.

3. Homesickness – It’s common to miss your family and friends back home, and you may find yourself feeling isolated in your new country.

4. Financial difficulties – Living in a foreign country can be expensive, especially if you’re not employed.

5. Adjusting to a new way of life – There can be a big difference between the lifestyle in your home country and the lifestyle in your host country, which can take some time to get used to.

What are the disadvantages of living abroad?

There are a few potential disadvantages to living abroad that you should be aware of before making the decision to move. These include:

1. Language barriers can make everyday life difficult

2. You may feel isolated and homesick

3. Cost of living can be expensive in some countries

4. Different customs and cultures can be challenging to adjust to

5. You may have trouble finding a job

6. Your family and friends may be far away

Difficulties of living in a foreign country?

It’s not always easy to adjust to living in a new country, especially if you don’t speak the language. Here are some of the difficulties you might face:

1. Not being able to communicate effectively can be frustrating and make everyday tasks like shopping or going to the doctor very difficult.

2. You may feel isolated and lonely if you don’t have any friends or family in the country.

3. It can be hard to find housing and jobs in a new country.

4. You may miss your home and the familiar things about it, like the food, the climate, and the people.

Is Living abroad beneficial?

Yes, living abroad can be very beneficial! It can help you learn new things, meet new people, and see the world from a different perspective. However, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with living in a new country. If you’re thinking of moving to another country, make sure you do your research so that you know what to expect.

Is living abroad worth it?

Yes, living abroad is definitely worth it! There are so many benefits to living in a new country that you simply can’t experience by staying at home. For one thing, you’ll get to learn about a new culture and meet lots of new people. You’ll also have the opportunity to travel and see new places. And of course, living in a new country can also be a great way to learn a new language. So if you’re thinking about living abroad, don’t hesitate – it’s definitely worth it!

Negative effects of living abroad?

There are a few potential negative effects of living abroad that you should be aware of before making the decision to move. These include:

3. The cost of living can be expensive in some countries

4. Different customs and cultures can be challenging

Benefits of living in different countries?

There are many benefits to living in different countries. One benefit is that you get to experience different cultures. Another benefit is that you learn new things. And finally, it can be a great way to meet new people.

I learned more about history, religion, and even science living abroad than I ever did in a classroom!

Pros and cons of living in Europe vs. America?

There are both pros and cons to living in Europe vs. America. Some of the pros of living in Europe include:

1. The cost of living is often cheaper than in America.

2. There is more history and culture to experience.

3. The healthcare system is typically better than in America.

4. The food is often healthier and more diverse.

5. You can travel to other countries more easily.

Some of the cons of living in Europe include:

1. The weather can be colder and wetter than in America.

2. There are often language barriers.

3. European countries can be less accepting of immigrants than America.

4. There is often more crime and violence in European countries.

5. The economy can be weaker in some European countries.

Is moving abroad a good idea?

There’s no easy answer to this question – it depends on your specific situation and what you’re looking for in life. However, there are some general things to keep in mind that might help you make your decision.

For starters, living in a foreign country can be an incredibly enriching experience. It allows you to learn about new cultures, customs, and ways of life.

Of course, there are also some challenges that come along with moving to a new country. It can be difficult to adjust to a new culture and way of life, and you may miss your family and friends back home.

So, ultimately, the decision of whether or not to move abroad is a personal one that depends on your own circumstances. If you’re looking for an adventure and are open to new experiences, then moving abroad may be a good option for you. However, if you’re more comfortable with the familiar, then staying put may be a better idea.

Can I move to another county?

Yes, everyone is capable of moving to another country.

The real question is which country should I you move to?

There are many things to consider when making such a decision, including your job, finances, family, and lifestyle.

Some people move to another country for work or to be closer to family. Others do so to retire in a warmer climate or to escape political unrest.

Before you make the decision to move, it’s important to do your research.

Bank abroad pros and cons?

There are both pros and cons to banking abroad.

On the plus side, banking in a foreign country can give you access to a wider range of financial products and services. It can also help you diversify your investments and protect your assets from political or economic instability in your home country.

On the downside, however, banking abroad can be expensive and complicated. You may also have to deal with language barriers and different time zones.

Ultimately, whether or not banking abroad is a good idea for you depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re comfortable with the risks and costs involved, then it could be a good way to diversify your finances.

Overall, it is complex to set up foreign banks.

Is moving abroad worth it?

Yes, moving abroad is worth it! It can be a great way to learn new things, meet new people, and experience different cultures. It can also be a great way to broaden your horizons and see the world from a new perspective.

What happens when you move to another country?

When you move to another country, you’ll have to deal with a lot of paperwork and red tape. You’ll also have to get used to a new culture and way of life. There may be some bumps along the road, but overall, moving abroad can be a great experience.

To start, you’ll need to find a visa that allows you to stay in the country for an extended period of time. You’ll also need to find a place to live and a job. Once you’ve settled in, you can start exploring your new home and getting to know the people and culture.

Related Posts:

• Benefits of Travelling Alone: 20 Pros and Cons of Solo Travel
• 14 Pros and Cons of Living in France
• 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
• 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
• How to Move to New Zealand with a Working Holiday Visa
• 8 Things I Learned From 8 Months in Europe

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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy expat travel insurance?

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🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?

It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!

📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?

It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.

Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!

💼 How do I get a job as an expat?

You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!

💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?

Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.

I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. ( Read more )

👯‍♀️ How do you make friends abroad?

Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.

🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?

Learn languages in no time with iTalki ! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.

💻 Do I need a VPN?

Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.

🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?

This is my favourite luggage set f or long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here .

🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?

Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommend  Skyscanner . ( Read more )

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend  Booking.com . ( Read more )

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗  What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommend  Discover Cars .

🚗  What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommend  Viator .

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

Pros and Cons of Living Abroad 2024 from an Expert Expat

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Mar 4, 2024 | Live Work Play Travel , Work Abroad Backpacker Jobs , Work Online + remote & nomad Life

I have travelled the world all my life thanks to my dad who worked for an airline. But it was when I was in my 20s that I left Australia and first moved abroad on my own. I had had a bad day at work, resigned, and one month later found myself standing at Heathrow Airport about to start a UK working holiday wondering what to do next as I hadn’t weighed up the pros and cons of living abroad.  

What ultimately started as a scary experience become one of the best experiences of my life. I soon had a job , a place to live and met new people . And found that moving abroad and living as an Australian expat abroad wasn’t as scary as first thought .  

If you are thinking of heading overseas to live and work abroad in another country, I would say ‘just do it’. But I know, being an expat overseas isn’t for everyone. So before you make the leap, check the pros and cons of living abroad following so you can make an informed decision of moving to live in a foreign country.

Table of Contents

Pros and Cons of Living Abroad – at a glance

Pros of living abroad.

• Adapt to a new life
• Experience a new culture
• Learn new languages
• Try different foods
• Meet new people & make life long friends
• Get work doing something you’ve never done before
• Travel opportunities
• Make unforgettable memories
• Personal growth
• Gain skills for the future
• Get new travel opportunities
• Start afresh

Discover Your Passions

Cons of living abroad.

• A lot of paperwork + Expensive
• Packing up and moving sucks

Culture Shock

Language barriers, homesickness.

• Finding work can be hard
• Tax implications
• Where will you live

Adapting to new rules and a new life

Learn to adapt.

One of the biggest pros of living abroad, and why I have put it first is learning how to adapt. At home you know what to expect from life, you may be in a rut and feel complacent, but when you move abroad to live and work in a different country, there is so much to learn and adapt to. There is a different language, culture, food, types of work and different style of accommodation – and you need to adapt to them. Adapting to your surroundings and making do with what you have is one big life skill you learn when you move abroad.

Experience a New Culture

One of the biggest advantages of moving abroad to live in another country is that you get to immerse yourself in a new culture. You get to learn more about one culture and develop a greater understanding of how the people of your new country live. You develop a different perspective while living abroad which is wonderful for expanding your views. It can make you more open minded to how people do different things, eat different things, talk differently and have different customs to yourself. And this is a big part of moving abroad to live in another country.

Learn a New Language

I grew up in Australia where we all spoke English, but as Australia becomes more multicultural, more languages are being spoken. So in schools, you can learn different languages. When you go into high school, you are given a taste of a number of languages and then you can choose one to progress with throughout your schooling – if you so wish. I decided I would learn French, and this stood me in good stead as I visited France and was able to say hello, order food and pay for it without much trouble.

When I moved to the UK to live and work, I found myself visiting many European countries from my London base. I discovered that it is good to know a little of the language of the country I am visiting as it helps with immersion. Locals are more likely to spend time chatting to you if you have tried to speak to them in their own language. I found it much easier to learn a language when you’re abroad speaking it. It is definitely an advantage to learning the language of the country you have chosen to live in. It just helps you to settle into your new life living abroad if you make the effort.

Try Different Foods

One of the best pros of moving and living abroad is trying new foods – I just love the Paella I discovered in Spain

I think this is my favourite thing about living abroad – trying new and different foods. When I lived in the UK, I made it my mission to eat all of the local British food. Afternoon tea at the Ritz anyone! And when I went to Europe I tried all the local foods too. Snitzel in Austria, chips with mayo in Belgium, Bouillabaisse and pastries in France, pasta in Italy – shall I go on? Discovering the food of your adopted country is one of the best things about living abroad. And don’t go out to eat it all the time, why not take a local cooking clas s like I did.

Meet New People & Make Lifelong Friends

When I moved abroad I was hoping and expecting to meet lots of new people, but one of the things I least expected was to make lifelong friends. And one of those friends has become a life partner.

When you live abroad you will meet lots of different people. There will be work colleagues, house mates, travel partners and those you meet when totally not expecting it! Some will be short-term friends while others will become lifelong friends and partners. Some of the people that I met living abroad have become some of my closest friends. We don’t all live in the same city or country, but we keep in contact. Thank goodness for phones, email and social media making it easier to keep in touch.

Get Work Doing Something You’ve Never Done Before

If you aren’t being transferred overseas for work or moving from country to country as a digital nomad working remotely online, then you will most likely pick up work. Moving abroad can be one of the best ways to expand your opportunities that will look good on your CV.

When I moved abroad to live and work in the UK, I registered with a recruitment agency to do administration work. In no time I was being sent to different companies on a temporary basis. I mostly did PA (Personal Assistant) work, typing and data entry as I have a typing speed of around 80wpm. Then I thought I’d try something new and got a live-in job in a pub just outside of London where I worked for a summer. And then I took a live-in job as a nanny which took care of a job and a place to live all in the one hit! The skills I developed from doing these jobs has helped me to never be out of employment. This has definitely outweighed any cons of moving abroad for me.

me working abroad in a London office 

Travel Opportunities

One of the best things of living abroad is the travel opportunities. Sure you may be studying or working but there will always be time to travel. When I worked in London, I had a weekend here, then a weekend there and then a few holidays here and there. I loved it being in a different city almost every weekend – discovering a new culture, meeting new people and enjoying the food!

Make Unforgettable Memories

Moving abroad leads to some of the best memories you’ll ever have. Even on a day to day basis while living in a foreign country you will make unforgettable memories. It is the little things that you often remember the most. How you conquered ordering food, navigated the tube in London in peak hour on your way to work or conquered customs of covering your head when entering mosques. There is something that you will remember from every day when living abroad in a foreign country.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is a huge pro of living abroad. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone and putting yourself in a new environment sees you grow as a person. You will constantly be facing challenges. Challenges you will confront and figure out and all these challenges can make you more independent and confident.

As a solo traveller who has moved abroad to live work and play somewhere in the world alone you only have yourself to rely on. When facing life abroad alone you have two choices. To grow as a person as you meet challenges or go home with your tail between your legs because it was ‘too hard’. Personal growth is good and will help you in the future. I credit moving abroad as being one of the best things I have ever done and the personal growth I acquired is still with me today.

Gain Skills for the Future

Moving abroad to live and work will help you to develop and gain skills for the future. You will try new things such as work, providing you with skills. You will meet new people helping you to develop social skills. These can help you in the future to navigate life.

Get New Travel Opportunities

I was introduced to hiking when I moved abroad

Having grown up at a beach, I was use to spending all my time in coastal areas enjoying the water. It wasn’t until I moved abroad that I was introduced to other types of activities during my travels. As well as visiting many places by different types of transport I discovered many activities – hiking for one. Moving abroad to another country allows you to have many travel experiences.

Start Afresh

There’s something to be said for starting afresh by moving abroad. You may have had a relationship breakdown , been sacked from you job, having a mid-life crisis – whatever is happening in your life, you can ‘run away’ to start afresh in another country. I have found travel and discovering new cultures abroad is a great way to help get over the past and move on – very liberating!

I wouldn’t have become a travel writer / blogger full time without living abroad. You may have read in the ‘about me’ section on my website that I fell into travel writing. It was after a visit to Gallipoli, Turkey for ANZAC Day that a magazine in London was calling for travel articles. So I wrote about my trip to Turkey, it was published, and I was paid 25 pounds. I was hooked and so began my passion for travel writing and now travel blogging.

Living abroad also ignited passions for spicy flavoured foods and history – yeah I’ve become a history freak and love visiting old buildings that have lots of stories to tell! And you can find your passions to.

Last on my list of pros to moving abroad is freedom. Freedom from the shackles of home and the freedom to do what you want, when you want. And the freedom to be yourself without judgement.

As with everything in life, and moving abroad is no exception, there are disadvantages.

Lots of Paperwork

Yep, before you can start your life abroad there is plenty of paperwork. You need a passport, visa/s, transport bought, accommodation booked and travel insurance and travel gear to purchase. All this can be time consuming and laborious. It could take months to get these things sorted! And there is a cost involved. It costs to get a passport, a visa and to buy transport and accommodation plus the travel gear you will take. This can add up and cost a lot.

And when you get there, there is more paperwork. You need to register your existence, open a bank account, apply for a tax number if you are going to work and find a place to live. The bureaucracy of moving abroad is one disadvantage. And each time you move to a new country, you will have to go through it again – talk about groundhog day!

Packing up Sucks

Packing up is definitely a con of moving abroad. The worst part I find is making the decisions as to what to take and what to leave behind. It is also extremely time consuming and can be expensive.

Culture shock can be a big issue when you move abroad. Nothing can prepare you for the actual experience where nothing is the same as what you are use to. Culture shock is definitely a major con of living abroad. Even moving to a country that speaks the same language as you do, things will be done differently. Culture shock is a learning curve that throws a curve ball at even the most experienced of expats.

Different languages can be a challenge when you move abroad. It is particularly a challenge if you move to a country that doesn’t speak your native tongue. You can have trouble settling in because you don’t understand what is being said to you. Finding a place to live and getting a job may prove difficult. This is why it is good to know some of the language of the country you are moving abroad to.

Moving is Expensive

Moving anywhere can be expensive, but add moving abroad costs – passport, visa fees, transport costs, medical tests and short-term accommodation while you find a longer term place to live.

Choosing to move abroad isn’t always cheap which is why this is a big consideration for some and often seen as a con to moving abroad. But if you want a new lifestyle living overseas and plan to get a job or continue working online as a digital nomad this cost is just part of the moving abroad process. I have moved to a number of countries and have never looked at the costs involved as a negative. I see them as just part of moving abroad. On saying that, it is a decision you need to make.

homesickness is natural

One of the biggest cons of living abroad is dealing with homesickness and even the most hardy of traveller at some times, feels homesick. The biggest times I felt homesick was at Christmas time, when it was birthdays and when my first nephew was born. I felt really bad for not being home for these special occasions. But you cannot not live your dreams of moving and living abroad for one or two days of a year! And if it gets to you too much – just go home.

Loneliness seems to be a real fear of many people. And yes, it is lonely moving abroad by yourself – but you can be by yourself and not be lonely. There were times when I lived abroad I felt loneliness. Other travellers I had met moved on and I had to start meeting other people again. When I felt lonely, I didn’t sit at home thinking to myself ‘I am so lonely’, I took myself out and did things. I wondered through museums, went to the zoo, went on a walking tour, took a cooking lesson – so I worked on not being lonely.

Find Work can be Hard

One of the hardest things about moving abroad is giving up the security of your job. There is the worry you will not find work abroad. And yes, it can be hard finding work as the work you can do is often defined by the visa you are on. If it is a working holiday visa, you may only be allowed to do typical ‘ backpacker jobs’ . If you are being sponsored, the work permit will only cover the job you are being sponsored to do. While if moving abroad on a digital nomad visa, you will have to continue working online generating income. Hopefully, you will have enough savings to support yourself until you find work. This is why I like finding a ‘live in job’ like being a nanny, working in a British pub or working in a caravan park as you not only get a job, but accommodation too!

Tax Implications

On the topic of work, when you work in another country there can be tax implications. You will need to find out whether you have to pay tax in the country you are working. Also whether you have to advise the tax office in your home country if you are receiving money in a different country. All this can be a big challenge and definitely a con when you move abroad. I recommend getting a tax accountant who understands the tax implications for people who work abroad.

Where Will You Live

Having nowhere to live when you arrive in a new country can be quite traumatic and definitely is a con of moving abroad. However, there are plenty of places to live from short-term accommodation in hostels and hotels to longer-term accommodation in AirB&Bs to house sitting . It can just take time to find something suitable to suit your needs and that is within your budget.

Last on my list of pros and cons of moving abroad is the final disadvantage of adapting to new rules and a new life. Every country has rules and regulations you will need to adapt to. Expats are often unsure of what to expect from their new country, soo it is a good idea to read up on the country you are moving to beforehand so you don’t do too many faux pars. My best advice is to embrace your new life abroad, learn everything you can, speak to the locals, learn to laugh at your mistakes and be respectful while you learn the new rules in your new life abroad.

Should You Move Abroad?

In my opinion, yes. I believe everyone should live abroad at least once in their lifetime. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages of moving abroad. Moving abroad was one of the best things I ever did and has helped me become the person I am today. Have you moved abroad? I’d love to hear.

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My favourite tools to Travel Live and Work Abroad

🏠 Where Will You Be Sleeping Tonight? – Get a bed in a hostel dorm through   HostelWorld or for a hotel room check out Booking.com . Get free accommodation house and pet sitting through Trusted Housesitters – this has saved me thousands on accommodation, no joke!

✈️ Need a cheap and flexible airfare – head to Skyscanner .

 🚙 Car Rental – search and compare vehicles at DiscoverCars .

 🚆  Train Travel: I love riding the rails. For a rail pass in Europe head to Raileurope . And Japan has a great one too –  JapanRail Pass .

🚌 Travelling by bus is often the cheapest way to travel. Compare and get a ticket or a pass at Busbud .

🏃🏻‍♀️ Jump-the-queue entrance tickets and day tours: I book these through GetYourGuide .

 🌏   How to pick a country to live and work abroad in? Check out my Working Holiday Visa Country Guides and Digital Nomad Visa Country Guides to see where you can live work play travel abroad.

 🚑 Should you buy travel insurance? Absolutely Yes! SafetyWing is great digital nomads and long-term travellers and World Normads has policies for general and adventure travel.

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Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to live work play travel around the world with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

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33 Pros and Cons of Living Abroad—From A Pro

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Moving abroad was a catalyst that changed my life completely. And while I love this nomadic lifestyle that I’ve been living for over a decade, there are definitely some things to consider before taking that giant leap.

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages of living abroad. It’s exciting, rewarding, and breathtaking at times, but at other times you’re forced to contend with unforeseen struggles, loneliness, and exhaustion.

Whether you’re simply daydreaming of a fresh start or actively taking steps to move to a new country, consider these pros and cons of living abroad.

Table of Contents

1. You Get To Experience New Places and Cultures

2. it makes you more independent, 3. it gives you a boost in confidence, 4. networking and making new friends, 5. trying new cuisine, 6. better quality of life, 7. it’s cheaper, 8. expand your worldview, 9. it’s a non-stop adventure, 10. flexibility, 11. personal growth, 12. learn a new language, 13. learn lifelong skills, 14. break from routine, 15. make lifelong memories, 16. learn to adapt, 17. experience new lifestyles, 18. discover what you truly want and need out of life, 19. it’s a fresh start, 20. you get to travel more, 21. language barriers, 22. missing friends and family, 23. visas and bureaucracy, 24. health concerns, 25. culture shock, 26. ditching the 9-5 mentality, 27. downsizing, 29. homesickness, 30. it can be difficult to stay in one place long-term, 31. it can be tiring to move, 32. packing is awful, 33. you may not want to move back, how can i live abroad, what about jobs i can do abroad, what i did and my journey:, what are the main pros and cons of living and working abroad, so—should you live abroad, pros of moving abroad—advantages of living abroad.

This one is obvious—it’s the reason we go abroad in the first place! But there’s a vast difference between visiting a place and spending extended periods there.

One of the best parts about being abroad is discovering all the nuances of a new place, and living rather than visiting will give you a lot more time to explore every nook and cranny of your new home base.

Finding out Moroccans eat couscous on Fridays and being lucky enough to rent an apartment from locals who shared their food with us on Fridays for two months!? Uhm, amazing!

Getting to participate in the largest water fight in the world numerous times while living in Thailand and getting water gunned by granny in the middle of the streets of Chiang Mai? Hell yeah!

Getting lessons in Aussie slang every time I showed up to work while living in Australia for a year on my working holiday visa? Yeah, mate!

Moving to a different country forces you to rely on yourself and yourself alone. This may seem like a con of living abroad, but stick with me.

Obviously, problems will eventually arise in your new home country – especially if you’re new to the nomad experience.

But being forced to deal with issues independently will make you more independent. This might be tricky if you’re used to a large support system, but you’ll be grateful in the long run!

I learned so much about myself and gained SO much confidence as a solo nomad, I truly can’t explain it to you.

I really learned how to be comfortable with myself, my thoughts, and my overall in my life—I didn’t know how UNCOMFORTABLE I was before this!

This independence forces you to get to know yourself better, and you don’t know how much you need it until you’re in the position.

Conquering issues that arise while abroad will not only make you more independent, but it’ll also give you a huge confidence boost.

It may be hard to see the silver lining in the struggle, but if you can overcome problems in a different country and forge your own way, you can do anything!

Ordering food in another language and eating it alone at a table would have terrified me before. After living abroad? Ha! I LOVE doing this now and think nothing of it.

One of the biggest cons of living abroad is that it can get lonely. But this forces you to get out there and make a whole new group of friends. Whether it’s other foreigners or locals, the people you meet while living abroad make your experience all the richer.

Making new friends can be scary, but this is the fastest way to create a new place that feels *enough* like home.

You’ll have someone to share your woes with, and locals have the best advice for everything from hole-in-the-wall eateries to epic day trips. They say misery loves company, but so does happiness!

I have friends around the world, and while they might not be my best mate since I’m not there anymore, I can rock up, and things will be just as if I never left.

Moving to a new place means you’ll need to embrace some new cuisine, and that’s one of the biggest pros of living abroad, in my opinion!

This is one of the quickest ways to get out of your comfort zone, and you’ll likely surprise yourself with new favorites no matter where you go. Local cuisine tends to utilize fresh, local ingredients, so you’ll probably be eating a lot healthier than you were back at home!

OK, let’s be real, the quality of the food in the US is subpar compared to some other places. Even in developing countries, my fruits and veggies are fresher, and I can eat more of what I want and not gain a single pound. There’s a lot to be said about the food abroad, but yeah, overall, the quality is better, and trying new foods is also so much fun!

This one is a bit of a toss-up, and it depends a lot on where you’re coming from and where you’re moving to. But if you’re like me and coming from the US, you’ll be surprised to learn that the quality of life is a lot better in many places around the globe.

Many countries offer comprehensive and affordable healthcare, great weather year-round, and affordable living costs – all of which contribute to your overall quality of life. Again, this will depend a lot on where you move to, so research where you’re going before you move!

If you’re nomading and not permanently moving, you still can reap benefits. Overall my money goes further, which means my life can be better abroad—and it literally is! Wait for it…

Many people don’t believe me when I say it’s actually cheaper to live abroad than it is to live in the US , but it’s true! Living is NOT the same as traveling abroad, and when you lay roots down, you spend wayyy less than you do as a tourist.

Obviously, this doesn’t apply if you’re moving to somewhere like Switzerland or Monaco, but there are plenty of destinations across Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe where your dollar will go much further.

So not only is my quality of life better, but it was CHEAPER for me too. I know you’re thinking yeah, right—travel is expensive, there’s no way this is true.

But don’t get vacationing and traveling/living abroad mixed up. My life is mostly “normal” (as in I get up, have coffee, work, Netflix, sleep, repeat, just like you) so I’m living a regular life, just abroad.

It’s easy to judge a book by its cover, and there are a lot of stereotypes about different places around the world. But as you travel, a lot of these prejudices slowly disappear.

Learning about a country’s culture firsthand, meeting locals, and experiencing what life is really like will help you expand your worldview. The more places you live in, the faster you’ll get over your culture shock the next time you move somewhere new.

My worldviews and thoughts have taken shape over the years of nomading, and my eyes have opened more and more. More empathy, more social experiences, more understanding, and an overall deeper understanding of people from different walks of life.

Living abroad is a non-stop adventure, and there’s something new to discover whenever you walk out your door. New people, a new language, new cuisine – the list continues.

Even everyday experiences like grocery shopping or walking through the city is a new adventure. Of course, the longer you live somewhere, the less jaw-dropping these experiences become, but it’s one of the more fun aspects of moving to a new place.

I get bored easily, and this is probably one of my main drives for this lifestyle. I love having something new happen, a new challenge, and even having a new “backyard.”

Flexibility is hands down one of the top advantages of living abroad. Not vibing with a place? Time to pick a new home base. Each time you move, it gets easier, and you get more flexible, which is a huge attribute for all aspects of life.

Learning to go with the flow and move on once you’re not enjoying yourself is a skill that many people never figure out, and it’s one of the best things I’ve learned during all my years abroad.

This one is a bit hard to pin down. You likely won’t realize how much you’ve grown as you’re doing it, but it will astound you when you look back on your personal growth during your time abroad.

No matter who you are, where you’re from, or where you’re going, you will overcome challenges, making you a more resilient person.

Immersing yourself completely is the fastest way to learn a new language . If you put your mind to it, I have no doubt that you can become fluent in a new language when you move abroad.

Even if you’re not out to add another language to your repertoire, you’ll likely pick up on a few key phrases, and practicing in basic conversations will make you feel more like a local.

I taught myself beginner Thai during my years in Thailand, I learn all the basic phrases for each country I visit, and I’ve been learning Spanish for years now (can’t wait to be totally fluent already! ah!)

You may or may not learn a new language when you move abroad, but you will undoubtedly learn other skills. Whether it be how to cook a local dish, how to master the metro, or playing a new sport, learning is one of the best things about living abroad.

You’re constantly learning new things when you move to a new country, even unintentionally. You’ll likely have to learn a lot about the bureaucracy of wherever you’re living when you apply for visas, housing, and other services.

While it may be frustrating at times (this is definitely a disadvantage to living abroad), these skills will make you more confident and independent in the long run (yay for looking on the bright side, right?!).

Unfortunately, our society values a steady schedule. While there is value in routines, they can also confine us and keep us small.

One of the advantages of living abroad is the opportunity to break away from routine and live life each day. You’ll most likely have a remote travel job or something with a flexible schedule, which keeps things interesting day in and day out.

The saying goes, “Think adventure is dangerous? Try routine, it’s lethal.”

And those words speak true to me so much! But it’s funny because I still have a routine, I just change my settings every few months.

Like traveling, moving abroad is a memorable experience. Whether you’re studying abroad short term or making a permanent move, the memories you make abroad will surely stick with you for a lifetime.

When you look back on your time overseas, you’ll likely remember it fondly. Even the most challenging experiences have a way of turning more positive over the years, and you’ll appreciate the highs and the lows that made you grow.

No matter how long you do this, you’ll make memories, learn skills, and it will be impossible to regret, even if you decide you don’t like this lifestyle.

One of the pros and cons of living abroad is that you’ll need to adapt. A lot. It’s not just the physical location that causes culture shock, either. The new food, smells, laws, and overall way of life will take some getting used to.

It may be challenging at first, but learning to adapt is a great skill to have, no matter where you live. As time passes, life abroad gets easier and easier, and adapting won’t feel like such a chore. You might actually learn to enjoy it!

This might be a con to living abroad for some, but I love learning new ways of life and trying out different methods. I’m a person who thrives when thrown into a new situation, and then I need to figure out how to do it “like a local.”

✅ Furnishing a home in Thailand? I figured it out! ✅ Navigating the metro in Hungary? Got it! ✅ Figuring out a temporary visa in China, a working holiday visa in Australia , and how to extend a visa in New Zealand? Done, done, and done! ✅ Eating with chopsticks? Got it—mostly. ✅ Living in Colombia during the holiday and having fireworks go off every day for a month straight? I adapted.

One of the many advantages of living abroad is the opportunity to experience new lifestyles and open your mind to different ways of life.

You may move somewhere that prioritizes health and wellness, time with family, or time off from work. Maybe you’ll discover a new routine that includes a daily siesta. Sometimes we don’t know how much we’ve been missing out on until we experience things for ourselves!

Longer lunches and eating mini plates of a variety of things (tapas)—Thanks Spain, I love it!

Slowing down and learning the pace of life in the Philippines—My soul needed this, I’m a psycho and can go too fast sometimes. Thank you!

I’m constantly modifying my life and taking attributes from the places I visit to make my life more ideal for myself.

If you’ve ever moved out of a house or apartment, you know it’s a great time to downsize! You go through all your things one by one and decide what to keep and what to toss. Moving abroad forces you to do the same, but, like, ten-fold.

You’ll likely only be able to bring whatever you can fit in a suitcase or two, which takes downsizing to all new heights. This is a blessing in disguise, and the less you have, the more you realize how little you need to be truly happy. It also makes packing easier the next time you have to move!

Stuff was holding me back from living my best life. I always needed more stuff and more space for my stuff, and I couldn’t do things I wanted to sometimes because I felt obligated to spend my money on stuff… stuff sucks. F*ck stuff.

Less stuff is the name of the game, and this lifestyle makes you a minimalist. It looks and sounds scary, perhaps, but a life without so much stuff means a much simpler life, a more affordable life, and a life with fewer strings attached.

It’s easy to get complacent when you’ve lived in the same place for a long time. Maybe you’re staying at a job because it “pays the bills,” or you’re sick of the same old routine but don’t know how to switch it up. No matter what rut you’re stuck in – moving abroad will solve all your problems.

Okay, JK—maybe not ALL of them, but it will give you a fresh start and a chance to redefine yourself. No one knows you or has any expectations of you, which makes it easy to leave the things that no longer serve you behind.

It was my fresh start, the one I didn’t even know I needed and the one I didn’t expect to impact me so much. It was the fresh start I needed to start living the life I really wanted.

One of my favorite parts about moving to a new country is the chance to explore it in its entirety. And it doesn’t have to be a spot known for its tourist attractions.

Think about it – every nearby town is a new destination to discover, and once you’ve seen everything nearby, you can move further afield and explore neighboring countries or regions you’ve never heard of.

I mean, this one is kind of a “DUH” thing to say, but it’s definitely an advantage to living abroad. You can travel more, and for cheaper too, because you’re “right there.”

Oh, just one thing—Your list of places you want to go only gets longer, NOT shorter. This might be a disadvantage to living abroad, the travel list that never ends, ah!

Cons of Moving Abroad—Disadvantages of Living Abroad

One of the most significant disadvantages of living abroad is the language barrier.

Even if you’re moving somewhere that speaks English, there are new accents and slang to learn. It can be frustrating to lose your ability to communicate easily, but it allows you to learn a new language!

Solution: Learn a new language! Or at least pick up a few key phrases.

The reality is, if you know English, you’re lucky. I can tell you now there’s a VERY slim chance you’ll have any major issues living abroad because of the language barrier. It’s not as huge of an issue as most people perceive.

This is another tough one. And moving abroad can be an incredibly lonely experience.

But the good news is when you move to a different country, you’re automatically a part of the nomad community. You’ll likely find a Facebook group with other foreigners living in your area, one of the fastest ways to meet new people.

Making friends with locals is also amazing if you can do it. This gives you an inside look at the local culture and language, which is at least half the fun of moving to a new country!

But I will say, this is a pain point for me and it’s not always that easy! You really have to put in the effort. It also kind of sucks when you’re somewhere for a few months and then have to leave. It’s easier if you actually move somewhere abroad and can stay longer.

Solution: Make new friends.

Wow, revolutionary info, I know. But really, you HAVE to put effort into meeting people. This doesn’t have to be a disadvantage to living abroad, but there’s an extra level of effort needed on your part.

One of the biggest cons of moving abroad is figuring out all the red tape. It’s confusing, it’s exhausting, and right when you think you’ve done everything you need to live in peace, there’s something else to learn.

Whether it be purchasing insurance, setting up a bank account, or figuring out the tax system, there is a lot to learn about your new home country. Luckily we live in the information age, and many of these issues can be solved with a Google search!

Honestly, that’s why I think it’s easier to be a nomad sometimes. You don’t have to deal with most of that as much, just pay attention to the tourist visa info, and you’re good. But then the whole “making friends thing” gets hard etc… There’s no perfect solution.

Solution: Google!

There’s lots of research, and it depends on 3580938940 things! This article on US tourist visas and other visas to know about should help you understand everything better too!

There’s nothing worse than a health scare in a country you’re unfamiliar with.

Trying to navigate a new healthcare system can be a massive headache, so I recommend getting a solid check-up before you move, ensuring you’re up to date on all your vaccines, and purchasing good travel insurance .

One of the pros about living abroad, if you’re from the United States, is that healthcare costs will likely be a LOT less than you’re used to, so if you find yourself needing medical attention, at least it won’t bankrupt you!

Solution: Get some good travel insurance

And really, that’s all you’ll need because 9 times out of 10 you will be fine just paying out of pocket abroad… I honestly almost put this under the “advantages of living abroad” section, but I know most see it as a disadvantage.

But is it!? It just might just be a pro to living abroad because healthcare abroad is actually affordable and pretty easy too! The travel insurance covers the emergencies, and the little stuff is probably as much as your deductible back home.

The further you get from home, the more likely you will experience culture shock. Yes, living abroad can be a thrilling, incredible experience, but it’s also one of the hardest things you will do.

Getting used to new cultural norms, cuisine, languages, and transportation systems (among many other things) will give you some culture shock, even if you’ve traveled a lot before. There is no cure for this; it’s just a reality of living abroad.

Don’t worry, though. As time passes, you’ll get used to the country you’re living in, and pretty soon, it’ll feel like home!

Solution: Give yourself time

If I’m being honest, this never really happened to me. I didn’t have much “shock,” and instead, it was processed in a way that can be described as amazement or curiosity. I loved it, and this, for me, was never really a con of living abroad.

If anything, REVERSE culture shock, when I went back to the USA for the first time after 2.5 years abroad, was the shocking part!

In my mind, ditching the 9-5 mentality is a massive pro of living abroad. My life STARTED when I left the US and began to forge my way outside of societal norms. But I get it. Taking that first step and switching your mindset is HARD.

Before you move abroad, you’ll want to have a good emergency fund saved up, and from there, you can start searching for work abroad or remote work opportunities. Luckily, I’ve tried many of these out, and I have so many resources available about how to work and travel around the world . You’re welcome!

Solution: Work abroad or find remote work

OK, my list of cons for living abroad isn’t very good. They are kind of mostly pros… But again, this is subjective! I had no issues saying Sayonara to the 9-5! But I know it’s been embedded into our brains, and while some might hate it, it doesn’t mean it will be easy to adapt off the bat and reframe your mind to better attain a travel job .

Unless you’ve got a whole boatload of cash to spend on shipping all your belongings abroad, you’ll likely have to get rid of a lot of stuff when you move to a new country. And if you’re nomading? You better only bring what you can carry!

This can be highly emotional, making it hard to part with certain things. No doubt. But eventually, you will learn to love living with whatever you can fit into your luggage, making you realize what’s most important to you. Hint: it’s probably not things!

Solution: Realize what’s most important to you

I was lucky and got to leave a few boxes at mom’s house, but otherwise, I got rid of everything else. I’m so happy I didn’t spend a dime on a storage unit!

It’s wasted money for stuff that has no meaning. Hopefully, you can keep a few keepsakes somewhere safe and avoid the storage unit too!

This one is especially daunting if you’re a solo female. Unfortunately, the reality is that being alone in a new place often makes you vulnerable.

You need to consider safety no matter where you’re going, whether it be theft and pickpocketing or downright violence.

Always read up on the best safety tips and common scams overall and for specific countries.

Solution: Do your research and avoid unsafe places and situations

If this gives you any solace, most countries are probably just as safe, if not safer, than where you’re living right now.

Yes, seriously! And most crimes against tourists are non-violent as well. Of course, always take precautions but some of the easiest things you can do are:

• Use common sense.
• Don’t get wasted.
• Don’t go out at night often, and definitely not alone.
• Wearing crossbody purses and using anti-theft gear .

Following these simple rules, I have kept myself safe for years.

Even if you’re not enthralled with your current home base, homesickness is an inevitable part of moving abroad. You don’t realize how much you love your favorite comfort foods or hanging out with your friends until these options are out of reach.

It’s okay to miss home, and it doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision about moving abroad. Give yourself grace, and accept your feelings as valid. Then pick yourself up, find new snacks and friends, and keep pushing through. It gets easier over time, but some days are more challenging.

Solution: Accept it

I miss family and friends, but not enough to give up the lifestyle that fuels my soul. There are flights… I visit them every year. And because I don’t like my hometown, I’m always happy to get right back on the plane and leave again.

Visas are tricky, and every country has different rules for how long you can stay, if you can work, and if you can renew your visa.

Some countries offer extended visas for digital nomads , and some places like Australia and New Zealand have working holiday visas . You can try to figure out which places offer the longest visas for US citizens or simply move on to a new country once you’ve overstayed your welcome.

Solution: Figure out which places offer the longest visas

The longest tourist visas, a working visa, a digital nomad visa… All of these can help you stay longer. Again, this is the harder route though, so in the meantime, you can just hop around “nomad style” until you figure it out if that’s your goal.

Kinda going off my last point sometimes moving around can be a bit annoying and tiring. This is why I practice slow travel as much as I can, but because of visas, I still have to move around.

But Nina, wait, didn’t you just tell us you love having a new backyard and moving around?!

YES! I love it. But just like anything else, it can get tiring sometimes. This is your cue to try and slow down even more.

Solution: Stay somewhere longer

Flee to a country that allows you to stay longer or allows you to extend your visitor visa.

Yes, I admit it, this is a true disadvantage of living abroad. I HATE packing, and despite my years of experience, I still kinda suck at it too because, really, there’s no “right way” to pack when you live out of a suitcase and travel to different places and climates year round!

There are no secret hacks or tips—truly, I don’t care who claims they’re an expert, NO—packing sucks, and there’s no really great solution). Each country, or least region of the world, can require something different from you. It’s just not fun. And neither is wearing the same stuff after a few months!

Solution: None, just deal with it.

You could buy lots of stuff and swap stuff out, but I’m no fashionista, and I hate spending money on lots of clothes, so I end up giving up on my looks and just wearing whatever anyway!

This can be a serious issue, trust me! I fell in love with living abroad over a decade ago, and I’m still out here living the dream every day. I actually prefer this lifestyle, and people stopped asking me when I’m moving back a long time ago.

When it comes time to decide to move back home or stay abroad, make sure you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad and use your own experiences to figure out what works best for you!

Solution: Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad

Is this another pro to living abroad?! I don’t know anymore. I honestly “had” to put some of these under the con side since I know most might view certain things as a disadvantage to moving abroad, but a lot of the cons for me are still pros!

Maybe you agree? Or not?! Whichever it is, if you’re happy—do more of that option!

For me—It was continuing to live my life abroad!

Wait—I thought of another advantage and disadvantage of living abroad—You fall in love with too many places, and you have to choose between going back to your favorite spots or going to new places.

Which category do I even put this one in? Ha! OK, really, though, I’m done! I think we got most of them. 🙂

OK, I Got The Pros and Cons of Living Abroad—But What Now?

Got more questions? I got answers! If you think there are more pros to living abroad, then you’re in the right place, I can help you get there! Here are my best resources below…

Well, this is a loaded question! You should start with these articles:

• How To Plan a Trip : 13 Step-by-Step Instructions
• How To Work Abroad & Travel The World
• How You Can Work Abroad Without Experience So You Can Travel Longer

I got you covered!

• 73 Travel Jobs —How to Make Money While Traveling!
• 23 Digital Nomad Jobs : Take Your Desk Around The World
• Working Holiday Visas for Americans

Sign up for my free guide:

• How I Started Traveling—Three Jobs, Two Years, One Dream
• 11 Travel Jobs That Helped Me Stay On The Road
• My Favorite Places I’ve Lived—Six Places I’d Call Home Again
• How I Saved Over $20k USD in 10 Months Living in Australia

I’m going to keep this really simple…

The ONLY true disadvantage to living abroad is if you truly don’t want to. If you, deep down, don’t resonate or want this lifestyle. This is really the only valid reason I can think of.

But if you’re still reading, then I’m going to assume the advantages of living abroad outweigh the disadvantages, right?

So the only way to know if it’s going to work for you is to just DO IT.

The worst-case scenario: You can buy a ticket back home if you hate it.

DUH! You should at least try.

You won’t regret trying this lifestyle, you’ll only regret not taking the chance while you had it.

I hope this helped you understand some of the pros and cons of living abroad and it helped you make some decisions for your future!

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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37 Pros and Cons of Living Abroad

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2024

Categories Digital Nomad Life , Travel , Visas and Borders

Home » Travel » Visas and Borders » 37 Pros and Cons of Living Abroad

Maybe you want to move abroad to study, work, retire, or just experience something new. Whatever the case, the idea of living abroad is a dream for many. Expat life is full of adventure, culture, opportunity, and personal development. At the same time, it can be a lonely lifestyle full of compromises. This guide outlines the pros and cons of living abroad, in an honest and realistic way, to help you decide whether or not the expat lifestyle is right for you.

At this point, I have been living abroad as a digital nomad for the past 3 years. Before that, I lived in Mexico for 3 years. I initially moved abroad to save money on rent but I stayed abroad because I enjoy the lifestyle. In this guide, I’ll share some of the advantages and disadvantages that I have experienced during my life abroad.

Pros of Living Abroad

• Living abroad is an adventure
• You can lower your cost of living and save money
• Moving abroad opens up new opportunities- you can work, study, or volunteer
• You can learn a new language
• You’ll make new friends and meet new people
• You’ll experience a new culture
• Access to better or cheaper healthcare
• You can easily travel to nearby cities and countries
• You can try new foods
• Moving abroad offers you a fresh start
• Personal growth and development
• You’ll learn something about yourself
• You learn new skills and acquire knowledge when you live abroad
• Moving abroad makes you simplify your life

Cons of Living Abroad

• You will miss your friends and family
• You may face a language barrier
• You may give up some rights and freedoms
• Opportunity cost- Moving abroad could hurt your finances or career
• You’ll be considered an outsider
• Lower standard of living if you move to a developing country
• Moving abroad is expensive
• Culture shock
• You have to learn new systems- Law, transportation, etc.
• It can be difficult to form friendships
• Currency risk if you earn or save in an unstable currency
• The local people don’t like foreigners in some places
• Homesickness
• Your favorite foods and products may not be available
• Beaurocracy
• You attract more attention as a foreigner
• Tax implications
• You could pick up some unhealthy habits
• Expat life may not solve your problems
• Safety concerns in some countries

15 Pros of Living Abroad

1. living abroad is an adventure.

Many people choose to live abroad simply for the experience of it. It is an adventure. Everything feels fresh and new. You’re guaranteed to meet new people, try new things, see new scenery, speak a new language, and pick up new knowledge and skills. You’ll also experience challenges, encounter unusual situations, and maybe even face some danger. It’s exciting.

One of the biggest advantages of living an adventurous lifestyle where you’re constantly having new experiences is that time seems to pass more slowly. Spending a year living abroad can feel like a significant portion of your life. When you’re living in your home country, it’s easy to get into a routine and stick to it for years. A decade can fly by like nothing. By living an adventurous lifestyle full of novel experiences, your life will feel longer and more fulfilling. To read more about this phenomenon, check out this interesting article from HuffPost.

2. Lower Cost of Living

Many retirees and digital nomads don’t earn enough money to live comfortably in their expensive home countries so they move abroad to take advantage of the low cost of living in the developing world. For many, the lifestyle works out well.

For example, in many countries around the world, you can live a comfortable middle-class lifestyle for less than $1000 per month. This budget includes rent for a decent apartment ($200-$500 per month), healthy meals ($3-$6 for a basic meal in a restaurant), public transportation ($1 per trip), and entertainment.

You can get by on this budget in dozens of countries throughout Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. A few popular destinations for expats on a tight budget include Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Georgia, and Ukraine.

This is the reason that I moved to Tijuana initially. Rent in Southern California was so high that I wasn’t able to put any money into savings. Most of my money was going toward rent. By moving to Mexico, I cut my living expenses by two-thirds. This allowed me to save for the future.

3. You Can Take Advantage of Opportunities That Aren’t Available in Your Home Country When you Move Abroad

In some countries, opportunities are limited. This may be due to economics, politics, geography, religion, war, etc. You may be able to open up some additional opportunities for yourself and greatly improve your quality of life if you’re willing to live abroad.

For example, you can:

• Work abroad- Pay varies greatly from country to country. If you are highly skilled or educated in a particular discipline that isn’t needed in your country’s economy, you may find more job opportunities and higher pay abroad. It doesn’t hurt to apply. Many expats are able to find work teaching English or working in the tourism industry. If you’re already working for an international company, you may be able to transfer abroad. These positions may offer better pay and even a promotion. It’s worth asking your boss. Working abroad also helps you develop skills that can help you advance your career. For example, you’ll pick up some soft skills such as multicultural experience, networking, adaptability, and social skills. Moving abroad may also improve your work life balance if you move to a country with a better work culture.
• Study abroad- Most universities offer study abroad programs. These allow you to experience living in another country while continuing to make progress toward your degree. Generally, tuition cost stays the same. If you’re not in college, you can still study abroad. For example, you could enroll yourself in language classes, cooking classes, or enroll yourself in a university in another country.
• Volunteer abroad- If you have an in-demand skill, you may be able to make a difference in the world by volunteering your time and sharing your expertise. Many volunteers choose to work abroad to help people who are less fortunate.

4. You get to Learn a New Language

It’s nearly impossible to learn a new language without immersing yourself in it. You could take lessons and self-study for a decade and never achieve fluency. By moving abroad, you put yourself in the perfect situation to pick up that foreign language that you’ve always wanted to learn. Learning a new language is also a fun and social experience.

For many expats, the language plays a major role in the country they choose to move to. For example, many American expats choose a Latin American country because they are interested in learning to speak Spanish. This is part of the reason I chose to move to Mexico. Japan is another popular destination for those who want to learn the language.

You can learn the basics of your new country’s language by taking some lessons once you arrive and using apps, books, and online resources. To achieve fluency, you can practice with your new friends, read books and newspapers, and just live your life immersed in the language. Even if you put in zero effort, you will pick up a decent amount of the local language out of necessity. Your language skills will improve quickly when you immerse yourself.

A couple of foreign language learning resources I like include Duolingo and Language Transfer.

5. It’s Easier to Travel to More Places

One of the best parts of moving abroad is traveling around the region you moved to. When you live there, you have time to explore the entire area in-depth and see every tourist site. Once you’re done exploring your new country, you can also take weekend trips to nearby cities or countries. Additionally, you can also explore off the beaten path regions that the average tourist doesn’t get to visit.

For example, if you move to Spain you can visit all of the popular tourist cities in the country including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Pamplona, Ibiza, Mallorca, etc. and visit every tourist site in each. You can try every local dish in the best restaurants. You can also take advantage of budget flights to visit France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and more.

6. You’ll Make New Friends and Meet New People

It can be easier to make friends abroad than it is in your home country. Particularly if you are older. The reason is that you’re already part of a community when you move abroad. That is the expat community.

Many cities have large, established expat communities with expat bars, expat neighborhoods, and regular expat meetup groups. Some cities have small tight-knit expat communities made up of just a handful of people. Large international cities may have thousands of expats.

In the expat community, you’ll meet digital nomads, retirees, people teaching English as a second language, embassy workers, and international business people. You have a good chance of making lifelong friends with your fellow expats because you already have something in common: you’re all living abroad in a country that is foreign to you. You’ll have plenty of things to talk about and complain to about.

While living abroad, you’ll also be able to make local friends pretty easily. As a foreigner, you’re automatically somewhat exotic and interesting. People will be interested in getting to know you, at least for the novelty of meeting someone from a different country.

Making friends and meeting new people is always a good thing. Who knows, you might even meet the love of your life, make a lifelong friend, or stumble upon a new job opportunity.

7. You Get to Experience Different Cultures

One of the best parts of living abroad is experiencing a new culture. You’ll expand your horizons and learn about how others live. You can learn a lot about the world this way. Who knows, you may even incorporate some aspect of the local culture into your daily life.

Culture is a very broad term. Art, food, language, clothing, holidays, architectural style, history, religious beliefs, music, literature, economics, traditions, social habits, laws, morals, customs, political beliefs, achievements, goals, values, and more are all considered culture.

The best way to experience different cultures is to go and live in them. As an expat, you’ll experience the culture whether you like it or not. You’re immersed in it.

Many expats choose their new country based on some aspects of the culture that interests them. For example, maybe you grew up with a fascination with Mayan culture, you love Mexican food, and you want to learn Spanish. You might choose to move to Mexico. Maybe your family is of Italian origin. You may choose to move to Italy to re-connect with the culture of your ancestors.

8. You Get to Try New Foods and Drinks

When you eat foreign food in your home country, chances are it has been modified to suit the local taste. When you eat a dish in the country it originated in, you get to eat the food the way that it is supposed to be eaten.

In addition, your new country may offer foods that you’ve never even heard of before. For example, some fruits and vegetables don’t travel well so they are only available where they are grown. Some dishes just aren’t available outside of their home country. You may discover your new favorite food.

9. Moving Abroad Offers You a Fresh Start

Moving abroad isn’t the answer to all of your problems. If you’re lonely, anxious, and depressed at home, you’ll feel the same way abroad.

Expat life can, however, offer you a fresh start. For example, maybe you’ve fallen into a routine and become bored with your life. Maybe you just got divorced or experienced some life-changing event. Maybe you just want to make a major change.

Whatever the case, moving abroad can spice things up a bit. You’ll make new friends, develop a new routine, and try some new things. If you’re in a transition period in your life, moving abroad can offer you a fresh start.

10. Living Abroad Helps With Personal Growth and Makes You a Better Person

While living abroad, you will face hardships. You may face language barriers. People may discriminate against you. You’ll deal with bureaucracy. You may even fall victim to a crime. You might simply have trouble adjusting to the new culture. You’ll feel lonely without your family and friends around. The experience in general can feel overwhelming at times. All of these events and experiences build character and make you a better human being. You will experience personal development while living abroad.

A few ways living abroad makes you with personal growth include:

• You Become more independent- When you live abroad, you have only yourself to rely on. If a problem pops up, you have to find the solution yourself. There is nobody else to rely on but yourself. After all, you can’t just call your parents or your best friend to come help you out. They might be thousands of miles away. In some countries, you can’t even rely on the police or emergency services to help you out due to corruption. This feels scary and overwhelming at first but eventually becomes empowering. You quickly learn to solve your own problems so you don’t have to rely on others as much. This makes you feel free. You become an independent person.
• You become more adaptable – When you move abroad, you have to adapt to the local culture. Locals aren’t going to change their way of life to accommodate you. Exactly how much you have to adapt depends on how different the local culture is from your own. For example, when you live abroad you may need to pick up a new language, change the way you dress, change your diet, abide by different laws, celebrate different holidays, etc. in order to fit in and become an accepted member of society in your new country. Being flexible and having the ability to adapt can help you in greatly in your everyday life. These days, the world is changing at an incredibly fast rate. If you’re an adaptable person, you can keep up. If you’re unable to adapt, you’ll be left behind.
• You become more courageous- Many people live in fear. Some are afraid of trying new things. Some fear of the unknown. Others are afraid of living outside of society’s norms. Living abroad forces you to face those fears. When you live abroad, you’re living an alternative lifestyle that allows you to try new things and become comfortable with uncomfortable situations. This helps you overcome your fears and become a more confident person.
• You become more patient- In some countries, things move more slowly. There is often lots of bureaucracy to deal with as well. For example, you might need to visit two different offices with a stack of documents and copies in order to open a bank account or change the electric bill into your name. If your internet goes down, it might take a week to get someone to come out and fix it. When you live abroad, you learn to roll with the punches. You become patient.
• You become more accepting- You will meet people who are different from you when you live abroad. Maybe they have different religious beliefs, morals, languages, diets, outlooks on life, behaviors, etc. You will learn to accept the locals for who they are and live with them.
• You become more confident- When you’re independent, adaptable, and courageous, you’re ready to handle any situation that life throws at you. This makes you feel much more confident in your daily life. If you can carve out a life for yourself in a foreign country, you can handle anything.

11. You’ll Make Unforgettable Memories and Gather Travel Stories

When you look back years later, your time living abroad will probably be one of the most memorable parts of your life. You’ll remember the wacky people you met and the unforgettable experiences you had. Simple tasks like going grocery shopping, visiting a new restaurant, or exploring a nearby neighborhood can turn into a memorable adventure. Looking back, the bad parts are often positive memories as well. All of your experiences living abroad make for great travel stories that you can tell your kids and grandkids.

12. You’ll Learn Something About Yourself

I think pretty much everyone throws around the idea of moving abroad at some point in their life. It’s a fun thought experiment to imagine how different your life could be if you lived in another country. By actually committing to it and moving abroad, you can learn quite a bit about yourself.

For example, you’ll learn how you deal with unfamiliar situations. Maybe you get flustered easily or maybe you keep your cool. You’ll also learn how you interact with people who are different from you. Maybe you’re very tolerant and easy-going or maybe you get frustrated by cultural differences. If you learn something you don’t like about yourself, you can work on it to become a better person.

After moving abroad, you might find that the lifestyle isn’t for you and you want to return home. If this is the case, you may learn to better appreciate what you had in your home country. That’s great. Maybe you fall in love with your new country and way of life and decide to spend the rest of your life living there. That’s great too. Either way, you learned something new about yourself and your preferences.

13. You’ll Learn Some New Skills and Acquire New Knowledge

While living abroad, you’re constantly learning new things. For example, you’ll learn about the geography, history, politics, economics, and religion of the region you’re living in. Additionally, you can learn to cook the local cuisine, speak the local language, play a local sport, or make some type of local art.

When you acquire skills and knowledge, you become a more well-rounded person. You may also become more tolerant of people who are different from you. Also, it’s simply nice to be informed. Learning something new is always a good thing.

14. Moving Abroad Forces You to Simplify Your Life

When most people move abroad, they don’t take all of their furniture, vehicles, clothes, knick-knacks, and other belongings. After all, it would cost thousands of dollars to ship all of your stuff overseas. It’s not worth the cost for most people.

Instead, most people sell off and give away most of their stuff and pack a couple of suitcases of their most important things. Some people get rid of everything they can’t fit in a single backpack or suitcase.

Moving abroad forces you to simplify your life. Chances are, you’ll find that you need much less stuff than you thought. It can feel incredibly freeing to get rid of all of the unnecessary stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Getting rid of your old clothes, bulky furniture, and old junk you’ve hoarded takes a weight off your shoulders.

15. You May Have Access to Better Healthcare When you Move Abroad

In some parts of the world, healthcare is unaffordable, low quality, and some treatments are simply not available. You may gain access to affordable and quality healthcare by moving abroad. Some people move for treatment for a serious disease that is not treatable in their home country. You may save a significant amount of money on prescriptions and treatment as well.

For example, while living in Mexico, I received healthcare for a couple of minor health issues that popped up. Treatment that cost me less than $100 in Mexico would have cost several thousand back home in the US.

The negative is that some countries can’t offer the same level of care that you may require. For example, a poor or undeveloped country may not have the most modern medical equipment or use the newest medical techniques. Some treatments simply aren’t available. If you have a serious medical condition, you will want to make sure that you are able to receive treatment in your new country before you move.

21 Cons of Living Abroad

1. you will miss your friends and family while living abroad.

With the cost of airfare, most expats can only afford to return home once or twice per year. Sometimes even less frequently. You will feel homesick and miss your friends and family while living abroad and your relationships will suffer.

For example, when living abroad you will miss major life events of your friends and family. After all, you can’t fly home for every wedding, family reunion, graduation, bar mitzvah, childbirth, funeral, quinceañera, etc. These are events that people remember and talk about for the rest of their lives. You’re missing out on being part of the experience and making memories with your loved ones when you’re not there. This goes both ways. Your friends and family are missing out on your major life events while you’re living abroad as well.

You’ll also miss out on more minor events like holidays, birthdays, weekend getaways, and nights out. Again, you’re missing out on making memories with people that you care about. You just have to come to terms with this and accept it when you move abroad.

It’s also hard to keep in contact with your friends and family when you live abroad. You can’t just call up your parents or best friend at any time due to the time difference. You don’t want to wake them up at 3 am. If you’re living on the opposite side of the earth, there is only a limited amount of hours that you’re both awake and available each day.

Also, don’t expect your friends and family to come to visit you. Most people can’t afford to take time off and fly across the earth. If you want to see your loved ones, you’ll have to fly back to your home country to see them.

All of this has a negative effect on your relationships. Chances are, you’ll slowly drift apart from some of your friends and family members if you don’t see them or talk to them regularly. After all, relationships need maintenance.

If you decide to return home after spending several years abroad, you may find that you and your friends have grown apart. Their lives went one way and yours went the other. You may find that you don’t have anything in common anymore. I’ve lost some good friends because I didn’t put in the effort to keep in touch. I’ve also grown apart from some family members.

2. Opportunity Cost of Living Abroad

What are you giving up in order to move abroad? For example, if you’re quitting a $100,000 per year job to go teach English in Asia for $10,000 per year, the move is costing you $90,000 per year. Most people can earn more working in their home country.

You should also factor in any career opportunities you may be passing up. For example, if you move abroad and have to take a job outside of your field, your career is stagnating. If you decide to return to your home country in the future, you may have trouble finding a job with a large gap or unrelated work experience in your resume.

Is expat life worth the opportunity cost in this case? I don’t know. Maybe. There is a lot to take into consideration when making this decision including your happiness, field of work, personal finance, potential future income, and more. You don’t want to sacrifice your retirement to spend a couple of years living abroad. It can create financial challenges if you don’t prepare properly.

3. Language Barriers

Not being able to speak the local language and communicate freely makes day to day life exponentially more difficult. Everything becomes a struggle. Tasks like renting an apartment, opening bank accounts, interviewing for a job, and applying for residency, are nearly impossible if you don’t speak the local language fluently.

For example, imagine you need to switch the electric bill for your new apartment into your name. This involves calling the electric company or visiting their office. If no one there speaks English, you may have to find an English speaking local or hire a translator to help you.

Another problem is that languages are incredibly difficult and time-consuming to learn. Particularly when you’re older. It will take at least a year or two for you to become comfortable communicating in a new language. Much longer to become fluent. You may never be able to speak a new language at a native level.

Of course, some languages are easier to learn than others. As an English speaker, you’ll become fluent in Spanish or French much more quickly than Chinese or Arabic.

4. You May Lose Some Rights and Freedoms When You Move Abroad

As a foreigner living abroad, you may not have all of the same rights and freedoms that you’re used to in your home country. For example, you may lose your freedom of speech. You may lose freedom of religion. You may lose protection from discrimination for your race, sex, age, gender, etc. If you are accused of a crime, you may not receive a fair trial. You won’t have the right to vote. If you’re part of the LGBT community, it might be illegal to date who you want to date. You may not have the right to protest or associate with certain groups of people.

These are difficult changes to accept and overcome. Particularly if you come from a very free country and move to a country that isn’t free. For example, imagine you come from a country with free speech and you’re used to saying pretty much whatever you want. If you move to a country that doesn’t allow that same freedom, you could get yourself in trouble if you don’t self censor your communication.

5. You’ll Always be Considered an Outsider

In some countries, it doesn’t matter how long you live there or how hard you try to assimilate, it’s impossible to be completely accepted by society. Even if you live there for 30 years and learn the local language fluently, you’ll always be considered an outsider or a foreigner. This can be discouraging. After all, everyone wants to feel accepted.

This problem is worse if you move to a country that is very homogeneous or different from your own culturally. If you look, talk, or act differently, people will treat you differently, even if they don’t notice it or intend to. For example, if you’re German and you move to Japan, you’ll never be considered Japanese. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived there.

Of course, some countries are easier to assimilate into than others. If you move somewhere that is very multi-cultural, assimilation becomes much easier because everyone is from a different part of the world. The same is true if you move somewhere that is very similar to your own country. For example, I imagine an American would be accepted in Canadian culture pretty quickly and easily.

6. Lower Standard of Living

If you’re moving from a developed country to a developing country, you’ll just have to accept that your standard of living will decrease. Fewer public services may be available to you. Infrastructure may be of lower quality than you’re used to. Public services may be less reliable. The city might not be as safe, clean, or politically stable as you’re used to. The internet may be slow. You may work more hours in worse conditions and earn less money. Healthcare may be worse. The education system may be poor.

A lower standard of living mostly means you’ll have fewer comforts in your day to day life. There may be more minor inconveniences to deal with. Living in a country with a low standard of living makes life a bit more difficult.

7. Living Abroad Can be Expensive

Many people move abroad to cut their living expenses. It’s easy to underestimate your costs and go over budget. A few unexpected expenses of living abroad include:

• Visiting family and friends- Most expats like to come home to see friends and family at least once per year. If you have to fly to a different continent, you might have to budget $1000-$2000 per year for airfare. This cost adds up. If your ticket home costs $1200, that’s an extra $100 per month that you have to budget if you want to return home once per year. If you’re on a tight budget and you want to visit friends and family more often, consider choosing a nearby country. For example, if your friends and family live in the US or Canada, you might choose to move to the Caribbean, or Central or South America instead of Asia or Europe. Flights home cost much less.
• Visas or residency permits- If you’re staying long term, you’ll need a long term visa like a work visa, student visa, or retirement visa, or some type of residency permit. Your visa could easily cost you $300-$1000+ per year in some countries. You might also need to hire an attorney to assist with paperwork. Of course, this depends entirely on the country. In some countries, visas are easy and cheap.
• Visa runs- Some countries require that you leave then re-enter to renew your visa. You’ll have to factor in the cost of transportation to the nearest border and back.
• Import taxes- If you plan to ship some of your belongings overseas to your new home, you’ll probably have to pay taxes on them. The tax amount varies by country. In some countries, there may be no tax while other countries may charge you 20% or more of the value of the items you bring.
• Shipping your belongings- If you’re bringing stuff with you from home, you’ll have to pay to ship it. This could cost thousands if you’re bringing a vehicle or heavy items.
• Insurance- Even if healthcare is affordable in your new country, you’ll want to purchase health insurance in case of a catastrophic event. Insurance costs vary by country. Travel insurance works well if you’re just staying short term.
• Currency exchange fees- If you earn money in a different currency, you may have to pay a fee to convert it to the local currency. Depending on the bank you use, this could cost you around 1%.

8. Culture Shock

Some new cultures are harder to understand and integrate into than others. When moving abroad, you will probably experience some form of culture shock. Some common issues include language barrier, skill difference, hygiene difference, information overload, communication difference, technological difference, food, etc.

A few symptoms of culture shock include: homesickness, moodiness, anxiety, boredom, anger, excessive drinking or eating, irritability, hostility toward locals, obsession with cleanliness, stress, withdraw from society, and more.

Culture shock is often described in four phases:

• Honeymoon phase- During this time, you may romanticize the new environment. You’ll enjoy the new food, meeting new people, and discovering the differences between your culture and your new country’s culture.
• Negotiation- During this phase, anxiety, frustration, and loneliness set in. You may recognize cultural differences but not understand how to navigate them. Examples of differences include the language barrier, hygiene, food, traffic rules, etc.
• Adjustment- During this phase, you begin to get used to the new culture. You may not like it or understand it but you will know what to expect in most situations. This phase begins after 6 months to a year in a new country.
• Adaptation- In this phase, you become comfortable in your new country. You will have a strong grasp of the language and a more or less complete understanding of the local culture.

When dealing with culture shock after moving abroad, there are three possible outcomes. The most common is rejection. According to Wikipedia, about 60% of expats fall into this category. Those who reject the new culture tend to isolate themselves and eventually return to their home country. Around 10% of people completely integrate and stay in their new country forever. The remaining 30% of expats partially integrate and maintain some aspects of their own culture.

How severe the culture shock is and how long it lasts depends on how different the culture is from your own as well as your personality. For example, an American moving to Canada probably won’t experience too much culture shock. The same American moving to Saudi Arabia might never overcome culture shock.

Reverse culture shock also exists. During your time abroad, you’ll likely gain a new perspective on your own culture. You’ll notice things that are done differently for no apparent reason. You may change your beliefs, the way you talk, your diet, etc. Once you’ve adapted to a new culture, returning home can result in culture shock. What was once familiar is now unfamiliar. Readjusting after spending a number of years abroad can be challenging. You may feel alienated or uneasy when interacting with your friends or family during a readjustment period.

9. Loneliness

When you first arrive in your new country, chances are you will feel lonely. After all, you don’t have your family or friends around to spend time with or keep you company. You probably won’t have any contacts other than the people you work with or roommates. If you’re living alone and not working, you may be completely on your own.

Another problem you may encounter while living abroad is that the friendships you make may not be as deep as the friendships that you have back home. One reason is that you won’t have as much in common with the people you meet abroad. They didn’t grow up in the same neighborhood or go to the same school as you. The language barrier can also be a problem. If you can’t communicate fluently, it’s difficult to form a strong bond. In some cultures, it’s simply harder to make friends because people are more guarded. It takes years to build a strong friendship.

To ease the loneliness, try making some friends before you arrive in your new country. Set up some dates on a dating app or find a community or social activity that interests you before you arrive. You should also keep in contact with your friends and family from back home while you adjust. Avoid spending all of your time alone or you’ll get depressed.

10. The Locals Resent Expats in Some Parts of the World

In some places, foreigners are just not welcome or liked. This problem often arises in developing countries with large expat populations. Over time, the locals grow to resent expats for a multitude of reasons.

Possibly the biggest problem is that expats drive up the cost of living. This happens in several ways. First, expats tend to have a higher than average income and can simply afford to spend more. Businesses come in and cater to the higher spenders. Lower-income locals get priced out. Expats also pay more for products and services because they don’t negotiate as well as locals. Sometimes foreigners just get overcharged. This causes prices to increase prices for everyone, including the locals. Eventually, the city can become unaffordable for lower-income locals. This phenomenon is called gentrification.

There is also the element of envy. For example, an expat with an income of $1000 per month would be considered poor in any developed country. In much of the developing world, that level of income may put them into the upper middle class. With that level of income, an expat can afford to move into a nice, well located apartment. They can eat out when they want and enjoy all of the city’s entertainment options. In the developing world, very few people have the resources to live like an expat would.

Cultural differences can also cause resentment. Most expats refuse to integrate into society. They don’t attempt speak the local language. They don’t adopt any of the local culture. This is understandably annoying.

Many locals also find it hard to understand why a person who could live in a developed country would decide to move to a developing country where life is more difficult. Logically, this is difficult to understand or explain.

11. Currency Risk

As exchange rates fluctuate, your buying power may be reduced. If you’re earning in a major world currency like Euros, Dollars, or British Pounds, the risk is minimal. If you’re earning in a less stable currency, this risk is something to consider. In extreme cases, your savings and earnings could erode to almost nothing.

Over the first 8 months of 2020, the Turkish Lira lost 20% of its value against the US dollar. In 2018, Argentina’s Peso lost over 50% against the US dollar. If you earned and saved in either of these currencies during these times, you would have lost a substantial amount of buying power.

For example, imagine you’re earning in the local currency and it depreciates against your home country’s currency. If you have credit card debt, a mortgage, or a car payment in your home country, that debt suddenly becomes more expensive than it used to. It could become unaffordable. If you have savings in the local currency, it could lose value against your home country’s currency.

You can hedge this risk by converting your earnings into a more stable currency or buying investments that are denominated in a stable currency. Whether or not this is possible depends on the country. Some investment institutions don’t allow people living outside of the country to invest.

For more info, check out this great guide to currency risk from investinganswers.com.

12. You Have to Learn New Systems When You Move Abroad

When you move abroad, you have to learn the tax system, public transportation system, financial system, housing system, healthcare system, legal system, new cultural norms, etc. It is a lot of information to take in. Everything works slightly differently than you’re used to.

Learning how everything works is a tedious and time-consuming process. You’ll have to study and ask questions to learn how everything works. A problem that that would take you one phone call so solve in your home country could take several days and a stack of paperwork in your new country. In some countries things are fast and efficient. In others you have to go through a whole bureaucratic process.

Of course, some of these new systems are fun to learn about. For example, it can be interesting learning about how the country’s legal system works as long as you’re not personally involved in it. Cultural norms can also be fun to learn as well.

13. Expat Communities are Hit or Miss

Between government jobs, international business, digital nomads, and retirees, pretty much every country has some kind of expat population. Expats tend to form their own little community within their new country. Chances are, you’ll be part of the expat community. Some of these communities are better than others. They can be hit or miss.

For whatever reason, expats tend to be a group of misfits. This lifestyle attracts those who don’t conform to societal norms. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. On one hand, expats are usually interesting characters who are fun to be around. On the other hand, they are sometimes weird, unreliable, and even antisocial.

Expat communities vary widely. Some countries have tens of thousands of expats while other countries may only have a handful. In some places, the expat community mostly consists of professionals working for international companies, NGOs, or government organizations. In some parts of the world, the expat population consists of hippies and drifters. Some places attract older expats and retirees. Some countries attract digital nomad types. These groups all have different personalities and interests.

When deciding which country you want to move to, consider the expat community that you will likely become part of. If it doesn’t fit your personality or demographic, you may not enjoy your time there. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to visit before moving. That way, you can meet the community and hopefully make some friends before committing to the move.

14. Expats Tend to Segregate Themselves

When planning your move, you may imagine yourself making friends with locals and exploring a new culture. Usually, the reality of living abroad is different. Most expats end up spending most of their time with other expats.

The reason is that expats tend to segregate themselves within the city. They often attend the same events, live in the same neighborhoods, and go to the same bars. This is fine. After all, it’s human nature to seek out people you have something in common with. After you make a group of expat friends, you probably won’t bother interacting with locals as much as you initially expected to. It’s just the nature of the lifestyle.

Another problem is that many times locals have no desire to make friends with expats. They may believe that you’ll be returning to your home country soon and not want to bother with forming a relationship. Some cultures are just so different that it’s difficult to form a meaningful friendship. This isn’t to say that you can’t or won’t make local friends as well. You will if you put in the effort.

15. Homesickness

After moving abroad, you may start to feel homesick, even if you have a better future in your new country. You may miss your friends and family, home-cooked meals, or various comforts and amenities from your home. I think every expat experiences homesickness at some point.

The best way to deal with homesickness is to find ways to things that remind you of home into your life. For example, cook your favorite meal from your country, call your friends and family regularly, go to a bar or restaurant that is run by people from your country, go out with some expats that are from the same country as you, watch a movie or TV show from your country. These little things make you feel at home for a little while.

16. Your Favorite Activities, Foods, Products, etc. May Not Be Available

Some items simply aren’t imported everywhere. Some activities aren’t possible in every country. Due to taxes, some products may cost way more than you can afford. Chances are, you’ll have to give up some of your favorite things when you move abroad.

For example, maybe you’re a skier. If you move to the Philippines, you won’t be doing any skiing. Maybe you like running. In some parts of the world, people will look at you like you’re insane if you go running down the street. Maybe you really like Cheetos. In some countries, they just aren’t imported.

17. Dealing with Bureaucracy

When you move abroad, you’ll have to find an apartment, transfer the utility bills into your name, deal with visas, open a bank account, purchase insurance, etc. These are all tedious and stressful little tasks. How difficult these tasks are varies from country to country. Some countries have a lot of red tape for foreigners.

You’ll need to fill out paperwork, make copies, talk to people, negotiate rates, and make payments. You may need to have your documents translated, prove your residency or address, attend interviews, wait around, pay bribes, etc. Moving abroad can be a headache. It really tests your patience.

Of course, most of these things you only have to do once. To help you out, you can study online or ask a local to explain how the system works.

18. You Might Pick Up Some Unhealthy Habits

If you move to a country where vices come cheap, it’s easy to develop some bad habits or even addictions. For example, I’ve met a number of expats who have picked up some nasty drug and alcohol habits in their time living abroad. Some expats pick up smoking if cigarettes are cheap. If you have an addictive personality, there are some countries that you may want to avoid.

Your diet can also suffer. In some countries, healthy food is hard to come by. The local cuisine may be heavy on fat, grease, or sugar. Maybe you’re a vegetarian or vegan. In some countries, it would be nearly impossible to maintain a plant-based diet because everything contains animal products.

19. You May Attract More Attention than you Want

This point is country dependent and should be considered when choosing your expat destination. In some parts of the world, a foreigner is a rare sighting. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

The good part is that you’ll meet a lot of people. You may find people approaching to chat, ask you a question, or even ask for a photo. You may feel like a D list celebrity at times. This can be a lot of fun.

The attention isn’t always good. People may stare when you walk by. They may approach you to try to sell you something or ask for money. As a foreigner, you may be a bigger target for pickpockets, robbers, and con men as well.

Of course, you won’t attract this kind of attention everywhere as an expat. For example, in multicultural cities where everyone is from a different part of the world, nobody will even notice you. The same is true if you look like the locals and can blend in. In these cases, you’re just another face in the crowd.

20. Tax Implications

Expat life can end up costing you more than expected due to taxes. If you move to a high tax country, your net pay may be significantly lower than you expected. Because you’re not a citizen, you may end up paying tax for services that you can’t even take advantage of.

Before making the move, it’s a good idea to look into the tax laws in the country you’re moving to to give yourself an idea of what you’ll be paying. You should also look into your rights as an expat. You may be able to reclaim a portion of your taxes when you leave the country.

On top of local taxes, you may be taxed in your country as well. This is the case with the United States. The country taxes the income of citizens who are living abroad. This means some expats are paying double tax on their earnings. This really only applies to relatively high earners but it is something to consider.

21. Expat Life Won’t Solve All of Your Problems

Some people move abroad in attempt to solve their personal problems. If you’re miserable in your own country, chances are you’ll be miserable abroad. Moving to another country won’t cure your depression or anxieties.

In fact, moving abroad can make your problems worse. Cultural and language differences can make you feel isolated. You don’t have a support system to fall back on if something bad happens. The constant feeling of uncertainty and being bombarded with new situations can cause a great deal of anxiety. You may simply regret the move.

If you’re a fragile person or you’re going through a difficult time in your life, you may be better off delaying your move abroad. At the very least, you should ask yourself whether moving abroad will really solve your problems or if it will make them worse.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many pros and cons of living abroad. It’s not a decision to be made lightly. The idea of starting a new life abroad is very romantic but in reality, most people will be happier and better off living and working in their home country and traveling abroad during vacation time or between jobs. For most, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some people are well suited for expat life. Many people have improved their lives greatly and found happiness by moving abroad. The only way to find out whether or not expat life is for you is to pack up and give it a try. At the very least, you’ll have some adventures and makes some lifelong memories.

Do you live abroad? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!

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More from Where The Road Forks

• Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
• The Ultralight Packing List
• Living in Uganda as an Expat
• Ten Years of Travel: How Travel Has Changed Over the Past Decade
• Checked Vs Carry-On Luggage: Pros and Cons
• Are Packing Cubes Worth It? Pros and Cons

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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30 Major Pros & Cons Of Living Abroad

“ I’ve learned a lot in life, traveling, living abroad, just in the school of life.”

Ronaldo, Athlete

Pros and Cons of Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is a dream of many people all over the world.

Many people want to explore new cultures and may also want to work in foreign countries.

However, apart from the many advantages of living abroad, there are also some problems related to it.

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In this article, the pros and cons of moving abroad are discussed.

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Advantages of moving abroad, moving abroad gives you the opportunity to experience new cultures, you can make many new friends, living abroad may greatly improve your overall quality of life, you can really grow in character, you can study abroad, you can work in a different country, you will learn to take care of yourself, living abroad will show you the relativity of the world, you can learn a new language, moving abroad can make sense if you want a new start in your life, gives you the opportunity to try new foods, you will learn to adapt to many new things, moving abroad can give you a boost in confidence, you may be able to work as a volunteer, unforgettable memories, living abroad gives you the opportunity to travel a lot, you can expand your knowledge.

One important advantage of living abroad is that you can get to know new cultures and ways of life.

If you live in other regions for a sufficiently long time, you will soon realize that people often live their lives in a much different manner compared to what you were used to in your home country.

This is especially true if you move to a rather exotic country.

Although you may feel a little bit uncomfortable at first, those new cultural experiences are priceless and give you the opportunity to really expand your horizon so that you can better understand how the world works.

When you move abroad, you will also meet many new people over time.

Depending on where you want to move, you can meet many tourists or also other people who decided that they want to move abroad and leave their home country.

Moreover, when you get sufficient knowledge of the local language, you will also have the opportunity to make many new friends among locals.

Hence, moving abroad also gives you the opportunity to make many new connections and some of those connections will last for a quite long time or even for your whole life.

Even if you move back to your home country at one point in time, you can stay in contact with your friends from all over the world through social media.

Many people also move abroad since they want to improve their overall quality of life.

This is especially true for people who had been borne in rather poor developing countries and who want to get out of poverty by migrating to countries that offer them better job and income prospects.

In such a case, living abroad can make quite a lot of sense since people may get the chance for a much better life due to that.

Moving abroad can also really help you to develop your own character.

You will be confronted with numerous new experiences over time and have to learn how to handle them in a proper manner.

Moreover, you will also have to adjust to the local cultural and social norms, which can be quite strange at the beginning.

Yet, over time, making all these experiences can give you a real boost in emotional development and can help you in various parts of your future life.

If you currently study in your home country and want to see something different while you are still young, chances are that studying abroad may also be a great way to go for you.

Many students love to spend a semester abroad since there are so many new things to explore and it is also quite exciting to spend a semester away from your home.

If you want to learn more about doing a semester abroad, make sure that you also check out all the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad .

If you are already out of college and currently work in a big corporation, you may also have the opportunity to work abroad for an extensive period of time.

In fact, many international corporations have branches abroad and if you really want to see different things in life, working abroad can give you the opportunity to make a change and to experience new work styles, cultures and colleagues.

Hence, if you are interested in working abroad, you may want to talk to your boss and ask him whether this is possible for you in the future.

Another benefit of living abroad is that you will have to learn how to take care of yourself.

In fact, there will be nobody who supports you in foreign countries and you will have to figure out how to manage your daily life on your own.

All this may feel quite overwhelming at first, yet you will learn quite a lot in the long run.

Over time, you will no longer need anyone taking care of you since you will develop a sort of independency spirit, meaning that you will no longer need anybody taking care of you.

This can give you a great level of freedom since you know that you can manage your problems by yourself and that you don’t have to rely on other people anymore.

When you move to another country, you will also learn how relative the world really is.

You will realize that what you had been used to at home is just a single way of life besides many other lifestyles you still even don’t know yet.

We often make the mistake to think that our cultural values and our way of life are the best way to go.

In fact, our lifestyle is just a set of cultural and social norms, which are rather arbitrary and by no means sophisticated at all.

It is important to realize all of this since it makes us much more tolerant towards other lifestyles and other cultural values, which can contribute to more peace on a global scale.

Another upside of moving abroad is that you can also learn a new language.

While it may be hard at the beginning, learning new languages can be quite a lot of fun and it is also quite important to speak the local language in order to make social connections.

Hence, if you have difficulties with learning new languages, you may get a language buddy who can practice with you on a regular basis even before you move to a new country so that you already have a basic knowledge of the language once you arrive.

Some people are also quite fed up with their lives back home and just want to make a change.

This can be due to a divorce or also due to other life-changing events.

Consequently, if you are currently not happy with your life and want to make a change, why not moving to another country and start a new life there?!

Especially if you don’t have too many friends or other social connections in your home country, chances are that you will not have too much to lose anyways.

Moving abroad also gives you the opportunity to try many different new foods.

In fact, even though you have many different restaurants in big cities which offer you food from various parts of our world, those dishes are often not original.

Hence, if you really want to taste the food as they make it in foreign countries, you have to travel to those places and try this food in restaurants that are mainly frequented by the general public.

Living in a foreign country also implies that you will have to adapt to many different things.

Especially if you move to a rather exotic country, chances are that you will not be used to the cultural values there.

In fact, moving abroad also implies that you adapt to those new cultural values and social norms in order to become a valued member of society, even though you might not be comfortable with those traditions and values at all.

Adapting to new things is crucial to succeed in our current state of the world since everything is changing so fast and adapting to new circumstances is crucial to stay competitive in the long run.

Hence, moving abroad can also greatly help you to increase your level of flexibility and your ability to adapt, which can give you an edge in various parts of your life.

Living abroad can also help you to increase your overall level of confidence.

Many people in our nowadays society are quite afraid to try new things that are not in line with what they are told is the right thing to do.

Yet, if you live your life like that, you will never be able to really develop your character since you don’t live your life like you want to but rather comply with the rules of our society instead.

In turn, your confidence level will also suffer quite a lot since you will never really find yourself.

However, if you move abroad, you will really figure out who you really are and this will give you a great boost of confidence since you will be more likely to find your true path and purpose in life.

If you earned good money in your job for many years and are financially free, you may also consider to volunteer.

There are still many poor people on our planet who urgently need help in order to survive and to improve their overall living conditions.

Hence, if you have the financial capabilities, why not go volunteering abroad for a while?!

Moving abroad can also provide you with many unforgettable memories.

For many people, going abroad is one of the most exciting experiences of their lives and if you are a person who always wants to see new things, moving abroad can be a great way to satisfy this need.

If you live abroad, you will also have the opportunity to travel around .

You can make many short trips on the weekends and explore many new places.

Over time, you will become a real expert for the local attractions and you may even want to work as a tour guide later on in order to share this knowledge with others.

In general, moving abroad will also greatly improve your knowledge in various areas of your daily life.

Many people will live their lives at home with a rather narrow mindset and think that their way of life is superior to all other lifestyles.

However, through living abroad, you will know better!

In fact, it is quite important to realize how relative life really is in order to increase the overall tolerance in our global society.

Once you learned that, you can also spread this important knowledge to others in order to multiply your positive impact.

Disadvantages of Living Abroad

Living abroad can be expensive, cultural shocks, foreigners may not be welcome, homesickness is a problem of moving abroad, you will leave your friends behind, communication issues, you may feel lost, anxiety that moving abroad was the wrong decision, some people get stuck abroad, moving abroad may get you into financial problems, the grass is not always greener on the other side, may be harder to find a partner if you move abroad, bureaucracy can be annoying.

Although there are many benefits of moving abroad, living in a foreign country can also have several important problems.

One disadvantage of living abroad is that it can be quite expensive.

Especially if you come from a rather poor home country and want to move abroad to the rich Western world, everything will be quite expensive for you and your savings will be gone soon.

In such a case, you will have to make sure to find work quite soon in order to be able to cover your costs abroad.

Many people also experience some sort of cultural shock when they move to other countries.

Sure, this also depends on the country you move to.

If the country has similar cultural values like you are familiar to back home, chances are that you will not suffer from a cultural shock at all.

However, if you move to an exotic country that has quite different cultural norms and social values, chances are that you will have difficulties adapting to those new circumstances and some people may not get happy abroad since they will not be able to identify with those new values.

Another problem with moving abroad is that foreigners will also not be welcome in some regions of our planet.

While locals in most countries are quite friendly towards people with other nationalities, there are also some regions where the local population is rather skeptical towards strangers.

Hence, if you move to another country, make sure that you choose a destination where people really welcome you.

Homesickness is another issue that can come along with moving to another country.

Even though many people feel that they have a better future abroad, they will still often miss the amenities in their home country and many people will get homesick over time.

Especially if you have never been away from your home for a longer period of time, homesickness can become a big problem and some people will simply not be able to deal with this issue in a proper manner.

For many people, leaving their family and their friends behind is one of the hardest parts of moving abroad.

We as humans are social creatures and get attached to people in a rather short period of time.

In turn, this also implies it will be quite hard for you to leave your loved ones and to start a new life abroad.

Another downside of living abroad is that many people also suffer from serious communication problems.

Many people just move to another country without even knowing the local language.

This can lead to serious problems since if you are not able to communicate in a proper manner, you will also not be able to find a good job, to make enough money and so on.

Hence, if you want to move abroad, definitely make sure that you learn the local language way in advance so that you can facilitate your life abroad quite a lot.

When you move abroad, everything is new and you will have to adapt to so many new things in a rather short period of time.

In turn, many people will feel lost since they are just overwhelmed by all those new impressions.

Consequently, factor in that you may also feel lost at the beginning if you move abroad and don’t let this discourage you.

In the long run, everything will normalize and you will also learn from those new experiences quite a lot.

Many people really look forward to moving abroad.

Yet, when they finally made the step, they often suffer from a great level of anxiety regarding whether it was the right decision to move abroad or not.

Hence, make sure that you take enough time to figure out if living abroad is the right thing to do for you before you make this life-changing step in order to avoid any unpleasant consequences.

Moving abroad in a successful manner also implies some level of planning.

Yet, many people are not prepared well at all when they move and some of them may get stuck at a place they rather don’t want to be in.

For instance, some people who move abroad will not have any savings at all and when they finally move abroad and don’t find a job, they may no longer be able to pay their rent and may end up homeless in the streets.

At this point, they may be stuck since it is quite hard to get out of homelessness .

Many people also underestimate the true costs of moving abroad. Living abroad can be costly.

Depending on where you want to live, rents may be much higher compared to your home country.

Also expenses for things of your daily life may be significantly higher and you should inform yourself about the costs of living before you decide to move to the respective country in order to avoid getting into financial problems.

Many people also often think that their life back home is quite bad and that they have to make a change.

However, when they move to other countries, those people often realize that this does not solve their problems.

In fact, it may make their problems even worse and many people underestimate how good they really have it in their home country, especially if their home country belongs to the rich Western world.

Hence, make sure to figure out whether your quality of life would really increase in a foreign country before making this big step.

If you are a stranger in a foreign country, it will also not be easy for you to find a partner.

Especially if you haven’t learned the local language yet, chances are that you will have communication problems, which can prevent you to find a partner.

Bureaucracy is not only a problem in our home countries, it also exists in many other countries all over the world.

Hence, if you think you can escape bureaucracy by moving abroad, you may get quite disappointed when you realize that bureaucracy will also be present in foreign countries.

Sometimes, it may even be worse compared to your home country.

Top 10 Living Abroad Pros & Cons – Summary List

Should you move abroad.

As we can see from the previous discussion, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to moving abroad.

In my opinion, moving abroad can be a great opportunity if you want to start a new chapter in your life.

However, make sure that you evaluate all the pros and cons of living abroad yourself before making your final decision.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandratalty/2018/05/31/the-12-things-every-expat-needs-to-do-before-moving-abroad/#3ec19c86b6b7

https://www.goabroad.com/articles/jobs-abroad/moving-abroad-for-work-like-a-champ

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/15/smarter-living/how-to-move-abroad.html?ref=oembed

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My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues.

As I went to university and got my Master’s degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics.

After finishing university, I traveled around the world. From this time on, I wanted to make a contribution to ensure a livable future for the next generations in every part of our beautiful planet.

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Essay on Living Abroad

Students are often asked to write an essay on Living Abroad in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Living Abroad

The adventure of living abroad.

Living abroad is like a thrilling adventure. It means moving out of your home country to another, experiencing a different culture, language, and lifestyle.

Learning New Cultures

When you live abroad, you get to learn about new cultures. You’ll eat different foods, celebrate unique festivals, and understand diverse traditions.

Language Skills

Living abroad can also help improve language skills. You’ll have the chance to learn and practice a new language every day.

Personal Growth

Lastly, living abroad can lead to personal growth. You’ll become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. It’s a journey of self-discovery.

250 Words Essay on Living Abroad

The allure of living abroad.

Living abroad is an enticing prospect, a journey that promises growth and transformation. It’s an experience that can be simultaneously exhilarating and intimidating, offering the opportunity to explore unfamiliar cultures and environments.

Personal Growth and Cultural Exposure

Living abroad fosters personal growth in an unparalleled manner. It thrusts individuals out of their comfort zones, compelling them to adapt to different cultural norms and practices. This exposure to diversity can foster a more nuanced worldview, promoting empathy and understanding.

Academic and Professional Development

From an academic and professional perspective, living abroad can be a significant asset. It provides access to unique educational opportunities and can enhance one’s career prospects. Employers often value the adaptability, resilience, and cross-cultural communication skills that come from living abroad.

Challenges of Living Abroad

However, the experience is not without challenges. Homesickness, language barriers, and cultural misunderstandings can make the transition difficult. It’s crucial to approach these challenges with an open mind, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

In conclusion, living abroad is a transformative experience that provides myriad opportunities for personal and professional development. Despite the challenges, the rewards are plentiful, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking to broaden their horizons.

500 Words Essay on Living Abroad

Introduction: the allure of living abroad.

The prospect of living abroad often conjures up images of adventure, exploration, and personal growth. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture, language, and way of life. However, like any significant life decision, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards.

The Benefits of Living Abroad

Living abroad provides an unparalleled educational experience. It allows individuals to gain a broader perspective on the world, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and diverse cultures. It is a chance to experience firsthand the customs, traditions, and social atmospheres of different nations.

Furthermore, living abroad can significantly enhance one’s language skills. While learning a new language in a classroom can be beneficial, nothing compares to the immersive experience of living in a place where that language is spoken.

Additionally, it offers an opportunity for personal growth. The challenges one faces while living abroad, such as navigating a new city or adapting to a different lifestyle, can build resilience and self-reliance. It also encourages the development of problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.

The Challenges of Living Abroad

Despite the numerous benefits, living abroad is not without its difficulties. One of the primary challenges is culture shock, the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life. It can be overwhelming to adapt to new social norms, customs, and languages.

Another challenge is homesickness. Being far away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings can be emotionally taxing. The difference in time zones can also make communication with loved ones challenging.

Financial concerns are another significant challenge. The cost of living, exchange rates, and finding employment can add stress to the experience.

Preparation: The Key to Successful Living Abroad

Preparation is crucial for a successful experience living abroad. This includes researching the destination’s culture, language, and customs, as well as practical aspects such as cost of living, healthcare, and local laws.

Building a support network is also vital. This could involve reaching out to expat communities, joining local clubs or organizations, or maintaining regular contact with friends and family back home.

Furthermore, setting realistic expectations is key. It’s important to remember that living abroad is not a perpetual vacation. There will be difficulties and mundane tasks, just like at home.

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Living Abroad

Living abroad can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. It provides a unique lens through which to view the world, fostering a deeper understanding of global diversity. Despite the challenges, the rewards of living abroad often outweigh the difficulties, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Live-in Relationship
• Essay on Live and Let Live
• Essay on Life

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The Advantages of Living Abroad: Analysis Essay

One of the main advantages of living abroad is the opportunity to experience many exciting cultures. Examples of this include different cuisines, music, architecture, and languages. Experiences with foreigners help a lot when traveling further, developing your horizons, and improving social skills which are important for one’s future career and life. Therefore, living in another country is a positive experience with several social, linguistic, and intellectual benefits.

First, cultural development is expressed not only in aesthetics but also in knowledge. Throughout world history, science has developed in parallel in different parts of the world, and getting a different perspective on known truths is a rewarding experience. In particular, the main advantage is the ability to look at the world around us from the outside without taking even the most ordinary phenomena for granted. A quality such as critical thinking is a necessary cultural and intellectual detail in this case.

Moreover, learning a new language is a beneficial skill. Nowadays, travel has become a financially and technically accessible service for people. For this reason, foreigners often go to neighboring countries as tourists or to relocate. Knowing several languages can help not only when communicating with people from different parts of the world but also when working as an interpreter. As a result, learning new languages through direct practice rather than by studying theory is another advantage of living abroad.

Finally, making new acquaintances and friends is more accessible from the perspective of a visiting foreigner. This is the lack of social burdens that people born and living all their lives in the same place have. In addition, interest in a representative of another culture is always very high, so it is pretty easy to strike up a conversation and become the center of attention in the case described. It is not difficult to have exciting surroundings consisting of foreigners, and at the same time, it is helpful for future travels.

In conclusion, living abroad is a rewarding and exciting experience, especially for young people. The opportunity to develop intellectually, learn new languages, and make new friends are examples of advantages. However, moving and adapting is difficult and requires a lot of financial and moral effort. Not everyone can fully enjoy the described pastime, but it is worth pursuing such an opportunity to develop.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, May 12). The Advantages of Living Abroad: Analysis. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-advantages-of-living-abroad-analysis/

"The Advantages of Living Abroad: Analysis." IvyPanda , 12 May 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/the-advantages-of-living-abroad-analysis/.

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Advantages of Living Abroad: Analysis." May 12, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-advantages-of-living-abroad-analysis/.

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Living Abroad: Pros, Cons, and Tips For a Life-Changing Experience

Have you ever considered packing up your life and moving to a foreign country? Perhaps you’ve dreamt of immersing yourself in a new culture, learning a new language, and embarking on a life-changing adventure.

Living abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience that offers personal growth, unique opportunities, and unforgettable memories. But before you make the leap, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of living in a foreign country and to be prepared for the challenges that come with it.

While the idea of living abroad may seem romantic and exciting, the reality is that it’s not always easy. From culture shock and homesickness to language barriers and loneliness, there are many challenges that come with living in a foreign country. However, the benefits of immersing yourself in a new culture can far outweigh the challenges.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living abroad and provide tips and resources to help make the transition easier. Whether you’re considering a move for personal or professional reasons, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and be prepared for the journey ahead.

4 Key Insights

• Living abroad can provide a fresh start and lead to personal growth and new travel opportunities.
• Language barriers, culture shock, and homesickness are common challenges of living abroad, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to move.
• Researching visa requirements, preparing documents, and finding work abroad can be complicated, but resources are available to help.
• Living in Europe may offer a cheaper cost of living, better healthcare, and easier travel, but language barriers and weaker economies can be drawbacks.

Why Move Abroad?

If you’re looking for a life-changing experience, you should consider moving abroad . It can be an opportunity to gain a more expanded worldview and become more independent. The experience of living in a new culture can also lead to personal and professional growth. You may even find new career opportunities that you wouldn’t have had access to if you stayed in your home country.

Cultural immersion is another benefit of living abroad. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about new customs, traditions, and ways of life. This can help you become more compassionate and understanding towards people from different backgrounds. It can also give you a new perspective on your own culture and allow you to appreciate it more.

However, it’s important to remember that cultural immersion can also come with challenges, such as language barriers and adapting to new social rules.

Pros and Benefits

You can expand your horizons and gain a new perspective on life by immersing yourself in a foreign culture and embracing the unfamiliar. Living abroad can offer incredible opportunities for personal growth and increased independence. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you can learn more about yourself and what you are capable of. Cultural immersion is one of the greatest benefits of living abroad. You can experience new foods, customs, and traditions that can broaden your worldview and deepen your understanding of other cultures.

In addition to cultural immersion, living abroad can also provide opportunities for professional and personal growth. By living in a new environment, you can learn new skills, make new connections, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. Check out the table below to see some of the benefits of living abroad:

Benefits of Living Abroad

• Increased Independence
• Cultural Immersion
• Personal and Professional Growth
• New Connections
• Learning New Skills
• Broadened Worldview

Living abroad can be a life-changing experience that offers countless benefits. By embracing the unfamiliar and immersing yourself in a new culture, you can expand your horizons and gain a new perspective on life. So, if you’re considering a move abroad, don’t hesitate to take the leap and embrace the adventure that awaits.

Cons and Challenges

Experiencing culture shock and feeling isolated are common challenges that come with immersing oneself in a foreign environment. Language barriers can also add to these challenges, making it difficult to communicate and find work . This can lead to feelings of frustration and even depression.

Additionally, negative effects such as homesickness and the high cost of living can make living abroad a daunting experience. It’s important to be aware of these challenges before deciding to move abroad. However, it’s also important to remember that these challenges can be overcome with time and effort.

Learning the local language, making friends with locals and other expats, and exploring the local culture can all help alleviate these challenges and make living abroad a rewarding and life-changing experience.

Resources and Tips

Explore various resources available for those moving to a foreign country, such as Meetup events, Wise.com for transferring money, and Safety Wing for travel insurance. Meetup is a great platform to connect with locals and expats and find events ranging from language exchange meetups to cultural immersion activities. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends while experiencing the local culture.

Wise.com offers free global accounts and cheap money transfers, which can be a lifesaver when it comes to budgeting abroad. Safety Wing offers travel insurance specifically designed for digital nomads and expats, providing coverage for medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and more.

In addition to these resources, it’s important to consider other ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your experience living abroad. Take local cooking classes to learn about traditional cuisine, visit local museums and historical sites to learn about the country’s history, and participate in cultural festivals and events. By embracing the local culture, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country but also have a more enriching and memorable experience.

Don’t forget to also budget for these activities and experiences, as they can add up quickly but are definitely worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common misconceptions about living abroad.

Living abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but there are also common misconceptions that can make people hesitant to take the leap.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that language barriers will prevent you from finding work or making friends. While it can be challenging to adjust to a new language, many people find that immersion is the best way to learn and improve their language skills.

Another misconception is that financial challenges will make it impossible to live comfortably abroad. While it’s true that there may be additional expenses related to visas, shipping, and setting up a new life, many people find that the lower cost of living in some countries can offset these costs.

Ultimately, the key to a successful experience abroad is doing your research, being open-minded, and embracing the challenges that come with living in a new place.

How can living abroad affect your mental health?

As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” Moving abroad can be a life-changing experience, but it can also have a significant impact on your mental health.

Coping strategies are essential to help deal with the challenges that come with living in a new culture, such as homesickness, language barriers, and isolation. Building a support system through expat communities can provide a sense of belonging and connection.

It’s important to take care of your mental health by seeking professional help if needed and staying connected with loved ones back home. Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to prioritize your mental health to make the most of your experience.

How can one prepare for the potential culture shock when moving to a new country?

Moving to a new country can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also come with its challenges, particularly culture shock.

To prepare for potential culture shock, it’s important to do your research on the culture and customs of the country you’re moving to. Consider taking language classes or finding language exchange programs to help you communicate with locals.

Additionally, seek out support networks for expats, such as local expat groups or online forums, where you can connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.

Tips for coping with culture shock include keeping an open mind, being patient with yourself as you adjust, and taking the time to explore and appreciate the new culture.

Remember that while there may be challenges, there are also many benefits to living abroad, and with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a truly rewarding experience.

Are there any specific countries or regions that are particularly welcoming to expats?

When it comes to finding a welcoming country for expats, there are several top contenders to consider.

For example, Costa Rica is known for its friendly locals and affordable cost of living, making it a popular destination for retirees and digital nomads alike.

Canada is also a popular choice, with its excellent healthcare system and multicultural society.

Overcoming language barriers can be a challenge when moving abroad, but countries like the Netherlands and Sweden have a high percentage of English speakers and a thriving expat community.

Ultimately, the best country for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences, but these top countries for expats are a great place to start your research.

How can living abroad impact one’s career prospects in the long term?

Living abroad can have a significant impact on your career prospects in the long term.

Networking opportunities in a foreign country can open doors to new professional connections and potential job opportunities.

In addition, living in a country where a different language is spoken can improve your language proficiency, which can be a valuable skill in the global job market.

Employers may also view your experience of living abroad as a sign of adaptability, independence, and cultural awareness, making you a more attractive candidate.

Overall, living abroad can provide unique career advantages that can benefit you in the long run.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this article about living abroad. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the pros and cons of such a life-changing experience.

As you weigh your options, remember that living abroad can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important to consider your personal and professional goals, as well as the resources and support available to you.

One theory that I’d like to investigate is the idea that living abroad can lead to personal growth and development. While this is certainly true for many people, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not a guarantee.

Living abroad can be a difficult and isolating experience, and it’s important to have a support system in place. However, if you’re able to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with living abroad, you may find that it’s a transformative experience that helps you grow as a person.

In conclusion, if you’re considering a move abroad, do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and be prepared for the journey ahead. With the right mindset, support system, and resources, living abroad can be a life-changing experience that you’ll never forget.

Good luck on your adventure!

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7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Abroad

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Do you know the number one searched pros and cons list when someone is moving abroad? Yep, it’s this one – the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad. Well, you have come to the right place. Moving to another country is one of the most exciting experiences you can decide to pursue.

At 22 years old, I decided to pick up my entire life and move to Spain for a year to teach English abroad. Though an exciting time full of travel, food, and wine, it also showed me what I did and did not want from living abroad. Some factors impact your experience based on the country or city you choose, currency conversions, culture and traditions, and more. 

Table of Contents

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad?

To answer that, you have to ask yourself some other key questions. What climate do you want? How luxurious or budget-friendly do you want to live? How do you handle the pressure? Will you need to learn the language? If so, are you a quick learner? How will you get around without a car? How will you navigate working abroad? 

Well, this post is here to break down the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad from someone who did it. Every experience is different; however, there are some similarities among expats too. You’ll see there are pros and cons to living abroad, but only you can make that decision for yourself. Here are things to keep in mind when you do. 

Disadvantages and cons of living abroad

Let’s start with the disadvantages of moving to another country. Just as there are positive effects of moving abroad, there are also negative effects of living abroad . Once the adrenaline of living in a new country wears off and a standard sets in life, it can return to normal. You have to sit in your decision and come to realize if it was a good decision or more challenging than you anticipated. How you adapt at that moment can make or break your experience. 

Learning a new language can be challenging

If you pick a destination where you do not know the language, think about the challenges that can ensue. How will you commit to immersing yourself if you can’t converse with the people you want to engage? What are your options to learn the language, and how can you get connected? Learning a new language can be challenging and a lot to take on on top of packing, moving, and then working abroad.  Therefore this should be a factor and where you decide to move. 

But don’t worry, there are ways to combat this issue! You can enroll in a language school, take classes, or participate in language exchanges to better navigate your new home. However, it takes dedication, time, and a lot of confidence to put yourself out there and practice language too. Just remember that taking classes will not be enough. 

It would be ideal for forcing yourself to speak the language as much as possible. You have to be willing to make mistakes in front of people. While some people may laugh on occasion, most locals are excited and encourage you to learn their language. Attempting to understand is the least we can do when we live in their country. Choose progress over perfection, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Learn from them and grow.

You are far away from family

Homesickness abroad is real. Assuming that you are close to your family, living abroad can be a significant change. Most people who move abroad are moving overseas and away from their families.  You won’t have your parents or guardians, siblings, grandparents, etc., within reach. While you may be thinking, “oh, well, I live away from my family back home,” living abroad is a little different. 

Not only are you away from your family, but you are away from anything familiar. And sometimes you want to have your family to talk to and share news. You may wish to vent if you had a bad day or tell them something exciting. They may not always be available to you at your fingertips. Be prepared for that change. 

Yet, there are some ways to remedy this challenge. If you schedule times to video chat or group chat as a family, it can make it easier when you know you’ll be talking to them. Be mindful of time zones when scheduling these calls too. However, that is something you all can organize and workaround. You can also send voice notes instead of regular text messages too. It may be difficult to adjust if you are a family person, but it’s not impossible. 

It takes time to build a new community

On top of not being near family and dealing with homesickness abroad, creating a supportive community takes time. You have to find people you like, which requires you to put yourself out there. If you had the guts and confidence to move your entire life abroad, then I’m sure you have the confidence to make new friends too. They are experiences that go hand-in-hand.

Building a community can also be difficult if you live in an international expat hub like Berlin or Mexico City, where people are more transient and leave. You can find like-minded people, and one by one, they move onto their next adventure. It is one of the downsides, but hopefully those friendships last across borders.

Relationships depend on how much effort you are willing to make and how much they want to engage. Since building a new community relies on you making connections with others, it is a two-way street. Finding events to attend through community centers is one way to meet people. Sport is a universal language that requires no (actual) speaking! You can join a gym or an intramural sports team. 

It can be awkward at times if you go to bars alone or go out by yourself. However, it’s a great way to test your extrovert personality. Do you want to be home alone every night, or do you like to share your experiences with new friends? You have to put in the effort to make friends and build the community you want to see in your life abroad. 

Culture shock happens

Culture shock , the gift that just keeps on giving. Your experience with culture shock may vary. Yet, culture shock is something that you should plan for when you move abroad. It can creep up on you unexpectedly, and sometimes you may burst out crying in a grocery store if you can’t read the labels. Or you have to adjust to walking or using public transportation if you were more accustomed to driving the car. 

It’s the little things that I can sneak up on you and make you feel the most homesick. But overcoming culture shock is possible. While there are stages to culture shock, they often don’t work linearly, and they will not last forever. 

Some strategies to overcome culture shock include journaling, setting time with family and friends back home, and even taking a few deep breaths before feeling overwhelmed. Culture shock looks different for everyone, and it is more of a trial-and-error experience to find the strategies that work best for you. 

Adjusting to a new diet

Even the most experienced traveling foodies have to adjust to a new diet when they move abroad. Living abroad means that you are eating foods that you may not be that familiar with back home. And occasionally, food poisoning or overall bodily changes occur as you physically move yourself to a different continent or country. 

Even if you research the food in a destination, you never really know how your body will react until you arrive.Sometimes you just have to let nature take its course. Some essential oils can help your stomach adjust, such as oregano oil. But be prepared for body changes when you eat new foods abroad as you are adjusting. The more you go grocery shopping and try fresh foods, the more you will understand how your body reacts. 

Be sure to go to the doctor’s office before you move to ensure you do not have any new allergies that could affect the move. When you arrive in your country, get connected with other expats. Ask around to see how and where they go for their health needs. Destination-specific Facebook groups for expats are excellent resources to get more of this information. You may find there is a doctor in your destination that expats recommend, who has helped other expats adjust to living abroad and can help you too.

The bureaucracy of moving abroad

Visas, passports, rent agreements, oh my! Yes, it takes a lot of paperwork to move abroad. You may even live abroad to escape the bureaucracy of your own country. However, you will learn that bureaucracy is everywhere. 

Renting an apartment, getting health insurance, and buying a car for long-term expats can require many office visits and applications. Depending on your level of travel privilege , you may need a proper visa to travel to destinations, even as a tourist. And as you research where you want to live abroad, you may find your dream destination does not have a visa for you to move there long term. 

Read what you need to do is key for a better bureaucratic transition. For visa situations, some people have enlisted in lawyers to make sure they are legally moving abroad. Staying up to date on any political changes to your country is helpful as these changes could affect you as a foreigner. 

Not only are you staying informed on the news, but you can also understand more about your new home. Being knowledgeable in your expat home’s social, economic, and political environment makes you more connected with what is going on. While these situations may be stressful at times, they are necessary. Everyone has to go through it, and expats are no exception.  

Moving abroad can cost you a pretty penny. In addition to organizing and planning your work and packing, you need to plan out those finances. If you plan on using storage, and not selling all of your stuff, that will cost money. Visits to the consulate to get your visa, or go through visa interviews, can add up if it is not close. If you need to expedite anything, such as a passport, to align with your move that will cost extra money as well.

Finances can also pile up once you arrive. Depending on where you move, Airbnbs and hotels can be expensive to use over time if you are looking for permanent housing. You also have to know the tax and currency conversion needs when you arrive. 

Not properly researching the funds you need to move abroad is a no no. Be sure to do your research so you know what to expect to avoid any unexpected expenses. Yes, it is cheaper to not move, but if you were satisfied with that you would not be reading this post! 

Advantages and pros of living abroad

Ok, the disadvantages of living abroad are out of the way! Now let’s break down the advantages of moving to another country. This section is the fun part because the advantages of moving abroad outweigh the disadvantages of moving abroad. 

If you fully embrace what living abroad has to offer, it is truly an exciting experience. Everyone has their good days and bad days. But thankfully, the bad days are few and far between. Let’s unpack the positive effects of living abroad.  

Traveling to new places is easier

Moving abroad means you are in a new country and or continent to understand and learn more about its history, culture, and traditions. Therefore you have more opportunities to explore the new region of the world. Even if you go to a different city in the same country, there is so much variety.

You can maximize your weekends in ways you may not have been in your own country. Having that weekend time is especially helpful if you have a nine-to-five job. Freedom of movement is one of the many top reasons why people become expats. 

Whether you are a foodie who loves to try new foods or someone who loves to go hiking, living abroad opens up so many unique destinations.  Everything is new, and therefore you have a different outlook on what your daily life can be. 

And you don’t even have to fly! You can ride around the city on the bus or metro to get acquainted with a new destination. Moving abroad means you can create new travel memories every day if you wish. Living abroad opens up new places to see and explore.

You learn a new language and soft skills

The advantages and disadvantages of living abroad play off each other. While learning a new language can be difficult, it is one of the highlights of moving abroad. It is one thing to learn a language when you are in school or learn a language that is not widely spoken in your home Community. However, when you move abroad, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture fully and its language.

You not only learned about grammar and vocabulary, but you also get the inside scoop on colloquial languages like slang or shortened ways to say words you learn to textbooks. Yet, language skills are just one of the skills you can attain when you live abroad. You can get other soft skills, such as intercultural communication, adaptability, flexibility, and more. When you put yourself out there, the more you will grow. 

Attaining new skill sets is also great if you want to continue living and working abroad and eventually work for an organization in the country in which you live. Building up those soft skills while also having those hard skills can be a great career opportunity if you want to work abroad permanently.

You can make friends from around the world

Once again, the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad are two sides of the same coin. After building that community of friends, life is more abundant. Interacting with people from different places worldwide is one of the most memorable parts of living abroad. Moving and itself as daunting as you are going away from the family and friends you have grown to love and adore. 

However, making friends is an impactful experience because you are often  making friends across language barriers. You are also making friends with people from countries you may have never visited nor heard of before. Those kinds of connections do not go away. They can even turn into something more . 

Take the time to nurture those friendships and relationships you have abroad. You connect with people who have similar interests because it takes a particular brand of person to move to a new country. You are also connecting with people who have their own stories and experiences too. These friendships can last forever if you invest in and allow them to do so. You never know what you may have in common, so get out there and try. 

Life may be cheaper

Let’s be honest; money rules many aspects of our lives. When you go abroad, you may learn that life is cheaper in your destination than at home. For many expats who move abroad, this is one of the main reasons they decide to live overseas. 

Rent is unaffordable in many cities and places around the world. When you move abroad, you find that the cost of living is more in your price range. Everyone loves to save money, and living a comfortable life elsewhere is a significant plus to move abroad. While this does not mean you live in luxury abroad, finances heavily influence our way of life, self-esteem, and happiness. 

Finding a more affordable destination for your lifestyle can genuinely change how you view yourself and the world around you. Food may be more affordable. You may be able to afford a car or switch it up and walk, bike, or use public transportation. There are so many reasons to move abroad, and a cheaper destination is often at the top of the list. 

To expand your worldview and learn

Going to museums means you can learn history you did not have access to before. Living in another culture means you can experience another way of life. If you are accustomed to taking public transportation, you may not have to do so abroad. You may find a healthier version of yourself adapting to another culture’s country and customs of biking and walking. 

When you live abroad, you can talk to people of all backgrounds, both locals and other international expats alike. You learn about where they’re from and what they believe. Mundane activities such as grocery shopping and cooking can become full learning experiences when you have to adapt recipes and dishes based on the local culture. 

Even though you are working abroad, you may decide to volunteer somewhere. And through volunteering, you understand more about the destination that you now call home. There are so many ways to expand your worldview that you don’t want to limit yourself. As traveling is about that cross-cultural experience, you shouldn’t limit yourself. Lean into evolving and reject ethnocentrism . 

Your family and friends back home have a place to visit

It is always exciting to have people you met before you moved to your new home visit! You share your love of your new home with old friends. When you live abroad, that allows your family and friends back home to have someplace to visit. While it can be challenging to maintain these relationships, building time to see each other in person can help. Everyone loves a good vacation!

And when your loved ones can visit, you can be their tour guide. All of the knowledge you have learned from living abroad in a different country can be passed onto others seeing. The countries that expats call home give a lot to expats, and the relationship is not always balanced. 

Having your family support the local economy as much as they can on your visit, and go beyond the guidebook, is the least we can do. Show them your go-to spots. And take them to your favorite mom and pop shops, local artisans, etc., to still be tourists with a mix of local and expat perspectives.  

How will the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad play out in your experience?

That is up to you.

So many decisions, so much to explore and understand about the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad. The excitement can be overwhelming and welcoming at the same time because it is a new adventure. However, that does not mean that moving abroad is easy. Nor does it mean everything is smooth sailing when you arrive. There are some advantages and disadvantages of living abroad to take into consideration. From money to language barriers, plan carefully! I know you can do it. I’m rooting for you to succeed. Good luck. 

Still not convinced you should move abroad? Here are 18 reasons why you should do it.

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

5 Lessons You Learn from Living Abroad for a Year

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In a world so connected by technology, distances may seem smaller than they did a few decades ago. Moving to a different country or even a different continent is something that is becoming increasingly common, especially amongst younger generations. This may be for study , for work or just for leisure. However, such a big move is usually not all roses, so we put together a list of the pros and cons of living abroad .

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living abroad?

Moving to a foreign country is the most intense way of getting to know a different culture. It is an immersive experience where you step out of the comfort zone of your home and dive into new customs, habits and language. It might sound overwhelming at first, so let’s start with the best things this experience overseas might bring.

Are you going for Erasmus? You may be interested in the following articles:

• 10 benefits of Erasmus
• Ultimate Erasmus guide – PDF

Pros of living abroad

Explore a different culture.

When moving to a foreign country, you will most likely be inserted in a place that is culturally very different from what you are used to. This can be seen in several ways: the architecture of the buildings, the way that people interact with each other or even social gatherings. Enjoy this opportunity to really get to know and embrace this new environment with all it has to offer.

Meet new people

Even though in the beginning it may seem difficult to make new friends, this is one of the greatest advantages of living abroad. While at home, it is easy to often find yourself surrounded by likeminded people (and there is nothing wrong about that), moving to a different country is the perfect opportunity to open up your mind and talk to people who have different ideas and life stories.

Try using this experience abroad to connect with locals and other expats. Taking gym classes, signing up for events of the student union or hanging out with co-workers are great ways of getting started. Maybe, in the end, you will end up having friends from all over the world.

Gather a collection of travel stories

It is easy to fall into a routine while being at home. Study, work, groceries, workout. The excitement of trying new things and exploring new places might be saved just for vacations or holidays.

However, when you move to a foreign country where everything is new… that is when the magic happens. Even the simplest tasks can be exciting. Try a local dish, hop on a bus to visit the next city or book a weekend trip to somewhere you have never been before.

Building up your soft skills

Having experience of living abroad can be very useful when looking for a job. Most companies value international experiences, even if they were for leisure or study. When a person steps out of their comfort zone and moves to another country, there is always an improvement in their communication skills, social skills and networking. You also learn how to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds and respect divergent opinions. These are all highly valuable attributes in a work environment.

Moving and relocating services

Here at Eurosender, we know the process of moving to a foreign country can be very overwhelming. We have helped over 10.000 people to relocate across Europe, and every shipper has agreed that the number one concern and priority when relocating is the safety of the goods. Therefore, we have gathered and created a vast network of the best logistics providers that will ensure your belongings will arrive securely at your final destination. Book a transport service that will only be dedicated to you and your load, and receive all the parcels at once. Book with Eurosender, and allow our logistics specialists to help you throughout the moving process. Move to your new and yet unknown environment, but have a well-known and renowned logistics company to take care of what you greatly value.

Check our relocation guides for more information.

Cons of living abroad

When someone moves to a new country, the first few months can be considered as an adaptation period. This is when people face most of the challenges of living abroad. In order to help with the transition, here are a few tips on how to make the best of each situation.

Dealing with a culture shock

Some people might have a culture shock when being immersed in a completely different country. It takes some time to get used to such a new environment, but some take it easier than others. The best thing to do when you feel culture shock while living abroad is to try to connect with things that make you feel comfortable. Great ideas for doing so is to cook a homemade recipe, practice sports or read your favourite book.

Bureaucracy when living abroad

Finding a new apartment, negotiating a rental agreement, setting up a bank account and arranging health insurance are some of the bureaucratic steps everyone needs to go through when moving abroad. It might be stressful, but these are usually done only once. To make the transition smoother, you can study online about these procedures in your new country or try to get in contact with other expats who have been through the same.

Financial challenges of living abroad

Finances is always a big topic when it comes to the disadvantages of living abroad, especially for people who move to a new country for work purposes. After moving, you need to become familiar with a totally new financial system. Some things to be aware of are currency conversions (if applicable), how the tax system works and what paperwork you need to arrange.

Feeling like the “new kid on the block”

It might take a while until you make life-long friends in your new country. Relationships are built with time and there are some cultures where people are more private than others. Even though this is completely normal, some might end up feeling lonely or homesick. The best way to avoid this is to get involved in classes, courses or activities where you can socialize and have fun.

Figuring out how to deal with homesickness

Homesickness is something everyone living abroad feels every now and then. It might be because you miss your friends, your family or that special homecooked meal. Unfortunately, it is something each of us feels differently and, therefore, there is no secret formula on how to deal with homesickness.

A good idea is trying to find little things that remind you of home and insert them into your routine. Here are a few suggestions: do weekly video chats with your family, create a blog where you share about your new life so they can easily keep in touch or ask for your grandmother for that special cake recipe so you can make it yourself.

Overall, living abroad is a very rewarding experience and you will come back to your loved ones filled with new adventures and stories to tell.

Here at Eurosender, we know the process of moving to a foreign country can be very overwhelming. Let us make it easier by helping you with the logistics involved in the move. Use our platform to book the cheapest and fastest shipping option for your big experience.

Life Abroad: Pros and Cons of Living in a Foreign Country

Furthermore, learning languages helps your brain stay active, providing many cognitive benefits like enhanced memory, improved problem-solving skills, and delayed cognitive decline as you age. It’s the full package!

Read Here: How to plan your move abroad

2. Get a Fresh Start in a New Place

Depending on where you move and with whom, living abroad allows you a fresh start. 

Living abroad forces you to step away from your comfort zone. While this can be challenging at first, it will help you grow, discover new aspects of your personality, and reinvent yourself in the long run. 

For some, the promise of new friends and connections sounds alluring. For others, a change of scenery can signify a new beginning with healthier habits. Regardless of the reasons, getting a fresh start in a new country is always exciting. 

Read Here: Top 10 Countries to live and work abroad

3. Immerse Into a New Culture

A new place with new people surrounded by different values provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in an entirely new culture. By experiencing the local language and slang, social customs, etiquette, traditions, values, and way of life, you expand your knowledge of how people behave and what they find important for a fulfilling life. 

This expanded understanding of different cultures helps you appreciate their differences and respect their perspectives. 

Take Spanish siestas , for example, which offer an opportunity to relax during the early afternoon hours, in stark contrast to the fast-paced work life of countries like the U.S. Such traditions might seem crazy at first, but you can later discover a newfound work-life balance thanks to them. 

Immersing yourself in new cultures will also give you a new perspective on life. Many expats report being more empathic after moving abroad. Now, they understand some of the hurdles some migrants have faced. They are also more open to embracing new cultures and change.

Read Here: Essential Tips for Moving and Living Abroad

4. Be More Independent and Adaptable

Living abroad alone or with family is a unique opportunity to become more independent and adaptable. Being in an unfamiliar environment, you’ll have to learn to navigate new challenges, make decisions, and solve problems independently. The lack of direct support systems may instill a sense of self-reliance and self-confidence, paving the way for personal growth.

Even if you move internationally with a partner, family member, or your full family, living in a new place inevitably involves adapting to different cultural norms, customs, and ways of life. You’ll need to develop flexibility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to embrace changes if you want to integrate.

While initially intimidating, exposure to diverse experiences and the necessary self-reliance will be valuable qualities throughout your life, especially in an increasingly interconnected world.

Top  International Movers for moving abroad from the US

Here is a table of the top International Movers in the US. Ratings are based on Years in Business, Reputation, and Customer Reviews

5. Make Lifelong Memories

Experiencing different places, people, customs, weathers, traditions, and foods offers endless opportunities to create lifelong memories.

Adapting to your environment often involves stepping out of your comfort zone, which is scary at first, but once you’ve embraced the unfamiliarity of your surroundings, you’ll find that every day becomes a potential opportunity for a cherished memory. 

Exploring unfamiliar landscapes, tasting local foods, and engaging with diverse communities leave a lasting impact on people, the basis for lifelong memories.

CLICK TO CALCULATE

Cons of Living in a Foreign Country

1. language barriers.

Having to navigate everyday life in a place where everything exists in a foreign language can easily become discouraging and overwhelming for some.

Language barriers complicate common experiences like obtaining essential services, navigating bureaucratic processes, and seeking employment or education. Low proficiency may also lead to social isolation from locals, confining you to your family or expat community.

Overcoming these barriers takes time, effort, and dedication, which can be a significant hurdle for some people.

Know More Here: How  to adapt to a new culture when moving abroad

2. Homesickness

Living in a new place, especially without friends and family members, can make people homesick. You may long for the familiarity of your native home and the comfort of speaking your mother language without translating everything in your head first.

This homesickness can easily lead to sadness, loneliness, and a sense of disconnection from your new environment. 

If you plan to relocate permanently, developing new connections, establishing a routine, and maintaining relationships with loved ones can help alleviate homesickness and promote a sense of belonging in the new environment. Shipping your belongings overseas can also help you have a sense of home while living abroad. So consider bringing some personal items, including photos, family memorabilia, and other items with personal significance. 

Know More Here: How to Move Overseas on a Budget

3. Financial Challenges

Moving internationally is very financially challenging for most people, regardless of whether you moved to a country with a stronger or weaker currency. Some of the most common financial challenges immigrants face include:

Currency. Managing currency exchanges and fluctuations can affect the value of savings, income, and expenses.

Employment. Finding a job can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak the language. Depending on your career and field, you may experience a harder time finding a job overseas than others. 

Differences in cost of living. Expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and education differ greatly between countries.

Banking. Setting up bank accounts, obtaining credit, or accessing financial services can be due to documentation requirements or limited credit history in the new country.

Taxes. Many struggle to adapt to the new country’s tax schemes, even more, when they have to pay taxes to their home country from abroad.

Insurance and healthcare. The requirements to acquire them vary from country to country, and navigating the bureaucracy takes time.

These challenges can be too much for some depending on circumstances and financial means, limiting their capacity to adapt and integrate.

Read Here: The Best International Health Insurance for Expats

4. Social Isolation

Culture shock is given when relocating abroad . The combination of language barriers, a lack of family support, and unfamiliar environments may socially isolate newcomers. 

If you don’t have the right mindset or have difficulty adapting to the new culture and meeting people, you may experience social isolation. In fact, some studies suggest that nine out of ten (87%) of expats experience social isolation while living abroad . Almost 47% report missing friends and family was the primary reason they felt isolated in the first place. 

Meeting new people, whether at work, in your neighborhood, or online, is paramount when living abroad. Consider joining a gym, taking classes on something you enjoy, or attending events to meet new people. Try a new hobby. Finding people with something in common can help you develop a new network of friends abroad.

5. Safety Concerns – Pros and Cons of living abroad

Safety and security are something we all want for ourselves and our loved ones. Your safety concerns could be very valid depending on where you’re moving and the same neighborhood you’ll be living in. This is one factor that can’t be ignored when looking into the pros and cons of living abroad.

That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly research your destination and the specific districts where you could potentially live. Scour the internet for expats who’ve lived around your destination city and explore their experiences: where it’s safest to live, where it gets rough at night, what’s the general approach to crime by the authorities and how effective they are, etc.

By understanding the most common risks at your potential destination(s), you’ll make much more informed decisions.

Read Here: How to Understand International Moving Quotes Online

Pros and Cons of Living Abroad – Conclusion

Living Abroad Can Be Wonderful, But It Takes Effort To Make It Work

When you decide to move to another country, you must consider the advantages of living abroad. Exposure to new cultures may help you have a lower cost of living and independence, create lifelong memories, or perhaps fulfilling a lifelong dream of moving abroad. 

Of course, any major move has advantages and disadvantages. Some cons of relocating include challenges adapting to the local culture, feeling isolated, language barriers, difficulties embracing the unknown, etc. 

If you plan to relocate overseas, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Here are other resources to help you weigh your options:

• Lessons You’ll Learn Moving Abroad
• Finding Community Abroad
• Is Moving Abroad the Right Decision?

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What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?

April 17, 2024

Authored By:

@cieestudyabroad These are the pros and cons of studying abroad! #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #studyabroadadvice #studyabroadprograms #wheretostudyabroad #howtostudyabroad #college Sunshine - WIRA

Studying abroad is a big decision. On one hand, studying abroad has endless advantages and is a life-changing opportunity that only comes around during your college years. On the other hand, it can feel like a total leap of faith. 

If you’re on the fence about taking the next step with CIEE Study Abroad , keep reading! W e’ve created the ultimate list of the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad . Why? So, you can make an informed decision about whether studying abroad is the right choice for YOU.

EXPLORE CIEE PROGRAMS

Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad  

The Pros  of Study Abroad

Studying abroad opens the door to a world of new possibilities. We couldn't be more passionate about that. The benefits of living and learning in a new culture will impact all parts of your life, from the day you enroll to every day thereafter.  

You will be surprised at the impact this one experience will have on you. And you will be so glad you took that leap of faith, after all. 

The Top 6 Advantages of Studying Abroad  

As you weigh the pros of studying abroad , add these to your list:  

1. You will learn to think more broadly.    

By immersing yourself in a new culture, you will be exposed to a new language, new perspectives, foreign foods, and life-changing experiences. All of this will change the way you see the world and your role in it. 

2. You will make lifelong connections.    

By sharing new experiences, you can’t help but connect deeply with other students in your cohort and at your partner institutions. And trust us, you will share many new experiences while studying abroad. These are the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. 

3. You will gain a competitive edge.    

Ninety-seven percent of students who study abroad find employment within 12 months of graduation and 25 percent earn higher salaries than their peers. How’s that for standing out in today’s competitive job market?  

Bonus : You can even boost your resume by gaining real-world experience through a global internship ! We offer full- and part-time international internship opportunities across a wide variety of industries. So, if it’s a competitive edge you want, then a competitive edge is exactly what you’ll get. 

Read more: How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps

4. You will build your language skills.    

Whether your goal is to master a new language or just get by with a conversational understanding of the local language, studying abroad will help you do it. There is nothing quite like cultural immersion for optimal language learning.  

Do note , however, that most CIEE programs are delivered in English unless you’re in a language class or program for advanced speakers, like our Summer Intensive Spanish Language program in Alicante or our Advanced Arabic Language program in Amman.   

5. You will step out of your comfort zone.    

Trying new things helps you learn how to adapt to new situations. A key life skill for our rapidly changing world.  

Just think, you will be working with new professors, new peers, a new currency, a new language, a new transit system, new food, and more – you get the idea. And just know, CIEE will be there to support you every step of the way, 24/7. Our program is a truly great way to safely take that leap of faith. 

6. You will be better for it.    

We hear it all the time : “study abroad changed my life.” And it’s so true. Studying abroad teaches you leadership, cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and so much more. Mark this down as a key advantage to studying abroad.  

The Cons  of Study Abroad

Charting new territory is not in everyone’s comfort zone. And studying abroad, for many students, is definitely classified as uncharted territory. We know the unknown can be intimidating, and we also know studying abroad comes with a bit of sacrifice.  

This is why we’re sharing some of the disadvantages of studying abroad so you can make the most informed decision possible.  

The Top 5 Disadvantages of Studying Abroad  

Here are the cons of studying abroad you should address when weighing your decision:  

1. Studying abroad can be expensive.    

It can be . But there are scholarships and grants available to help you make studying abroad a reality . Your college or university may offer their own scholarship and grant options. Others you can apply for at CIEE directly in your CIEE Study Abroad application . We offer millions each year for students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, or who’ve enrolled in specific programs as well.  

On average, a semester with CIEE costs $18,861 . A little less when studying abroad in Latin America ($17,291) . A little more when heading to Europe ($19,968) .   

Our Open Campus Block program option, in which you can choose one, two, or three consecutive six-week study abroad sessions, costs about $18,750 but drops significantly to a little over $6,000 for students who choose to pursue only one block (6 weeks) or about $12,000 for two blocks (12 weeks).  

Bear in mind, too, that CIEE tuition provides a high level of student support. Not every program can say the same. Our program fee covers most of the essentials, outside of airfare and meals, and typically includes: 

• Tuition  
• Housing  
• Pre-departure advising  
• Orientation  
• On-site staff + 24/7 emergency on-site support  
• Cultural + co-curricular activities  
• Travel protection  

Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in 2024?  

2. There will be language barriers.   

Even for the most advanced speakers, immersion into a new culture will stretch your language capabilities. We see that as a really good thing. And we believe that if you go abroad with us, you will, too.  

But there’s no getting around the fact that there will be a steep language learning curve as you make your way through the program. We bet you’re up for the challenge. Plus, most of our classes are taught in English, so you will still make big gains academically. 

3. You may experience culture shock.   

The food will be different. The language will be different. The architecture will be different. The style of communication will be different. The local customs and social norms will be different, too. You will have to adjust. But isn’t that at least some of the point? You will return home with a new perspective! 

Read more: What is Culture Shock? 4 Examples and Tips to Adjust

4. You might get homesick.  

Most of our students are traveling for the first time without their family or friends. And that’s a huge step that may cause homesickness . 

Just know that CIEE offers a ton of support, including around-the-clock on-site staff. So, we’re always available. Plus, you’ll have a cohort of new friends to keep you company when those homesick feeling begin creeping up.  

And remember , you can always call home when you need to hear a familiar voice. Our students love to FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and so on to virtually connect with their loved ones whenever they want. 

5. Re-integration can be hard.    

This is an adjustment most students don’t anticipate.   

Often, when the study abroad experience is really great and there’s a ton of personal growth, students have a hard time adjusting back into their typical routine back home. You may experience this, too. It’s a sort of homesickness for the study abroad culture.  

Just know it will get better once you’ve had time to adjust to your routine again. And, for those who just can’t shake the feeling, there’s the opportunity to apply to join CIEE’s Student Ambassador Program to get paid to talk about your study abroad experience! 

Learn More: Become a CIEE Student Ambassador  

The Choice is Yours  

Thinking through the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad is an important first step in your study abroad experience. If you have any questions or want to talk through your personal list of studying abroad pros and cons, we ’re happy to connect .   

In the meantime, check out t he 170+ incredible programs we have to offer to begin planning your perfect study abroad experience! 

GET STARTED  

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Studying Abroad: Pros and Cons (Essay Example)

Studying abroad essay: introduction, benefits of studying abroad: essay body paragraphs, challenges of studying abroad: essay body, pros and cons of studying abroad: essay conclusion.

On the outside, it may seem extraordinarily strange that some individuals choose to journey hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles to study abroad when they could just easily register for a similar course in their home country. But on the inside, there are many valid reasons why individuals may choose to cross borders in the pursuit of a degree, diploma or certificate program that is readily available at home.

In the 21st century, many students are convinced that it is seldom enough to graduate from any learning institution. Rather, students want to study in internationally recognized institutions, which offer better opportunities and exposure towards preparing them for future career undertakings. However, there exists a myriad of challenges and problems associated with studying abroad. This paper purposes to look at the pros and cons of studying abroad.

As already mentioned, the advantages of studying abroad are many. First, international institutions offer a wide variety of courses, some of which may not be available at home. The wide variety gives the students an upper hand in selecting courses that are tailored to meet their preferences and the needs of the market.

Indeed, many students from less developed countries choose to study abroad since many of the courses offered at home have become irrelevant to the needs and requirements of the job market. In this respective, students who study abroad are assured of having a competitive advantage over their counterparts who wish to study at home since they will have a chance to select courses that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the job market.

Second, the exposure one gets while studying abroad goes a long way to assist individuals in the social and work life later on in life. By studying abroad, students get to experience and feel life in a foreign country that may be practicing different values and way of living from their home countries.

The knowledge and experience received from interacting with individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural orientations make an individual develop balanced perceptions regarding other people.

This is especially important in the job market as multinational corporations, the main employers, are always on the lookout for dynamic employees who can fit in any ethnic or cultural group. What’s more, the experience received from interacting with diverse cultures while studying abroad assist individuals to gain a well-informed perspective of how the world works.

Studying abroad also comes with many opportunities that may be hard to find in home countries. Students are offered the opportunity to learn new and exiting languages while studying in modern institutions equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, contemporary library services and best computer facilities one could think of. This may be a tall order to request from local institutions of learning.

These opportunities assure the students of excelling in life due to the simple yet weighty reason for studying in accredited learning institutions. It is imperative to note that knowledge of different kinds of languages is an important asset in the job market.

Students in countries such as the UK, Japan, and the US have the opportunity to work during the course of their study. Such an opportunity may be severely limited in many other countries where graduates struggle to find cleaning jobs — as such, studying abroad may also come with a good prospect of finding a job.

There exist several disadvantages of studying abroad. One of the most challenging disadvantages relates to culture shock. Some students find it extremely hard to adopt or get assimilated to the cultures of foreign countries. As such, their stay in such countries is full of difficulties.

For instance, some forms of foodstuffs that are viewed as delicacies in foreign counties may be a taboo to eat in local countries. Some religious and cultural dogmas also worsen the problem of culture shock. Culture shock is a leading cause of suicide among students studying abroad.

Apart from culture shock, many students suffer from acute spasms of homesickness while studying abroad. This actively serves to deter them from achieving their long-held dreams since many are unable to cope or adjust to the fast pace of life in foreign countries. Difficulties in communication have also been mentioned as a disadvantage in studying abroad.

Students will be inarguably faced with the problem of contact if they cannot speak the official language of the host country. What’s more, studying abroad is thought to be a very expensive affair due to high tuition fees and other charges related to air travel and upkeep. As such, it is seen as beyond the reach of many students who would otherwise want to study abroad.

All in all, there exist many more pros and cons of studying abroad. However, the bottom line is that students wishing to study abroad must prepare themselves thoroughly before jumping into the next plane to take them abroad. As discussed in the essay, studying abroad brings immense opportunities that may be unachievable locally.

However, some of the consequences of studying abroad may be potentially fatal if adequate preparation is not factored in. Students wishing to study abroad must, therefore, do their best to collect information relating to a broad spectrum of issues practiced in host countries. There are established agencies that can assist the students in knowing a thing or two about countries they may wish to visit for study purposes.

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• Expat Life Hacks

The Pros and Cons of a Career Abroad

Pro: Experience the Global Marketplace

With ecommerce and international trade playing such a big role in today’s business world, moving to another country can help you join the dots and see the global marketplace from another perspective. If you do decide to move home, you’ll be the “expert” on your destination country, which can help you get noticed at work. You’ll also significantly expand your professional network, making sure that even if you don’t know the answer, you can get in touch with someone that will.

Con: Interrupted Career Progression

“Out of sight, out of mind” can be a phrase that’s all too familiar for expats. Even if you stay with the same company, not being around every day or working in a different time zone can mean that good impressions fade and you’re no longer first in line for promotion. In your destination country, a lack of local experience or limited language skills can mean that you’ll have to take a more junior position, which can feel like a step back professionally.

Pro: Cross-Cultural Communication

Having to navigate the world of work in a different language or even just as part of a different culture will make you a better communicator. Instead of rapidly typing an email or responding in a meeting, working abroad refines that brain-mouth filter by making you more aware of the different ways an email or conversation could be interpreted. Wherever you end up working, great communication skills will be an asset.

Con: Office Politics in a Second Language

Getting along with colleagues is important for a productive work environment. But cultural nuances and ways of communicating in the workplace can vary dramatically between countries; while in some countries, like Germany and Finland, direct communication is valued, others, like China, put the concept of maintaining “face” at the heart of business transactions. Navigating these cultural differences — potentially in another language — can make a day at the office pretty stressful.

Pro: Diversify Your Income

At a time when it’s hard to predict what’s coming next politically, having income in a different currency can be a good way to spread risk and secure your financial future. For example, there’s been 30% more variation in the Pound’s value compared to the value of the Euro over the past two years. If you’re particularly concerned about the economy back home, moving can also be a way to unlock better job opportunities and salaries in a more stable economic environment.

Con: Hidden Costs of Living Abroad

From buying your plane ticket to getting your possessions to your new home, everyone knows that the move itself is expensive. But the costs don’t stop once you arrive. Whether it's figuring out foreign tax systems (or paying for help to do so) or contributing to different models of medical care and social security, moving abroad is a significant — and ongoing — investment. Even if you’re moving somewhere with lower living costs, budget for the unexpected.

Pro: Experience Different Ways of Doing Business

Studying a particular discipline then working in that field in the same country means you have a fairly fixed set of assumptions and expectations. Seeing how a different country approaches your sector and business in general can be a great way to open up your mind to new ways of doing things. The best part? You’ll take those learnings with you wherever you go.

Con: Feeling Transient  

Even if you’re adamant you’re staying for good, employers tend to assume that expats won’t stick around, often giving you a limited-term contract. While this offers a certain amount of flexibility, it can make your stay abroad feel quite transient, and a particularly short contract can cast a shadow over your time abroad by making you worry about finding work.

Pro: See the World

If you’ve got the travel bug, there’s nothing better than working abroad. Not only do you get to experience the country at a much deeper level, you get paid to do so! Rather than passing through for two weeks, you actually get to know a country’s personality and culture firsthand; it can also be a good opportunity to explore neighboring countries. If you’re learning a language, immersing yourself in the country can also be a great way to quickly improve your skills.

Con: Less Job Flexibility

Love your new country but hate your job? Unlike back home where you can shop around if a role isn’t for you, working abroad may mean your job and visa are linked: quitting might mean heading home. Even if you’re not restricted by a visa, language skills or a lack of local experience may also mean that your escape options are limited.

About Ro Mottershead

Ro worked in the Content & Communications Department at InterNations. Determined to escape the rainy UK from a young age, she’s spent the past six years living, working, and writing her way around the world.

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Top 7 benefits of living and working abroad

For many people, the advantages of working abroad are only linked to higher wages or better living standards. But gaining international experience can be a lot more beneficial than people think.

Better self-esteem

Starting a new life abroad comes with its own set of challenges − from finding accommodation to sorting out different administrative matters, learning how to pay your bills, and getting around with local transport. But once you figure all these things out, the feeling of satisfaction you will get is worth it. Knowing that you can manage in a completely unknown environment will give you the confidence you need to tackle other challenges in life. This is especially important if you do not have a lot of experience living on your own.

New life skills

When you move abroad, you are often separated from your support system. In these moments, you can find out about different knowledge and skill gaps, which you did not know you had. For example, you may realise that you do not know how to cook your favourite meal or keep track of your monthly budget. Living abroad makes us learn new skills out of necessity, which helps us be more independent.

New perspective on life

Whether you are from a small town or big city, moving abroad will give you an invaluable new perspective on life. Seeing other cultures’ mentality and approach to life can help you expand and enrich your own worldview and establish your personal values. This is much harder to do if you have never lived outside your local community.

Better communication skills

Moving abroad means that you have to build new social and professional circles. This can be hard, especially if you are shy by nature or if you do not speak the local language too well. However, this is the best way to improve your communication – a skill that is not just important in your daily life, but also valued by employers.

Better foreign language skills

No matter how many language lessons you take, and how much you practice on language learning apps on your phone, the best way to improve your language skills is to live in the country that speaks it. Being ‘immersed’ in the language is a great opportunity to build your listening and speaking skills.

Advantage over other jobseekers

Having international work experience on your resume will never go out of style. This shows adaptability, motivation and determination – three skills that employers and recruiters greatly value. In addition, having international experience will put you at an immediate advantage over other candidates who have never worked abroad.

Expand your professional network

Working abroad is a great opportunity to expand your professional network. The power of a well-developed professional network should not be underestimated. Many job openings are not advertised publicly; instead, they are filled through referrals and professional networking. So make sure you talk to your new colleagues and establish good professional relations with them. You never know where your next job offer can come from.

Have you always dreamed of starting a business? Many of us like the idea of being our own boss, but it can be difficult to find the right business idea to pursue. Check out our top tips for developing an idea that works for you .

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16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Working Abroad

Posted on Last updated: November 17, 2023

Thinking about heading abroad to find a job? There are plenty of things you should know before living abroad, but working abroad is another beast altogether. In this post, I interviewed Vanessa M.W. from Wander Onwards to get her take on the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad.

After working abroad for 8 years for some big-name companies in 3 different countries, she is super qualified to tell us what to know before making the leap.

Even though I have worked abroad through VIPKid and my blog, I’ve never actually worked for a company abroad. Vanessa’s answers will cover the pros and cons of working abroad with a 9-5 official job, and I’ll add a bit from my perspective as a digital nomad working for myself.

A little more background on Vanessa and her blog Wander Onwards : Vanessa M.W. is from L.A. and started her career abroad by moving to China on her own in 2013. She started as an English teacher but then moved on to be a freelancer for Chinese companies while also starting her blog.

After that, she moved to the U.K. to get her Master’s (in a field very different than the one she ended up working in!), and then after realizing she didn’t love the career she had chosen, she moved on to work for a well-known travel agency in tech with no previous experience.

Even with no previous experience, she was able to teach herself through YouTube and online sources the skills she needed to get her job. Using that same job, she was able to transfer to Germany and continue her career abroad in another country.

After the Pros and Cons of Working Abroad list, I’ll include some of the awesome tips Vanessa has for actually getting a job abroad and how to stand out on your resume.

9 Advantages of Working Abroad / Pros of Working Abroad

1. community & meeting new people.

“I’m never going back to the United States. I have truly found my place in the world where the environment matches my values, and the people I surround myself with are incredible and from all over the world. You can’t choose where you’re born, but you can choose where you end up.”

Vanessa loves her work and life abroad, and the community she has built outside of the USA. If you are an avid traveler or nomad, you may find that when you head back to the US, you don’t fit in anymore.

The USA tends to focus more on spending money on things, not traveling as much, and not speaking as many languages as the rest of the world.

You may find that your true community is elsewhere, where travel and languages are valued and people understand why you put those things above possessions.

I’ve had people ask me why I learn languages since you can use Google Translate. If that’s a question you have, we probably wouldn’t be super great friends! lol

I find that most people I’ve met in Europe and Asia are well-traveled and plan to make that a part of their lives, which is important to me.

2. Daily Adventure Through New Experiences

“Every day is an adventure! If you wanna live life and feel everything, move abroad. I could die tomorrow and I could say “I did everything I wanted, I have no regrets.”

Like Vanessa said, I think if you want to work abroad or live abroad, then you should go for it. When you are in a foreign country, everything is more interesting, and even just going to the grocery store is an adventure.

You’re in a state of constantly learning, whether it’s a new food, a new tradition or cultural difference, or a new word in a new language.

If you’re looking to make life more enjoyable and more exciting than ever, then working abroad is definitely for you.

3. Get Foreign Language Skills Through Learning a New Language

Vanessa speaks German, Spanish, Chinese, and English and has plans to learn French.

The opportunity to learn these languages is just not as possible in America because there is no place to practice and education isn’t set up to support this. While in Europe, learning the local language is expected and most Europeans speak 2-3 languages.

Abroad, you can find low-cost language programs that help you get a visa and learn the language at the same time. Vanessa did this in Beijing at first so that after a year of studying Chinese, she knew enough to help her get a job in China.

You can do language programs for visas all over the world! I’m looking at Italy for a 1-year visa and the opportunity to study Italian for 20 hours a week for a WHOLE YEAR.

Guess how much that costs?

Only 6,000 euros for the classes. That comes out to just 5.70 euros per hour!

The best way to start learning a language, whether you’re abroad or haven’t left yet, is through italki classes.

I seriously would not be able to learn languages without italki . I take 3 classes per week right now (one for each language I’m learning). Try out a class and you’ll thank me later! They’re usually $9 or less!

4. Stand out on Job Applications Because of International Experience (More Job Opportunities)

When finding her latest job abroad, Vanessa applied for 20 jobs, got 15 callbacks, and made it to 8 final rounds. She thinks this was made possible because her experiences abroad have made her stand out more on job applications.

She’s worked for companies in multiple different countries and learned the languages while there, and she also has a blog that showcases her tech abilities.

5. Learn to Do Anything

Instead of going to school again to learn the skills she needed for her new career abroad, she turned to the Internet.

Tech is one of the best fields to get into if you’d like to find a job abroad or freelance, but it can feel too difficult to get into.

According to Vanessa, “You do not need to learn how to code in order to get a job in tech. There is a lot of fear around that.”

Instead, she suggests jobs like Account Management, where you don’t need to know how to do the specific techy things, but you need to be able to speak on them.

Or Product Management (what she currently does) which follows the customer journey and helps websites and apps to sell products and keep customers on the site for longer periods of time.

When she decided she wanted to get into the tech field, she taught herself everything through YouTube and specifically recommended the channel “The Product School.”

Pro Tip: Instead of buying their courses/boot camps, you can follow their online schedules for the Bootcamp and match the days with the Youtube video in order to replicate the Bootcamp for free!

6. Creating an Awesome Network Through International Work Experience

Your network will explode with friends and loved ones from all over the world (maybe even a few exes!)

Vanessa states that she has someone she cares about in every major port in the world, so if she’s going to Nigeria she has someone, in Hong Kong she has someone.

These connections help you feel a lot less alone, with so many people ready to help you, and you’re ready to help them!

She compared her apartment to a hostel, where people she’s met across the world are coming and staying with her throughout the year. She also knows that she can stay with any of them if she needs to!

Although you can definitely make friends and expand your network at work, Vanessa tries a different method: talking to strangers in the street or on Instagram.

She recently met a girl on Instagram and then went on a trip to Spain with her. When she’s back in her home city, she looks out for women who look close to her age and strikes up a conversation with them when she’s going to and from the grocery store.

While doing this, she actually was able to meet someone who graduated from the same college as her in America, who also had a German boyfriend, worked in the same field as Vanessa, and lived only a block away!

Through that girl, she was able to meet a bunch of other friends in the area and became part of their social group.

Of course, if you are in a different country, you will definitely need some language basics first before doing this. However, this is how I have met many of my friends abroad as well!

Like my friend Edison who we met in Indonesia, then later we met him in his home country of Singapore and he showed my husband and me around the city.

Or if I overhear people speaking in a language I know, I gather up the courage to talk to them for a bit. I’ve never once regretted doing that and it’s especially fun if you are in a country where that language isn’t spoken (like finding Spanish speakers in Italy or Italian speakers in Nepal, both of which I’ve done).

7. Get Outside Your Comfort Zone with a New Way of Life

There are always people out there worse than you doing really well in the world, so why can’t you do those things as well?

You may feel like you could never do the things mentioned in this post: learn a new language, meet friends abroad, work for an international company, get your Master’s degree in Europe, etc.

However, that’s just imposter syndrome! You are DEFINITELY capable of getting outside of your comfort zone and making your life and work abroad amazing.

The best part about living abroad and working abroad is that getting outside of your comfort zone is actually easier than it would be in your home country.

At home, you are tied down to who you believe you are, but when you leave, you can create the person you really want to be. I couldn’t have ever imagined striking up conversations with strangers, especially in other languages, but traveling and working abroad has made me the type of person who does those things.

As for Vanessa, she graduated college and bought a one-way ticket to Beijing all by herself to begin her life abroad. That may sound crazy, but you only need to get up the courage to do one thing at a time!

Push yourself to apply for that job, buy that ticket, and learn a language, one thing at a time.

8. More Holidays/ Days Off

Vanessa got 43 holidays this year at her job. The standard in Europe is 30 days per year!

Compared to America, which actually has no law requiring any time off at all, this is a HUGE plus to working abroad in Europe. Most Americans get 14 days off per year (my husband currently only gets 10 paid days off and bank holidays).

Not only do you get more days off, but you will actually be able to go somewhere with those days! Traveling around the USA is crazy expensive and to get to another country takes a ton of money and planning.

However, if you are already in Europe or Asia, you can travel all over the continent for usually under $100-$150. Accommodation and activities are all way cheaper, so you’ll be able to do more with your days off.

9. Safety While Working & Living Abroad

Many people may feel like the USA is one of the safest places to live, however, statistics show that that is not the case!

According to the Global Peace Index , the USA comes in at number 128 out of 163.

Your new country may be even safer than the US, or your home country. So don’t be afraid to jump into a new life and job abroad!

7 Disadvantages of Working Abroad / Cons of Working Abroad

10. choose a country/ company that aligns with your values.

Vanessa has worked for a Chinese company, a British company, and an American company abroad. According to her, the values of each country truly are reflected in the company itself, for better and for worse.

In the Chinese company, she only got 7 days of holiday per year, but the environment felt like a family. While working there, they would provide lunches each day and she was always invited to parties celebrating Chinese holidays.

This helped her assimilate much more easily and quickly.

The British company was a bit more difficult. Vanessa stated, “The British are not direct at all. They do things in a roundabout way, which is very cultural. They don’t like being direct or talking about their feelings.”

At that company, she felt like she couldn’t work at the same speed and with the same directness as she was used to in the past.

Her personality as an American also “freaked out” her British coworkers who felt she was too loud and too American. Because of these differences, she left the company after only a year.

In the American company (which was still abroad), she felt most at home because almost every coworker was a foreigner as well. She has colleagues from all over Europe and outside Europe as well.

Since she is American, her values most matched the American company. Although she could work for other companies, this one matched her lifestyle the most.

11. Potentially Higher Taxes

One con of working abroad is that you may be taxed higher than what you were taxed in your home country. Take that into account when calculating the salary you will need and what your living expenses will be in your new country.

12. Work Visas & Stability (Bureaucracy!)

With the way that work visas are structured, you are at the mercy of the company that you work for to get your visa.

So if you quit, then they will cancel your visa and your entire life will be canceled abroad essentially.

When you’re transferring a work visa, your new company has accepted complete responsibility for you.

This means they are liable for you while you live in that country. So if you steal a car or commit any crimes, the company you work for is responsible for you since they are sponsoring your work visa.

This can be a really stressful situation to be in.

Imagine you just moved to a new country on a work visa and you hate your job, but you just moved across the world to do it. If you choose to leave, you lose everything in that country.

There isn’t much stability in a situation like this. What a lot of people do is find someone to marry from that country (which is what Vanessa did) but what else can you do to make sure you create some stability in your new country?

The next best thing is to aim for permanent residency, which means that you stayed in that country for a certain amount of time, filled out the necessary paperwork, and now have almost the same rights as a passport holder of that country.

The main difference is that you wouldn’t receive a new passport. Even if you are married to a citizen, it’s smart to figure out what the requirements are for permanent residency and start working towards that as well.

13. Investing in Your Home Country

Disclaimer: None of the content below is investing advice.

In order to continue investing in your home country while abroad, things can get quite complicated. As an American, you can’t always open a Roth IRA or a Solo 401K unless you meet very specific exceptions to those rules.

You have to pay attention to the tax treaty between your home country and the country you are moving to.

These things change from country to country, for example, Germany doesn’t view a Roth IRA as a tax-advantaged retirement account, but it does view the Solo 401K as a retirement account.

But there isn’t an easy way to find out this information unless you are specialized in German and American taxes.

It’s very easy to make a mistake.

For the countries that DO recognize Roth IRAs, the American tax law states that you have to be filing jointly with your spouse (even if they’re foreign) in order to qualify.

14. Investing Abroad

There are tax implications if Americans invest in funds abroad through their foreign bank accounts which is a huge downside to working abroad.

You will need to report those investments every year and there is the potential risk of being taxed up to 38%.

However, if you keep your investments in the US, you will only be taxed 10% on dividends if you sell and there are plenty of ways to help you save on taxes.

Check out Wander Onwards Move Abroad Master Class to make sure you aren’t making the same mistakes she did!

15. Banking Abroad & Banking In Your Home Country

If you are an American citizen, banking abroad can become quite complicated as well. The USA requires all banks to report their foreign bank accounts to the IRS each year. That makes it quite difficult (and a bit more expensive) for a foreign bank to have you as a customer.

Once you finally manage to open that bank account, you have to make sure to file an FBAR in the USA or there is the risk of being fined quite a lot of money.

16. You Need to Be Highly Motivated to Make it Work

Both a positive and a negative, but if things get too difficult abroad, you’re going to need something that makes you want to stay no matter what. After Vanessa got her Master’s, her job in that field did not work out.

Instead of leaving, she worked on finding something else. However, she said that since she had started dating her current husband, she had a huge incentive to stay.

Not everyone will have a boyfriend or husband abroad and when times get hard, the easy choice could be to just leave.

“I’m never going back to the United States. I have truly found my place in the world where the environment matches my values, and the people I surround myself with are incredible and from all over the world. When you find your place in the world, that place that matches your values, hopes, and dreams, that can motivate you to stay.”

3 Essential Tips to Get a Job Abroad

1. use your side hustle.

In order to get the job she currently has in the travel industry, she showed her blog and Instagram for Wander Onwards.

This was basically like a portfolio of her skills to market herself, create websites and products, understand the travel industry, etc.

Since she was applying for a travel tech job, her blog was the perfect way to show that she knew how to get the job done.

2. How to Freelance

Vanessa suggests starting with a portfolio built off of your hobbies. Pitch other entrepreneurs who seem busy with other things and offer to run things for them (like their websites or social media).

Anything you don’t know how to do, hire another freelancer to do it! (Upwork or Fiverr)

She stated on her resume that she was a full-stack developer, even though she wasn’t, since she knew she would be able to figure all of that out and had most of the skills already for the job.

3. Get a Master’s Abroad

Getting a Master’s abroad will give you credibility in the country you want to work in, whether you want to stay there for an extended period of time or forever. The degree you get will be recognized in the region you want to work in and it shows that you’ve put in the time to stay in that country.

Some countries will allow you to start accumulating years towards your permanent residency as you study (Spain is one that does not do this).

A lot of countries also offer an extension visa after you graduate (usually for 1-2 years) that allows you to stay in that country to look for a job.

Master’s programs outside of the USA are a fraction of the cost in the US. For example, in Germany, you can get a Master’s for only 300 euros per year and they have English programs as well.

This website can help you figure out what to study, the costs, and which country you can study in (love this website as I’ve always wanted to study abroad, too!)

You can find more about Vanessa on her blog Wander Onwards , her YouTube channel , her Instagram , or follow her on TikTok !

Learn More About Life Abroad:

• What You Need to Know About Living Abroad
• How Much Does it Cost to Live in Nice, France?
• Living in Europe: Advantages & Disadvantages
• How Much Money Do You Need for the France Long Stay Visa?
• 12 Cheap Monthly Villas in Bali

Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.

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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad? IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

The IELTS writing task 2 requires an individual to present their views on a topic that has been assigned to them. They are required to go through the topic and present their side of the argument. One such example of it could be: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?”

So, whenever you are presented with such topics, all you are required to do is present your side of the argument. There is no right or wrong in these answers – all an individual is required to do is to let the examiner know their understanding of the topic that they are provided with.

So, let’s move forward to learn a little about this topic and present an amazing essay answer afterwards to let you know how it’s done.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad? 

The decision to study abroad depends solely on the different advantages and disadvantages of that thing.

So, let’s move forward to know all about them.

What are the Advantages of Studying in a Foreign Country? 

Studying abroad has today become the new normal, every other child wishes to move out of their resident country to enjoy among a bunch of completely new people to study between them and to gain as much knowledge as possible with the help of this.

Given below are a few advantages of studying abroad:

#1. Improved Language 

The greatest benefit of studying abroad is that it helps you to improve your language skills to a great extent. you get to learn some new words each day and among a bunch of people who speak this language on a regular basis, you get to enjoy the benefits of learning a language completely.

Talking to your friends on a daily basis in the same language helps you to have that fluency in the language which you were not able to achieve before.

#2. New Friends and Career Opportunities

Another benefit that one gets to enjoy after studying abroad is that it really helps an individual to expand his/her network and have some really good friends which can also turn into friends for life. One gets to enjoy their time with people they have not known before and have a great time in their company.

It also helps one to expand their network for some great business or job opportunities overseas. A wider network helps one to connect to some really amazing people and have the benefits of so many new opportunities in life.

#3. Confidence Booster

When you enjoy time among people from a different country and culture altogether, you get to learn so many new things from them on a regular basis. Along with this, it helps one to practice the language on a daily basis which helps in boosting their confidence.

With a great and built-up confidence level, it’s easy to then achieve the heights that you want to.

Also Read: Important Points to Keep in Mind while Answering IELTS Writing Task 2

#4. Explore the World

Moving out of your resident country provides you with an opportunity to live in a new city altogether which also comes with the benefit of exploring a new city and a place never seen before.

When you live in a completely new place, you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of that place, the unexplored yet the most famous places at the same time which serves as an amazing experience.

Now, let’s move forward to learn some of the disadvantages of studying abroad.

What are the Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?

Everything that has some advantages comes with some disadvantages too. So, while there are many advantages of studying abroad, there are many disadvantages of the same too.

So, let’s check them out.

#1. Highly-Priced

Studying abroad might look fascinating to you but it is extremely expensive. Bearing all the expenses of studying abroad for an individual can be quite expensive and tiring at the same time.

The expenses of studying abroad depend solely on the place that you have chosen for yourself and the university that you’re going to get your degree from. The more advanced the country, the higher the expenses.

Also Read: Guide to Ace The Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2

#2.   Language as a Barrier

One of the biggest problems that many students face while studying abroad is the language that they are not fluent in. It is extremely important for one to learn the official language of the country that you have decided to move to in order to enjoy the benefits of having meaningful conversations.

Many times students have a lot of difficulty in speaking the native language or even understanding it. There are many cases in which teachers prefer to teach the entire lessons in the local language of the city. Therefore, it’s extremely important to have a good grasp of the language.

#3.   You’re Dependent on Your Own

Living in a foreign country means you are completely on your own. All the work that you need to do, right from washing your clothes to doing all the household chores, all need to be done by yourself.

There are many students who have never lived out of their home for a long period of time and studying abroad requires them to have such experiences for the first time. While this may have a lot of benefits like you learn so many new things, it can also have some serious demerits too. Many times it has been noticed that students who live alone tend to suffer from loneliness or in some cases, even depression.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Model Essay 

So, let’s move ahead to discuss one such advantage disadvantage essay in order to know how to present an answer while in the examination hall.

The question for today is: With more and more people moving out of their own country to study abroad, it has been a trend these days. What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of the same? Share your opinions with us.

Also Read: Want Band 9? Check These Previous IELTS Writing Task 2 Exam Questions and Answers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad – IELTS Model Essay

With changing times, more and more students wish to move out of their native country to a completely new place where they can study among a bunch of students who are new to them. And this has certainly given a rise to the number of students moving abroad to study among them. While the idea of going out seems fun, is it actually true in real scenarios?

Elaborate – IELTS Model Essay Answer

There are many benefits of studying abroad but according to me, I believe the number of demerits of studying abroad is more than its advantages. Starting with knowing about its benefits, it feels great to study abroad. When one starts studying abroad, they become more independent as a person. This is because everything, right from all the household chores to outdoor things needs to be done on one’s own and this helps an individual to become a better version of himself/herself. They learn to be better and dependent on themselves. Living abroad allows an individual to learn different foreign languages in order to converse with their peers and fellow classmates. This further helps them to broaden their horizon, that by learning new languages and living for a period of 2-3 years in a foreign country, they tend to learn new cultures and how things are done differently in their country. They learn about their customs, traditions, and values.

Talk about the Disadvantages

But despite having so many advantages, the number of disadvantages succeed them. Though it is true that students get to learn new languages while living in a foreign country, with that comes the possibility of isolation and loneliness. There are many students who face difficulty while speaking in languages other than their native ones and while learning these languages, there are times when they are not able to converse fluently and swiftly as other students. And this leads to the different language barriers that arise among them. Thus, these children tend to spend most of their time alone without anyone’s company which can further lead to failure in examination and also depression.

Move towards Conclusion of the IELTS Essay Model Answer

Another demerit of studying abroad is that one has to do all of their work on their own which can be quite tiring at times and can lead to fatigue. This can also affect the students psychologically and they can suffer from various mental illnesses. Further, living abroad for a long time alone without being with anyone from your family or loved one can lead to homesickness and even lead to depression among many students. Along with this, studying abroad can be extremely expensive as compared to the cost one bears when he/she decided to study in their native country.

In conclusion, I believe it’s always better to study in one’s own country while being in the company of your loved ones and it should be encouraged more than moving out to study.

Hopefully, you must have found this article useful and if you have any doubts regarding the same, feel free to comment down below and let us know about the same.

For more such information, check out our amazing blogs on our site.

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Sakshi bachani.

Sakshi Bachani is a freelance Content Writer and Teacher. She has completed her Bachelor's degree from Delhi University.. She has been a freelance teacher for the past five years and has worked towards helping young kids achieve their dreams. She had also worked as an Intern teacher with an NGO. Apart from writing and teaching, she really enjoys music, animals, and plants. She even has her own little garden which she loves very dearly and can be sometimes seen buying more plants for herself.

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14 Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad in College (from a Study Abroad Expert)

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One of the biggest decisions college students have to make is whether or not to study abroad.

Like any major life decision, there are both pros and cons of studying abroad. On one hand, studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to see the world and learn about new cultures.

On the other hand, studying abroad can be expensive. And, depending on your degree, it might be difficult to meet your requirements abroad.

I was lucky enough to study abroad four times while completing my undergraduate degree. You could say that I’m kind of an expert when it comes to studying abroad.

I studied intercultural communication in Dublin , explored Cuba’s healthcare system in Havana, assisted a non-profit organization with water sample testing in Ecuador , and learned about the pros and cons of China’s education system.

All four programs were very different, and each one provided me with valuable educational and professional experience. They also sparked my love for travel !

There were definitely advantages and disadvantages to studying abroad that I considered when planning my programs (and experienced while being overseas), but for me, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages.

To help you decide if studying abroad is right for you, I’ve put together this list of pros and cons of studying abroad.

These are all based on my personal experiences that I had during my four study abroad programs, and hopefully, they will help give you a realistic look at all of the studying abroad pros and cons!

Table of Contents

Pros of Studying Abroad

There are SO many advantages to studying abroad. Study abroad isn’t only beneficial during your time in college. It can pave the way for countless experiences throughout your life.

Here are some of the biggest pros of studying abroad!

1. You’ll be able to get out of your comfort zone.

The first time I left the United States was when I studied abroad for the first time in Dublin, Ireland .

I had only been on a plane three times before that trip, and while traveling internationally was always a dream of mine, it was never a possibility for me until I was able to study abroad.

Even though Ireland isn’t too different from the United States, traveling somewhere out of the country was definitely out of my comfort zone.

I was a first-generation college student who spent my entire pre-college life in a tiny town. None of my family (and few of my friends) had ever even considered traveling abroad, so I didn’t really know what to expect when I applied for the study abroad program.

Seven years later, I am SO glad I decided to fill out that application. That first big step of getting out of my comfort zone has opened me up to so many exciting opportunities throughout the years, from traveling independently to trying new foods.

Studying abroad is the perfect stepping stone to getting out of your comfort zone – in a big way. Once you make that big step, you’ll be prepped to take on so many wonderful opportunities in the future.

2. You’ll have the opportunity to travel and see new places.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of seeing the world.

Before studying abroad, I was able to explore quite a bit of my home country, but I always longed for more.

After spending two weeks in Ireland, seeing everything from the Book of Kells to the Cliffs of Moher, I was hooked. Since, I’ve had a craving for seeing the monuments, landmarks, historic artifacts, and natural beauties that I once dreamed of.

Thanks to studying abroad, I’ve been able to explore the Old Town of Havana, Cuba, haggle at markets in Ecuador, explore the charming city of Dublin, climb the Great Wall of China, and so much more.

I’m so grateful that studying abroad afforded me these opportunities. Also, thanks to getting out of my comfort zone, I’ve explored even more places independently, like London, Paris, and Tokyo.

If you spend a longer amount of time abroad, like a full semester, you’ll have even more time for traveling and exploring! Many of my friends who spent semesters abroad traveled to a new place every weekend.

There are also programs like Semester at Sea that visit around a dozen countries over the semester, allowing you to experience a host of different places and cultures.

3. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language.

If language learning is of any interest to you, studying abroad is one of the best ways to brush up on your skills.

Most universities offer study abroad programs for different foreign languages. Some immersive programs are tailored for advanced speakers who have a good grasp of the language already, while others are great for beginners. So, no worries if you aren’t already fluent in another language!

None of my programs were language-focused, but I was able to expand on my novice Spanish skills in Cuba and Ecuador and pick up a bit of Mandarin in China.

Even if you don’t take language classes while abroad, you can definitely start the language learning process during your program.

4. You’ll be able to experience different cultures first-hand.

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie taking place in a different country and thought, “Wow, I’d love to experience this culture for myself!”

By studying abroad, you can!

If a certain country’s culture is appealing to you, why not consider studying abroad there? There is no better way to immerse yourself in a culture than by actually being there.

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in local holidays or ceremonies, experience local traditions, try new foods, meet locals, and learn more about what life is like in that country.

5. Studying abroad allows you to gain unique experience in your field of study.

For most of my study abroad programs, I chose them because they covered unique topics within my field of study.

As a public health major, I was able to learn more about one of the most unique healthcare systems in the world in Cuba and gain practical experience working with a public health-related non-profit in Ecuador.

Though not specifically public health-related, learning about Intercultural Communication in Ireland was helpful in many ways, from collaborating with colleagues from different countries and cultures than my own to understanding different methods for communicating between cultures.

Completing an internship abroad is another option, as is student teaching abroad. I even have friends in professional schools (Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, and Medical schools) who completed some of their required rotations abroad!

Most American universities have dedicated Study Abroad or International Education offices, with advisors who can help find a program that is specifically tailored towards your career interests. If you want to find a study abroad program that is in line with your future career goals, set up a meeting with your school’s office to explore possible programs.

6. Studying abroad is a great resume booster.

Similar to my last point, studying abroad is a great way to boost your resume and potential job prospects.

Every time I applied for a study abroad program or attended an informational session, there was one statement that was echoed: employers love when employees have studied abroad!

Study abroad experience shows that you are able to quickly adapt to new environments and situations, which is a highly sought-after quality in the professional world. Knowing a second language is another impressive skill that can be elevated when studying abroad.

Plus, gaining unique professional experience while abroad (like working on water testing or interning at an international marketing firm) is a huge resume booster that will set you apart from other applicants!

Studying abroad is also a great way to connect with professors and mentors. All of my study abroad programs were taught by professors from my university.

I was able to make deeper connections than I would have in a traditional classroom, and those professors served as wonderful mentors for graduate school. They even wrote letters of recommendation when I applied for my Master’s program!

7. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world!

Making new friends is a huge pro of studying abroad. Thanks to my study abroad experiences, I’ve made a few lifelong friends from all over the world.

Many study abroad programs involve being essentially an exchange student at a foreign university, meaning that you’ll be taking classes alongside local students. This is a great way to meet new people, as there’s a decent chance that you won’t know anyone else there!

All of my programs were official university-sponsored programs, meaning that I went abroad with fellow students and faculty from my school. For most of the programs, I didn’t know any of the other students going, but I came home with a great group of friends.

I was also still able to meet locals – one of the girls I went abroad with is now married to a guy she met in Dublin!

There are so many opportunities to make connections and meet new people while studying abroad, whether those people are locals in the destination you’re studying or fellow students from your home school.

8. You’ll never run out of stories to tell your friends and family.

I am a self-admitted annoying study abroad girl.

I love sharing my stories from studying abroad with my friends, family, co-workers, and really anyone who will listen. That’s why I started this blog!

Studying abroad will give you SO MANY amazing stories to tell, from crazy travel mishaps to incredible experiences. I love telling people about my experience of nearly getting robbed in Ecuador just as much as I love telling them about how people were running a marathon on the Great Wall of China on the day of my visit (seriously, how much crazy does it take to run a marathon on the steep-AF Great Wall of China?!)

If you study abroad, you’ll come home with enough stories from your experience to write a memoir.

Cons of Studying Abroad

With any major decision in life, there will always be some disadvantages. Study abroad included – while the vast majority of experiences surrounding your study abroad journey will likely be positive, there are some downsides, too.

Here are a few of the cons of studying abroad.

1. Studying abroad can be expensive.

Not going to lie, there is definitely a financial burden that can come with studying abroad.

Typically, the fees for your study abroad program will vary depending on the length and type of the program.

Overall, semester-long programs tend to be more costly than short-term programs when you take into account all of the expenses associated with the program: tuition, required program fees, airfare, daily expenses, visas, etc.

However, many universities have agreements with partner schools that keep the tuition fees at the university abroad the same as what you’d be paying for tuition at your home school. With programs like these, your expenses for studying abroad might not be significantly more than staying home!

Sometimes, tuition at schools abroad is even less than at your home school. I could’ve spent an entire semester in Quito, Ecuador for half of what I paid in the USA.

In most cases, you can also apply any scholarships or financial aid that you receive to your study abroad program.

Short-term programs, while cheaper than semester-long ones, can often have a higher financial burden than semester-long programs.

My Dublin study abroad program was for two weeks over the summer, and I paid over $7000 after scholarships. I could have studied for a semester for cheaper because I would have been able to apply my regular scholarships and financial aid towards the tuition for the semester.

I don’t regret doing that program, but I do wish that I had done more research into financial aid and scholarships. There were fewer options available since it was a short-term program, but I likely could have knocked a few thousand dollars off the cost had I applied for more scholarships.

Speaking of scholarships, there are often study abroad scholarships offered by universities to specifically assist with study abroad costs. Check with your university’s study abroad office for more details!

Also, once you’re abroad, simply being a student can save you money on things like museum admission fees, restaurants, and more! Make sure to bring along your student ID and apply for an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) before you leave home!

2. Depending on your degree, it may be hard to fulfill degree requirements while studying abroad.

Some degrees, especially those in STEM, have a strict schedule of classes that must be taken at certain times in order to graduate on time.

Because of this, many students may feel that studying abroad isn’t an option for them, since it could make it harder to meet requirements in order to graduate on time.

If this sounds like the case for you, I highly recommend meeting with a study abroad advisor at your university as well as your academic advisor to go over possible study abroad options.

While a semester-long program might not work for you, summer or winter programs could be perfect! My university even had specific summer programs designed for majors with a strict course load, like Engineering and Nursing.

Another option is to look into taking your core classes abroad. Studying abroad early in your college career can allow you to knock these required classes out, and it is typically easy to find equivalents for those core classes.

Need an art class? What’s better than taking an art class in Florence, Italy ? Required to take an English class? Why not take English lit in London?

3. Adjusting to a new culture while taking classes can be difficult.

Culture shock is a real thing, and having to take classes while experiencing culture shock can be difficult.

It can manifest in many different ways, such as feeling overwhelmed, homesickness, or even depression.

It’s totally normal to feel culture shock when experiencing a culture that’s different from your own. When I first landed in Havana, Cuba, I was immediately overwhelmed. The sights, smells, and foods were so different than anything I had ever experienced before – and I was ready to go home soon after I arrived.

Things changed though. I slowly became acclimated and soon, the excitement of experiencing the unknown was way higher than the shock of experiencing such a different place. By the end of my time there, I didn’t want to leave!

If culture shock hits you while studying abroad, don’t stress. Here are a few ways to overcome culture shock:

• Give yourself time to adjust. It takes time to get used to a new culture, so don’t expect to feel comfortable right away. If you need to spend some time doing activities that are comfortable to you, like watching Netflix in bed, do it. But don’t do it for too long, because there is an amazing destination out there that’s ready to be explored.
• Learn about the culture before you go. This is especially important if you’re traveling somewhere that’s significantly different culturally from your home. Research some of the local customs so that you know what to expect when you arrive.
• Be open-minded. Don’t expect everything to be the same as it is at home. Be open to new experiences and you’ll find that studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow!

4. Language barriers can be tricky.

Planning on studying abroad in a country that speaks a language you don’t know?

Language barriers can be tricky when studying abroad. They can make everything harder, from big things like understanding what you’re learning in class to small things like ordering at a coffee shop.

The best way you can prepare for language barriers is to do a bit of language learning before leaving home. You don’t have to be fluent (or anywhere close), but learning a few key phrases can make a world of a difference.

For starters, learning basic greetings (like hello and goodbye), how to ask “Do you speak English?”, how to order at a restaurant, and how to ask where the bathroom is makes for a good start.

I also recommend learning food words, like words for different meats and vegetables. Being able to know what you’re ordering when looking at a foreign menu makes a huge difference! It’s also really helpful if you have any food allergies so that you can alert the waitstaff before ordering.

5. Homesickness happens.

People love to say that it won’t happen to them. Me included – I swore up and down that I wouldn’t get homesick while studying abroad. They were all short term programs. Surely I could handle being away for a couple of weeks, right?

Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

Homesickness can manifest in a lot of ways. Sometimes you might miss people, like your family, friends, or your dog. Other times, you might miss comforts from home, like your bed. And sometimes, you miss random things like your favorite Mexican restaurant.

If you find yourself feeling homesick, make a list of things that make you feel at home. This could be things like your favorite foods, movies, or activities. Try to find local equivalents so you can still enjoy these things while you’re away.

When I was missing Mexican food in Ecuador, I went to a Mexican restaurant in Quito. It wasn’t as good as my favorite spot back home, but eating some of the similar flavors was comforting.

And if you find yourself missing your family or your bestie, carve out some time to Facetime them and show them what you’re up to. Trust me, your mom would LOVE it if you Facetimed her with a view of the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben!

6. If you study abroad, you might feel like you’re missing out on traditional college experiences.

When I asked some of my friends why they didn’t study abroad, there was an answer that was common among all of them.

They were afraid that they’d miss out on common US college experiences like going to football and basketball games or attending frat parties.

Sure, if you’re spending a full semester abroad, you might miss out on some of these things for a semester.

But, if you just spend one semester abroad, you’ll still have around 7 more to get all of those traditional college experiences in!

Plus, what sounds more fun – attending a frat party back home or bar hopping in Europe? I think you know the answer!

Overall Study Abroad Pros and Cons

As you can see, there are both pros and cons to studying abroad. However, even for the disadvantages, there are work-arounds and ways to manage.

Studying abroad was the best thing I could have ever done, and I’m a firm believer that any college student who has the ability should do it.

Thanks to studying abroad, I’ve become a much more confident and culturally competent student, traveler, and now, a working professional.

Making the decision to study abroad is a big one, but it can pay off big time in the future.

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to study abroad and expand your horizons as a college student!

Want to read more about studying abroad? Check out these posts:

• Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
• The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Croatia

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After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

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The pros and cons of living abroad

Posted: March 26, 2024 | Last updated: March 29, 2024

Living abroad is very romanticized, but it can be a really tough task to settle into a new place, find friends, learn a language, start a new job , as well as everything else. On the other hand, it can be one of the most rewarding things that a person can do, without a doubt. People discover new friendships, meet the love of their life, find their passion, and much more. It begs the question: is it better to stay or go?

It's obviously impossible to answer because it's personal to every person. One individual may have everything they need where they were born, and more power to them. Others may not be as lucky. However, there are certainly some pros and cons to living abroad that people can agree on. To discover them, click through this gallery.

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Pro: Discovering new cultures

We will inevitably encounter the culture of the place we move to when we live there, whether it be how people speak, eat, or any other custom.

Con: It can be a shock

It's a double edge sword when it comes to discovering a new culture. The reality is that sometimes you really might not like aspects of it.

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Pro: Making new friends

This one will come easier for some people than others. If you're lucky enough to meet some great friends abroad, they may be friends for life.

Con: It's expensive

Chances are you're moving somewhere that's a bigger city and more expensive. There's also switching insurance, travel costs, finding a place to live, and much more.

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Pro: Improving your quality of life

You may be moving for the weather, for better work opportunities, or even for the safety of your family, for example.

Con: You may not exactly fit in

At times it's going to be hard to fit in where you move, no matter who you are.

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Pro: Learning and growing as a person

There's nothing as mentally challenging as not knowing a language and trying to slip into the social fabric of a new community. But it will help you grow.

Con: Homesickness

This is inevitable. Virtually nobody moves abroad and doesn't experience this at some point. The good news, though, is that it fades.

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Pro: You can study abroad

If you've ever wanted to study a subject abroad to get another perspective on it, there would be no better time to do it than when you're there.

Con: You'll have to say goodbye

Saying goodbye to most of the things (including friendships) that you've built in your life can be heartbreaking. But most of it will be there when you return.

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Pro: Learning a language

Depending on where you're going, this may not be an option. It may also mean discovering some new slang or way of speaking your native language, which is fun too!

Con: You'll struggle to communicate

Maybe you're fluent in that language , but you still might not be fluent in the ways of the people you will encounter.

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Pro: It might pay the bills

Moving abroad means that you are not only improving your skill set by working and learning with new people, but you also may discover some seriously good opportunities.

Con: You may get lost in every sense

With modern Google Maps, it can be pretty hard to physically get lost. Sometimes, however, this will still happen. And maybe you'll feel lost in a spiritual sense too.

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Pro: Gaining perspective

You will learn to let go of certain things and your problems at home when you realize how big the world is.

Con: Stress and anxiety

You will probably feel more intense feelings of stress and anxiety when you arrive in a new city to set up an entirely new life.

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Pro: Discovering new interests and hobbies

Maybe the reason you're not extremely passionate about something is simply that your true passion wasn't available to you where you were living before.

Con: You can get stuck abroad

Maybe there's nobody left to return home to. Maybe you run out of money. Maybe you get stuck abroad for legal reasons.

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Pro: You can have a fresh start

Everybody deserves a fresh start now and again, and moving to another place makes it easier because no one knows you. You can reinvent yourself.

Con: You will genuinely miss things back home

This is true. If you're on the other side of the world, you are bound to miss a birthday or two.

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Pro: Trying new food

Food is life! There's nothing better than discovering a new favorite dish.

Con: It might not be as good as you expect

You might actually meet people, start a job, find a place to live, but still feel like things aren't that much better than they were at home.

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Pro: Discovering yourself

Struggles help us learn about ourselves. For instance, do we lose our temper or give up too easily?

Con: It can make it difficult to find a steady partner

When you move abroad and meet someone, how do you know you'll stay there? Will your partner move countries if you do? How long does the relationship last?

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Pro: Learning to adapt

Adaptation is pretty much everything in life. It's essential for socialization and our careers, and moving abroad makes us better at it by throwing us in the deep end.

Con: The bureaucracy

This is true for all countries, and some countries more than others. Some seem impossible to navigate upon entry.

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Pro: Fun and enjoyment

Overall, moving abroad, for people who aren't doing it out of complete necessity, is fun and enjoyable.

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See also: The pros and cons of moving to the countryside

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Pros and cons of using scheduling software, sponsored post.

• April 17, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses across various industries are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations and increase efficiency. One such tool that has gained popularity in recent years is scheduling software. From small businesses to large corporations, scheduling software offers a range of benefits that can help optimize workflows and improve productivity. However, like any tool, scheduling software also comes with its own set of drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using scheduling software to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Fields and Jobs Where Scheduling Software Can Be Used

1. Retail

Store Managers: Create and manage employee schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.

Visual Merchandisers: Coordinate product displays and promotions based on staffing availability.

Inventory Managers: Schedule staff for inventory counts and restocking tasks to optimize store operations.

2. Healthcare

Hospital Administrators: Manage shift rotations for nurses, doctors, and support staff to maintain 24/7 coverage.

Clinic Managers: Schedule patient appointments and allocate resources efficiently to minimize wait times.

Home Healthcare Providers: Coordinate caregiver schedules for in-home patient care services.

3. Hospitality

Hotel Managers: Schedule housekeeping staff, front desk personnel, and maintenance workers to ensure smooth hotel operations.

Restaurant Owners: Plan employee shifts based on reservation bookings and anticipated dining traffic.

Event Planners: Coordinate staffing schedules for caterers, servers, and event setup crews for weddings, conferences, and other events. 

If you’re dreaming about a job in the hospitality industry, check  visa sponsorship hospitality  vacancies and open the world of opportunities.

4. Education

School Administrators: Create class schedules and assign teachers to courses based on availability and qualifications.

College Advisors: Schedule student appointments for academic advising and course registration assistance.

Tutors and Instructors: Coordinate tutoring sessions and teaching schedules for various subjects and age groups.

5. Transportation and Logistics

Fleet Managers: Schedule driver shifts and vehicle maintenance tasks to ensure timely delivery and logistics operations.

Warehouse Supervisors: Plan staffing schedules for receiving, picking, and shipping tasks to optimize warehouse efficiency. Check  warehouse Abroad  vacancies to explore opportunities for career development.

Dispatchers: Coordinate schedules for drivers and routes for efficient transportation services.

6. Customer Service

Call Center Managers: Schedule customer service representatives to cover peak call volumes and ensure timely response to customer inquiries.

Support Teams: Coordinate schedules for online chat support, email responses, and social media interactions to provide round-the-clock customer assistance.

Field Service Technicians: Plan service appointments and dispatch technicians to customer locations for repairs and installations.

By utilizing scheduling software tailored to the specific needs of each industry and job role, businesses can effectively manage their workforce and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction.

1. Enhanced Efficiency

Scheduling software automates the process of creating and managing schedules, saving time and reducing the likelihood of errors. With features such as automatic scheduling and real-time updates, businesses can ensure that shifts are adequately staffed and tasks are completed on time.

2. Improved Communication

With scheduling software, managers can easily communicate changes in schedules to employees, reducing confusion and minimizing the risk of scheduling conflicts. Additionally, many scheduling tools offer built-in messaging features, allowing team members to communicate seamlessly within the platform.

3. Greater Flexibility

Scheduling software allows employees to access their schedules from anywhere with an internet connection, providing greater flexibility for remote work or on-the-go scheduling adjustments. This flexibility can lead to increased employee satisfaction and better work-life balance.

4. Data Analysis

Many scheduling software solutions offer analytics tools that allow businesses to track key metrics such as labor costs, employee availability, and overtime hours. By analyzing this data, businesses can identify trends and make informed decisions to optimize scheduling and resource allocation.

5. Integration with Other Tools

Scheduling software often integrates with other business tools such as payroll systems, time tracking software, and HR management platforms. This seamless integration streamlines workflows and reduces the need for manual data entry, saving time and reducing errors.

1. Initial Learning Curve

Implementing new scheduling software requires time and resources for training employees on how to use the platform effectively. Additionally, some employees may be resistant to change, leading to initial productivity dips as they adjust to the new system.

While scheduling software can ultimately save businesses time and money in the long run, there is typically an initial investment required to purchase and implement the software. Depending on the size and needs of your business, this cost may be prohibitive for some.

3. Technical Issues

Like any software, scheduling tools are not immune to technical glitches and downtime. A malfunctioning scheduling system can disrupt operations and lead to missed shifts or scheduling errors, potentially impacting employee morale and customer satisfaction.

4. Limited Customization

While most scheduling software offers a range of features and customization options, some businesses may find that their specific scheduling needs cannot be fully met by off-the-shelf solutions. Customization options may be limited, requiring businesses to adapt their processes to fit the constraints of the software.

5. Dependency on Technology

Relying heavily on scheduling software means that businesses are vulnerable to disruptions such as internet outages or software updates. Without a backup plan in place, these disruptions can bring operations to a standstill and have a significant impact on productivity.

In conclusion, scheduling software offers a range of benefits for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. From enhanced communication to data analysis capabilities, the advantages of using scheduling software are clear. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as the initial learning curve and technical issues. By carefully considering your business’s unique needs and priorities, you can determine whether scheduling software is the right solution for you.

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Israel’s Choices on Response to Iran’s Attack All Come With Risks

Its options range from striking Iran openly and forcefully to doing nothing at all. One factor to weigh is that the huge aerial attack did little damage.

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By Isabel Kershner

Reporting from Jerusalem

• April 15, 2024

As Israel’s leaders continued on Monday to mull a possible response to the massive Iranian aerial attack over the weekend, they faced several choices, all of which carry their own risks.

In the past, Israel has hit back hard when its enemies attacked, hoping to discourage further hostilities. A cross-border raid in 2006 by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group, kicked off a devastating monthlong war, and rocket barrages fired by armed groups out of Gaza have escalated into days of heavy fighting and destruction.

But this time Israel is juggling a host of conflicting interests, as well as some new factors.

If it does respond to the unprecedented Iranian attack — itself carried out in retaliation for a strike on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria that killed top commanders in Iran’s armed forces — Israel must weigh whether to do so in proportion to the actual results of the Iranian assault, which was largely blocked by air defenses and caused little damage, or to consider what could have happened if more than 300 drones and missiles had actually hit Israel.

Hard-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government are pushing for an immediate and forceful response, saying that the lack of one will further weaken Israel in its enemies’ eyes. Some Israelis see an opportunity to use military strikes to fulfill the longstanding Israeli goal of degrading Iran’s nuclear program.

But other Israelis are urging restraint or so-called “strategic patience,” wary, among other things, of taking the nation’s focus away from its war with Hamas in Gaza, the efforts to release its scores of hostages there and its skirmishes with Hezbollah along its northern border, as well as the risk of setting off a broader regional conflict without international support.

Analysts say the success of Israel and its allies, led by the United States, in blocking most of the Iranian attack has given Israel the leeway to choose how and when to respond, if at all.

“Israel has the apparent legitimacy to attack Iran,” said Yaakov Amidror, a former major general and national security adviser in Israel who is now at the conservative-leaning Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.

“The other option is to say, we achieved what we wanted by eliminating the Al Quds Force commanders in Damascus, the Iranian attack failed, so let’s do what we need to do,” he said — which means finishing the campaign against Hamas in Gaza and investing in preparations to take on Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“Both are good options,” he said. “Each has pros and cons. It’s a matter of preference.”

Foreign leaders, chief among them President Biden, Israel’s most important supporter, have been pressing for restraint. Mr. Netanyahu has not publicly threatened Iran since the attack ended on Sunday morning. Other Israeli military and political leaders say they want to preserve and strengthen, not jeopardize, the alliance of Western and moderate Arab countries that, for the first time, came together to repel the Iranian attack and defend Israel.

The Iranian attack has given Israel a burst of international support after months of censure and opprobrium over the scope of the killing and hunger in Gaza, and some officials say that means Israel should act against Iran only in coordination with its allies.

“Israel versus Iran, the world versus Iran,” Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, said on Sunday, laying out the choices. “The strategic alliance and the regional cooperation system between us has been seriously put to the test, and now is the time for us to strengthen it. We’ll build a regional coalition against the Iranian threat and exact the price from Iran in the manner and at the time right for us.”

Israel’s options range from openly striking Iran, symbolically or with full force, to not retaliating at all, a concession that experts say Israel could leverage to encourage further international sanctioning of Iran or the formalization of the anti-Iranian alliance.

There is a precedent for doing nothing: During the Gulf War of 1991, as Iraq lobbed Scud missiles at Israeli cities, Yitzhak Shamir, then Israel’s hawkish prime minister, exercised restraint at the urging of the Bush administration to preserve the American-led coalition with friendly Arab states.

Israel could also orchestrate some kind of bloodless cyberattack or revert to the ways of its yearslong shadow war with Iran, relying on spy craft and covert actions against Iranian interests, inside or outside Iran, without claiming responsibility for them.

Isabel Kershner , a Times correspondent in Jerusalem, has been reporting on Israeli and Palestinian affairs since 1990. More about Isabel Kershner