Moving abroad: 11 things that only those who have left will understand

Many people think that moving abroad is sheer advantages and rare luck. Those who managed to find a job abroad are often envied, because it is good where we are not. However, with a change of place of residence, important aspects of our life change, and the problems not only do not go away, but sometimes even increase. Below are 11 things that anyone who has experienced a move abroad comes to.

1. We do not immediately become fluent in another language

Many people find that moving abroad improves language skills at reactive speed. But this is not the case. You will not be able to start a long conversation with the shop assistant the morning after arrival. Even if you've spent months learning a foreign language at home, you won't be able to communicate fluently with the locals right away, and that's okay. In addition, sometimes it is difficult for us to speak not because we do not know the language; often we are embarrassed to communicate because of the feeling of awkwardness caused by the fear that we will not be understood.

2. Moving abroad does not mean that we are the lucky ones or the chosen ones

Judging only by our photos on Instagram or VK, it may seemthat we are living an ideal life in an amazing country with excellent career prospects and an ever-shining sun. But this is not entirely true.In fact, steps like finding a job and getting a new job require more than just luck. Hard work, perseverance and tremendous dedication to our intentions are more important. Anyone can do what we have done. But people simply do not dare to take such a step.

3. We miss our friends and are losing our old connections

The friendship that appears abroad is not comparable to the connections that you cherished infor many years at home. Unfortunately, the price thatyou have to pay for your decision - this is the loss of some important connections and the inability to participate in many important events. Sometimes we also get lonely, we want to talk with a loved one.

4. We cannot instantly make friends with the locals

Making new friends with a different culture and language is not as easy as it seems. You can't just walk into a bar and immediately grab the attention of all the locals with a few words in their language with a distinct accent.It also happens that ignorance of the rules and customs of the country can scare the local residents. For example, if you start hugging everyone when you meet, and not kissing, as is customary in France. Or, if you are from Russia, most likely for many you will seem gloomy and gloomy due to the habit of not smiling for no reason.

5. We know that routine can be a big problem

A regular trip to the grocery store can be a disaster. Unfamiliar brands, things, and even the words written on the packaging are hard to guess. How do you eat this?With what? As a result, a regular trip to the store, which lasts at least 30 minutes, takes you all an hour and a half.

And what to do with the pharmacy, cafe, hairdresser? The things that had never been easier before have turned into problems with a capital letter.

6. We can get sick too, and it’s a hundred times worse than at home

To be sick is terrible, but when you are sick forborder, multiply this horror tenfold. To visit a doctor, you need to speak a foreign language fluently (unless, of course, you have dealt with all the troubles of insurance). If you have been prescribed bed rest, there is no one around to make you soup and give you medicine. We manage only on our own.

7. We learn to appreciate the simple things

If you ask us about life abroad, most likely we will not start telling you about expensive restaurants or incredible adventures. With the same admiration, we will tell you about an elderly woman who herself started a conversation with us, and we understood almost 90% of her words. Or how we were praised for our success in a foreign language, or how we were invited to dinner by a local family. Living abroad teaches us to appreciate these little things.

8. We do not enjoy our birthday

Abroad, such a special day for you ends after the last call from your relatives and after reading all the congratulations insocial networks. Then you spend your day as usual.You can, of course, plan a little party with your new friends, but that's nothing compared to what you had at home.

9. We are beginning to blur the line between the normal and the strange

Another country, another culture, other customs, and therefore, our own norms andconcepts of what is acceptable and what is not. In order to have no problems and make friends, we need to accept this. However, the positive thing about such changes is that you become much more tolerant of other people who are not like you.

10. Maybe we don't even plan to come back

Another question that is often confusing: "When do you plan to come back?" Do you really think that we spent so much effort and time on our life here to just pack our bags and return in a year? Unlikely. We may someday make the decision to go home, but now our life is here. Please support us, do not push us.

11. We will change over time

Life and work abroad is strongchange your personality. You become more mature, independent and open. You quickly accept new rules, cultural norms, and perhaps eventually, you even have a reverse culture shock when you return home. Now you have tons of amazing events, cool stories and an extensive network of personal connections with people from all over the world in your piggy bank.

Moving abroad is a unique opportunity. Of course, there may be difficulties along the way. But won't they pay off with unforgettable impressions and rewarding life experiences? Therefore, if you have the opportunity to study, work and live in another country, you should definitely give it a try. At the very least, you will get invaluable experiences and memories.

2022-01-14 07:15:27
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