There’re many reasons to relocate abroad — for work, study, love, retirement, a fresh start,

or a better quality of life. No matter what your reason is, living abroad is worth it; if not for
the numerous benefits –– like making life-long international friends and having better career
prospects –– then at least for unearthing what you don’t like and what you’re capable of
doing on your own.
Whether you’ve already decided to settle in another country or you’re on the fence, this list
will open your eyes to some great reasons why thousands of people are choosing to live
overseas each year.
1. Stepping out of your comfort zone
Moving abroad is not just about stepping out of your comfort zone –– it’s more like jumping.
This is especially true when you’re leaving a small, quiet city to find yourself in a bustling
metropolis. Discovering houses for rent in another country , takes you out of your comfort
zone and teaches you plenty of valuable lessons.
Not only will you find yourself in a new city, where you may or may not speak the language
but you’ll also have to find housing abroad, plan your finances, make new friends, embrace a
new culture, and much more. But don’t see this as an anxious experience.
Most people who move abroad say that they needed this boost to understand their true
potential
2. Becoming self-reliant and resourceful
When you live abroad, there’s a lot you need to do yourself. You’ll have to face new
challenges, ,deal with homesickness, manage budgets, etc. There’s no doubt you’ll have
hundreds of questions. How do I pay taxes here? Or even simple things like how do I take a
bus ?
Even though you might not have all the answers at first, you’ll be surprised at your resilience
and resourcefulness. Doing things yourself, things that you never thought you could do
yourself or manage alone –– let alone in a foreign environment –– will make you realise that
you got this! The new skills that you develop will make you feel strong and your self-
confidence will skyrocket. You’ll feel prepared for anything that comes your way.
3. Developing cultural awareness
Living abroad will heighten your awareness of the many fascinating cultures around you. If
you live in a small town, you’ll experience total cultural immersion; perfect for language
learners
Having a mix of local and international friends will also introduce you to new music, local
cuisines, foreign movies or shows, and so much more. You’ll even uncover some cultural
habits and find out just how interesting they are.
4. Making friends from all over the world
With so many people deciding to work or study abroad these days, there’re plenty of vibrant
expat communities for you to become part of or live close to. The best part is that these
people are in the same boat as you and connecting over shared experiences or interests is a
great way to make lifelong connections abroad.
So if you’re looking for an opportunity to make new foreign friends, why not spark a
conversation at work; join the many student organisations at university
Don’t be nervous . At some point or other, you may have to deal with homesickness or some
degree of a culture shock. But it’ll pass. As long as you’re open to jumping into
conversations, saying yes to those invites, and exploring the city with your new
acquaintances, you’re going to have a new group of friends before you know it!
6. Having more opportunities to travel
One of the best “side effects” of moving abroad is the newfound love for exploring new
places. And since most European cities are well connected by multiple modes of public
transport, you’ll be able to visit nearby cities or countries easily.
5. Learning how to effectively manage a budget
This might be the very first time that you’re living on your own. Or it’s the first time that
you’re dealing with a country that has a different currency or a significantly different cost of
living. Figuring out how much to budget or more importantly, how to stick within budget is a
life-saving skill. You don’t want to spend all your hard earned money within a week and
survive on cup noodles for the rest of the month.
That’s why it’s important to research the cost of living to make a realistic budget. And this
means knowing how much you’ll spend on rent, groceries, leisure, and more.
6. Learning a new language
Language learning is almost inevitable. Immersed in a different linguistic landscape, we find
ourselves picking up new words, expressions, and ways of communicating. It's a gateway to
deeper connections with the local community.
7. Improving both verbal and non-verbal communication
Different cultures have different ways of communicating. Some cultures are more expressive
with their emotions and hands, whereas other cultures prefer brevity and directness. When
you’re living abroad and are surrounded by a multicultural group of people, you’ll notice
how each person communicates, both verbally and non-verbally. Over time, you’ll become
sensitive to these differences and communicate with others in a way that is respectful and
inclusive. An asset in this multicultural world!
8. Better career prospects
The biggest reason people move overseas is because they’ve found a job abroad. Maybe you
want to leave overworking behind or the lack of paid leave and work in countries like The
Netherlands or Germany where these things are given more importance.
No matter what your reason is, a great benefit of moving abroad for work includes a better
job prospect. And maybe you don’t even have to move abroad. If you’re already studying
abroad, then finding a job or internship would be a great next step to better your career
prospects in the long run.
When you work or intern abroad, you’re able to show that you’re someone who is willing to
take risks, you’re adaptable, independent, quick to learn, and good at intercultural
communication; all skills that’re valuable in the eyes of an employee.
9. Expanding your professional connections
When you move abroad, it’s highly likely that you’re on your own and without a solid
network to rely on. When it comes to switching jobs or finding your first job, connections
can be crucial. Especially in countries like Italy or Spain where word of mouth and strength
of the professional relationship can often sway who gets the job (sometimes even before it is
publicly advertised).
So it’s very important to take some time and be a little brave when it comes to making new
professional connections. Attend networking events or if you’re more of an introvert, add
your colleagues and other thought leaders. Either way, stay in touch and develop that
relationship. You never know where your next job will come from!
10. Gaining a global mindset
It doesn’t matter if this is your first time living overseas or you’re a seasoned expat; moving
abroad to a new country will undoubtedly help in developing a global mindset.
Having a global mindset means gaining cultural awareness, becoming aware of your biases,
and becoming great at adapting to people from different cultural backgrounds. And while you
can read or watch videos to prepare yourself, there’s no better way to gain a global
perspective than to live abroad.
Having the adventure of working or studying abroad is a fantastic way to find yourself in
circumstances that you’d never encounter otherwise. It presents you with an opportunity to
“learn by doing”. Over time, you’re bound to develop a global mindset without even trying
hard.