I am originally from India, from the state of Delhi. I always felt drawn to Nepal, with its stunning Himalayan landscapes, vibrant cultural traditions, and friendly people. During my college days in 2022, I got an opportunity to move to Nepal to explore the country and learn more about its culture. While I was there for just 2 months on my stay, I found myself enjoying the local culture and making some friends along the way. I learnt how to speak Nepali and developed a deep appreciation for Nepali cuisine, music, and dance. I also had the opportunity to travel around the country, visiting places like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Obviously, there were certain challenges for me like navigating the sometimes chaotic traffic in Kathmandu and adjusting to the slower pace of life in rural areas. However, I found that the warmth and generosity of the Nepali people was sufficient for me to navigate any obstacles that came up.
Five years ago, I moved to the Netherlands for a man who I'd just met six months prior in Guatemala. We were both traveling solo through Central and South America, but the trip got cut short when his dad received a very severe health diagnosis. We rushed to return to his home country of the Netherlands to be by his side, and while my visa was being processed, his dad made a miraculous recovery. We had already started settling into life together in his home country, and we were disappointed to postpone our further travel plans, but it was the right decision for the time. Little did we know that the pandemic would hit and the timing would be a blessing in disguise. After five years here, I've now integrated and received dual citizenship. The experience was extremely challenging in ways that I never expected, but I'm a better person for having to adapt so much. Living abroad is an experience that I'd recommend to everyone, but be prepared for it to be the hardest experience of your life.
I lived in Thailand for two years, Germany for 12 years and now Bulgaria for over one year and counting. I've enjoyed learning about the culture of each place I've lived in, tasting the local cuisine and meeting and learning from the locals. There are also things I don't like about each place too, of course. The hardest part is once you've settled in and the high of moving to a new place wears off, is making meaningful connections which takes time. I've found the best way to do this is to sign up for groups around your interests. I.e. if you like to be outdoors, sign up for a hiking group. That way, you'll meet people who you share something in common with and who you'll see on a regular basis, which makes it more likely to create a faster connection.
I lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for two years, and it was an amazing experience. Chiang Mai is a beautiful city with a rich culture, friendly people, and delicious food. I loved exploring the city's many temples and museums, and the night markets were always a fun place to hang out. Living in Chiang Mai was relatively affordable, which made it a great place for me to live as a digital nomad. I met people from all over the world, and the expat community was welcoming and supportive.
Living abroad is never easy, but it is something I recommend to everyone. Doing so can be daunting, as you have to adapt to a new environment, learn a new language and immerse yourself in a different culture, but if you do it you will feel happy to do it. My first experience living abroad was when I did an internship in the Czech Republic. My following experience was when I moved from Argentina to the US to do my Masters. It was a great experience. Not only did I improve my English language skills, but I was also able to learn about different ways of doing business and a new culture. It also helped me to build up a strong network, which I have been able to use in my work since then.
I am originally from the UK but spent 7 years living in Australia and it was a great experience. One of the biggest differences was the weather and outdoor lifestyle - it was a real bonus to be able to spend so much time outside and enjoy the sunshine. It's important to note that Australia can be quite expensive, especially if you aren't working. That being said, even lower-paid jobs can provide you with a good salary to live comfortably. Overall, I would highly recommend considering a move to Australia if you're looking for a new adventure and a different way of life. It may have its challenges, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
Owner at Epic Book Society
Answered 3 years ago
I moved to Hong Kong in 2018 to work as an English Teacher. At first, it was exciting. I was making new friends, learning about a new culture, and meeting new people (both expats and locals). After a year or so, I started to realize what I had sacrificed. Once you move abroad, you suddenly find yourself no longer fitting in anywhere - too cultured to move back home, but always an outsider in the country you're in. I started to miss home, but when I go back to England to visit, I realize all the reasons why I left in the first place. I found my relationships with my family improved. When I was close to home, my parents always wanted to have a say in my life; my job, my home, my relationships - but when I moved abroad, they could no longer have their input and it improved our relationships. You also learn who your true friends are, as the ones who keep in touch even after four years, are the friends you'll have for a lifetime.