Moving abroad is challenging yet rewarding. It’s an opportunity to dive headfirst into a new country, culture and friendship circle and develop in ways you would never have expected.
Here’s how moving abroad will challenge your thinking.
YOUR NEW FRIENDS WILL EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS
A new country, new culture and maybe even a new language. Jumping into the deep end and surrounding yourself with people you would never normally meet can expand your worldview and challenge assumptions you never knew you had.
Making new friends in an unfamiliar place might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining local groups and classes or attending networking events will help you meet like-minded people and extend your friendship circle beyond your co-workers and regulars at the local bar.
Be friendly and open to meeting new people and you’ll be surprised how keen people are to show you around.
YOU’LL GET BETTER AT MANAGING MONEY
At home, it can be easy for the people around you to influence how you spend your money. When you move abroad, you’re forced to stay on top of your finances while adjusting to new living costs and wages.
Being able to keep track of your budget at all times makes the lifestyle transition even easier. If you’re prone to overspending, get a Skrill prepaid card and keep track of your purchases on the mobile app.
Of course, if you do find yourself in difficulties, receiving money from abroad has never been cheaper, safer, or easier. And once you’ve got yourself sorted, it’s just as simple to send money back home.
YOU’LL RE-EVALUATE WHAT POSSESSIONS YOU REALLY NEED
With all the other things you have to consider when moving abroad, having too much stuff to transport shouldn’t be one of them. Packing less makes the move smoother and gives you the chance to evaluate what’s really important to you.
YOU’ll PICK UP NEW SKILLS AND INTERESTS
New cultures are packed with new things to explore, so be ready for an adventure. Fumble your way through the local language, discover new music, master the local cuisine or get thrashed at the national sport - every foray into the unknown is a chance to learn something new (or at least have a good story to tell about it later).
WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU’LL BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN
Moving abroad exercises another skill: curiosity. In an unknown place it’s easier to shed your inhibitions and break out of your routine.
Living long term in another country can be an experience that changes you for a lifetime. From new friends to a fresh outlook, it can challenge your thinking for the better.
Check out our moving abroad checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your next adventure.