Reflections on a Decade Abroad
I never planned to spend a decade hopping from one country to another. I was just supposed to move to New Zealand but it just turned into years of exploring, adapting, and sometimes wondering if I would ever settle down. From the excitement of new cultures to the challenges of constantly starting over, these years shaped me in ways I never expected.
A decade of living abroad teaches you more than just how to pack light (plus ou moins lol) or navigate airports like a pro. It teaches resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone. I learned that home isn’t always a place, but a feeling. That goodbyes never get easier, but the world is smaller than we think. That the thrill of discovering new places is addictive, but so is the longing for stability.
From cultural shocks to unexpected friendships, from chasing sunrises in one country to packing up for another, these years gave me lessons that will stay with me forever. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from my 10 years as a country-hopping expat.
Becoming More Open-Minded
One of the biggest shifts that comes with living overseas? You become way more open-minded.
Breaking out of your comfort zone and learning to appreciate different ways of life, of thinking, of seeing the world.
When you’re constantly exposed to different cultures, customs, and ways of thinking, you start seeing the world through a broader lens. Things that once felt “normal” or “the way things should be” start to feel relative. You realize that there’s no one right way to live, work, eat, socialize, or even celebrate.
You meet people with completely different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives—and instead of judging, you start listening. You adapt, you embrace, and you learn. Maybe you pick up habits from different cultures, maybe your definition of “home” shifts, or maybe you just start questioning things you never thought twice about before. Either way, you grow.
Living abroad doesn’t just teach you about the world—it teaches you about yourself. And once your mind expands like that, there’s no going back.
Home is a feeling
I’ve come to realize that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling, really. The warmth of shared moments, and the sense of belonging you create, no matter where you are in the world.
The more I moved, the more I understood that home is wherever you feel at ease. It’s in the little routines you build—a favorite sushi train place were the waitress knows your order (can’t blame me for finding a good spot…), a street that feels familiar even in a foreign land, a sunset that reminded me of another place I once loved or the friendships that become your anchor when everything else feels temporary.
Whenever I think about Bondi, I feel a sense of comfort, like slipping into a familiar routine. I remember the streets I used to walk every day, the little café where I’d visit my dear friend, always greeted with the most delicious hot chocolate, surrounded by the other regulars. The way the air felt in the mornings, our walks along the beach… Even though I don’t live there anymore, it still feels like a part of me—a place that once truly felt like home.
Leaving a place doesn’t mean leaving “home” behind, because home isn’t something you lose—it’s something you carry with you.
The People You Meet Along The Way
That’s one of the beautiful things about traveling and living abroad—the people you meet from all walks of life, people you might never have crossed paths with in your own country. Travelers, locals, expats, dreamers, wanderers—each with their own stories, perspectives, and experiences.
Each encounters teach you things no guidebook ever could. And this is truly one of the most unexpected joys of moving from place to place. People from different cultures, backgrounds, and mindsets, yet somehow, you connect easily, it just flows. It could be a local who welcomes you with open arms, a fellow traveler who shares wild stories and becomes your adventure buddy, or a stranger who helps you when you least expect it.
It shifts your perspective, challenges your way of thinking, and makes the world feel both bigger and smaller at the same time. It’s the deep conversations with strangers who quickly become friends, the unexpected kindness, the shared laughter despite language barriers. It’s in these small, unplanned moments that you truly connect with the world. These connections leave a lasting imprint, shaping not only your journey but also who you become. Some people you may never see again, yet their influence stays with you!
They all become part of your journey forever, even if you only knew them for a short time. They remind you of the power of human connection, and the beauty of stepping outside your own world. And sometimes, you realize that no matter where you go, there are always people willing to share a laugh, a meal, or a piece of their story with you.
The Lonely Side Of The Nomadic Life
Moving to a new country is exhilarating, you will meet a lot of people, and have a lot of fun; but there’s a side people don’t always talk about—loneliness. No matter how social or adventurous you are, there are moments when the excitement fades, and you realize you’re starting over… again. New faces, new streets, new routines—it’s thrilling, but it can also feel isolating.
The hardest part isn’t just leaving a place; it’s leaving people. You make deep connections, only to say goodbye and wonder when—or if—you’ll see them again. Time zones make keeping in touch tricky, and while social media helps, it doesn’t replace shared laughter over coffee or spontaneous weekend plans.
Also, as you get older, making connections while traveling or moving from country to country becomes more challenging. When you’re younger, friendships often form naturally through school, university, or shared activities. But as an adult, with each new destination, you’re starting over—new culture, new customs, and new social circles that are already established. Unlike hostel days where meeting people was effortless, forming deep connections now takes more effort and intention. While you do meet incredible people along the way, maintaining long-term friendships can be tricky when everyone is constantly on the move.
Loneliness is, however, temporary. It pushes you to step outside your comfort zone, to make an effort, to find your people wherever you are. And what about embracing this solitude—exploring a city alone, enjoying your own company, and learning that being on your own doesn’t mean being lonely. And when you do find those connections, even if they’re fleeting, they make every new place feel a little more like home.
This lead me to the following point.
Independence & Self-Discovery
Understanding what truly makes you happy without societal or cultural expectations.
Living overseas pushes you to figure out what you actually want—without the weight of societal or cultural expectations. When you step away from everything familiar, there’s no script to follow, no one telling you what you “should” be doing. It’s just you, navigating life on your own terms.
You learn to make decisions (not always the right ones) based on what feels right, not what’s expected. Maybe you realize you don’t need a traditional career path, or that a slower, simpler life makes you happier. Maybe you discover a passion you never had time for before (you start a travel blog…), or that you thrive in a culture completely different from where you grew up.
Being alone in a foreign place forces you to listen to yourself. What excites you? What drains you? What kind of people do you want around? What kind of life actually makes you happy? The more you explore, the more you figure it out. And once you start living for you, there’s no going back!!
Resilience
Moving from country to country, starting over in new places, navigating unfamiliar cultures—it’s not always easy. There are moments of uncertainty, loneliness, and challenges that test you in ways you never expected. But at some point, you look back and realize: I made it through all of that.
You learn to adapt, to figure things out on the go, to trust yourself even when everything around you is unfamiliar, even when the doubts creep in. When plans fall apart, you find another way. When things get tough, you keep going. And the best part? You come out stronger, more confident, and aware of just how capable you really are. It also make you develop a great sense of humor!
Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges; it’s about embracing changes, knowing you’ll be okay no matter where you go next. That’s one of the most valuable lessons travel and nomadic lifestyle can teach you.
I left my country at 27 years old, I knew I was capable even though I was not confident; boy, what a rollercoaster it has been and still is but one of the biggest takeaways from living overseas? Realizing how resilient you are.
When you’re constantly thrown into new environments, you learn to adapt, problem-solve, and handle unexpected situations and difficulties with confidence. The things that once scared you—getting lost in a foreign city, struggling with a language barrier, moving somewhere without knowing anyone, having to look for a place, a job, a bank account running low—become things you handle without hesitation.
You also become more open-minded. Experiencing different cultures first hand shifts your perspective on everything—success, happiness, relationships, even time itself. You realize there isn’t one “right” way to live life, only different ways that work for different people.
It’s incredible how what once felt intimidating eventually becomes second nature.
Somewhere along the way, discomfort and comfort start to mix into this weird balance. At first, everything is foreign—new streets, unfamiliar languages, different ways of doing things. It’s uncomfortable, even overwhelming. But then, little by little, you adjust. You figure things out, and suddenly, all these things that once felt unsettling become normal. You get used to the unknown, and in a way, it becomes its own kind of comfort.
That’s the thing about living overseas—you learn to be at ease with uncertainty. It doesn’t mean things are always easy, but you build this confidence that no matter what, you’ll figure it out.
I will quickly add – living overseas isn’t just about adventure; it’s a crash course in adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience—all highly transferable skills by the way!
From navigating bureaucratic nightmares (I talk more on this here) to handling unexpected challenges (lost luggage, job hunting in a new country, dealing with cultural misunderstandings), every struggle teaches you something. You learn to think on your feet, communicate across cultures, and stay calm under pressure.
These experiences shape you personally but also professionally. Employers value people who can handle uncertainty, work with diverse teams, and find solutions in unfamiliar situations. So, while it might not always feel like it in the moment, every hurdle you overcome is adding to your skill set—and your resume!
The Friends You Leave Behind
Moving abroad is an adventure, a chance to grow, to experience new cultures, and to build a life beyond the familiar. But with every departure, there’s also an invisible gap that starts to form—the space between you and the friends you left behind.
At first, nothing seems different. You stay in touch, share updates, send pictures, and promise that nothing will change. But as time passes, life moves on—for you and for them. Conversations that once flowed effortlessly become less frequent, not out of lack of care, but because your worlds are no longer the same and life keeps going. The inside jokes don’t hit the same way, the shared experiences fade, and while you’re navigating time zones and new routines, they’re building lives in a place you no longer fully belong to.
You miss big life events, your friends back home are settling down… you are still close yet distant.
It’s a strange feeling—being connected but disconnected at the same time. Some friendships withstand the distance, picking up right where they left off when you visit. Others quietly fade, not because of a falling out, but simply because life took you in different directions. And that’s okay.
The reality of moving from country to country is that you gain so much, but you also leave pieces of yourself behind. You learn to cherish the friendships that adapt, appreciate the ones that were meant for a season, and accept that some things, no matter how much you want them to, will never quite be the same.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
The Honeymoon Phase – Everything is new, different, and fascinating. You’re discovering new foods, wandering through unfamiliar streets, trying to pick up local phrases, and just soaking it all in. It’s the thrill of stepping into the unknown, and for a while, it feels like an adventure with no downsides.
Reality sets in – Enters Struggle. Suddenly, the things you thought were charming start to feel frustrating. Maybe the bureaucracy is a nightmare, social norms don’t make sense, or you’re struggling with the language more than expected. You realize things don’t work the way you’re used to, and now, you have to adapt. It can be overwhelming, but little by little, you start finding your way.
The “In-Between” Feeling – You’re no longer just a visitor, but you don’t fully feel like a local either. You’ve created a life somewhere new, yet a part of you still belongs to where you came from. You exist in this in-between space, belonging everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It’s a strange mix of freedom and displacement.
The Reverse Culture Shock – The unexpected one. You visit home, expecting comfort and familiarity, but something feels… off. The place is the same, but you’ve changed. Conversations don’t flow the same way, your perspective has shifted, and you realize that “home” is no longer a place, but a feeling you carry with you.
It’s a wild emotional journey—believe me, at some point, you develop a whole different kind of humor! You learn to laugh at yourself, at the chaos, at the ridiculous situations you find yourself in. From language mix-ups to cultural misunderstandings, you just roll with it. And you keep going—not because it’s always easy, but because, deep down, you know you’re a little mad and totally addicted to this crazy life!
Language Barriers & Communication
Language barriers are one of the most entertaining, frustrating, and rewarding parts of living abroad. You start with the basics—pointing, miming, and hoping for the best. You mix up words, accidentally say something embarrassing, and get completely lost in translation. And when you finally get understood? Victory!
Some moments are hilarious—like confidently ordering something at a restaurant, only to end up with a dish you didn’t expect. Others are frustrating, like struggling to explain something important and feeling stuck.
Sitting at a table, zoning out completely because you have no idea what’s being said—just nodding along, secretly hoping no one starts a conversation with you… even though you need to practice speaking.
Making a joke that flops spectacularly because, turns out, you’re only funny in your native language.
Sounding like a toddler with your textbook vocabulary when, in your own language, you’re actually quite articulate.
And then, something shifts. One day, you catch yourself thinking in the new language. You understand the lyrics to songs you’ve been singing your whole life (some are surprisingly questionable!). You dream in the language -yep, that’s when you know you’ve made it. You can even follow a conversation on the radio. But the supreme reward? You start understanding multiple accents—well, most of them. Because, I’m sorry, my Scottish friends, but I have no idea what you’re saying.
I’ll never forget this one time in a hostel in Australia. I was chatting with a Canadian guy and a Scottish girl… well, she was chatting. The Canadian and I were just looking at each other, completely lost, silently hoping the other would magically translate. You’d think he’d have the advantage as a native English speaker, but nope, we were both struggling. Eventually, the girl just burst out laughing when she realized how clueless we both looked. Honestly, I still don’t know what she said.
Ok but the best part? The small wins. The first real conversation where you actually hold your own. The first joke you understand. The even bigger moment—your joke lands!! And then, you find yourself bonding over 90s TV shows, movie references, and cultural moments you never thought you’d connect with.
And when you think you’ve mastered it, it happens – you get so immersed in the new language that you start forgetting words in your own. Suddenly, you’re remixing common expressions, inventing words, and making it awkward for everyone. A truly fascinating experience.
It’s humbling, it’s eye-opening, and it’s a reminder that communication goes beyond words. You learn patience, creativity, and the art of just going with the flow.
Letting Go of Material Things
I’ve never been much of a materialistic, but living overseas took it to another level. When your life fits into a suitcase (or two on a bad day), you quickly realize how little you actually need. Big houses, fancy furniture, a car? Not really part of the plan when you’re constantly on the move.
You get used to renting fully furnished places or house sharing, adapting to whatever setup is available, and not getting attached to “stuff.” It’s not about having the perfect home but making wherever you land feel like one—at least for a little while.
At first, it’s weird. No “home base” filled with things that are yours. But then, it becomes freeing. Packing and repacking so often forces you to simplify. Less to worry about, less to maintain, less tying you down. You start valuing flexibility over possessions, experiences over ownership. And honestly? It’s a relief. No stress about moving trucks, no guilt over things collecting dust. Just a passport, a bag, and the next adventure.
It’s the most common thing I hear – people envying me because I own nothing and can just pack up and go.
And yes, it’s freeing. No mortgage, no moving trucks, no years of accumulated “stuff” to sort through. Just a suitcase (or more, let’s be honest) and the ability to start fresh anywhere.
But what people don’t always see is the flip side. No cozy, familiar space filled with memories. No sentimental items collected over the years (well, I got a few…). No bookshelf stacked with stories from different chapters of my life. Everything I own has to fit in a bag, and be ready to move.
It’s a trade-off. One I’ve become to embrace. But every now and then, I wonder what it would be like to actually put down roots – until I get the itch to go again.
Though, let’s be real—if I ever settle somewhere, I might go wild and buy loads of comfy things. Maybe. A giant couch I can sink into, way too many pillows, and a coffee table that actually serves its purpose instead of just being a temporary dumping ground.
But for now? My life fits in suitcases. And honestly, that feels pretty damn good.
Lessons Learned, Memories Made
Through it all, you realize that struggles aren’t just obstacles; they’re lessons that shape you (and your resume)!
It’s an emotional roller coaster, a test of patience, and sometimes just pure madness—but somehow, you keep going because this life, as unpredictable as it is, keeps calling you back for more.