Top 25 Best Things About Being An Expat

“I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost

It’s a big bad world out there. All foreign languages, strange cultures and religions you’ve never heard of. What in the name of all that is sensible would make you want to be an expat, dealing with such alien things on a daily basis. We compiled a little list to see if we could convince you of the pro’s of expatriation.

1. Broaden Horizons

Both literally and figuratively.

photo: Paul (dex)

2. Boost Self-Confidence

You look back and see how you mastered all the little problems that living in a foreign country has thrown at you and the fact that you survived and dealt with them all admirably is one of the best feelings in the world.

photo: the half-blood prince

3. Boost Employability

With all the advantages and life lessons that come with living in a different country, employers simply trip over themselves to give jobs to (former) expats at home or abroad.

photo: Chi King

4. Life skills

After living abroad you become a more adaptable, courageous and well-rounded individual. Unfortunately, this can be in every sense of the word, if you are an expat in Italy be prepared to pack on the pounds Mama mia!

photo: Kenno JC

5. Self Discovery

Ironically enough, there’s nothing better than throwing yourself into the unknown to come to grips with who you really are.

photo: MikeBaird

6. Short & Sweet

Living abroad usually forces people to forge stronger relationships in a shorter amount of time. It makes sense because no matter how different you are, before you even speak to this person you know you have one very important thing in common; you are both strangers in a strange land.

photo: KevinLogan

7. Shake Things Up

It is very easy to get stuck in a rut and there is no greater way of breaking the monotony than moving to a strange and exotic new country. So, put down the TV guide and get ready for the road, change is good for the soul.

photo: MikeBehnken

8. Multilingualism

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. If you’re in a foreign country you are going to have to learn at least the basics of the new language to survive on a day to day basis, even if all that amounts to is “dos cervezas por favour.”

photo: See-ming Lee 李思明 SML

9. Yours Truly

The beautiful thing about moving away from your home country is when you meet new people they truly meet the real you, no strings attached. They have no preconceptions because of where you come from or who you are related to.

photo: Jesslee Cuizon

10. No Problemo

You become an ace problem solver whether you want to or not.

photo: GabrielaP93

11. See The World

You get to travel the world and not on a shoestring, you get to really see a country for what it is, living and working like the locals.

photo: Eneas

12. A Fresh Start

When you are ready to move abroad, it is a little like wiping the slate clean. Where you are going, nobody knows or cares about your near or distant past. You just pick up your bags and leave all your baggage behind.

photo: twid

13. Like Minded Individuals

If you’re there together, it says it all, they have the same sense of adventure as you or are in the same line of work. Whatever the reason may be, you will find a lot of similarly global minded folk in your local expat community.

photo: SoniaT 360.

14. Show Me The Money!

Expat positions usually offer better salaries with many companies offering juicy relocation packages.

photo: FaceMePLS

15. Cheap & Cheerful

Many countries offer a much cheaper lifestyle than your home country, this means that even if you don’t receive a raise and continue earning the same wage as you would at home, you can still live like a king.

photo: Jesse Wagstaff

16. Better Job

Many professionals become expats because there are better positions available in foreign countries where the local workforce may not be equipped to deal with certain tasks, and even if you are doing the same job, it’s in a new and exciting country.

photo: Ed Yourdon

17. Get In Touch With Your Inner Child

When you first arrive in a new country you are filled with childlike enthusiasm, you see everything with fresh eyes. The trivial becomes the extraordinary, with things like bathrooms and street signs being either ingenious and exceptionally clever or inept but hilariously funny.

photo: Augapfel

18. More Adaptable

Making an effort to understand and interact with a different culture makes even the most straitlaced more flexible.

photo: Perfecto Insecto

19. Good Weather

Most expats both working and retired said weather had a huge role to play in their decision to move to a different country, so dust off your flip flops and sun tan lotion people, it’s time to get our beach on.

photo: Vince Alongi

20. Friends & Family

When you live away from home you appreciate your loved ones more. Also expats usually go home on special occasions like Christmas time or for birthdays and it makes the trip home even more magical. None of the usual family stuff happens like fighting with your sister, moaning at your dad or being nagged by your mom.

photo: kainet

21. Funny Misunderstandings

Some of the funniest expat anecdotes come from linguistic or cultural mishaps, for example I am embarazada in Spanish doesn’t mean I am embarrassed as you would presume but rather, I am pregnant.

photo: 2493™

22. Perspective

Telling everyone you know that you’re pregnant rather than embarrassed for an entire month makes anything that seemed socially life threatening look like a walk in the park once you get home.

photo: katerha

23. Green Eyed Monsters

Everyone is envious of their expat mates. We see them return with their beautiful tan and fun stories and we are jealous. And knowing that someone is a little envious of your position in life is a nice feeling.

photo: Florencia Cárcamo

24. Expect The Unexpected

Everyday as an expat throws up a new challenge, whether that be linguistic, cultural or geographical who knows, although exhausting at times it is mostly exhilarating.

photo: J_Arrr!

25. Nothing Is Impossible?

Last but by no means least, the most beautiful thing about being an expat is the fact that it instils an ‘I can do anything’ attitude in everyone. Once you’ve done this you know you can do anything you set your mind to. The possibilities are endless.

photo: ZeroOne

So now you’ve got these wonderful nuggets of information go forth and discover the world, broaden your horizons and make a fool out of yourself in a foreign language. It’s not all good however! Check out these Top 25 Worst Things About Being An Expat.

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