I have been an expat for almost a decade and since then, I have lived in 5 cities across 4 countries and 2 continents. Here’s 5 lessons I learned when I became an expat.

1. Strength.

The beginning of the expat life can be brutal, especially if you are moving alone or to a country you don’t speak the language of. Right away, the first lesson you will learn is that you can do it. Maybe with tears in your eyes and just a few pennies in your pocket, but you will find the strength to stick around for just one more day. And then another one and then one week, one month, one year. And sooner than you thought you’ll leave your fears behind and you’ll actually enjoy your glamorous expat life, with your new friends, new habits and new adventures.

2.You will learn about your home country.

In your new circle of friends there will likely be someone else from your same country. Through these new friendships you will learn things about your people and your home country you never knew before. You will start appreciating little things about your home country that you ignored before, but you will also notice annoying things that you once weren’t aware of. But don’t make the mistake to just hang out with people from your own country or other expats. Make sure to create a circle of local friends too: they can teach you about all the best spots in town, some words of the local language and so much more!

3. Expat life puts relationships to test.

While you’ll be settling into a new city/country, the distance will strengthen some relationships. My best friends are people I only see one/two times a year or less, people I’ve been friends for over a decade and that I’ve shared some of the best memories with. Most of them live all around the world, some are back home and while the distance between us might have proven to be difficult from time to time, it has never really endangered our relationship. This will happen to you too: while most of  your friends will stay put and in touch with you, and they will be curious to hear more about your new life, a small portion of people will become estranged by your new international outlook and adventures and they will take steps back from your friendship until they will disappear.  But don’t worry! These are the people who are not meant to be in your life forever and possibly the ones who are jealous of your  new life and envy your courage and achievements. Let them go and look ahead and hold closer your real friends.

4. The culture shock does end.

You might have travelled to all and each 196 countries in the world, but always gone back home. Moving abroad is different and does take lots more courage than packing a bag to spend two or three weeks on a tour or for a holiday. When you settle in a new city for work or study, you will face small and big challenges every day. Some things are very different from your home country and every day you will accept these things as part of your new life. Slowly, but surely, you will embrace these new (weird) things and make them your own.

5. Home is where your heart is.

After a few months/years away of your home country, suddenly you will be totally at ease abroad. You will feel like you have everything you need and you will love your new life abroad. You will have your own circle of friends, maybe a new love, your favourite coffee shops and maybe some secret spots. And, like magic, you will finally feel at home, because home is where your heart is.

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