15 THINGS I’VE LEARNED AFTER MOVING ABROAD

Disclaimer: This is not a post of me trying to project my privilege nor say that moving abroad is the best option for everyone, but acknowledge what I’ve personally learned and found through this experience. 

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I’ve been reflecting a whole lot more about my life abroad and how it’s both enhanced and challenged my life in many different ways. And living in the midst of a pandemic has only made it more evident how incompetent the so-called “first-world country” that is said to be the United States, is. Pettiness aside, my experience moving abroad has shown me how wholesome and accessible life could be when certain structures are put into place (transportation, affordable/accessible healthcare, healthy food options, etc.). Nothing is perfect, but the little things that aren’t really little make a whole lot of a difference in any person’s life.

This also makes me acknowledge how much of an adjustment and in many cases, a sacrifice it’ll be when I eventually make the decision to return to the U.S. inshallah. For the time being, I’m grateful for what I know and everything it’s taught me.

Here’s what I’ve learned after moving abroad…

A fresh start

Literally. Everything feels new at first, although you realize how many of the life skills you did or didn’t know comes into play every step of the way. You feel like you’re in survival mode at first, trying to navigate a new culture and environment, but that fresh start becomes a long-awaited blessing in the long run. 

It’s alright to love your solitude a little too much

This is something that isn’t really celebrated, especially for women who are of marital age. When I first moved to China, I would always get questioned about how I’m dealing with my “loneliness”.

Just because I was alone, didn’t mean I always felt lonely. 

Spending time with yourself and enjoying it, shouldn’t be categorized as “being lonely”. When you’ve reached a state of comfortability with yourself, you learn to appreciate the peace and quietness of your solitude to the point of obsession. That’s where I’ve been for a while, and I have no regrets.

Though I’ve had many lonely days on this journey, I rarely thought of it as a negative thing once I was able to adapt to the lifestyle I was gradually creating.

Your expanding social group

I’ve met people from all over the world, and it continues to amaze me how we could come from far places, and yet cross paths and come to know one another. The mere fact that if I were to visit a certain country, I’d have some kind of connection to it.

Adapting to new things

Moving your whole life to a new country really teaches you how to learn to adapt to different situations, environments, and people. You’re made to accept, pivot when needed, and carry on with your life. 

I’ve had some of my toughest experiences abroad, and they quickly taught me how I must conceptualize all kinds of situations, learn to overcome them and grow. 

It’s not easy, but it’s a powerful and life-changing experience. 

The world is your oyster

This is me speaking with my American passport. What a damn privilege, eh. 

I will forever take this as a blessing. I’m content with the choices I’ve made to take the unconventional route, because of the many things it’s exposed me to. 

Learning a new language

Learning a new language is at your fingertips. Literally. But of course, it takes time, effort, and commitment. 

I studied Spanish back in high school and when the opportunity came to study abroad in Ecuador at university, my language skills truly came in clutch. At the time, I was competent enough in the language to have conversations and it gave me the ability to connect with the locals. 

Now living in China, although I haven’t formally learned Chinese, I’ve developed an understanding and confidence in the language from just listening, asking questions, and actually communicating with strangers and my students. 

Traveling on a budget

Traveling doesn’t feel as expensive, and budgeting for a trip feels a lot easier. I’ve learned that budgeting doesn’t have to mean you’re a penny pincher, but careful with where your money goes. There are always multiple options, with different price ranges that still allow you to have an enjoyable and relaxed time. 

Solo travel elevated my confidence

I never knew how much I’d love to travel on my own until I did. And actively. I felt parts of me finding peace, balance, and an abundance of confidence. It’s everything from making decisions completely on your own, dining alone, to creating lasting memories with strangers. We living vicariously regardless who coming!

I act upon my fears more

This could be because I’m in a different country, but I’ve always been the “wild child” in the family. For someone who has many fears, I take many risks in hopes they’ll move me past my limiting thoughts. It works, and for that reason, I feel gratitude for myself and give myself lots of grace for what I allow myself to go through.

My worries about safety feel different

Considering my racial and religious identity abroad, while also recognizing the privileges I come with, I don’t feel the same hostility I would otherwise be met with back home. 

The media and what it wants to show you about the world and how “worthy” and “safe” a place is, is not worth the time and energy to indulge in.

China has shown me a different side of what life could feel like if safety wasn’t constantly a problem living as a woman. I’m here to let you know that I don’t remember the last time I feared for my safety while walking in an empty street at night, passed by a random stranger, or even groups of men. That doesn’t mean situations don’t occur, but my environment feels less of a threat to my existence.

Saving more, spending less

Saving looks very different for everyone. Expenses, debts, expectations, and living standards – these all come into play when thinking about how to save and whether saving is even an option. 

Coming out of university debt-free and with no large expenses, having the privilege of saving was quite easy for me. During my first year living in China, I had a harder time saving, because of the reality and the added costs of restarting my life in a new country.

Eventually, I began tracking my expenses each month and implementing all the cost-efficient ways of living. This included sticking to public transportation or biking, shopping at local markets, shopping online for deals versus in stores (Taobao is amazing!), cooking more at home, and the list goes on. China is an inexpensive place to live, but it also greatly depends on YOU. 

Public transportation is amazing

One of the greatest things I’ve experienced living abroad has been having greater access to public transportation. 

For the most part, getting around is easy and all it takes is knowing what form of transportation will be most cost-efficient, time-efficient, and of course, knowing what my own personal preference in getting around is. I love public transit, I may complain about the people, but honestly speaking it’s a necessity I wish was a lot more accessible in the United States. 

I remember my dad telling me a story of when he first visited London as a youth, and how amazed he was seeing people from all social classes riding the train. It felt grounding to him, and it’s a great reminder that basic living essentials go beyond where you stand financially. Can I get an Ameen?

Healthcare doesn’t cost a leg and an arm 

If you are living and breathing, there is no reason for you not to have healthcare. It’s a basic necessity, and living and traveling outside the US has really shown me that it doesn’t have to come with a large cost. It breaks my heart when healthcare in certain parts of the world is seen more as a business and a privilege, rather than a right.  

I can focus more on my mental health

There’s something very liberating about being outside of the US. Though living far from family and what you know comes with its own set of challenges to your emotional health, my environment and lifestyle otherwise grant me peace to the extent that I can acknowledge when I am not doing well.

My work life being my work life, my time being my time, and everything else in between. I feel I have more energy and commitment to how I can sustain a peaceful life. That being said, the peace I get and feel is heavily influenced by the fact that there are certain things I don’t have to overly worry about. Things like safety (to a certain extent), racism, guns, mass shooters, etc.

Good food is everywhere!

I’ve always enjoyed food, and growing up I was exposed to a variety of cuisines. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a foody, although travel and the exposure you get, make food hit differently. *Chefs kiss*

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What are some things you’ve learned from your journey abroad?