Before moving to China, my main goal was to live abroad and to fully experience life outside the United States. As that vision became a reality, it wasn’t just the excitement of living abroad I needed to consider. It was everything from how I’d manage living alone, access to religious spaces, and how my life would be enhanced.
The “honeymoon phase” can only last so long, and after a while, life starts kicking in.
The need to search for people and places that’ll make your time more meaningful kicks in. And once the “honeymoon phase” completely passes, you realize it’s the feeling of familiarity you are looking for.
This is all very normal. We all seek comfort in things that remind us of who we are and where we come from. Whatever it is that gives us a sense of belonging and balance, we naturally gravitate towards it. Regardless of how difficult it may be to attain.
My time living in China has taught me many things about life, privilege, access, and my necessities. For the sake of keeping this post concise, I’ll address access and necessities regarding how I’ve come to narrow my list of must-haves when living abroad.
We may label many things as necessities, but most things only serve us because of the privilege we have of accessing them. Let’s be real here.
Moving abroad has made me reevaluate the things I consider as necessities. Many things that would otherwise be accessible back home become privileges elsewhere. That’s not to say you can’t find what you want elsewhere, but what you’re looking for may look different. This is something I had to intentionally remember and learn to navigate.
As a practicing Muslim and a woman who is deeply rooted in her cultural identity, many of the things I have to consider when living abroad directly affect my way of life.
No differently, how I will be able to sustain myself in the best way. This can be anything from finding a place of worship to safety.
China may check off many boxes for me, but there will always be many things that aren’t easily at my reach (especially socially and culturally). For that reason, I must navigate the absence in different ways.
It’s not easy moving to a foreign country and having to relearn how to function in a different system. Although, there are many aspects that can assist in making the transition smoother.
But first things first, if you’ve clicked the link for the reason you are anticipating moving abroad, here are a couple of simple yet necessary questions to ask yourself prior:
- How will my quality of life improve?
- Will I feel safe considering my identity?
- Will I be able to have a content work and life balance?
- How will I continue doing what I love?
- Will I have access to a relatable community?
And though you may not have a complete answer for all these questions, preparing yourself mentally will allow you to recognize when you’re actually in the situation. But of course, all this will be added to the research you’ve already done about the places you have in mind.
To put all this into perspective, here are 6 of my must-haves living abroad or anywhere, and how they can help you too.
A place(s) of worship
Having a local and/or nearby masjid means access. Access to a religious space, people, Qur’ans, communal classes, and the overall access to staying spiritually connected.
Of course, there’s always praying and doing spiritual work at home, although it’s not the same. Having a masjid to go to during Ramadan, Friday prayer, or whenever becomes part of finding comfort in a place far away from home.
On days I feel so consumed by life, a trip to the masjid really helps keep me grounded. I’ve met many individuals during my trips, and as a result, I’ve created a little community of my own.
I especially emphasize this if you’re not in a Muslim country or one that has a relatively visible Muslim population.
Community
Not just any community, but one that identifies religiously and/or racially with me. And most importantly, one that will be good for me. Because let’s be real, bad company ruins good character.
There comes a need in a person’s life when you just want to fully be accepted as you are. I can’t emphasize this enough, especially when living abroad. It’s hard enough being alone in a country you have very limited connections to.
As a practicing Muslim, the need for other practicing and like-minded Muslim friends is non-negotiable. It’s everything from sharing the same faith and way of life that outpours onto who you are. Likewise, friends of all faiths and/or cultural backgrounds who will acknowledge your being and be of benefit, and vice versa.
Before moving abroad, my introverted self preferred to be in my own company, especially during college. I somewhat remained this way even after living abroad my first year, but I quickly understood that I needed to reevaluate my alone time. It also became obvious to me how important community is despite where you are in the world. It’s a necessity.
It’s everything from deep conversations, spiritual and emotional connections, breaking bread, and creating a little family away from home that becomes essential.
Sometimes it takes a little more effort to find individuals you can bond well with, although it is never impossible.
Safety
This may be #3 on my list, but it’s by far the greatest and most important thing to have wherever you are.
If you can feel the same level of safety being out during the night as you would during the day, that’s a blessing.
Regarding mental safety. If you’re not constantly made to have to be vigilant and fear for your identity, then that’s a solid checkmark. All in all, these two go hand-in-hand. If you know you are physically safe in your environment it’ll affect your overall mental state.
Everything about your access to safety affects your overall ability to exist, and I can’t stress enough how empowering it is to feel a sense of security when living abroad and alone.
From experience, China is a relatively safe country, and especially for ex-pat women, travelers, you name it.
I’ve roamed the streets late at night, discovered many cities on my own, and rarely did I feel like I had to limit myself. I may constantly complain about the uncomfortable stares I get, but they’re less to do with questioning my safety than curiosity.
Nevertheless, there are many other things to consider when speaking of safety. For me, it’s become more so wanting to feel at peace in my environment, and I’m willing to go far to secure that.
Halal & vegetarian options
Prior to moving to China, my main concern was whether I’d have access to halal options.
I had no prior experience of Chinese cuisine, and whether dietary restrictions would easily be catered to. Nor did I know of the thriving presence of a Muslim population.
When I first moved to Hohhot, I lived in the Muslim district and had a plethora of options. Now living in Chengdu, the city also has a variety of options, even vegan.
I still chose to prepare my own meals regularly, although sometimes life gets in the way and alternative options to getting food on the table or on the go are essential.
Traveling around China, and not just within my city, this is always my main concern. Larger cities will have greater options, while smaller cities will depend on the presence of a Muslim population. Surprisingly, you’ll likely find Muslims and Muslim-owned restaurants in every province – it just requires a little more searching sometimes.
With the world becoming consciously aware of different dietary needs (although it can still be a challenge), I’ve realized options will be available. No differently, the presence of Muslims.
In many cases, I’ve stumbled across Muslim-owned restaurants where I’d least expect it in China. It truly reminds me that I’m never pointlessly walking. It’s not always the easiest having to walk more than I’d like to in search of food, although it teaches me the value of food and what it means to travel while being Muslim.
Hobbies & skills
This may seem like a no-brainer but being able to continue your hobbies wherever you are is something we don’t really think of until we feel a void.
The reality is, though you may be living abroad and can possibly travel to a new place every weekend, traveling won’t be the only thing you’ll fill your time with.
Parts of you will have to remember that you didn’t just move for the sake of having the privilege to move to a different country. Responsibilities don’t just go out the door because you’ve decided to move abroad either.
With time, you will realize the way you live your life will be a combination of old and new habits. You’ll also likely turn to the hobbies you’ve always found joy in and new ones that’ll be ignited. Those will be the moments you cherish deeply.
And if part of moving to a new country was your way of learning more about yourself, joining classes, community-based activities, trying new things, etc., will be at your fingertips to accentuate your journey.
Some hobbies can be:
- learning a language
- teaching
- writing/blogging
- reading
- drawing/painting
- photography
- hiking/biking
- woodshop
- cooking
- and so much more!
Books!
I’ve never missed reading the way I did until I moved abroad. There is a magical feeling entering a library or bookstore and finding a new book to spend your time with.
Living outside an English-speaking country, it’s not a guarantee you’ll find an abundance of physical books in the same language you read.
It’s still possible to find English books on college campuses, community groups, and getting connected with others who share an interest in reading. Although it could also be that your style of books aren’t among the commonly known classicals that are frequently found universally for being “literature wonders”.
Yes, I’m being shady.
And for this reason, be prepared. If I’ve learned anything from having limited access to books, it’s that we all need them. And a variety of them.
I’m old school so having physical copies of books is the best way for me to engage my fullest. Regardless, we all have to make sacrifices, and digital books will have to suffice for the time being.
With all that being said, Google search and Facebook groups and/or individual pages will be your greatest resource in discovering the details of what it’s like living in x country and/or city. In an age where the internet and information on anything have become vast, resources will always be out there! Along with simple blog posts like these that’ll allow you to remember, you are not alone in this journey!
What are your must-haves when living abroad or traveling?
