Top Reasons People Decide to Live Abroad for a While

There are many reasons people decide to live abroad for a while. Some people want to experience a new culture, some people want to learn a new language, and others simply want to travel and see the world. Whatever the reason may be, there are many benefits to living in a foreign country. Here are the top reasons people decide to live abroad and what you can expect from the experience!

Around nine million Americans are currently living abroad, plus a lot more military personnel stationed across the world. Since the Covid-19 pandemic in particular, more and more people are enamored by the idea of living somewhere else for a while. Particularly if they can work remotely, or have enough money behind them to try something else for a period of time, it’s becoming an attractive proposition for many people.

So whether you’re preparing to live abroad at the moment, or if you’re still thinking about the idea, here are some of the main reasons people decide to live abroad.

1. To Experience a New Culture

One of the most popular reasons people choose to live abroad is to experience a new culture. There are so many different cultures to explore in the world, and living in a country allows you to really immerse yourself in it. You’ll learn about the history, the food, the customs and way of life. It’s a great way to broaden your horizons and learn more about the world. Since the United States is so huge, many Americans don’t get the opportunity to experience cultures that vary from theirs during vacation time or long weekends. Spending some time in Europe or South America in particular brings an opportunity to experience whole new ways of living.

2. To Learn a New Language

Learning a new language is another great reason to live in a foreign country. Not only will you be able to learn the language more quickly and effectively than you would at home, but you’ll also be able to practice it in a real-life setting. You’ll be able to learn the slang and colloquialisms that you wouldn’t find in a textbook. You may even find yourself becoming bilingual or even multilingual if you spend enough time in different countries. This can be a great asset both professionally and personally.

3. To Travel and See the World

For many people, living abroad is simply a way to travel and see the world. If you have the opportunity to live in multiple countries, you can really see a lot of different places and experience many different cultures. This is a great way to learn more about the world and get out of your comfort zone. Travel can be expensive, but if you’re living in a country you can often travel more cheaply and even get free or discounted travel. And if you go to a country in Europe, you can easily visit neighboring countries for just a weekend.

4. To Get Away from It All

For some people, living abroad is simply a way to get away from their current situation. This could be because they’re unhappy with their current job, they want to get away from their family or friends, or they’re just looking for a change of scenery. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, living in a foreign country can be a great way to start fresh and make a new start.

5. To Save Money

Living in a foreign country can also be a great way to save money. This is because the cost of living is often lower in other countries, especially when you compare it to the cost of living in major cities in the United States. You can often find cheaper rent, food, and transportation costs. And in some parts of the world such as Dubai, salaries aren’t taxed, meaning the amount of money you take home is drastically higher. This can be a great way to save money if you’re on a tight budget.

6. To Find Somewhere That Feels Like ‘Home’

Some people simply want a different way of life to the place they currently live. They might prefer a totally different climate, landscape, or way of living. Or they might simply feel more at home in another country. This is often the case for people who have spent a lot of time living abroad or who have family ties to another country. Living in a place that feels like home can make a big difference to your happiness and wellbeing.

7. To Have an Adventure

For some people, living abroad is simply about having an adventure. They want to experience something new and exciting and push themselves out of their comfort zone. If this is something that appeals to you, then living in a foreign country is definitely the way to do it. You’ll be able to have new experiences, meet new people, and see things that you never would have seen if you’d stayed at home.

8. To Feel Alive

For some people, living abroad is a way to feel alive. They find the humdrum of everyday life back home to be too boring and constricting. They want to live in a place where they feel like anything is possible and where they can really make the most of their life. Moving to a different country can feel really scary, but actually doing it can feel so invigorating and liberating.

If you’re thinking of living abroad for a while, there are plenty of reasons to do it. Whether you’re looking for a new adventure, wanting to save money, or just wanting to get away from it all, there are many benefits to spending some time living in a foreign country. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags and get traveling!