20 Great Reasons You Should Live Abroad At Least Once

There are so many reasons you should live abroad at least once in your life! Living abroad in a foreign country with a new culture is an incredible experience, and not everyone gets to have it. You have the unique opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and learn a new language.

In my 20s, I lived in Japan and South Korea. This international move gave me a global perspective I still cherish today. 

It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and have new experiences. The world is much bigger than the United States, and there are many great reasons to live abroad! 

1. You’ll Get a Fresh Start

A new location means new career prospects, a different way of life, and new opportunities. Moving abroad is a big decision; sometimes, you just have to escape whatever is holding you back. 

When I moved to Japan in 2012, I was trying to escape a messy breakup and live out my dream of living in Japan. At the end of the day, it’s your decision on why you’re choosing to pursue a new life.

Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t because I’m here to tell you you can! Being an expat changed me in so many ways, and I am absolutely grateful for that!

2. An Abundance of Opportunities

Though I may not be as active on social media now, one of the best things I did for myself was teach myself new skills. I learned how to edit on Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Final Cut Pro.

In addition, I taught myself how to blog, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and marketing. This really helped my personal growth and opened new job opportunities for me.

The good news is that international work experience looks really good on a job resume because it shows that you’re adaptable and versatile in the face of adversity. 

3. Quality Health Care

One of the first things I learned when moving back to the States is that Texas has some of the worst healthcare I’ve encountered, and Illinois has a much better and higher standard, but I digress. 

While in Japan and South Korea, I had excellent healthcare under the national healthcare plans of both countries. If I didn’t like a doctor, I could easily find another one and seek the care I wanted. 

4. Better Quality of Life

One of the first things I noticed was there is a better way of life out there compared to the United States. While America gets away with putting literal poison in its food, many of those chemicals are illegal overseas. 

Honestly, I miss being able to eat whatever I want and not gain a ridiculous amount of weight. The food abroad is fresher and better. 

I also loved having enough money to invest in my hobbies and experiences, such as karate, sanshin, CrossFit, and social media. Even though I had a much lower income in Japan and South Korea, the different currency allowed me more flexibility. 

5. Cultural Awareness

An international experience is a good thing because you’ll get to experience the local culture. Your everyday interactions will change when learning about a foreign culture and cultural differences. 

For example, I had to break my bowing habit after I came back to the United States. It’s a fulfilling experience to understand where your own culture comes from and meet people halfway from different cultural backgrounds. 

6. You Become A Better Person

Overseas moves really help you become a better person. One of the things I also invested in while abroad was my mental health.

I had a lot of trauma I was carrying from when I was younger, and I had the time to work on myself. 

7. You’ll Learn To Ask For Help

It’s always a good idea to ask for help when needed. It’s humbling because while you may know what’s up in your home country, that may not necessarily be the case in your new country.

P.S. As a foodie, I have been able to try many new foods and find good places to eat when I asked. 

8. You Develop New Routines

One of the most common reasons people get frustrated with living abroad is that everything is so different from their home country. A new city is a chance to reinvent yourself for the better. 

It’s also a good reason to get fitter and healthier. Plus, having a steady routine really makes the transition abroad easier. 

9. You’ll Learn A Different Language

I always encourage my readers and friends to learn new things. A language barrier is a pain in the ass and can really trigger culture shock.

Go in with an open mind and try to learn the local language of your host country. It really enriches your experience. 

If you’re headed to Japan, try Japanese Pod 101 and 90 Day Korean if you’re trying to learn Korean. Also, check out this free Hangul cheat sheet to help you learn the Korean alphabet in the afternoon. 

I also enrolled in a language school through the Korean government called KIIP to try and make a permanent move to South Korea. 

10. See How The World Views Your Home Country

This can be a hugely eye-opening experience. You can hear about all the negative and positive traits your country portrays to the rest of the world.

It wasn’t until I landed in Okinawa that I realized 1) America wasn’t the greatest country in the world and 2) not all Japanese cared much for Americans. While some people abroad romanticize America, others don’t share the same sentiment.

I’ve heard things like, “Stop being the world police” or “Leave! You don’t belong here!”

11. Appreciate Your Home Country

Living in a different culture means you get to look at your own. I never appreciated the small things my country had to offer, like food or clothes that fit.

The grass may not always be greener, but a new place will teach you to appreciate your loved ones and the comforts you left behind. 

12. Experiences Over Materialistic Things

One of the first things I learned after moving to a different country was that I was living a more comfortable lifestyle. The relaxed pace of life in Okinawa had numerous financial benefits, such as being able to pay off my student loans. 

Since the cost of living was much lower than in my Chicago hometown, I could travel to many different Asian countries. These travel destinations included South Korea, China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. 

For me, it’s no longer about keeping up with the Joneses over who has fancier cars, houses, or vacations. It’s more about personal fulfillment and having a life well-lived.

13. You’ll Become a Global Citizen

Imagine the feeling of opening up your passport to proudly display all the international trips you’ve taken. Instant bragging rights.

The first time you get that new stamp or sticker is amazing! Meeting people is one of the best ways to enrich your experience. 

14. You Learn How To Be Alone

This is a skill I think most people can benefit from. Have you ever met people who are okay with relationship hopping and are always out with their friends because they’re terrified to be with the thoughts in their own heads? 

They annoy me to no end because once you’re comfortable with your company, you can be comfortable no matter where you go. It’s a great opportunity to learn about yourself. 

15. Day-To-Day Life Is Exciting

Even grocery shopping can be an adventure when living the expat life. I still remember trying to figure out all the different foods in the Japanese and Korean supermarkets.

It was incredible when my foreign language skills improved, and I could do things more easily! 

16. Learn a New Instrument

When I was an elementary school student, I was turned down from band because my math grades were too low. Needless to say, it was a life-changing experience for little Gina because she was absolutely crushed when she was denied the opportunity to learn the clarinet.

With my big girl’s money, I decided to pick up some new skills in my new home. While in Japan, I fell in love with the Okinawan sanshin, a three-stringed, snake-skinned banjo.

My teacher was a native Okinawan who was alive during World War II and shared some beautiful stories about his life and the traditional Ryukyu culture. 

17. You’ll Get Creative

What is the best way to learn excellent problem-solving skills? Get thrown into a new environment with new challenges and try to figure it out.

Instead of freaking out, you learn to calmly asses the problem and quickly brainstorm all possible solutions. Sometimes, you might even surprise yourself with the ability to be creative.

Once you’ve been there and climbed over that threshold, every problem after seems trivial in comparison.

18. Unforgettable Friendships

Wanna know one of the best parts of living in a new country? You will make some incredible friendships that will last a lifetime.

Some of my best friends come from different countries. Being in new situations together helps people form bonds quickly. These shared experiences bring people closer and grow together.

19. To Meet Interesting People

Living abroad attracts different people, especially when you travel. My best friend, who I met in Japan, is from Scotland.

I have plenty of interesting stories from people I’ve met in my travels that offered a new perspective I’ve never seen before. 

20. It’ll Change Your Life

Living abroad makes you adaptable, more open-minded, and more willing to compromise and accept things you cannot change. You become fully immersed in different ways of thinking, being, and interacting.

You learn to be flexible and able to adapt to a new situation quickly. When you return to your home country, you’ll realize you’ve become different, but in a good way.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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