5 Reasons Why You Should Live Abroad (Once In Your Life)

We love our comfort zones, whether that be our house, apartment, the city we grew up in, or the city we moved to. Comfort feels safe, but i’m going to show you why you should live abroad (at least once in your life).

When you live abroad and step outside of your comfort zone, you’ll have a new experience… create a memory… make a new friend.

There is a whole world of experiences and new people waiting to meet you, all you have to do is be willing to step out.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Well, that applies to places as well. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone forces you to be spontaneous, be open and flow with your surroundings.

Traveling opens up opportunities to see new places, experience new cultures. Once you start it is REALLY hard to stop.

I know it can be scary moving to a new place but, there are SO many reasons why you should broaden your horizons and live abroad for a while.

These are 5 reasons why you should live abroad (at least once in your life).

Experience the world, develop your own view

Get out of your bubble! (Yes I’m talking to you). The world is a lot less scary when you experience it first hand.

Living in another country gives you an amazing opportunity to see how others live in this world (and gain more appreciation of the things you have). What they have, how they live, what they value and how happy they are, less is more for most.

It might just make you reassess the way you live and find ways to be happier with less.

Experiencing first hand all the different cultures is my favorite thing about traveling! You’ll leave with new experiences, memories and an understanding of a new culture that will be with you forever!

RECOMMENDATION: Want to know how to make a living abroad? There are opportunities everywhere, check out 25 Ways To Explore & Earn: A Guide to Earning Money Abroad

New experiences, new languages

Immerseing yourself in a new culture means giving the language a shot. You might surprise yourself how easily you pick it up.

There are plenty of schools you can take classes at (another great way to network in a foreign country). You’ll find you learn the things you NEED first, then expand your knowledge in the language.

People will be appreciative of you making an effort to learn their language. Don’t worry if you suck in the beginning, with practice you’ll see improvement fast!

RECOMMENDATION: Duolingo is a fun and great training tool with over dozens of languages for people of different dialects. This is what I used every day when living in Nicaragua.

When you return back to your home country you’ll have a new skill and be able to communicate with a new culture!

Remember: Learning a new language can be frustrating. The next time you speak with someone who doesn’t speak your language, be empathetic, be patient. If it’s hard for you, it’s just as hard for them.

Your money goes further abroad

The USD is quite strong in many countries, this means that you can spend less and get more. It could mean better accommodations, food, more adventures or extending your trip.

I use the extra cash I save during my travels to aggressively pay down my student loans.

One of my favorite parts of traveling is figuring out where in the world will stretch my dollar the furthest. You’ll be amazed that you can stay somewhere abroad for a month for the same cost of a week (or less) in the states!

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You’ll never meet more open-minded people

When you are traveling, whatever the reason be (relaxation, adventure, surf, etc), you’ll meet others doing the same. These people open up opportunities, can collaborate on adventures and could develop into new friendships. I’ve found it much easier to make friends traveling. When you are out of your comfort zone, so is everyone else. They are just as willing to meet  new poeple ase you!

Each person you meet is another connection to somewhere else in the world (like a real-world facebook, except it’s tangible!). Each connection can lead to new adventures and new experiences in the future. When you travel for something you are passionate about, the people you tend to meet are there for the same reasons.

Each person is a new opportunity. The whole reason you travel is for new experiences… so open yourself up and see what life has in store for you.

Hit the reset button… you deserve it

This is the big one … We all get stressed and overwhelmed at times. Our jobs, our bills, all the responsibilities we put on ourselves, we need to be able to take a step back and hit reset… Living abroad gives you that chance to decompress and hit the rest button.

Give yourself at least a month to immerse yourself in your surroundings (and forget about what’s behind you).  When you return home you’ll be rejuvinated, determined and have a new outlook and/or appreciation of you life.

We get so caught up at times and stress looms and builds. Remember, its just as important to take some time for yourself as it is for others.

What are you waiting for? Life is waiting for you… just outside your comfort zone.

Traveling on a one way ticket? Don’t get caught off guard without proof of onward travel.