Pros & cons of living abroad

Living and studying abroad comes with a plethora of positive and negative experiences, memories and life lessons. In such a globalized world, the process of moving abroad for work or education has become normalized. As liberating and beneficial it may be, it also comes with a lot of challenges for some.

For that same reason, the decision to study abroad may not be such an easy one, this is why one needs to thoroughly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad before making the final call. To help with this decision, I have listed below a series of realistic Pros and Cons.

Getting out of your comfort zone

To start with the good, it’s important to acknowledge the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. Moving to a new country will throw you into brand new situations and settings that are significant for personal growth. It may be intimidating at first, however, it is the best way to grow as an individual. By getting out of your comfort zone, you can learn a lot about yourself, and how you want to move forward in life.

Living abroad is an effective way to develop life skills that will make you a more open, adventurous and patient person. Since you will always face new challenges and also experience new things, you will soon lose the fear to experience new stuff and your overall level of confidence will likely increase significantly!

A New Perspective On The World

Secondly, with travel comes the power of knowledge and learning. Choosing to study abroad allows you to explore new cultures, experiences, languages, societies and histories. This is an amazing opportunity to expand your horizon and perspective on the world. Where you are from a small town or a big city, moving abroad will give you an invaluable new perspective on life. Seeing other cultures' mentality and approach to life can help you expand and enrich your own worldview.

Develop a global network of contacts

Living and studying abroad gives you the opportunity to develop a global network of contacts.

It allows you to build relationships with people in your field on a more international level. These new relationships can be beneficial in advancing your career, and allow for future opportunities to arise anywhere in the world. This is instrumental in improving your future prospects and a significant positive in living and studying abroad.

In addition to that, job markets can be increasingly competitive these days, therefore experience in working and studying abroad can really attract employees as it showcases your capability to adapt and perform.

Meet People from all over the world

Once again, the advantage and disadvantages of living abroad are two sides of the same coin.

Interacting with people from different places worldwide is one of the most memorable parts of living abroad! Of course, moving and leaving family and friends you have grown with can be a daunting thought, however making new friends and new memories can be a very impactful experience. As everyone moving abroad to study is on the same page, it is important to know you are not alone. You will make friends and you will be making friends fast, with the aid of university events and activities for international students. 

With an international group of friends, you can become a citizen of the world, which in turn allows you to become more open-minded, to have more authentic experiences abroad, as well as always having a couch to sleep on!

Learn how to adapt

Learning how to adapt is a great benefit you will get out of moving abroad. When moving to a country you are unfamiliar with, you are put into many situations that will force you to adapt efficiently.

Chances are you will not be used to the cultural values there. You will need to adapt to the new cultural values and social norms in order to become a valued member of society, even though you might not be comfortable with those traditions or values. Adapting to new things is crucial to succeeding in a world where everything is changing so fast. It allows you to stay competitive in the long run, which can give you an edge in various parts of your life!

Improve your communication skills

Moving abroad means that you have to build new social and professional circles. This can be hard, especially if you are shy by nature or if you do not speak the local language too well.

However, this is the best way to improve your communication skills – a skill that is not just important in your daily life but also valued by employers.

Learn a new language

Another advantage of studying abroad is the opportunity to learn a new language! While it may be difficult, it is one of the highlights of moving abroad! It is one thing to learn a language in school or in a community where it is not widely spoken.

However, when you move abroad, you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a culture and language fully! You are surrounded by the language on a daily basis and are seeing and hearing it in the proper cultural context. Language learning happens most quickly under these circumstances. Studying abroad is truly the best way to learn a language!

Be more independent

With moving to a new country by yourself comes a whole new aspect of independence! Many people, especially if they still live at home, suffer from a serious lack of independence since their parents still do their tasks, such as laundry and cooking for them. You may be leaving your comfort zone which is a daunting experience and will be confronted with numerous new experiences over time and have to learn how to handle them in a proper manner. You will develop the necessary skills to take care of yourself, such as cleaning and cooking.

Living abroad makes us learn new skills out of necessity, which helps us be more independent, and when put in a situation where you need to rely on yourself, you will fully realize the importance of self-discipline and dedication to the goal you have set for yourself.

Improve your CV

Moving abroad for education can also be a great positive element on your CV. It shows your flexibility, adaptability and motivation when put into new and challenging scenarios, which is highly valued and impressive to future employers.

The skills you gain are priceless and useful in personal and professional growth. Having international education or work experience on your resume will never go out of style!

Trying new cuisines

A new country means a new culture and a new cuisine! If you are a big foodie and open to exploring different palettes, then moving and travelling abroad is a fun way to do just that!

You can learn a lot about a country and their culture through its cuisine, and a great way to explore your new city is by eating your way through it!

Live in a more affordable city

Money rules many aspects of our lives, and when you go abroad, you may learn that life is more affordable and cheaper than at home! For many people, this is a major factor to live overseas. Many cities have become increasingly expensive and unaffordable.

There are many reasons to move abroad, but a cheaper destination is definitely one of the top ones!

Opportunity to travel

Studying abroad provides the opportunity to travel! Weekends and academic breaks will allow you to venture out and explore your surroundings - both in your city and more distant surroundings.

Since studying abroad often puts you in a completely different country or continent even, you are much closer to places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. Even if you go to a different city in the same country, there is so much variety!

Different approaches to education

The educational system in different countries vary. Although the program may be in English, the curriculum, learning techniques or the way the teacher conduct their lessons may differ.

Many find this difference in approach beneficial, and even achieve better results than when studying in their home country.

Become a global citizen

Living and studying abroad means you’ll have two homes. The home you make for yourself in your new country and the home you have in your native country. You’ll also have learnt to speak a new language, learnt about many different cultures and you’ll know what life outside your country is like. You’ll be able to appreciate your home country's quirks but you’ll also have knowledge about how other countries do things, and where your home country can improve.

Navigating through the world will also become easier, you won’t be afraid to try new things anymore, nor will you find traveling daunting. You probably will be able to make friends a lot easier since you had to overcome some degree of shyness while abroad.

These are priceless benefits to living and studying abroad.

***

Besides the advantages mentioned, there may be a few negative points you might face when deciding on studying and living abroad. Of course, the disadvantages may not apply to all and is quite dependent on the location you choose to relocate to, but the points I will mention are important to take into account before you decide to make a monumental move.

However, don’t get scared by this list, I’d rather consider them challenges that can be overcome, so don’t let them deter you from your goals!

Expenses

One of the main and most common concerns when studying or living abroad are the expenses that come with it! Many people also underestimate the true costs of moving abroad. One must consider the price of plane tickets, rent, currency rates, tuition fees and costs of living. It can be expensive if your finances have not been accounted for.

Another point to take into account is the ability to work abroad during your studies. In some cases, to find a student job you’ll need a work permit which you may need to apply for. These are important factors to consider, so be sure to do your research so you know what to expect to avoid any unexpected expenses!

Cultural shock

Another big challenge may be the cultural shock many face! Moving to a new country with a new language and new culture can be a shock to many, and the differences may make you feel uncomfortable or homesick at times! Although it is generally a good idea to experience different cultures, visiting a town as a tourist and living there for a while are not the same.

You are not going to love everything about your new country, and that’s completely understandable! Culture shock exists and most people are going to experience it. Different habits, different food and different ways of communication can be a big problem to some. Although they seem like little things, the cultural differences put together can really bother a foreigner. A different concept of friendliness and a sense of rejection can lead to alienation and loneliness. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome this fear, such as keeping contact with old friends and family back home, making new friends, putting yourself out there and searching for new hobbies. The new friends you’ll make while abroad will experience the exact same thing, so you are not alone!

An easy way to avoid many cultural misunderstandings is to observe what others do, and how they do it. If in any doubt, just ask! You’ll find most people are happy enough to explain their customs and will enjoy sharing their insider knowledge with you!

Language and cultural barriers

For some, language and cultural barriers may be frustrating! This can be considered a disadvantage of living abroad. Not being able to understand one another or find your way due to language barriers can cause serious communication problems and be a cause of concern for some, especially if you are not good at languages!

However, it is important to continue learning the language and not get discouraged. With prior knowledge, you may be able to prepare for moving abroad by taking language courses in your own country and facilitating your move abroad.

Loneliness

In addition to that, many students who first move abroad suffer from loneliness. The thought of arriving in a new country alone can be extremely discouraging and a very significant change in someone's life. Humans are not solitary creatures, so we worry about being alone. You may long for your friends and family, and the events or gatherings you miss out on. You may suffer from homesickness.

However, it is important to know that this is completely normal, and a challenge that almost everyone who moves abroad experiences. But there’s nothing better to overcome this loneliness than exploring the new country and socializing with new students. In addition to that, being alone can be a very enriching experience, and it is something that one needs to practice.

The ‘New Kid’

When moving to a new country, you may also feel as if you are the ‘new kid’. I must iterate that this is completely normal. However, it is intimidating and overwhelming at the same time. You may be the only person from your nation or the only English speaking person, and this can make you stand out. No one will open the door to their new home abroad and be instantly greeted by lifelong friends and family, so you must focus on why you decided to move abroad in the first place!

Finding a group of internationals to hang out with and trying to socialize with locals can be a great way to overcome this.

Figuring out how to be independent

When we move abroad, we have to learn to not only live on our own but also manage everything. Now we must cook food for ourselves, do our own laundry, learn how to pay bills, make sure to spend money within a set budget etc.

Adulthood does not start after graduation. Rather, without the help of others, you are thrown into responsibilities as soon as you move away from home. For homebodies, this can definitely be a challenge!

Bureaucracy

Another negative point is the amount of paperwork you may face when planning on moving abroad. There is always going to be paperwork and bureaucracy can be annoying. You’ll need visas, work permits, plane tickets, insurance, bank accounts etc.

However, this is usually a one-time thing and worth it in the long run! All you need is patience!

Returning home

Once you return home, you may find yourself missing your semi-adopted country and its various traditions, cultures and your new way of life. You can become used to a certain way of life and have your own routine, and so when you return to a normal routine you had left behind, another form of cultural shock is bound to arise.

This may leave you wondering whether you should have really returned home or not. This uncertainty and doubt can lead to a lot of internal stress.

An adjustment

If you love routines, activities, comfort foods, then moving abroad can be an adjustment. It is important to consider that the familiar things that comfort you may not be available in another country, such as food, activities, landscapes etc.

If there are some things that really matter to you, then make sure to pack them along, adjust, and get excited to find some new favourites!

Weather

Depending on where you are moving to, it is crucial that you are aware of the weather conditions in that area. If you are not used to extremely cold conditions and have been raised in a warm climate, or vice versa, then the weather will definitely be an adjustment for you. It is important to purchase the right winter gear that will be sufficient enough to keep you warm during a long winter night! Keep in mind that with that comes extra expenses - winter clothing due to the multiple layers and expensive materials can be quite pricey!

Again depending on where you might go, the hours of darkness that persists during the winter months can be quite long. Do not take sunlight for granted as the long hours of darkness can lead to seasonal depression if you are not used to it!

Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome the darkness and improve your mental health during those rough times. Enjoy the sunlight, surround yourself with friends, light some candles, create a warm and cosy household and you’ll be just fine!

***

Although I ended with all the disadvantages, I hope you don’t forget all the positive sides there are to studying abroad! With sufficient planning and research, you will be able to overcome these challenges and make your study abroad truly memorable! All the experiences are unique, and so will be yours. It is important to know what you are getting into, as well as going into the expat life with an open and positive mindset, and accepting the possible challenges ahead.

About the author

Nahal is a 4th-year US student of veterinary medicine who in her free time loves strolling around the Wrocław main square, restaurant hopping and always enjoys a cup of good coffee. She is fascinated by exotic animals and after graduation plans to start her professional career in a zoo.