What Living Overseas Has Taught Me: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Introduction:

Living overseas is an experience that can be both challenging and rewarding. It forces you out of your comfort zone, immerses you in new cultures, and exposes you to different ways of thinking and living. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of living in several countries, and each experience has taught me invaluable life lessons. In this blog post, I will share what living overseas has taught me about life, personal growth, and views on the world over the past 16 months visiting over 12 countries.

Adaptability:

Living in a foreign country means adapting to new customs, languages, and ways of life. It’s a constant exercise in adaptability. Whether it’s learning to communicate in a new language, mastering public transportation systems, or embracing unfamiliar cuisine, living overseas has taught me how to be flexible and open to change. A great example of this is realizing that people do not work all day 24/7 like Americans do. If your sink is broken and there is no life-threatening emergency; solutions to issues may take longer than expected. Patience and “rolling with the punches” should be soft skills all expats should develop before coming overseas. It has proven useful in all aspects of life, from my career to personal relationships.

Cultural Awareness and Empathy:

Living overseas has given me a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and a heightened sense of empathy. It’s one thing to read about different cultures, but living among people from various backgrounds provides a firsthand perspective. This experience has taught me to appreciate the richness of human diversity, respect other worldviews, and practice empathy in my interactions with people from all walks of life.

Independence and Resilience:

When you live overseas, you’re often far from your support system. This situation has taught me to be self-reliant and resilient. From navigating bureaucratic processes in a foreign language to handling emergencies on my own, I’ve become more resourceful and self-assured. These experiences have given me the confidence to face challenges head-on and the belief that I can overcome obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem.

Communication Skills:

Living in a foreign country necessitates effective communication, especially when dealing with language barriers. I’ve learned to communicate with people who speak different languages, enhancing my listening and non-verbal communication skills. This has not only improved my ability to connect with people but also made me a more patient and attentive communicator in my everyday life. Learning a tad of German, Italian, and Spanish has gone a long way in basic communication for me when traveling. While English is the most spoken language in the world; don’t always rely on others being able to speak it.

Global Perspective:

Living overseas has broadened my horizons and given me a global perspective on both local and international issues. I’ve come to understand that the world is interconnected, and what happens in one corner of the globe can have far-reaching consequences elsewhere. This has inspired me to stay informed, engage in global discussions, and become more socially and environmentally conscious. Furthermore, what most Americans think of as “problems” in the USA is nothing compared to situations and stories I have heard from foreigners living overseas. Talk to people who lived through the communist wave in Eastern Europe and suddenly you will feel ashamed to think that the United States of America is an awful place. Listen to others with different viewpoints than yourself and you will be surprised at what you learn about how your worldview can change.

Gratitude:

Living overseas has taught me to appreciate the privileges and opportunities I have in life. When you see different living conditions and socioeconomic realities, you gain a newfound sense of gratitude for the little things you might take for granted. Such examples could be cheaper petrol, lower taxes, HVAC systems, & proper supply chains. This gratitude has led me to cherish the people and experiences that enrich my life and has driven me to give back to the communities that have hosted me. Sometimes a change of pace and environment is needed for both personal and spiritual growth. Despite the notable problems the United States has had in the past 10 years or so, I still believe it is the greatest country in the world.

Conclusion:

As an American living overseas, I have had an incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It has taught me adaptability, cultural awareness, empathy, independence, communication skills, a global perspective, and gratitude. These lessons have not only enriched my life but have also made me a more open-minded, resilient, and compassionate individual. If you have the opportunity to live abroad, embrace it because the lessons you learn will stay with you for a lifetime.