10 Reasons to Live Abroad in Europe

Moving internationally is a big decision and an adventure like none other. You become like a kid again re-learning how to act and behave in a new world. Such a drastic change can be thrilling and intimidating. It will challenge you in many ways. There is something very special about moving far from home. Away from all the surroundings that have inadvertently defined you, you have the opportunity to learn who you are when they are stripped away. My personal experience brought me to Europe. The change in culture and lifestyle enriched my life in ways I was not anticipating. Let’s begin the list of 10 reasons to live abroad in Europe.

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1. Learning about new cultures

New history, art, music, architecture, religions and more! You’ll learn not just about the one you are in, but the neighbors as well.

2. Opening your mind to new lifestyles

These different cultures facilitate a different way of approaching life. It will make you question your own, and why you act the way you do. Be open to other ways of doing things.

3. New cuisines

This is the best part. New foods and flavors to discover! Try everything at least once. Apply what you find to your cooking.

4. New fashion

Clothing is a way to communicate to the world about yourself. Listen to the new languages with your eyes. Try out something you normally wouldn’t wear. Be bold!

5. A Diverse population

Europe is a giant melting pot of people from all over the world. It requires those who live there to have an open mind and accepting heart. This creates an excellent environment for expats. You won’t feel like the black sheep if you are moving to a big city. It’s likely at least 1/4 of the population is a foreigner, like yourself.

6. A traveler’s heaven

From nearly anywhere in Europe, there is another country with a completely different culture to offer within a 4-hour (maximum) drive, train ride, or flight. Craving pizza? You can catch a cheap, short flight and be in Italy by lunch.

7. Exposure to multiple languages

More than half of Europeans speak at least two languages. No matter what country you are in, you will hear the chirpings of other languages around. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn, or enhance another language! It is no secret that immersion is the best form of learning.

8. Understanding yourself better

We underestimate the influence of our home on our identity. Its imprint becomes apparent when we move away from it. Even if you don’t particularly like where you grew up, you molded yourself in response to those surroundings. When they are stripped away, and you stand alone without the reflections of your family, friends, and familiar places; the identity of your true self is revealed.

9. New valuable life skills

You will be faced with new obstacles while navigating your new home: adapting to new government laws, new languages, new transportation, and new social norms; and obtaining essential things like a bank account, local phone number, identification card, and driver’s license. All these seemingly simple things will come with a new set of rules that will require you to be flexible. Your ability to navigate through unfamiliar territory will be an invaluable life lesson.

10. Making new connections

You’re starting fresh. Whether you are a shy introvert or an outgoing extrovert, you need to create a new community. This comes with the wonderful opportunity for you to surround yourself with people who inspire you, contribute to your well-being, and enrich your life.

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Thank you for reading 10 Reasons to Live Abroad in Europe!

Comment below what other questions you have about living abroad.