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So you’re finally doing it—leaving the comfort of home to live in a brand-new country. The idea sounds exciting (and it is!), filled with the promise of new food, new people, and new adventures. But once the excitement wears off and the real living begins, you may start noticing a few surprises—things that no one warned you about before hopping on that flight.
Whether you're relocating for school, work, love, or just to start fresh, living in a foreign country can be one of the most eye-opening and transformative experiences of your life. But it’s not always picture-perfect. Here are five things no one tells you about living in a new country—the good, the confusing, and the deeply personal.
1. The Little Things Will Feel Way Bigger Than Expected
When people talk about moving abroad, they usually mention the “big stuff”: language barriers, visa processes, cultural shocks. But here’s the truth—it’s the little things that’ll get to you the most.
Things like figuring out how to pay for public transport, understanding local slang, or not knowing where to buy familiar toiletries can make you feel lost all over again. Even grocery shopping can turn into a 90-minute scavenger hunt if you're unfamiliar with the brands or can’t read the labels.
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Need to open a bank account? Better be prepared with the right documents, which may vary depending on the bank and even the clerk you speak with. Want to get a mobile plan? You might need a local ID you didn’t know you needed until you showed up. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much you don’t know.
Tip: Keep a small notebook or phone app handy to jot down new terms, routines, or processes. You’ll get the hang of it faster than you think.
2. You’ll Miss the Most Unexpected Things
Sure, you’ll miss your family and your favorite local dishes. But what might surprise you are the unexpected waves of homesickness triggered by the tiniest things.
The scent of your old neighborhood bakery. The jingles from your local radio station. The exact way your country makes fried eggs. It can hit you randomly, like when you're walking through a market and suddenly crave a brand of candy you haven’t thought about in years.
These aren’t just cravings or habits—they’re comfort zones, deeply rooted in your everyday life. When those are stripped away, your mind clings to what it knows best.
Tip: Bring a few mementos from home—spices, snacks, music playlists, or photos. These small pieces can offer huge comfort on tough days.
3. Making Friends as an Adult Abroad Is a Whole Different Game
When you're younger, making friends is as easy as sharing a snack or being assigned the same project in school. But as an adult in a new country, especially one where you don’t speak the language fluently, making meaningful friendships is a slow, intentional process.
You might find that locals already have close-knit circles, while fellow expats are often transient, leaving just as quickly as they arrived. Plus, cultural differences can make conversations feel awkward or surface-level at first.
But here’s the good news—you’re not alone. Most other foreigners are in the same boat, and locals often appreciate your effort to engage with their culture.
Tip: Join expat Facebook groups, take a class (language, dance, cooking), or volunteer locally. These are great ways to meet people who share your interests and are open to connection.
4. Your Worldview Will Be Challenged—in the Best Possible Way
One of the biggest gifts of living abroad is this: you’ll start to question everything you thought was “normal.”
Growing up in one country gives you a very specific lens through which you see the world. But when you immerse yourself in a different culture, that lens gets cracked wide open.
You might realize that:
- Not everyone eats three meals a day—or at the same times.
- Personal space has different meanings in different cultures.
- Punctuality, tipping, humor, relationships—everything varies.
This can be frustrating at first. You may feel like you're doing things "wrong" or that people don’t understand you. But in time, you’ll learn to see these differences not as obstacles, but as perspectives. It’s humbling and enriching all at once.
Tip: Stay curious. Instead of comparing, try to understand. Ask locals why things are done a certain way. You’ll learn more than any book could teach you.
5. You’ll Become Someone You Never Expected
Living in a new country will stretch you in ways you never imagined. You’ll learn to be more independent, adaptable, and resilient—even when you don’t feel like it.
From handling bureaucracy in a foreign language to navigating unfamiliar social rules, you’ll gain life skills that stick with you forever. Over time, you’ll notice changes in yourself—how you speak, how you dress, how you react to stress or failure.
You may become more open-minded, more self-aware, or even more grateful for things you once took for granted. And one day, it’ll hit you: you didn’t just move to a new country—you grew into a new version of yourself.
Tip: Document your journey. Whether through journaling, vlogging, or voice memos, reflecting on your growth can be incredibly empowering—and inspiring to others.
Living in a new country isn’t always Instagram-perfect. It’s messy, challenging, and sometimes lonely. But it’s also magical, life-changing, and deeply rewarding. The parts no one tells you about—the unexpected challenges, the quiet growth, the surprising joys—are often the most meaningful.
So if you're planning to move abroad, go in with an open heart and a flexible mind. Be ready to stumble, to learn, and most of all, to grow.
And if you’re already living it—just know that you’re doing better than you think. Keep going. Your story is just beginning.
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s build a global conversate on