Living Abroad in Your 20s – Is It Worth It?

As the echoes of the global pandemic fade into the past, it’s fascinating to see how many Americans are toying with the idea of setting up shop in a different country. The allure of relocating to a distant land, along with the desire for security and opportunity abroad has taken on an even more compelling significance. Of course, every adventure comes with its share of challenges. We tell ourselves we don’t have the money, the family structure, or the right exit strategy. The same question always remains: Is it worth it?

Upon entering high school, I felt immense pressure to achieve success through attending college and to make decisions about the future after graduation. The bustling streets of European cities called my name, urging me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in a place far removed from the eclectic streets of my hometown, New Orleans.

After more than five years living in the beautiful country of Czechia, I believe my story serves as a true testament to the worthiness of this unique path. However, I acknowledge that my personal experience alone, while valuable, only scratches the surface of countless stories from American expats who had their own motivations for moving overseas.

Through confidential interviews with three American expats, I sought to gain insight into the advantages and challenges faced by those who have already embraced this pivotal life choice. The verdict? Living abroad in yours 20s gives you the chance to:

One person decided to live abroad to expose her children to more of the world. Moving to a different country helped her kids become bilingual and receive an education that aligned with their family’s beliefs. She highlighted how important it is to think about cultural context when looking for a safe and supportive place for your family. Living abroad, she feels a sense of safety that she didn’t experience back in the United States. 

In her new country, she can walk around alone safely at night without worrying about her well-being, and her children are more independent and responsible, able to navigate the city on their own. Ultimately, she emphasized that conquering the language barrier is the most pivotal step in fully broadening one’s horizons and making the most of time spent living abroad.

For another individual, the path to becoming an expat began early on in life, and many unexpected detours arose when he least expected them. When plans fell through, he didn’t retreat; he recalibrated. With a background rooted in community engagement in his hometown, he built a strong sense of purpose and identity around his involvement in culture-based initiatives. However, upon relocating to a new country, he encountered a different landscape – one where language barriers and cultural differences posed obstacles to working for similar non-profit organizations.

Then, as lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic took effect, his plans to relocate to Japan for an exchange and teaching program were canceled.

He describes this moment as a realization that “the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side and more so, the grass is green where you water it. I’m sure I would be fine in Japan, Ireland, China, or Nebraska, but I have to be willing to put in the work to make a place home for me.” His story paints a vivid portrait of resilience used as a dynamic force, not a static trait.

Instead of succumbing to these hurdles, he channeled his resilience to reassess his goals and carve out new paths. Living abroad isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, nor is it tied to a specific location. Instead, it’s about nurturing one’s personal aspirations for life, which evolve as we do.

For another individual, the path to becoming an expat began early on in life, and many unexpected detours arose when he least expected them. When plans fell through, he didn’t retreat; he recalibrated. With a background rooted in community engagement in his hometown, he built a strong sense of purpose and identity around his involvement in culture-based initiatives. However, upon relocating to a new country, he encountered a different landscape – one where language barriers and cultural differences posed obstacles to working for similar non-profit organizations.

Then, as lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic took effect, his plans to relocate to Japan for an exchange and teaching program were canceled.

He describes this moment as a realization that “the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side and more so, the grass is green where you water it. I’m sure I would be fine in Japan, Ireland, China, or Nebraska, but I have to be willing to put in the work to make a place home for me.” His story paints a vivid portrait of resilience used as a dynamic force, not a static trait.

Instead of succumbing to these hurdles, he channeled his resilience to reassess his goals and carve out new paths. Living abroad isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, nor is it tied to a specific location. Instead, it’s about nurturing one’s personal aspirations for life, which evolve as we do.

The journey of another individual took an unexpected turn with a chance encounter in a biology class, propelling them towards a study abroad opportunity at Cambridge. The expat experience frequently introduces moments of serendipity and cross-cultural interactions. A prime example is found in his study abroad story, where his solo trip to Edinburgh, Scotland brought him to a party where he met a Danish woman.

Though their bond remained platonic, its impact was profound, serving as the catalyst for his inaugural gap year and his exploration of the world through legal working visas. His subsequent stint as a European tour guide and a year spent working in Australia solidified his belief in the transformative power of connections. He highlights the significance of saving money and embracing memorable experiences, showing that connections not only enrich the journey but also offer practical advice for the future.

In the interviews I conducted with expats, the theme of discovering one’s identity in a new cultural context emerges as a significant thread. While the journey of living abroad is filled with rewards, it also presents its fair share of challenges – navigating language barriers, adapting to foreign customs, and more. Their identities matured as they engaged with a new environment, fostering a sense of belonging that extended far beyond geographical location. Their stories resonate as a reminder that the world is a classroom, and every corner of the globe offers a chance for personal growth.

In the interviews I conducted with expats, the theme of discovering one’s identity in a new cultural context emerges as a significant thread. While the journey of living abroad is filled with rewards, it also presents its fair share of challenges – navigating language barriers, adapting to foreign customs, and more. Their identities matured as they engaged with a new environment, fostering a sense of belonging that extended far beyond geographical location. Their stories resonate as a reminder that the world is a classroom, and every corner of the globe offers a chance for personal growth.

Diving into a new cultural environment opens up a world of possibilities for gaining a new outlook on your own culture. It’s like looking at your own reflection in a different mirror. When you start comparing and contrasting the way things are done in different places, you’ll find yourself uncovering fascinating insights into your personal beliefs and values. And here’s the twist: being miles away from the familiarity of your home country can prompt you to rethink your priorities. Suddenly, you’re wondering what truly matters to you in the grand scheme of things.

The choice to embrace this adventure rests on your own aspirations, your readiness to adapt, and your innate desire for exploration. Aligning various aspects of your life, such as your career goals and life aspirations can help you make your decision to move abroad, ensuring that your experience is not only memorable but also beneficial for your long-term personal development.