Expatriation : this is what you should know !
« Never hesitate to go far away, beyond all seas, borders, countries, beliefs. » — Amin Maalouf
We have been fascinated by travel for over 20 years, but in this blog, we will talk not just about stays abroad but about experiences that enrich our daily life. Indeed, my husband and I are fortunate to have a lot of free time, which we have dedicated to traveling. But it is also the act of living and working abroad that has allowed us to discover the world in a different way and thus enrich our daily lives in many aspects.
It is the pursuit of happiness, the quest for a better life. We have had the opportunity to meet many expatriates, and what is certain is that one leaves their country to live better. Sometimes we go to the other end of the world for an opportunity that we consider beneficial. Indeed, although it is difficult to win on all fronts, the advantages of living abroad are numerous.
So, why choose to live abroad? The answer to this question is as varied as the individuals who embark on this path. In this blog, we explore stays that transcend mere tourist visits to become transformative experiences, weaving the fabric of our existence day by day.
A Fresh Start!
« A destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. » — Henry Miller
Setting off on an adventure in a foreign country is not always a carefully considered plan. Sometimes, it’s a spontaneous impulse towards novelty. However, for the majority, it is a vision that germinates slowly, an idea that takes root. This vision is then realized through a number of steps.
Work, often a major obstacle, is a central issue except for digital nomads or retirees. In 2023, the opportunities to work abroad abound, from visas for digital nomads to university exchanges, to entrepreneurship facilitated in many countries, teaching, or diplomacy. It remains crucial to gather information to anticipate and facilitate departure. One must ask whether the country of our dreams offers the possibility to work there and under what conditions.
Today, many countries need to attract foreign citizens to their shores (Canada, Switzerland, Middle Eastern countries, for example…) and therefore offer work in various sectors of activity. In the digital field, which has literally exploded in recent years, some countries now offer visas for digital nomads (such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and many others…). For younger people, many exchanges are possible during higher education, or even offer work for under 30s quite easily (Australia, New Zealand).
Of course, entrepreneurship is also a possibility when the host country allows it. In some parts of the world, like Bali, for example, local partners are needed, but it is possible. It is now simply a matter of gathering information well to prepare for departure. Numerous forums or blogs provide a wealth of information on expatriation. Embassies also provide important information regarding safety, which should be considered when expatriating to countries considered « at risk ».
The Prerequisites for a Successful Expatriation
« The secret of the future is to prepare for it. » — Anatole France
Although adventure has its charms, preliminary steps are a guarantee of success. Formalities, visas, health coverage, housing, and transportation require particular attention.
Indeed, preliminary steps can prevent a number of inconveniences and thus save time and money. It is then a matter of gathering information concerning entry formalities, obtaining a visa, health coverage, renting housing, a vehicle (with the appropriate license). All these precious details greatly facilitate settling in a new country. Ideally, it is best to know people on-site who can help, but it can very well be done without.
Learning the language of the host country is undoubtedly the key to successful integration and an active social life with the locals, and I speak from experience. Indeed, my years in Mexico were immediately facilitated by communication with the locals (my rudimentary school Spanish allowed us to quickly connect with the locals). On the contrary, my blockage concerning learning the Russian language is certainly my greatest regret from my expatriation to Russia. As in many countries, speaking the language of the host country allows us to « break the ice, » and I can say that the metaphor is weak for Russia. It shows the interest we have in our host country and is absolutely essential for creating links quickly.
English, as the lingua franca, remains a necessity for any non-English speaking person who wants to expatriate.
It seems to me that one cannot feel at home until one understands the world around us. Many expatriates will quickly seek to create links with people who speak the same language. This can certainly be explained by a need to find benchmarks as quickly as possible, to create a community network.
Finally, I would also say that curiosity also helps to overcome the difficulties encountered in the first few weeks. Indeed, showing interest in the language, culture, customs, and gastronomy, all this allows us to adopt new benchmarks by meeting locals and creating new habits. Curiosity seems essential to fully enjoy the country that welcomes us.
The Challenges of Expatriation
« Travel is fatal to prejudice, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness. » — Mark Twain
Living abroad, especially at the beginning of expatriation, presents its share of significant challenges.
Learning a new language is often at the top of the list because it opens the doors to communication and integration. It is a challenge to take up because it requires work as any learning does, although the practice of a language on a daily basis simplifies and accelerates the process. One day, a doctor with whom I had very good relations told me that he would have liked to get out of his « Frenchness » but that by speaking only French, it was impossible for him. This expression « to get out of his Frenchness » made me think a lot. He meant that speaking only one language limits us to our immediate universe.
Indeed, mastering a second or even third language first gives us the opportunity to communicate with many more people, therefore to learn from these people who do not have the same experiences, the same culture, the same history, the same codes.
Adapting to a new culture can be complex, requiring not only an understanding of local customs but also an adjustment of one’s own habits. Social integration then becomes a challenge, as making new friends and building a network in a new environment can take time. Managing cultural differences and understanding social codes are essential steps to settle comfortably in a new place. These challenges, although stimulating, require patience, open-mindedness, a willingness to learn, and to adapt continuously.
The Benefits of Living Abroad
« Traveling makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. » — Gustave Flaubert
Living abroad brings us many benefits. My husband tried to define what a world citizen is in the previous article, and I would certainly start there. Living abroad is transforming oneself into a world citizen, it is freeing oneself from fears and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It offers a unique perspective on one’s own country. It is an immersive experience that allows one to take a step back and observe objectively what works and what does not in one’s own country. By comparing systems, norms, and values between one’s home country and the host country, one gains a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each society. This immersion fosters a more nuanced and broadened vision, allowing one to appreciate positive aspects often taken for granted and to identify areas for improvement.
Living abroad also offers a unique intellectual richness by continually exposing us to new ideas, perspectives, and cultural experiences, thus nourishing a constant intellectual curiosity. This immersion in a diversified environment promotes an expansion of horizons, thus stimulating critical thinking and offering unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Embracing the World Enriches Our Soul
« Traveling is to be born and die at every moment. » — Victor Hugo
Living abroad is about embracing the unknown, confronting the unknown, and discovering that beyond our fears lies an enriched version of ourselves. It is a quest for happiness and personal fulfillment that defies borders and expands our identity on a global scale.