If living abroad has been your long-standing fantasy and dream, then keep reading because I am about to share everything you need to know before taking the plunge. Whether you are considering living abroad due to falling in love with a local or because your job requires you to relocate to a different country, there are several factors to consider and prepare for. This will avoid feeling overwhelmed when the time comes to move.
Living abroad vs. traveling Abroad
Living abroad is a distinct experience compared to traveling abroad. When you travel, you may overlook certain “insignificant” details. You are in a state of euphoria, discovering new places and meeting new people without fully experiencing the downsides of a country. It may seem more superficial, less burdensome, and without the implications of commitment or responsibilities.
It is more like a temporary escape, allowing you to return to your home country afterward. However, living abroad is a whole different story. It requires adapting to a new culture, different customs, and maybe even a new language. You are no longer just visiting; you are building a life in a new country.
Culture Shock
If you have an adventurous spirit, nothing should intimidate you. You are accustomed to solo travel and living independently. Culture holds great importance in every country, and as an expatriate, adaptability is crucial.
Eventually, you may start to experience pangs of homesickness. Living in the Caribbean, I often feel nostalgic during Christmas, missing the festive spirit portrayed in European or American movies. The snow, the cold weather, and cozying up in bed with a hot chocolate—how can one recreate such an atmosphere when it’s a constant 95°F? Fortunately, I have encountered these sentiments before during my travels.
I once spent Christmas in Miami and already longed for that familiar ambiance. So, it’s not a new feeling! I must accept it and find my own way to celebrate Christmas with a beachy vibe and warm weather.
My advice is not to attempt to replicate the same spirit as the North Pole because it would feel out of place. Instead, explore the local traditions or create your own. For instance, here in the Caribbean, I decorate my home with poinsettias. These flowering plants, native to Mexico and Central America, are well-known for their red and green foliage. They are widely used in Christmas floral displays. I avoid artificial decorations and opt for natural red colors. I also knit festive Christmas socks and adorn my home with lights.
Distance
Factors such as distance, time difference, and exchange rates must be considered. Being far from family, although a personal choice, can be challenging. It becomes especially poignant when missing out on cherished traditions from back home. Attending a friend’s birthday or wedding becomes a financial burden due to expensive plane tickets.
Thankfully, technology has been a valuable companion for expatriates. It has evolved from Gmail to Skype calls and now to WhatsApp calls. Despite the physical distance, loved ones feel closer through the ability to share videos, messages, and photos.
Paperwork
I believe that is the most challenging aspect, but fortunately, Colombia is known for its streamlined paperwork and visa requirements (depending on the purpose of your stay, of course). In my particular case, having two children grants me permanent residency as a mother of Colombian citizens. The wonderful part is that being an expat has made my children bilingual!
Healthcare
Depending on whether you are self-employed or employed, healthcare here is excellent. Personally, I have no complaints about it. I gave birth to my children in the same clinic, surrounded by skilled and compassionate professionals. Interestingly, as a “gringo,” one might experience slightly different treatment, but with the right attitude, it can be a positive experience.
It’s unfortunate that some expats here fear local clinics and medical advice, believing they are inferior to American or European standards. They choose to wait until they are back home to schedule medical check-ups for their children, such as pediatric dentistry or ophthalmic care.
Making friends as an expat
Moving abroad means leaving behind your established social network. My suggestion is to join expat groups and clubs on Facebook. It is an excellent way to meet other expats, share experiences, and explore the country together. It’s also an opportunity to indulge in your hobbies and interests. Whether it’s yoga class, salsa class, or learning Spanish, there is always an expat group for you.
From traveling to sedentary expat life
I used to be an avid backpacker, but now I have children and live a more sedentary life. I won’t deny that I sometimes miss it, but I believe that everything happens at the right time. I have a dream that one day I will be able to explore Patagonia with my children, just as I had originally planned before falling in love with my husband during my trip here in Colombia. Being an expat doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on travel.
In my case, it is due to the choices I’ve made in life – managing a growing farm and raising two kids who are now attending school. Living abroad offers great opportunities to explore both domestically and internationally. You can take advantage of having a national ID to travel across South America, for example.
Choose between working locally or remotely
I have had the opportunity to experience both sides of the spectrum. Previously, I held the position of head of the marketing department for a chain of hotels, working in a country classified as a third-world nation where the minimum wage in 2023 is just $272 USD per month. However, I have now found contentment in working remotely for a Utah-based digital marketing agency on a part-time basis.
This change allows me to earn in dollars and work fewer hours, granting me a higher standard of living compared to earning in pesos. Being an expat for an international company also provides the advantage of earning in a currency other than the local one.
Wrapping Up
Living as an expat is a unique experience that offers both challenges and opportunities. It requires adaptability, resourcefulness, and an open mind to fully embrace the local culture and traditions. While distance from family and friends may be difficult, technology has made it easier to stay connected.
And although there may be paperwork to navigate, the benefits of living in a different country can be worth it. So, don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back from living your dream of being an expat. Embrace the adventure and create new memories in a different part of the world!
I leave you with this beautiful passage written by an Australian expat currently residing in Guatemala:
Step out. Even if it’s just for a season. Step out. Off the schoolcollegejobhousepromotionbiggerhouse than never seems to end.
Go to another country, observe how they make life work there. How they communicate and live alongside each other. How they LOVE. It’s crazy, isn’t it, when you learn that there is a million ways to live a life!
Marion