“Living abroad is one of the best ways to discover who you really are,” I often say. “Because when everything familiar is stripped away, you’re left with your most authentic self.”
Moving abroad is more than just a geographical shift—it’s a complete life transformation. When you step into a new country, you leave behind far more than your old home or your favorite coffee shop. You leave behind the expectations that others have placed on you, the routines that defined your day, and even the labels that you’ve come to identify with over the years. You’re no longer the “reliable coworker,” the “eldest sibling,” or the “friend who always knows what to do.” Instead, you’re just you—no past roles, no expectations, just an individual in a completely new space.
At first, this can feel disorienting and unsettling. Who are you now, when everything that once defined you is no longer there? But here’s the liberating part: this is your chance to rediscover yourself. Without the familiar pressures and routines, you’re free to ask yourself the important questions that can guide your personal growth: Who am I? What do I truly value? What do I want my life to look like now?
Living abroad is like hitting a reset button.
It’s the perfect environment to explore new aspects of your identity that you might not have had the space for before. Maybe you’ve always wanted to be more adventurous—now’s your chance to try something bold like hiking to the top of a mountain, scuba diving in crystal-clear waters, or exploring ancient ruins that hold centuries of history. Maybe you’ve felt a desire to tap into your creative side, and now, in a new environment, you take up painting, writing, or photography for the first time. It’s about stepping outside the box and allowing yourself to grow in ways you never thought possible.
Living abroad also teaches you something incredibly valuable: self-reliance.
When you’re navigating a new country, solving problems on your own, and figuring out the rhythm of daily life in a foreign culture, you learn to trust your instincts. Whether it’s finding your way around a city without a map, solving a problem at work, or making new friends in a completely unfamiliar environment, you quickly realize that you have more strength and resourcefulness than you thought. These experiences build confidence, and the skills you develop are life-changing. The ability to adapt, to be resourceful, and to trust yourself becomes an asset long after your time abroad.
By the time you return home, you’ll find that you’re a different person. Not because the place you left has changed, but because you have changed.
You’ve grown into a more authentic version of yourself, one that’s been shaped by experiences that expanded your perspective and deepened your understanding of the world. You’ll find that your priorities have shifted, your values are clearer, and your sense of purpose is more defined. You’ll return home with a newfound appreciation for both yourself and the world around you, and that’s the beauty of living abroad—it’s not just about discovering a new place, it’s about discovering who you are.
Tips for Discovering Yourself While Living Abroad:
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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Take the opportunity to try new activities or hobbies that you might have been hesitant to explore before. Whether it’s a new sport, artistic endeavor, or simply traveling to places you never thought you'd visit, embracing the unknown will help you discover sides of yourself you never knew existed.
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Journal Your Journey: Write down your thoughts and feelings regularly. Journaling can help you process emotions, track your growth, and reflect on your experiences. It’s also a great way to look back and see how far you’ve come, especially during challenging moments.
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Connect with Locals: Building relationships with people from your host country can provide you with a deeper understanding of the culture and open your eyes to new perspectives. These friendships can teach you more about yourself as you navigate a different way of life.
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Make Time for Self-Reflection: Set aside quiet time to reflect on your experiences and personal growth. Ask yourself questions like: How have I changed since moving abroad? What aspects of my personality have emerged that I didn’t know were there?
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Embrace the Challenges: Living abroad will come with obstacles, but rather than seeing them as setbacks, view them as opportunities to grow. Each challenge is a chance to build resilience, self-reliance, and a stronger sense of who you are in the world.
So, embrace this transformative journey. Allow yourself to let go of old definitions and step into the person you’re meant to be. Because when you leave everything behind, you discover more of who you truly are than you ever thought possible.
Preview next edition:
In the next ‘Authentic growth through life abroard’ I will share more about coming home and staying connected to your global life! So stay tuned!
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