December 23, 2024
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes, we end up living abroad, far from home. Whether it’s for work, studies, or just for adventure, many of us choose to live in another country at some point. This experience can be both exciting and challenging. When you move abroad, you don’t just change your address – you change your life in many ways.
Moving abroad – the path to my personal growth
For me, being Armenian, I spent almost my entire life in my homeland. But in 2023, I moved to Poland to study. This was a big change, and I had to adapt to a new culture, language, and lifestyle. Polish and Armenian cultures have some similarities, but there are many differences as well. For example, the way buildings are numbered or how the education system works can be different from your home country. These little things can sometimes make you feel confused or lost.
Living in a new environment is not only a challenge but also an exciting journey full of opportunities. From my experience in Poland, I realized that learning Polish from scratch and adapting to a different culture was not just about survival. It was also about personal growth. Going through these challenges abroad has contributed to my intellectual development, improved my mental resilience, strengthened my willpower, and enhanced my ability to strategize in building new connections.
Moreover, living abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to face new situations daily. This constant adaptation helps you become more flexible and open-minded. You learn how to approach problems from different angles and think creatively. Additionally, being in an unfamiliar place allows you to discover new aspects of yourself, as you’re continuously exposed to new ideas and perspectives.
The process of building relationships in a foreign country also hones your communication and social skills. You become more proactive in reaching out to others, which fosters deeper, more meaningful connections. Every step you take, from mastering the language to understanding local customs, makes you stronger and more capable of navigating life’s challenges. Finally, living in a different country teaches you patience. You learn to accept that things won’t always go smoothly, and that’s okay. The experience is enriching not only because of what you gain externally, but also because of the inner transformation it brings.
Tips for overcoming challenges and loneliness in a new country
So, how can you find yourself in a new country as an expat? Here are a few tips from my own experience:
- Be open to change: Things will be different, and that’s okay. You can try to find out important information about the country you move to, talk with other people who did the same before you. That is a good point as well for being ready for safe movement.
- Learn the language: Even if you don’t become fluent right away, learning basic phrases can help you feel more comfortable. People appreciate when you try to speak their language, and it can make daily life much easier. Luckily , there are many YouTube channels for learning basic words, phrases and so on. Use it.
- Make friends: It’s important to build a support system in your new home. Try to connect with both locals and other foreigners. Friends can help you feel less alone and introduce you to new experiences. Facebook groups or other social media can be a good tool for it.
- Stay positive: There will be challenges, but try to focus on the positive side of things. Every problem you solve in a foreign country will make you stronger and more independent.
Living in a different country is a unique journey that teaches you a lot about yourself and the world. It might be difficult at first, but with time, you’ll find your way and make the most of your experience.
My personal journey as an expat – strengthening my identity through dealing with culture shock and immersing in a new culture
I consider the year I spent in my beloved Warsaw to be priceless. Every corner, every street, and the wonderful people I met while living there hold a special place in my heart. I’ve grown to love the Polish language as well. Immersing yourself in a new environment, trying to learn and understand a different culture while maintaining your own is a significant and meaningful step in life. It teaches you balance, adaptability, and resilience. In the end, this journey not only broadens your horizons but also strengthens your connection to your roots and identity, making you a more open-minded and enriched individual.
Summary – navigating personal growth through living abroad
I would like to conclude my article with the words of my professor, Pani Olga: “The more we travel, the more cultures we get to know, the more we learn. We become kinder, we start to appreciate our own roots and understand the true value of many things.” These words resonate deeply with me, as my experience in Poland has taught me not only to embrace new cultures but also to value my own even more. Through this journey, I have grown both personally and intellectually, and I believe that living in a new country enriches us in ways we can only fully understand by stepping out into the world.
You can also read another one of our articles to discover how becoming a volunteer can enhance your sense of self: The benefits of volunteering for young people.
Author: Nvard
Editor: Barbara Sękowska
This article was created as part of the Become young entrepreneur project implemented by the Erasmus+ program with European Union funds.