Living abroad has its pros and cons. Pros include learning a new language, experiencing a different culture, and trying new cuisine. Cons include language barriers, cultural missteps, and homesickness. Communication technology has made it easier to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
In the current era of globalization, cheap communication and fast international travel, many people choose to build their homes in foreign countries. Whether you’re considering a new career in a distant country that you know little about or a language program in a country you’ve studied for years, there’s likely to be a lot to appreciate – and a little to complain about – in his new home. Some of the positive aspects of living abroad include being able to learn a new language, experience another culture and enjoy a different cuisine. There can be some downsides, however, such as language barriers, cultural missteps, eating difficulties, and perhaps even homesickness.
Language is often a difficult area of life for people living abroad. If someone doesn’t speak the local language, even simple tasks can seem daunting. This language barrier, however, can also be seen in a positive light. Someone who is interested in learning the local language will be in the perfect environment when living abroad. In fact, almost everyone she meets will be potential language partners and tutors.
Like language, culture also plays a significant role in the life of a person living abroad. The rules of social etiquette in a foreign country may be very different from where you grew up. For example, knowing the proper way to show a dinner guest that you are satisfied with a meal can be difficult. If a person is not familiar with the local cultural cues, he may be the victim of some misunderstandings.
Food can be a source of great satisfaction or great disappointment, depending on your tastes and the foreign country in which you live. In some countries, for example, local cuisine relies heavily on the use of seafood. Those who don’t or can’t eat fish will have their dining options greatly reduced. On the other hand, for those who love seafood, the variety and quality available in that country could bring quite a bit of enjoyment.
Even if a person loves the cuisine of their adopted country, they may occasionally crave familiar foods. However, in some cases, it may be difficult or impossible to purchase such foods locally. Many people are comforted by a taste of home and are disappointed when they can’t have it.
Another topic to consider is the cost of living abroad. Often, people pursuing careers in foreign countries tend to live in capital cities or cities involved in finance and international business. Typically, these are very expensive cities. Someone who lives in a big city like Paris, Sydney, New York or Moscow may find that their leisure options are limited by their income. On the other hand, someone who lives in a smaller city or developing country may find that their money goes beyond what they have at home.
One final issue is far less significant now than it once was: distance. With the availability of low cost communication technologies, it is easier than ever for someone to stay in touch with their family and friends over great distances. In the days of airmail and transoceanic passenger ships, living abroad meant a certain isolation from one’s home country. With the help of a computer, however, one can now keep up with one’s friends and family easily, even talking to them face-to-face via video chat if the appropriate computer equipment is available. If one is truly homesick, he can always book a plane ticket and be home for a visit relatively quickly.
It’s safe to say that virtually every person will find advantages and disadvantages to living abroad. This is, however, perfectly natural. After all, most people can find many pros and cons even in their home country.
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