Is it a new start or an escape?
"Leaving everything here to begin afresh elsewhere" epitomizes the essence of moving abroad as a pathway to self-discovery. When daily routines become oppressive and career ambitions vanish into meaningless habits, relocating can serve as a reset—providing a chance to refocus and realign with your core values. Moving abroad not only allows for a break from mundane routines but also offers a retreat from personal strife, like family disputes or heartbreaks, where distance can indeed make the heart grow fonder of yourself.
Yet, does this induce a fresh start or merely an escape? Opinions are divided. Some critics argue that such moves are mere escapes, a flight from unresolved issues that won't simply vanish by crossing borders. This perspective is widespread, cautioning against the notion that geographic changes can substitute for confronting personal challenges directly—'escape' often connotes weakness.
Conversely, another viewpoint celebrates this as more than mere flight. Proponents of moving abroad for self-discovery contend that problems don't require passports to follow us and that changing environments can indeed create the physical and mental space necessary for deep introspection. By leaving an oppressive environment, one can better hear their own thoughts and engage more fully with their new surroundings, thus preserving their well-being and gaining new perspectives.
Moving abroad to make peace with yourself
We're familiar with the concept of "travel therapy": journeys that foster self-confidence and self-discovery. The principle behind such travel is to venture forth to better rediscover oneself, recall one's capabilities, and bolster self-assurance. Moving abroad extends this concept but with a crucial distinction: it is not merely a brief getaway of days or weeks but an immigration project spanning months or even years.
This form of "therapy" is a process that shapes over time. The impacts of living abroad can't be fully predicted, yet this path offers a unique chance to reconcile with oneself. Many cultural misconceptions persist, framing life as a rigid path where deviations are seen not as explorations but failures. Expatriation challenges this notion, providing a landscape where detours aren't merely permitted—they're opportunities for profound personal renewal. In choosing to move abroad, individuals seek not just to escape their surroundings but to forge peace with themselves and create a foundation for future growth.
Living in a foreign country without pressure
It's important not to burden yourself with unrealistic expectations when embarking on a new adventure in a foreign country. There is no perfect formula or predetermined path to guarantee happiness abroad. The key lies in balancing your internal journey with outward actions.
For instance, in the wake of the global health crisis, many people moved abroad, driven by a desire to escape the confines of lockdown and its ramifications. The change of scenery was much needed. For some, this fulfilled a lifelong aspiration to experience life abroad; for others, it was about living long-held childhood dreams. Thus, immigration transformed into a method of regaining control over their lives approached with an open mind rather than a checklist of achievements.
The dreams and goals that inspire expatriates serve as motivators rather than constraints. Setting the immigration project into motion is a victory in itself. This approach fosters ambition without the burden of compulsory success. Expatriates are encouraged to pursue their plans without subjecting themselves to the tyranny of their own expectations or repeating the very patterns they wish to escape.
What expatriation is not
Expatriation is not a panacea. In instances of severe emotional or psychological distress that require medical intervention, consulting a healthcare professional is essential. While life abroad might follow medical recovery, it's crucial not to view moving abroad as a cure-all, as this can lead to undue pressure and set unrealistic goals that are impossible to meet.
Moreover, expatriation does not need to be envisioned as a monumental, once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. The essence of the experience isn't diminished by choosing a destination close to home, nor does it require an epic journey to the farthest corners of the earth. Moving abroad is about change and personal growth, not distance.
Not everyone will find expatriation suitable. Some might discover that shorter travels are more enriching, while others might find greater satisfaction in making significant changes without leaving their current environment.
Finally, migrating to a new country isn't about undertaking a "crazy" or outlandish project. It's a grounded decision that involves meticulous planning, from visa applications to realistic goal-setting. The objective is to live through the expatriation experience, not to chase an unattainable fantasy, which could end in disappointment.
What expatriation is
Expatriation often presents as a challenging yet enriching journey that encompasses personal rediscovery and new cultural experiences. However, it's essential to understand that, at its core, expatriation entails a series of practical steps and requirements:
- Completing visa and residence permit applications,
- Navigating often lengthy and complex administrative procedures,
- Being considerably patient,
- Managing significant expenses,
- Maintaining regular communication with immigration services.
Embarking on such a venture demands substantial energy and preparation. The transformative journey of self-discovery begins not upon arrival in the foreign country but amidst the meticulous planning and preparation required beforehand. Expatriates test their resourcefulness during this initial phase—gathering information, seeking assistance, learning a new language if necessary, staying motivated amid setbacks, adapting their plans to meet various constraints, and maintaining a realistic outlook on their new life abroad.
More tips for moving abroad in search of yourself
Consider the expatriation project based on your current strengths. Do not hesitate to pause or recalibrate a challenging project. Keep in mind that moving abroad requires a lot of energy. It is better to preserve your mental health and avoid embarking on a too ambitious project if you don't have the strength.
You can also try traveling for several weeks or months, taking advantage of visa exemptions allowed by your nationality. Those with a "strong passport" are fortunate to be able to travel to many countries for up to 3 months without a visa.
It is important not to expect too much from expatriation. Reading thrilling accounts of expats who went "expecting nothing from the foreign country" and discovered "happiness, peace, love, and wealth" can be tempting to believe that expatriation is a wheel of fortune. Sure, such testimonials are motivating. However, you should not expect to experience the same thing. The starting point is right: leave expecting nothing from the foreign country (simply because no one knows what will happen there). It is certainly not about being pessimistic; on the contrary. Engage positively in your new life abroad, thinking first and foremost about yourself.
Moving abroad also means facing loneliness. It is important to keep this in mind to avoid disappointments. There may be moments of involuntary loneliness. Conversely, some expats specifically seek out these moments of solitude to better find themselves.
Rather than waiting for specific goals, it is better to let yourself be carried along, simply appreciating the new dynamics without demanding things the foreign country cannot solve. You will gradually change through contact with others and their culture. People can learn a new language, make encounters, and manage things in a new environment. Rediscovering yourself is a new encounter with yourself that should inspire and motivate you further.
