Pros of moving abroad when single
There are, indeed, quite a few advantages to moving to a foreign country when single.
You can do what you want
When you move to a foreign country by yourself, you have the freedom to pursue your own goals and desires — without having to consider the needs of others. This will allow you to make quick choices with only your own interests in mind. You will also have a wider choice of destinations.
You'll make friends more easily
Making friends in a foreign country can be a daunting task, but for single people, it can actually be more manageable.
One reason for this is that being single allows for more flexibility in terms of social activities and schedules. When you are not tied down by a partner or family obligations, you can more easily participate in group activities, join clubs or organizations, and attend social events. This gives you more opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
Another reason it can be easier to make friends as a single person in a foreign country is that you may feel more inclined to seek out social connections. When you are alone in a new place, you may feel lonely and isolated, which can motivate you to be more proactive in meeting new people. Additionally, being in a foreign country can be an exciting and adventurous experience, and sharing that experience with others can enhance your enjoyment and sense of belonging.
Sofia came to Hiizhou, China, on an internship, and for the first few months, it felt like she was the only expat in town. The lack of social life made her reach out to other expats on Facebook and pretty soon she was a member of an active community that explored the country together. “I am generally a very shy person and never thought I'd have the courage to make friends first. But I was desperate — and now, I have great friends in several countries, and we still keep in touch”.
You can focus on your career
We all live abroad for different reasons. However, many people travel to new countries to discover fresh career opportunities.
One of the benefits of moving abroad when single is the ability to focus on work without any personal or family obligations. Being single allows you to dedicate more time and energy to building your career, networking, and developing new skills, which can lead to professional growth and advancement. Moving abroad can also provide you with new opportunities to work in a different industry or culture, which can broaden your perspective and enhance your skill set.
Kate, a long-term expat in Houston, Texas, explains: “I came to the United States to study — and graduated from the University of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Houston. Right upon graduation, I was offered a position at the office of a speech therapist. The hours were ridiculous, and I had to work weekends. But after working there for two years, I am now in the process of opening my own practice. I am lucky to have started this young — if I had a family, I don't think I would have been able to commit to such long hours”.
You can explore freely
When you move to a foreign country alone, you have the freedom to explore and experience the world in ways that may not be possible when you have personal or family obligations. Being single can enable you to be more flexible and spontaneous, allowing you to travel on a whim, try new things, and engage in activities that may be outside of your comfort zone.
In addition, being single in a new country can provide you with a unique opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, learn new things about yourself, and challenge yourself in ways that can be both exhilarating and rewarding. You may find yourself taking on new hobbies, meeting new people, or discovering hidden gems you would not have encountered otherwise.
Exploring a new country when single can also be a chance to create unforgettable memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. Whether it's hiking to a mountaintop, trying new cuisine, or taking part in a local festival, being single allows you to be fully present and take advantage of all the opportunities that a foreign country has to offer.
Cons of moving abroad when single
You won't have an immediate support system
One of the biggest challenges of moving away from home is not having an immediate support system to rely on. In times of stress or difficulty, we often turn to our family and friends for comfort and guidance. But when you're living in a new place, you might not have that luxury. This can be especially hard if you're facing problems like health issues, financial stress, or relationship troubles. While you can still reach out to your loved ones for advice and support, it might not be as immediate or effective as if they were right there with you.
However, there is a silver lining to this challenge. By learning to overcome difficulties on your own, you'll develop a sense of self-reliance and inner strength that can serve you well throughout your life. When you don't have the option to turn to others for help, you'll learn to trust yourself and your abilities. This can help you build confidence and resilience, both of which are valuable traits for personal and professional growth.
Of course, this doesn't mean you should avoid seeking help or support when needed. It's important to have a network of people you can turn to, whether that's a local friend or a supportive online community. And while phone calls and video chats might not be the same as a hug from your loved one, they can still provide a sense of connection and comfort when you need it most.
Higher living costs
Another potential disadvantage of moving abroad when single is the higher living costs. Depending on where you choose to relocate, you may find that the cost of living is significantly higher than what you're used to. Rent, food, transportation, and other expenses can quickly add up, leaving you with less disposable income than you would have had back home. This can limit your ability to travel or enjoy other activities, which can be frustrating.
Housing is often the biggest expense for most people, and this is especially true when moving to a new country. Depending on the location, you may find that rent prices are significantly higher than what you're used to paying. In some cases, you may also need to pay a larger security deposit or provide additional documentation to secure housing. This can put a strain on your finances and limit your ability to save or invest money.
Food is another expense that can quickly add up when living abroad. Depending on where you are relocating to, the cost of groceries or dining out may be significantly higher than what you're used to paying. You may also find that certain foods or ingredients are more expensive or harder to find, which can impact your overall food budget.
Transportation is another expense that can be costly when living abroad. Depending on where you are relocating to, you may need to rely on public transportation or purchase a car. Both options can be expensive, and you may need to factor in additional expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance costs.
In addition to these expenses, you may also need to factor in other costs like healthcare, taxes, and utilities. Getting together with other expats and sharing the financial burden can be very helpful.
Teresa moved to Vietnam to explore the country and started to teach English to support her travels. However, she quickly realized that part-time teaching would not be enough to support her lifestyle. “I shared a post on Facebook calling out to fellow expats and asking about ways to make and save money in Hanoi. I got quite a few responses, but that was just the beginning. After a while, we formed a group where we would share deals, look for roommates, help each other out before the next paycheck, and more”.
It can be scary
Moving to a foreign country by yourself can be an incredibly daunting experience. The prospect of leaving everything behind - your family, friends, and the familiar surroundings of home - can be overwhelming. As you prepare for your journey, doubts and fears may consume you. You may ask yourself if you're making the right decision, if you're truly ready for such a significant change, or if you're leaving behind everything you know for a life of uncertainty.
Despite all these worries, once you've made the decision to take the leap and step on that plane, you will be filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. You will be embarking on a new adventure, and the world will become your oyster. However, upon arriving at your new destination, the reality of your situation may hit you, and you may feel a sense of loneliness and homesickness. Everything will seem scarier when you're on your own, and you may find yourself dreaming about packing your bags and heading back home.
But this is just a hurdle that you need to overcome. With time, you will find yourself settling in and discovering new things about yourself and your surroundings. You will meet new people, make new friends, and create a new life for yourself.
Eventually, you will look back on your decision to move abroad alone as one of the best decisions you have ever made. It will teach you independence, resilience, and a new appreciation for the world around you.
