International living is an adventure that most of us have on our bucket list. Choosing to live overseas, either short or long term, is a huge adventure: and those who’ve done it usually say it was the best thing they’ve ever done.

Not only does becoming an expat open your mind to more of what the world has to offer, it can also remind you about the most important things in life.

The benefits of international living are wide and varied. If you’re thinking about making a big move overseas, some of our favorite expat benefits might encourage you to take the plunge.

The chance to start afresh

One of the things that attracts people to the idea of moving overseas is the chance it offers to start afresh. Many people give up stressful jobs, huge social networks, and large expenses when they leave the U.S., and giving up all these things is a brilliant opportunity to simplify your life.

Becoming an expat gives you the chance to get back to basics and really learn what’s important to you. Often, expats find that they get to know themselves better in the first year they spend abroad than they did in a whole lifetime of living at home.

The chance to own less and do more

When you live in the U.S. it’s so easy to get caught up in a cycle of endless bills. Things like gym memberships, cable subscriptions, and active credit cards seem like vital parts of life: but they don’t have to be. Moving overseas breaks the cycle of these bills, and gives you a new way to spend your money.

Expats tend to travel, explore and do so much more than the rest of us. They know that in the long run, experiences are much more valuable than belongings, and they remember this as they trek through the jungle, visit ancient ruins, and take part in exotic celebrations.

The chance to learn new things

When you live internationally, learning new things becomes a key part of everyday life. It’s likely that there will be huge differences between your home country and the country you decide to emigrate to. Holidays, celebrations, behavior, social customs, and language will all be different, and learning about and experiencing all those differences can be great fun.

Learning these new things can also be one of the more challenging parts of international living. Settling into a new lifestyle can take time, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You may also find that you’re much stronger and more capable than you thought.

The chance to get inspired

When you move overseas, you can expect to open yourself up to all sorts of new opportunities. Doing this is always incredibly inspiring. If you are a creative, the benefits of being inspired in this way will be immediate. Seeing and learning new things on a daily basis will encourage you to create like you have never created before!

If you’re not a creative, you’ll still find this kind of inspiration valuable. You probably won’t be tempted to start a blog or pick up your camera… but you might find yourself dreaming up new business ideas or trying your hand at a new hobby.

Is there a downside to expat life?

Of course, even the most wonderful adventures aren’t wonderful all the time. There are some downsides to expat living, and it’s important to weigh these up against the positives and decide if it is really right for you.

• When you decide to emigrate overseas, you will be opening yourself up to exciting new adventures; but you’ll also be missing things back home. Expats sometimes find it hard to spend long periods of time away from friends and family. It can also be hard to return home after a prolonged period overseas, as it can be hard to adjust to the changes that have occurred while you were away.
• The constant flow of new things and opportunities you will face as an expat can be exhilarating, but it can also be frightening. Living a successful life overseas will involve conquering that fear!
• Holidays that you are used to at home may not be celebrated in your chosen country, or they may be celebrated in a very different way. This can result in some interesting new experiences, but missing out on your favorite holiday the way you are used to it can make you feel homesick.

Is international living for you?

Of course, there are downsides to the expat life, but for most people they are well outnumbered by the positives. Cheaper and more regular flights as well as the growth of the internet and services like Skype have made communicating with people back home much easier.

If you’re hungry for a new adventure, moving overseas could be the right choice for you. Becoming an expat is likely to change your whole perspective on life for the better. It can enable you to reduce your spending habits, embrace change and really get back to basics.

The biggest benefit of international living and the expat life is that you never know where it might take you.