When asked where I am from, I tend to find myself struggling with that question. Having lived in eight different countries, I don’t always know how to answer. When I do decide to give the long answer that I have lived in Denmark, England, United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Uzbekistan, Germany, Spain, and the U.S., people tend to be pretty surprised.
Growing up with my dad in the state department, my family and I moved around every one to three years. As a result, I have gotten to experience a variety of cultures and have met so many people who have shaped the person I am today.
I am so incredibly fond of these opportunities I have had and encourage anyone who has the chance to live in a country outside of your own, as it can teach you so much. From my own experiences, these are the eight most valuable lessons I have taken away from a life spent abroad.
1. The skill of adaptability
Having to pack up and leave every place I have ever lived has allowed me to become very adaptable. This skill, I have learned, can be very transferable. I feel completely comfortable adjusting to new plans and responding well to quick changes.
2. The people really make the place
The connections that I have formed with people all across the world have been so meaningful to me and have always enhanced the experiences I have in each place. In every place I have lived, I have settled into some community that has made every new place feel a little bit like my home.
3. Experiences over belongings
Ever since I was little, I remember my mom making it a point to prioritize experiences over materialistic items. Partly due to having fit everything we own in suitcases every two years, I’ve realized I really don’t need that much stuff. Rather than spending my money on things, I would rather put that into an experience that will create priceless memories I can cherish.
4. Making the most of my time
Always having a limited time in each place and knowing it from the second I get there, I have become accustomed to enjoying as much of my time somewhere as much as I can. I have learned to try to value the little things that occur in my daily life, as I know that in a year or two my daily life could look drastically different.
5. The value of family
Moving to new places and only knowing my family has taught me by default just how important family can be. Regardless of where we have been, I have known I could rely on my family as a support system. Specifically having a sister similar to my age throughout all of this has proven to be so important, as she is the only other person that can truly understand what I have been through, and she continues to be my closest friend.
6. How to live in a hotel for extended periods of time
While this might sound luxurious, it wears off quickly. No closet space, sharing a room with my entire family, and living out of a suitcase for months on end can get old fast. However, I have become a certified pro. Stick me in any hotel room, and I’ll be able to last for at least a couple of months.
7. It’s okay to not have it all figured out
As I approach graduation, I am nervous for what comes next, but I have learned it’s okay to not know exactly what I’ll be doing. Moving around so much, I can see just how no matter where you end up, you can make it work. Even if the plan changes, I’ve seen that those changes end up opening doors to new experiences and opportunities.
8. People are people everywhere
The coolest thing I have learned about living abroad is that no matter where I go and whatever culture I may be immersed in, people are the same. I find it very easy to relate to people from different cultures, as inherently we all are very similar.
I’ve had a very unique upbringing but wouldn’t trade it for anything as it has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
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