I've spent the last 10 years of my life living abroad, in one country or another. And along the way I've learned some truths about what it's like to be an expat -- some good things, some hard things, and everything in between. This article is for those potential expats who are thinking about moving to Ecuador or another country and have no idea what challenges and daily realities moving abroad can bring. So here's my list of 8 truths about expat life -- please feel free to share your comments or add your own experiences at the end of the article!
1. Moving Abroad Is Hard--Don’t Let Anyone Tell You Differently!
2. You’ll Find A ‘Family’ Abroad That You Never Expected.
When we first moved to Ecuador, we ran into another family, the Scherrs -- Matt, Diana, Piper and Duncan -- at an expat event. We were the only two young families there; the rest of the attendees were retired expats. By the end of dinner, we had made plans to go to the park together and from then on, we saw each other weekly, sharing the laughs, frustrations and challenges of having school-aged kids fit in a new culture. We leaned on each other’s shoulders, traveled and explored Ecuador together, and supported each other through good times and bad.
My husband Richard met Bob and Melinda Gordon at a Newbie Gringo Night that we helped host at a local expat hangout. There was a great connection so he invited them to our house for Thanksgiving dinner the following week. Our daughter Avallina has had the benefit of having grandparents in Ecuador, which NEVER would have happened back in Canada.
One night we got in a taxi to go home after dinner in El Centro. The taxi driver, Marco, spoke some English after having spent 16 years in New Jersey. By the time we arrived at our front door 15 minutes later, he had invited us to meet his family, and Avallina had a new best friend, Heaven. We have had the privilege of attending incredible family events with Marco and Carmita’s family -- all 46 of them -- and have been ‘adopted’ into the family, even going to their family reunions. Five years later, Avallina and Heaven are still great friends.
3. Sell Your Stuff, DON’T Bring It!
4. Learning Another Language Is Not Easy!
5. Sometimes It Just Doesn’t Work Out.
6. Living Abroad Will Test You.
7. Get Real.
8. Living Abroad Changes You.
Am less judgmental of other cultures
Am more open to change
Don't get too attached to ‘stuff’ anymore
Do things I never thought I’d do
Make faster, more meaningful connections
Have been bitten by the travel bug
Have lost touch with many friends and family members back home
Have learned to live with less quality education or to create my own
Don't always like it and can spend years looking for that "better place" that makes me happier and never find it