Top 10 Reasons to Live Abroad: Guide for Future Expats

Considering a move abroad? In this post, Dan Thompson will share 10 reasons to live abroad. Dan is an expat living in Brazil. Full bio

Top 10 Reasons to Live Abroad: Guide for Future Expats

So here’s the deal: Why do you want to move abroad?

Some folks become expats because they want to lower their living costs, while others immigrate for weather-related reasons. Some see the opportunities on offer when it comes to taxes, and some are excited about another country’s locals, air quality, and natural beauty.

Sadly, most people that consider moving abroad never close the deal because they deem it to be just too much of a schlep.

But I’ve been there. I got the shirt. I’m actually still wearing it. And I’m about to tell you exactly why you should man up and gather the… well… courage to move abroad at least once in your life!

Check out these great reasons to go ahead, grab your trusty backpack, and head off to the adventure of a lifetime.

10 Reasons You Definitely Should Move Abroad

1. It’ll probably break you…but it will make you so much more when it builds you back up!

Resilience is something that’ll happen when you’re faced with the crappy aspects of expat life.

Things like making friends in a new city. You’ll probably want to cry at times, but you will be the one picking yourself back up and venturing forth. Once you move abroad, you’ll have to fend for yourself and learn to become independent, and it will be one of the most rewarding transformations of your life.

2. Your CV will look great.

Today’s job market is competitive, to say the least. Having experience in your field, and having served abroad in your industry, may just help you gain the upper hand here. Even if you don’t plan on working as an expat abroad, you can still go ahead and learn something new.

Who knows, your prospective clients or employers might just be seriously impressed with that culinary course you completed in Italy!

3. It’ll change your tastes for a lot of things.

Consider the kind of fashion, food, and products you’re buying at the moment. Now think about the things that you wouldn’t normally give a second thought to.

I promise you that once you submerge yourself in a new culture, get to live like the locals do, your taste in just about everything will start gradually shifting… usually for the better.

4. The weather will blow your mind.

If you’re planning on moving abroad because your home country’s weather is crappy, then embracing the new weather overseas will be one of the best perks of relocating.

If you had medical problems that might have been caused by the climate back home, you’ll also score in the allergies department, helping you lead a healthier and happier life!

5. Employment opportunities are everywhere.

One of the biggest reasons why expats choose to move abroad is because they’re looking for better employment opportunities. Countries such as Dubai can be the perfect place for expats to start a new working journey, and earn a lot of money in a relatively short period of time.

6. You’ll start a brand new life.

Relocating overseas is most often done by folks looking to start a new life. You’ll have the opportunity to literally wipe your own slate clean and start over somewhere else.

As long as you ensure that you have a support system (whether it’s via Skype or on foreign soil), moving abroad might be one of the best second chances you’ll ever get in life.

7. Taxes won’t haunt you.

Countries such as the U.K. are known for their ever-increasing tax rates, essentially having employed folks go nuts with worry because they’re paying more and more taxes and they don’t have much to show for it.

Luckily there are a lot of countries that offer very low or zero tax, making it a very promising deal for expats.

Of course, sometimes taxes will follow you. Here’s what you need to know about paying US taxes as an expat.

8. You’ll learn to love yourself.

One of the most important relationships we’ll ever have in our lives are the ones we have with ourselves, and yet it’s something that so few of us get in balance.

Once you branch yourself out and become an expat abroad, you’ll get to know yourself a whole lot better. You’ll become more mindful and aware, and you’ll get to appreciate the human being you are.

9. Your mindset will be broadened.

Your outlook on life will inevitably change once you take that leap and move abroad. It’s one of life’s greatest (and scariest) plunges into the deep end, but by embracing it all, you may just find that your mindset (and general outlook on life) gets changed for the better.

Curious about where to move? Here are some of the top expat countries worldwide

10. You’ll be challenged, and you will grow.

A lot of us need some different form of stimulation. Something that allows us to recognize the passions, challenges, and exciting moments of everyday life. Becoming an expat abroad will definitely shake things up, and get you out of that boring old rut.

I recommend challenging yourself and your belief system, and one of the best ways to do that is to become an expat living and working abroad.

Planning to travel first? Here are 12 awful reasons to travel abroad

Final Thoughts

The ten reasons I listed here why all expats should go live abroad are but the tip of a massive iceberg.

None of us have the exact same life situations, so there might be a ton of different reasons you should move abroad, but if you’re keen on succeeding in life, you’ll close your eyes and take the biggest leap of faith you’ve ever taken in your life!

About The Author

I’m Dan, and I’m an avid adventurer, digital nomad and traveler. I enjoy all types of outdoor sports, a good golf tan, and spontaneous weekend trips.

I currently live in Brazil where I can be found frequently hiking the rain forest around my city.