THANK YOU & GOODBYE !

Staying abroad for many months means your life will change in more ways than one.

I did really try to be open to these changes and appreciate the new experiences!

Keep reminding myself => If it is supposed to happen, it will. Now I am going back home to Paris happy.

So if you want to do live abroad yourself, here are some of my personal remarks than might help you to take the decision.

1. I was not Lonely

Leaving my friends and family can be terribly upsetting, but don’t let this put you off! While you’re bound to miss your loved ones from back home, you’re also going to make new, caring and irreplaceable friends, who will make your stay abroad much more enjoyable. And this was the case for me.

I was always open to going to new events, trying new hobbies and finding other ways of meeting new people. Whatever you do, don’t lock yourself away. Making new friends might be a process you haven’t experienced in a number of years, but any awkwardness will be worth it!

2. I did Adjust to Local Cultures and Habits

Culture shock is a big challenge to overcome when staying abroad. You might find that the locals in your host country are very different than your people at home. Working and dealing with these differences is difficult at first, but you will adjust with time! Experience of an international office or workplace will make you understanding and appreciative of different cultures and backgrounds.

Once you do get used to any unusual habits, you’ll find that you become a much more open-minded person and you might even start to prefer certain aspects of everyday life in your new country. Just make sure you don’t shut the locals out just because they don’t welcome you with open arms, or because they act in a peculiar way. Things aren’t going to be the same as back home, but you wouldn’t have gone abroad in the first place unless you wanted a change of scenery!

3. I did Learn New Skills => I dream in English…

Even if you don’t magically become fluent in another language, living abroad is bound to teach you plenty of things about yourself and others. From learning about a new culture and unusual traditions, to improving your cross-cultural communication skills, you will learn plenty and be a better person because of your experience! You should definitely seize the opportunity to learn a new language through evening classes or a tandem partner if you do get the chance, as bilingualism is an invaluable skill. If you don’t feel that your language skills are improving, however, don’t let this put you off living abroad. Be patient with yourself and focus on the skills you have managed to acquire!

4. It Will Enhance my CV

Leaving abroad demonstrates courage and commitment — attributes that every employer is looking for! Your move abroad will prove that you are a good planner, you take advantage of opportunities, and you are not afraid of a challenge. These are all great things to put on your CV.

5. Homesickness Won’t Be as Overwhelming as You Think

You will inevitably miss home dreadfully as you are so far away, but it’s easier than you think to keep in touch with your loved ones. Whether you call with WHATSAPP, send an e-mail or make a long video call through SKYPE or WEBEX once a week, the relationships worth having won’t be lost. You’ll also find that you gradually miss your ‘home life’ less and less as you feel more settled, make new friends and establish a routine. You might even get to see your loved ones more than initially expected and even if you’re physically separated from your family and friends, you won’t simply be forgotten about just because you’re living overseas.

6. Everything Will Work out for the Best

Stop asking yourself these ‘what if’ questions and trust that what is meant to be will be!

It’s most probable that everything will be just fine. You’ll make friends, get a great job and find a cozy place and eventually you will feel appreciate in your new country. If you choose to move home, however, that’s okay, too! At least you tried and did something you have always dreamed of doing — that’s an achievement in itself!