8 Things I Learned From Living Abroad & Why You Should Too!
My name is Bo, a Talent Sourcer and Marketing Intern at Multilingual Jobs Worldwide.
I'm 22 years old and originally from Belgium. Through my studies in International Business Management, I’ve had the opportunity to live abroad and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Coming from a small town in Belgium, I moved to Málaga, a vibrant and bustling city in southern Spain. The change in pace, culture, and lifestyle was both eye-opening and incredibly exciting. I chose Málaga for a few reasons: the sun is always shining, the beach is the perfect place to relax after work, and I’ve always loved Spanish culture. It also gave me the perfect opportunity to improve my Spanish language skills. On top of that, I noticed Málaga had become a very international city, with people from all over the world moving here. And so far, I couldn’t be happier with my choice!
For the past three months, I’ve been gaining hands-on experience at Multilingual Jobs Worldwide, working in both marketing and talent sourcing. This experience has taught me so much, not only in terms of professional skills but also in personal growth.
In this blog post, I’d love to share my takeaways with you.
What did I learn from living abroad?
1. Stepping outside my comfort zone 🌍
Moving to a new country on your own can be daunting, new people, new culture, new everything. But it pushes you to grow. I had to step outside my comfort zone and be proactive, meet new people, and adapt quickly. My social skills improved and this mentality will definitely help me in my future professional career.
2. Navigating international environments 🤝
Living in Spain, I was surrounded by a diverse community of expats and locals. It gave me insight into how globalization connects people from different backgrounds. At work, I collaborated with colleagues from all over Europe, and I loved the dynamic nature of international business communication. Living at home with roommates from South America taught me a lot about adapting to different cultures, it was a very enriching experience, and I loved it!
3. Cultural awareness and professional growth 🧠
Experiencing different corporate cultures firsthand is truly eye-opening. Every country has its own work style, expectations, and social norms. It’s fascinating to see how these differences shape workplace environments. Learning to adapt and thrive in this corporate setting is a valuable skill I’ll carry throughout my career.
4. Becoming independent 💼
Living abroad in my twenties has taught me essential life skills. From grocery shopping and doing laundry to managing a 40-hour work week, it’s challenging, but empowering. I learned to take full responsibility and that independence is incredibly rewarding.
5. Living fully in the present ❤️
Living abroad reminds you how fragile and beautiful life is. You begin to appreciate the moment, the new experiences, the little wins, and the people you meet. I got to live the life I always envisioned for myself. It taught me to seize and treasure each moment, because you only live once.
6. Lifelong friendships 👯♀️
The friendships you build abroad are unique. You share unforgettable experiences, face similar challenges, and support each other like family. These people become your home away from home. The bond often turns into lifelong friendship!
7. Language skills 🗣
My language skills are improved. I speak Dutch as my native language. At work, we have a very international team where we speak English. Additionally, in the city center, many older Spanish people don’t know English, therefore my Spanish language skills improved. Finally, I had a Frech roommate who I spoke French with.
8. Overcoming homesickness and culture shock 💪
It’s not always easy. You’ll miss home. You’ll face culture shock. You’ll wonder if things will work out. But once you adapt (to the language, habits, and pace of life) you feel a huge sense of achievement. And trust me, it’s worth it!
Living abroad has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It challenged me, shaped me, and inspired me. I loved every part of it, and I’d recommend it to anyone 100%.
