Are you feeling an itch and eager for a change? I get you. Back in 2016, I had that restless feeling too so I packed my life into two suitcases and moved to the UAE.
Moving abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made, albeit terrifying (I’m not going to lie to you!).
Not only did it open my eyes to a new culture and way of life, but it also gave me a fresh start – new job, new place, new things. It’s easy to get comfortable in your home country. After all, you know the language, the culture, and the people. But what if there was more out there for you? What if you took a chance on yourself and moved to a new country?
If you’re considering taking the plunge and looking at reasons to move to another country, I’m sharing 15 that’ll make you want to start packing your bags right now!
You might also like:
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Abroad – Everything You Wanted to Know
- Moving Abroad – Everything You Need To Know Before You Make The Move
- Considering A Move? Pros And Cons of Living In Dubai In 2024
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- 1. Force you out of your comfort zone
- 2. Make new friends from all over the world
- 3. Learn a new language (or two)
- 4. Experience different cultures firsthand
- 5. Pursue new employment opportunities
- 6. Experience a better quality of life
- 7. Better climate conditions
- 8. For financial stability
- 9. Live like a nomad
- 10. Better health services
- 11. Taste new foods
- 12. Travel and see the world
- 13. Find yourself & grow
- 14. Benefit from lower crime rates
- 15. Begin your retirement life
- Final thoughts
15 Reasons to Move to Another Country
1. Force you out of your comfort zone
One of the best things about moving overseas is that it’ll force you out of your comfort zone. No longer will you be able to rely on your usual routines or the people you know.
You’ll have to learn to navigate a new culture – culture shock is real – a new language, and a new way of life.
You’ll be starting from scratch, which can be daunting at first, but it’s also incredibly exciting. It’s a great way of throwing yourself into new challenges and experiences.
2. Make new friends from all over the world
There are plenty of reasons to move to another country, but of them all, meeting new people has to be the one I treasure the most. Since living in the UAE, I’ve made friends from all over the world – Australia, India, Jordan, New Zealand, Scotland, Brazil…you name it!
When you live in a foreign country, you meet people from all walks of life, from different cultures and backgrounds. You learn about their customs and way of life, and in turn, they learn about yours.
Most countries have large expat communities – even your current country will have one. You just might not be aware of it. When you live abroad, you’re drawn to other expats because you share a common experience. You understand what they’re going through because you’re going through it too.
3. Learn a new language (or two)
One of the best reasons to move to another country is to learn a new language. When you’re immersed in a new culture, you quickly pick up the basics of the language.
Not only is it impressive to be able to hold a conversation in multiple languages, but it also opens up a whole new world of new opportunities. For instance, in the UAE, some jobs require bilingual candidates.
Living abroad, especially when it’s in a non-English speaking country, can be a little tricky. The language barrier can be frustrating at times. However, it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn a new language.
And even if you don’t plan on staying in your new country long-term, learning the language is a valuable skill that’ll stay with you for life.
4. Experience different cultures firsthand
There’s something special about experiencing another culture firsthand. When you’re living in a country, it’s the prime opportunity to really immerse yourself in the local way of life. You can learn the language, try new foods, and meet people from all walks of life.
This type of first-hand experience is simply not possible from visiting a country as a tourist. When you live in a new country, you have the chance to really get to the know the people and the culture.
Not only will you get to experience the culture of the new country, you’ll also get a taste of the cultures of all the different expats who live there.
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5. Pursue new employment opportunities
Many people choose to move abroad, others see no option but to leave their home countries in search of a better life or better career opportunities.
In today’s increasingly connected world, it’s easier than ever to pursue new employment opportunities abroad. With a little research and planning, you can find work in almost any country.
And while there are many benefits to staying close to home, there are also several compelling reasons to venture overseas.
Moving abroad can help you develop new skills and gain valuable international experience. It can also open up your career prospects and help you earn a higher salary.
6. Experience a better quality of life
One of the many reasons people choose to move abroad is the opportunity to experience a better quality of life. In countries with high living standards, residents can enjoy access to quality healthcare and education, as well as a higher disposable income.
Also, in many countries, daily life is centered around family and community, and people take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. This can be a refreshing change from the fast-paced, individualistic lifestyle that prevails in many Western countries.
Of course, every culture has its own unique customs and traditions, and there may be a period of adjustment as you get used to your new surroundings.
But once you’ve settled in, you may find that you’re enjoying a better quality of life than you ever thought possible.
7. Better climate conditions
Imagine waking up to the sun shining every day, being able to go outside without having to bring an umbrella with you, or spending your evenings outside without having to worry about the cold.
One of the benefits of relocation is the opportunity to enjoy better climatic conditions. If you’re tired of cold winters and rainy summers, why not make a fresh start in a sunnier location?
Moving to a warmer climate can do wonders for your mental and physical health, giving you the chance to enjoy long lazy days in the sun and experience a new way of life.
On a larger scale, many people often move country because their own is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods.
8. For financial stability
This is among the biggest reasons people move abroad.
In many cases, people are able to find jobs that offer higher salaries and benefits than they would be able to find at home. In addition, the cost of living in some countries is significantly lower than in others. And you may even receive a tax free salary!
As a result, many people are able to save a significant amount of money by moving overseas. With some to family.
In some cases, people are even able to retire early by living in a country with a lower cost of living. For many people, the lure of financial stability is too strong to resist.
9. Live like a nomad
These days, so many jobs can be done from anywhere in the world. And with advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family no matter where you are.
Because of this, more and more people are choosing to live a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place as the mood takes them.
Whether you’re an IT specialist, a lawyer, a VA or a member of the blogging community, it’s wholly possible to become a digital nomad and live a life of freedom and flexibility in a new city (or several!).
10. Better health services
In many countries, the standard of healthcare is significantly lower than what we’re used to in developed nations. In some cases, this can be a real concern for expats and locals.
However, there are also several countries that offer high-quality, accessible health options that are on par with (or even better than) those in the West. The UAE is an excellent example of this.
One of the main reasons people move to these countries is for the excellent health services on offer. From hospitals and clinics to dentists and GPs, there are plenty of options available for those in need of medical assistance.
11. Taste new foods
Of course it shouldn’t be your ONLY reason to up and move abroad, but one of the best things about living in a new country is the chance to try out all kinds of new and delicious foods.
From curry in India to sushi in Japan, there are so many different cuisines to explore. And even if you don’t like everything you try, it’s all part of the experience!
In addition, many countries offer a wide variety of local produce that you may not be able to find at home. There are some fruits here in the UAE I had never even heard of before!
12. Travel and see the world
One of my biggest motivators when I moved abroad was the opportunity to travel and see more of the world. And I’m not alone in this – many people choose to move to new countries specifically for the chance to travel.
Living in a new country opens up all kinds of possibilities when it comes to travel. Not only are you able to explore your new home, but, depending on where you move to, you can also visit neighbouring countries and see even more of the world.
And if you’re able to score a job that includes travel, then you’ll be able to see even more of the big wide world!
I’ve been lucky enough to visit 25 different countries since moving to Dubai. If that’s not a good reason to move abroad, I don’t know what is!
13. Find yourself & grow
It can be easy to lose sight of who you are when you’re stuck int he same place, in the same rut, day after day. But when you move to a different country, you’ll have the opportunity to rediscover yourself and find out what makes you truly happy.
Moving abroad teaches you a lot about yourself – good and bad. You quickly learn what you’re capable of, how to deal with adversity, how to cope with difficult situations.
All of these skills will come in handy later in life, no matter where you end up living.
14. Benefit from lower crime rates
Although it’s not the case in every country, many people find that the crime rate is lower in other countries than it is at home. This can be a huge relief, especially if you’re moving with your family or are concerned about your personal safety.
I personally feel safer walking the streets at 2am here in the UAE than I ever did back home. Or having my phone or purse in plain view without the fear of them being snatched.
Of course, it’s always important to do your research before moving to a new country, to make sure that you’ll be safe and secure in your new home.
15. Begin your retirement life
As if you needed any more reasons to move to another country, many people find that retiring in a new and exciting location is the perfect way to spend their golden years.
There are plenty of countries that offer great retirement options, from affordable healthcare to a lower cost of living. And, of course, there’s the weather to consider!
Imagine sitting out on the balcony of your new apartment in Cyprus, sipping your morning coffee and enjoying the Mediterranean sun. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to spend your retirement?
Final thoughts
The above are all great reasons to move to another country.
No matter what stage of life you’re in, moving abroad can be a truly beneficial and enriching experience. From learning new skills and languages to experiencing different cultures and lifestyles, there’s so much to gain from living in another country.
And, depending on what you’re looking for in life, there’s sure to be a destination out there that’s perfect for you.
I can vouch for the fact that moving to a new country was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s opened up a world of opportunities and new experiences that I never would have had if I had stayed at home.
Are you ready to take the leap of faith?
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