10 things that change as soon as you start living abroad

Living abroad is, of course, in some way a reward. Even if it was short-lived, this experience can completely change you. For the better.

Kimberlynn Boyce, author of a popular blog for expats, talks about what life in exile usually looks like. From this issue you will learn about ten things that inevitably change if you start living abroad. At least a month or two.

1. You are constantly learning a new language. And you forget the old one.

You will not forget, and when you get back into the Russian-speaking environment, you will again speak your native language perfectly, but without the constant support of the environment, you will make very stupid mistakes, you will say wild things like "take the bus" (not by storm, but sit on it, I mean) and constantly stumble:

— He was made ... how is it in Russian? Radio? No, not the radio…

- Television?

- You're television yourself! Ah! X-ray!

2. The suitcase will become not just a convenient bag for things.

3. This is not a trip. This is your life!

Therefore, I always answer this question according to a polite template: "So much has happened in these three years… We can have lunch together sometime, and I'll tell you about my most vivid impressions!"

4. You will always keep the exchange rate in mind.

5. The line between "normal" and "strange" from now on and forever will be a little blurred.

But what's really great is that understanding this difference makes you a much freer and more tolerant person.

6. Time is measured differently in different countries.

Now imagine that where I am now, it's OK to be late even by 30 minutes. And at first it didn't please me at all: it was like I was stuck in glue, everything happens in slow motion, you don't have time for anything…

But then you get used to it and adapt. Although you continue to be amazed at how some people are fixated on time, while others do not think about it at all.

7. The word "routine" will disappear from your vocabulary.

Once I devoted a WHOLE DAY to paying only two utility bills. Now I am not sure that tomorrow I will have electricity and water. It's so unpredictable... I just always have a "backup plan" - in case the working day goes to waste because of the irresponsibility of local electricians.

In general, unexpected things abroad will happen to you ten times more often than at home anyway.

8. You will lose everything, but it won't matter much.

I'll say more. When you move, you will lose everything (except the MacBook and clothes) that you had. Familiar walking routes. Family gatherings. Favorite stores. Favorite foods (if it's not Coca-Cola). And also smells, colors, weather and tastes.

Before you go to live in another country, it will never occur to you that everything you want to take with you fits in a couple of suitcases. You won't even remember half of the things that seemed to be very important.

9. Now it will seem: "Anything is possible."

Start life with a clean slate? This thought now not only inspires me, but also comforts me. I know you can always start over. Anything.

10. Everything will be different.

But it will take a couple of months, and you will get used to it. And your heart will be filled with the feeling that you are capable of something much more than you thought.

"If you are brave enough to throw away everything decently cozy, and it can be anything: a house, old grievances— and go on a journey for the truth, to look for the truth in yourself or in the world around you, if you are sincerely ready to consider everything that happens on the way as a hint, if you accept as a teacher everyone who meets you, and most importantly - if you are ready to accept and forgive the difficult truth about yourself, then the truth will open to you" (Elizabeth Gilbert).