Are you considering moving abroad for work or personal reasons? You might only be thinking of the downsides of international moving – you’ll be far from your family; you might have to learn a new language; you’ll deal with an entirely different (and sometimes highly inefficient) national bureaucracy. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a number of benefits to living abroad. Read on to learn some of the advantages of expat life.
Exposure to a New Culture
Even if you’re living in a culturally diverse city such as Toronto, your exposure to people from other backgrounds is still going to be limited. At the end of a work day, you’ll go home to your family, eat familiar foods and watch your favorite TV shows in your language.
Living abroad forces you out of your comfort zone. You have to try different kinds of foods, possibly learn a different language and gain an understanding of a different way of life. Perhaps you’ll discover a new favorite dish or fall in love with customs relating to a national or religious holiday. You’ll only find out if you take the leap.
Learning New Skills
Let’s say your company has reassigned you to its Shanghai office. You might not realize it now, but it will be a valuable opportunity for you.
If you don’t know Mandarin already, now will be your chance to learn. Nearly one billion people speak it, so it’s a useful language to master. Does your company do a great deal of business in China? While you’re working in Shanghai, you’ll gain an understanding of the corporate culture in the country. When you return home, your employer will want to tap that knowledge, which may result in a promotion for you. Even if you don’t go back to the same job, your language skills and other newly acquired wisdom about doing business in China will help you find a new position.
The Chance to Explore
When you live abroad, your opportunities for travel grow tremendously. Even if you’ve moved to another country for work, you’ll still have some time to sightsee in your new city or country. And if you’re living in Europe, it’s fairly easy and convenient to travel to other cities or countries because of the continent’s robust transportation network.
Aside from working in another country, travel is the best way to expose yourself to new cultures and languages. If you work in an English-speaking environment, you won’t be able to practice your developing language skills unless you take a little time off and get to know your new home.
Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd.: Your International Moving Experts
If you’re moving abroad, contact Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd. today. We have been moving clients across the world for over a decade. Our clients are so impressed with us, several have used us again. Why? Orbit offers unparalleled customer service – our employees treat customers with respect and professionalism. Find out what makes Orbit different than other moving companies. Call us today at 416-661-4228.
By Adi Shaked
