Moving abroad alone can be one of the best opportunities you will ever have in your life. It takes a lot of courage, self-determination, and adventurous spirit. It is a life-changing event. It is not for everyone, but if you are thinking of it, do not let the others affect your decision, and just do it!
Mental and Emotional Readiness
Relocating solo requires mental and emotional readiness. There will be moments of loneliness, cultural shock, and even times when you might second-guess your decision. It is important to understand that these feelings are normal. To cope, remember why you made this move in the first place. Probably, you are an open and adventurous person willing to live new experiences, meet new people, and explore places. You are open to the unexpected, and sometimes you will have great experiences, while others might be more challenging. You never know, until you do it. The truth is that you will not be the same person afterwards.
My First Move Abroad
I still remember the first time I moved abroad as if it were today. I was 19 years old with one-way ticket to Denmark. I had two suitcases and a backpack filled with presents and letters from friends and family, which I read during the flight without a tear in my eyes —they came months later while reading those same letters. They became my treasure, a safe emotional place that I could reach to cry, remember, and imagine conversations with my loved ones.
I arrived in winter, and it was dark and cold. Luckily, I got a job right away in a spice factory. My first real job. I did not like it at all: inside, it was freezing, I was sneezing constantly, and it was the most boring thing I have ever done. At the same time, I began attending Danish classes, where I made many international friends, some of whom I still keep in touch. That is one of the biggest rewards of living abroad and moving from country to country: you make friends, and although is sad to leave them, when you meet them again it starts where you left it.
Language Challenges and Friendships
By the end of the year, I was already speaking Danish at an intermediate level —it is quite an easy language to learn—, but along the way, I lost my French. That is what happens when you start learning a new language and stop practicing the others: the weak ones go down. Nowadays, I speak daily Spanish, English and Finnish… and guess what? They have rather leveled, sometimes the words in Spanish come in English or Finnish, or the other way around, and it is frustrating!
All this was in 2002, so there were not WhatsApp groups or Facebook groups or anything like that, so meeting people was in the old-fashioned way. Communications with family and friends limited to long distance calls and emails. Nowadays, with video calls and social media is somewhat easier to live abroad, distances feel shorter. It is not the same, because closeness and a warm hug is irreplaceable, but it helps.
Finding Connection Abroad
One day, I went to the Argentinean Embassy for some reason, and I met an intern who contacted me with some other fellow compatriots. It felt so good being with others like me, speaking the same language, sharing the same jokes, and understanding each other right away. You will always find an expat community to join, but when you have been abroad for a while, finding a person or a group from your home country can ease the homesickness, and it is great to speak your own language.
I know many people that when they are living abroad, they just do not want to meet people of their same country. They have their own reasons and it is understandable. I am quite a social person, I love meeting new people, hearing their life stories and experiences, because it is fun and you always learn something new. Maybe you will be friends, maybe not, but always is worthy to try. While I was living in Spain I had only one Argentinean friend, and the same thing happened in Finland. I usually joke that I have a rule of having just one Argentinean friend per country, but it is just a joke! Actually, I now have two Argentinean friends in Finland!
Facing Loneliness and Embracing Freedom
Being alone, often —not always!—pushes me to speak with someone, and I think this started when I was living in Denmark. When you are alone is easier approach someone because you have a need to share how your day went or what you are thinking or feeling, while if you are with a group of friends, you tend to stick together. Doing solo trips makes you feel all the weight of freedom, you can do whatever you want, without consulting or negotiating with others, but it can be hard to deal with those moments of loneliness, when you miss your family and friends. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if needed.
Relocating abroad alone is not an easy thing, but it is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. It is a journey filled with opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and adventure. While there will be challenges along the way, facing them solo will empower you in ways you never imagined. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and trust in your ability to blossom in your new adventure abroad!
