10 Things That Change Once You've Lived Overseas

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10 Things That Change Once

Youve Lived Overseas
September 22, 2014 by Kimberlynn Boyce
The rewarding experiences one gains from living life overseas can sometimes be
crowded out by the inevitable struggles that come with the full, expat-life
package. But its through those struggles and challenges that you discover more
about yourself and the world around you. You embrace lessons learned and
broaden your horizons. If youve ever lived for an extended amount of time
somewhere other than your home country, then youve probably experienced
some if not all of these changes while living abroad.
1. You are constantly learning and unlearning language. Im no expert on the
brain, but I have a suspicious feeling that my brain regularly shuts the door on
certain native-tongue-vocabulary words so that my search will lead me to the
word Im looking for in my newly acquired language. Thats all fine and dandy;
that is, unless I was really hoping to find the word in my native language. Its one
thing to feel a little embarrassed when you dont know the word for something in
the language youre still learning. Its a whole new level of embarrassment when
youre talking to close friends and family members and cant seem to find the
English word to express what youre trying to say. No, Im not trying to be
pretentious and passively brag about the fact that Im confusing two languages,
thereby pointing out that I know two languages. Im legitimately having a
humiliating moment right now and Im desperately trying to find the word before
I let the sentence, I forgot the English word for it, depart from my lips.
2. Life is regularly lived out of a suitcase. For some reason, I thought our
suitcases would start collecting dust once we made the big move across the
world. I even thought to myself, Wow, what are we going to do with all these
suitcases now that weve arrived to our final destination? Now I know. We keep
on using them. The suitcases are continually slid up and down the top of our
bedroom armoire as we make visa trips, medical trips, business trips, and the
occasional vacation sprinkled throughout each of the aforementioned trips. We
know airline luggage allowance and how to get the most use out of luggage space
like its our national anthem. If unloading your bags and pockets, walking
through a metal detector (while also herding and maintaining control of your
children) and then recollecting all your possessions on the other end were an
olympic sport, we would likely take home the gold year after year.
3. This is your life, not a trip. Its a clear distinction youre able to make once
youve packed your life into an allowed amount of suitcases, hopped onto a
plane, and then started from scratch in land thats full of newness to you. Last
time I checked, Ive never had to repair my own toilet or pay bills and rent on
any of my trips. Nevertheless, you will still be asked How was your trip, when
you return back to your home country for a visit every now and again. Your lip
might get blistered from biting it so many times. Sometimes you might want to
yell from the mountaintops, I havent been on a trip! Sometimes you might
want to snap back with a question of your own, I dont know. How have the past
3 years of your life been? But in reality, the person asking the question means
no harm or offense. Instead you give a quick, honest, and polite answer, So
much has happened the past 3 years. Well have to sit down to a meal sometime
so I can share some of the highlights!
4. Conversions and exchange rates are always on the mind. In the kitchen, I
have my recipe set out and my conversion app opened up on my phone. When
Im grocery shopping and see vanilla extract, my joy is quickly followed with
disappointment once Ive calculated the exchange rate in my head. We change
currencies so frequently, Im always the dumbfounded customer at the check-out
counter searching frantically for the numbers on the bills and coins because I
havent had time to memorize the look of the money. Cue the kind cashier
woman giving me a nod of reassurance when I pull up the appropriate bill.
5. The line between normal and strange has blurred a bit. Every culture has
its clear distinctions on what is acceptable and whats not. However, to the
outsider coming in, who brings with them a set of different, but still clearly
marked, cultural dos and donts, it can cause quite the clash of viewpoints. For
23 years of my life I believed that openly picking your nose in public was just
plain wrong, but picking your teeth with a toothpick after a meal was acceptable.
Would you believe that the exact opposite is true where we live now? Im not
saying I pick my nose in public nowbut Im also not prepared to deny it.
6. Time is measured differently. It becomes harder and harder to measure things
by calendar measurements. You tend to gravitate towards unique mile markers
that help you remember how long youve lived in one location or how many
times youve moved or where all youve lived. Sometimes a visa situation causes
you to make an unexpected move, temporary or permanent. Sometimes you live
in one location for language school until youve passed all your tests and can
move on to another destination. You are never sure how long youll be able to
stay in one spot so you just throw calendar days out the window. Instead, you
measure time with things that stick out to you most. Ill never forget the words of
a TCK whose family has moved more than a few times while living
overseas: We dont measure our life in years, but in kitchens. For her, its easier
to remember how many kitchens shes cooked in with her mom rather than how
many years theyve lived in certain locations.
7. The word routine is not in your vocabulary. Whatever predictable
outcome you once had for any given set of events has now been removed as a
possibility. In fact, you now put it in the category of miracle if something
happens the way you once thought it should happen. Its no longer out of the
ordinary to devote an entire day to paying two bills. You dont expect electricity
and water each day. You always have a back-up plan for that just in case
moment when youre suddenly without electricity and/or water. Your senses have
sharpened because of your need to be on your toes at any given moment for the
unexpectedbecause those moments happen a lot more frequently than they did
before you moved abroad.
8. Material possessions do not equate happiness. You dont have to move
overseas to realize this, but theres something about the nomadic life that makes
you really stop and consider what you hold on to and let go of. The possibility of
moving to another country is always in the back of your mind. In many cases,
youre better off not shipping a crate of all your belongings due to the fear of it
being held up in customs for a year or more. This means that things might have
to be sold again and dwindled down to the essentials that can fit in those
suitcases of yours. You stop gathering and collecting and start making mental
notes of whats most valuable and worth hauling to another far-away land. You
come to find out there are a handful of things that make this adventure of yours
so great and everything else is expendable.
9. Anything seems possible. Before you moved overseas, you didnt think it was
possible to pack everything you wanted to take with you in a few suitcases. But
you did it, and now you cant remember half the stuff you left behind.
Cooking seemed like such a daunting task with all the substitutions that were
required to make it work. Now youre able to whip up some of your old favorites
in a flash and youve since added some new, local recipes to your collection (so
no substitutions are required). Youve kissed your comforts goodbye and youve
survived. You might even be thriving in your new culture at this point.
10. You are different. You leave marks on people and people leave marks on
you. Some things dont matter to you as much as they once did and other things
matter more. Youre continually humbled as you frequently find yourself in a
position of needing help and guidancesometimes from a complete stranger.
Almost daily you are in a position where nothing is so familiar that youre able to
take it for granted. You knew you would set out on this new adventure as a
learner of language and culture, you just didnt realize exactly how much, in turn,
you would learn about yourself.
If youre brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and
comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old
resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or

internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to
you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along
the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and
forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not
be withheld from you.
Elizabeth Gilbert
This post is an original post of Taking Route.
Photo Credit: Lulumire via Compfight cc
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life changes, life lessons, living abroad

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179 thoughts on 10 Things That Change

Once Youve Lived Overseas
Anonymous
September 22, 2014 at 5:04 am | Reply
Would the writer share her recipe for enchiladas?
Kimberlynn Boyce
Haha, yes, Ill have to share my recipe for enchiladas. I hope you can wait for
it because Im in another country until my second child is born. Ill make a
note of it though, for when I return home
Amber
September 22, 2014 at 6:36 pm | Reply
One of the things Ive noticed about our life outside of the US, is that we never
live in our home. It doesnt matter where we live, or how long we have been
there, its always referred to as the former residents home.
Kimberlynn Boyce
Its funny you should mention that, Amber. The owner of our house (and his
family) live just a street over. Whenever they come for a visit, they walk
through our whole house and open all the doors to see what Ive done with
the place. I guess if youve lived there once, you dont have to be waited for
an invite to get a tour of the home
Amber
Somethings that would be so uncomfortable in the states, you just get

used to the lack of privacy is one of those things.
Marcy
Ive noticed this since being back in the states. The house we have lived in
now for the past 3 years in the states isnt ours and so I constantly refer to it
as the former residents home (Maries house). Ive never felt at home here.
We sold our home when we moved overseas in 2007. We came back in 2011,
and Ive never felt at home anywhere since. Love the article! Got a big kick
out of #5. I still dont pick my nose in public, but I definitely cover my mouth
when using a toothpick.
thetravelingspoons
Reblogged this on The Traveling Spoons and commented:

This article perfectly articulates the last eight months of my experience living in
Amsterdam
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thank you for sharing
ellie
So much of this is like growing old-forgetting words-trying to respond to you

havent changed at all- (we love to hear it even if we know it is not true)packing our treasures-what will our children value? Our Bible full of notes, old
photos, reminders of our grandparents, Lotton vases. We are preparing for
another journey, it will be wonderful, Im not trying to imagine what the new
country will be like-our God who made this wonderful world, how can we hope
to imagine what heaven will be like, well leave it to Him! We would love to talk
sometime.
Kimberlynn Boyce
What a great little comparison, Ellie. Thank you for sharing that!
Caleb
And then theres those moments when you cant think of the word you want in
any of the languages you know. Thats really embarrassing!
Kimberlynn Boyce
Its funny how our brain works (or rather, DOESNT work) when we start
adding new languages.
Brian Zelinski
I absolutely love your writing. Its like you were describing my life living in
Central America, Africa, and now Thailand. Nice!
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thank you, Brian! And thanks for reading and commenting. Sounds like
youve been around the world!
lori56
Great articleI traveled overseas for the first time last year. I was in SE Asia for
two weeks. Stayed in one country but traveled to different cities. Its amazing
how those two weeks changed me..I can really relate to #10. Certain people I
met are still on my mind all the timeI so want to go back!!
Kimberlynn Boyce
You SHOULD go back, Lori! Of course, Im a little partial towards SE Asia
gooddesigns
Like
Tim
Kimberlynn, I love your article, but how does one live overseas, in the sense that
the little bit Ive looked, most companies have to hire local first. Also, a lot of
companies do not want to worry about work visas and sponsorship. Any advice?
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thanks for commenting, Tim. Ive found that a lot of fluent English speakers
are able to find jobs teaching English. People are always looking for fluent
English speakers to teach. Theres actually an international school in our city
that only hires if youre fluent in English and they will help out with housing
and visa sponsorship. I dont think all schools will help out with housing but
they will at least make sure youre on the proper visa. Im not certain about
the application process for any other types of businesses. Hope that helps a
little bit!
MR
Companies usually send their employees overthey dont look in the US

for new employees to send over. And yes, they do pay for the visas, the
move and even our kids schoolthey go to the American school (an
international school). Currently we are in Warsaw, Poland and we were in
London before this. International living is great and excellent for the kids.
I could totally relate to ts article. Thanks for posting. P.s. They are always
looking for good American teachers to work I the American school. Some
packages pay for housing as well as other perks.I dont think a lot of
people know about it and have the desireyou should look into it.
Chris
My wife and I can soooooo relate! We moved to Northern Ireland for two years,
as I was a pastor there in Belfast. We have been back in the States now for two
years and have not felt normal since! Everything you said is so spot on and I
mean everything. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and giving us the
opportunity to commiserate.
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thank you Chris! I really appreciate your comment. Its good to know when
people can share in similar experiences. You dont feel so alone with all the
change.
devipone365
So well said Kimberlynn . Reblogging 10 Things That Change Once Youve

Lived Overseas in my website
http://bypassicloudonios8.wordpress.com/
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thank you!
David
So true.
Wife and I also packed up and left everything but our suitcases and lived &
worked in the east. Then sold everything and put just the essentials in suitcases
again and came back.
Everythings still the same except for us. Great experience and the most valuable
memories were created.
Thanks for this post. Great read.
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thanks so much for commenting, David. Youre right, we are overflowing

with valuable memories. I feel like if I dont write them all down, I might not
remember them all!
Z, as in /zeb.r/
Reblogged this on Zebras and Llamas and Camels.Oh My! and commented:
This is an amazingly awesome blog post about expat life. I did not write this, but
I agree with every word that is written here. Kudos to the authorwell done!
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thanks for sharing!
aladyinfrance
Hi Kimberlynn, another expat friend sent this to me.

Ive lived in three continents outside the US (where Im from), and its just now
that I feel home here abroad, which is strange in a way. My French husband and I
bought a house in France 5 years ago and our three kids go to the local school.
And Im so happy. I think it would feel like a foreign country to return to the
States to live.
But everything you wrote made sense in regards to some of my former moves.
Oh my goodness, when I first moved to Taiwan (youre in SoEa Asia, so I
know you get this). The language, the smells, the culture everything was
simply bewildering. By the time I went back a year later to spend another year it
was comfortable. And then Africa what a shocker! But more for the poverty
and the Muslim (covered heads and no talk of Jesus) component than for all the
rest.
We could sure talk, huh?
Great post.
Kimberlynn Boyce
Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment. I love hearing others

stories
I agree with you, the longer youre away from your passport
country, the more foreign it starts to become. Im actually starting to get a

little nervous about the trip we have planned to go back to the States next
year. I just keep thinking of how much Ill have to readjust to. And the
thought of leaving my house makes me sadespecially now that it feels very
homey!
But its so great when you do start to feel at home, no matter the country. I
havent been to France yet (but I keep hinting that to my husband as a next
place to visit). If that trip finally happens, Ill have to send you an email and
get some of your recommendations on what to do while there
Ruth Mahoney
Great read and helpful now that we find ourselves back in the states! It seems we
have met somewhere along your adventures!
Kimberlynn Boyce
HmmmI think I recall meeting you at some point. Or maybe eating a few
meals with you and your family every now and again
Ladonna
This is so true. When we were in Budapest (for three months)it took us a long
time to adjust to the language, food, and culture. It was hard but I wouldnt
change the experience.
PandaSmith
Great article. Being an expat ourselves for many years now, I can surely relate to
much of what you posted. Weve settled now in Thailand and honestly have no
plans to ever move again. Does that mean I am no longer an expat!?
In any
event, one thing I know for sure is that I can never move back to the States again.
The mere thought of it sends shivers down my spine! Maybe one day I will return
as a very short term tourist.
http://www.cokesmithphototravel.com
Kimberlynn Boyce
Once an expat, always an expat

Pingback: Some helpful websites with insights | I moved to Ethiopia. Just like
normal people do.
eklixi
Yes i agree completely.
Amber
Great article! Im from southeast texas! We currently reside in Germany but have
lived in many places.
oliviacharlet
What a great post! I especially liked the parts about forgetting words in your own
language, people viewing it as a trip, and how you are different once youve
traveled. As a person who grew up in different countries, I remember thinking I
always sounded so arrogant when people asked me where I was from. I always
tried to play down the fact that Id been born in Tokyo but was French and
Belgian, and yet had an American accent. I always used to say it didnt change
me because I felt people were intimidated by it. But in fact, I absolutely loved
traveling and attending international schools was fantastic. It did change me. And
it has made me more aware of how different people behave, think, and react,
which Im really grateful for! Ive now settled in London (for now!) and loving a
bit of stability. But I realize I very often pick up that suitcase for weekends away
to discover new cultures. Lovely post looking forward to reading more! Write a
blog about growing up in different countries and how that impacts relationships
on WordPress too! http://tckdating.wordpress.com/
Kimberlynn Boyce
Wow, that gives me some great insight on some of what my own children will
probably experience. Its encouraging to hear what a positive impact it had on
your life, though. Thanks for sharing!
Ann Aubrey Hanson

Excellent post! Thanks for putting into words what so many of us know to be
true!
Kimberlynn Boyce
I appreciate you saying that
Jack Morris
I enjoyed your article because it rings true. I have found that in Vladimir, Russia
(4 years of short term mission work) or Budapest, Hungary (teaching Outreach
English for 3-1/2 years to Hungarians for the E Free church missionaries) that
speaking the native tongue is important for building relationships. Even if you do
not have the gift of tongues the natives love the fact you are trying to learn their
language. Hungarian is maddening one word could have 8 to 20 different
meanings depending on the context used. I found my vocabulary was far more
extensive reading signs, placards, menus, etc. but annunciation of the same words
was a challenge nonetheless.
TeachFlees
Ive never been able to fully articulate to my family and friends what it reall feels
like. Thank you!
Teresa J. Schulte
This post is so true. Im in my 3rd year as an expat and just moved to Hungary
from South Korea. Im experiencing double-culture-shock right now, since
Hungary is so different from both the US *and* the ROK!
Stuart M. Perkins
Ive never lived overseas, but this was such interesting stuff!
lobhana
Well Written! an very much relate to it.
captaindaquaan
EllieEarhart
Great post! I feel your pain with currencies and conversions. Once on a bus in Tel
Aviv, the poor driver looked at me with such compassion as I frantically scraped
around in my purse and handed him all the wrong coins to come up short on the
fare. Amazingly sometimes those moments turn out to be the most special
though, as they bond us together in kindness and a good laugh!
Kimberlynn Boyce
Haha! Thanks for giving me a good laugh as well! Ive had a similar situation
with paying bus fares as well. You have to laugh or youll just have a
miserable day.
abhinavreinvented
Great post!!
kmahaney1
Im new to the blogging world and I just LOVE your blog!!! You are a brilliant
word smither is that a word? Thanks for sharing your great stories!
Atriptolove.wordpress.com so new, Ive only written 1 post! : )
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thanks for that comment! Im ok with making up words. Dr. Seuss seemed to
get away with it a lot
drsahilthakur
Brilliant post.
tropicalsmog
Great post, I was nodding along the entire time. I hadnt stopped to think about
how time is measured differently, but its true. I measure my time by airport
visits.
Regarding currency exchange, I never really understood the difference between
earning dollars and earning another currency before I moved abroad. Now I
know better than to convert to dollars because its pointless. Youre earning the
local currency.
Also, I think your relationship to your home country changes a bit after you
move, besides the relationship with yourself. Ive realized so much about the US
and what it is to be American by leaving it.
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lcmedina390
This is a really great article. I caught the travel bug a few years ago and I have
been taking trips 2-3 weeks at a time since. Recently Ive been doing a lot of
research on making the move across the pond. I get nervous just thinking about
it, but I know its something I would probably really enjoy and cherish. Its nice
to hear from people that have experienced and made it through the difficulties,
thank you!
Lisette Defoe
I agree with all of the 10. Have lived in 6 countries either short or long term and
been in a total of 16 nations I think. Grew up with 4 languages and now speak 7.
Very true what you are saying. Let me know if youve been in some of these on
my list
http://lisettedefoe.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/cities-and-countries-whereive-been/
emilymbos
Makes me miss very much the time my husband and I spent in England while I
was doing my Masters. While Im no longer an ex-pat, moving across the
country parallels a few of these; especially 9 and 10. (Though Nashville and
Nottingham are quite different
Thanks for sharing!
Jean
No, you dont have to live a nomadic, ex-pat life to experience the notion of less
possessions in suitcases, the better.
Be a cyclist and have no car as part of ones lifestyle at home. That is me for past
2+ decades: you learn to become non-consumerist and learn to vacation by
cycling to places with your clothing in your pannier. Only the essentials. I carry a
purse onlyum less than 10 times per year. And I work full-time. I dont need a
purse. I just carry my wallet down to the coffee shop,etc.
Happy travels!
Kimberlynn Boyce
Thats most certainly another way to cut down on clutter. Sounds like you cut
down on a lot of stress too!
lesixteenth
Nicely put. Enjoyed reading the post
JNYnita
Reblogged this on JNY's Link.
Rolando
I am about to embark on my own journey. I dont even know what to expect or

how long I will be there. Thanks for your experiences.
marenmovingforward
So truebut so worth it;)
tantoverde
I recognize myself
Even if it is not that pleasant to live in the house with
empty walls, I still have all my paintings in the storage until I move to a better
than London place
Seriously great article and so funny to read. I think about
the continuation, or what do you feel when you are finally back to your own
country.
faygal4life
The part about languages made laugh, happens so often and the looks on the
faces of friends and family could be priceless at times. But it isnt funny when it
happens during a business meeting.
NordicPrincess
A couple corrections:
you dont return back, you return or go back
you either have very little skill in the kitchen or very few skills in the
kitchen
I would agree with no. 1, but having lived overseas for over 15 years, things are
very routine and I only think about conversion rates when travelling home. I
guess its different for everyone.
Anonymous
I bet youre a fun person to be around.
Dismoh
Reblogged this on A Vote, Voice To Support and commented:

Hope Ill experience this too when I travel overseas.
lindascharff
Your article was spot on with everything weve experienced in our 40 years
living overseas. Weve had our ups and downs and our frustrations and our joys
and so many tears and so many smiles! We have faced grave danger and yet
experienced the beauty of life. Weve lived in Seoul, South Korea in an
apartment for 6 years.weve lived in Izmir, Turkey in 4 different apartments
for 22 years.and finally in NE. Italy we lived in a house with a huge yard for
12 years.
My husband retired from DODDS.(Department of Defense Dependent
Schools.and they are always looking for teachers of all grades/subjects!) and
now we are in Virginia. We had become so accustomed to living as you listed
above, that when we returned to the USA ~3 months ago, it was and still IS a
culture shock!
The only regret that we have is that we didnt live close to relatives and thus in
the summer-times vacations scrambled to see everyone! We raised our daughters
overseas and as a result they speak many languages, are very worldly, are
super international cooks and can make friends with just about anyone at
anytime. They are never afraid to attempt new situations since theyve done it so
many times!
Now my wonderful memories and photos keep us going here in the USA. We
long to have that exciting, never boring life again, but know it is time now to
settle-down for the autumn of lives.
I will pass your article on to my many friends who are overseas and who are here
in the USAtheyll know exactly what you are talking about and will smile as
they read your message!
In closing I will share with you our most favorite saying and it gives us a chuckle
each time we hear it..Wait just a minute..and my husband would reply
back.is that a Korean minute? is that a Turkish minute?? is that an Italian
minute??? Each country DOES have a different interpretation of 1 minute!!!!
Thank you! Linda Scarf
emmacachor.wordpress.com
What if I told you Im an expat,too. One going abroad to seek greener pasture
because the one left behind was in chaos. Yes, it was in 1986 when my
government was torn into pieces by a revolution. I was a fresh graduate from the
university and there was nowhere to go but outside. I have been living here in my
new country for twenty eight years already, assimilated its culture, its language
and bore two beautiful daughters. Thank you for reminding me of all the hurdles.
ccmanny
Reblogged this on ccmanny.
mayodeji91
What a great post
Marije Bijlsma
I can relate to much of what you write. I didnt move away from my native
country as fas as you did, but still its a different country. I often say I am
language confused, I start a sentence in english, and somehow I end up using 3
different languages in one sentence! And no one has a clue what I just said. Lol
Anonymous
Lol
MissLilly
So true! All of it! To me the biggest change is how easy it becomes to pack and
move again. You feel you want to belong somewhere but deep inside youre
detached. Friends become spread across the globe and so do your good
memories.
Great post
kestrel
I know that there must be challenges to face when moving to a new country I
am finding those, just moving to a new town! I really enjoyed reading this!
donnaevaligia
Hi I have been living abroad for the last fifteen years. Many things you have
described resonated with me and made me think. It was so engrossing that even
inspired me a post, too
deawehbenson
You hit the nail on the head with #1!
jodove
What a joy to delve into your thoughts. Having lived many varied lives around
the world, I appreciate your words! Thanks!
vanyyo
Nice
joelhjosephson
I always described my move as, Standing in the middle of the street, with no
clothes on. Does that resonate?
Also mundane tasks become vast mountains to scale, buying a stamp, is a stress
filled adventure.
yemisi onayemi
OMG!!this is awesome its amazing how I connected and relate, even now to
the first thing on the list.great post..
yemisi onayemi
Reblogged this on tinagegirlsofvirtuesworld and commented:

This post just totally made me feel good about and the errors I think I might have
made since I moved.Read and share
kirstin
NUMBER 7. YES.
Jeffrey Ott
Very insightful post, good advice. Thank you for taking the time to consolidate
these thoughts!
Jeff
Michelle
Thank you for this. I found this article from a facebook post. My husband and I
lived overseas for about four years. We have been home for almost 13 years but I
still feel everything you have written here. I thought that I was just having a hard
time getting over leaving or that I somehow didnt get good closure. But now I
am confident that I am just forever changed by what we experienced living
abroad!
moderncc
Reblogged this on moderncc12's Blog.
Don Royster
I would add an eleventh: You are a lot more tolerant of others. I have found that
travel and coming into contact with all sorts of other people has helped me get rid
of some of my prejudices. I have family who have never left Northern Alabama
or East Texas and I see what I could have become and I am so thankful I got
away.
Maz Zahariadis
So true. Thank you for making me feel at home while reading youve well
written article. Moved to Greece 16 years ago from NY and it all still rings true.
Have read and shared this on Facebook and its being liked, replied on and shared
by many.
satsune
Very well saidsure have some ideas after living in china for 11 yearsnow i
get culture shock when i travel home.
fatimasaysell
Ive really enjoyed reading your blog entry as I can definitely identify with a lot
of what you say. I am Spanish and came to England as an au pair to study the
language back in the summer of 1982 because I wanted to work in the Tourism
industry and travel the world. Well, Ive done both and, after more than 30 years,
I am still here and still learning and unlearning languages: we travel to France a
lot in our motorhome now, so this makes it even more interesting.

One point I would like to add to your list is that you become less prejudiced
about people and that one should never generalise. You discover that there are
good and bad, kind and mean people wherever you go and that no country has the
right answer to the enigma that is life.
And finally: you will always be a foreigner!
Tony
Thats so true! Returned to Italy in 2007 after almost 8 years in England. I still
find it difficult and yes, It has broaden my views and the way I relate to people.
Very interesting article. Tony
Tony
broadened*
belezaschan
Loved the blog, and the quote!!
Tracey Greenstein
Reblogged this on Emerald Traveler and commented:

Life has been some combination of fairy-tale coincidence and joie de vivre and
shocks of beauty together with some hurtful self-questioning. Sylvia Plath,
The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
I left New York almost a year ago and extemporaneously moved to Tel Aviv, with
no job and no definitive plan. A year later, Im happy to report that things are
going well but I often have trouble explaining in words how unbelievably
difficult it was to get to this point. This article really resonates with me,
particularly the point that this is my life, and not a trip. Ahhh!!
ReynoldRV9
Reblogged this on The Reynold RV9 Style and commented:

The Perfect finding for a now-NRI who needs to discover himself a Bit!
PeaceMonk
Id echo your opinion, especially point #1. Wonderful post !
susipet
Great post. Ive lived overseas in Morocco. Australia and China and wouldnt
have missed those experiences. Such enormously rich opportunities to learn and
be
london72013
Reblogged this on london7blog and commented:

Very good description!!! I agree with you!!!
thaleyia
Reblogged this on searching for. and commented:

Oh, I can relate to most of it
socialdee
#3 The trip thing is really interesting- I never really thought about it- but yea
good point. I also struggle with Where are you from?
kiwimilly
This a beautiful piece of writing. It is refreshing to see all the feelings I have felt
as an expat summed up so nicely. I have lived away from my home of New
Zealand for 3 years now and am currently experiencing European living in
Germany. Im 3 weeks in. I digress! Thanks again for writing such a lovely post.
intothesparrowsnest
Reblogged this on intothesparrowsnest's Blog and commented:

Love this. Absolutely love this.
Pee Saao Vara

What a great post on moving to another country! In time, things will be better,
but its exciting to experience new things.
Toper | 1 Million Free Pictures

Agree on lot of these
chantellemariev
Reblogged this on You are the universe.
rubyr8
Love the quote. Interesting write, cant say Ive experienced any of the above
because I have lived in the same place all my young life, this makes me want to
travel and experience time differently just like in item No.6.
artiffairs
Reblogged this on Artiffairss.
anup124
Didnt read the whole article .. but yes, whatever I read was very good While
leaving my country even I had thought that once I reach this new country, my
suitcases would be stored away catching dust but its been a month and I am
still opening them almost everyday lol nice observations.
Anthony
Thank you. I was having a let go of the pastlet go of living abroad kind of
unhappy moment. Your post made me remember how strong and independent it
made me, regardless of where it has gone. Thank you.
warmbreadsandwich
Reblogged this on Reality of Redemption and commented:

This is lovely.
tastehitch
Oh man, this rings so true. I now track seasons based on what my mum is
wearing when I Skype her. Which is bit strange when you think about it.
italycanwait
I can relate to a lot of things you write about. The language thing- Well most of
the time I feel like the more languages I am exposed to the less I know. My
native language has deteriorated a shameful amount and my English, even though
its now my everyday language, has its major ups and downs
I am coming across your blog for the first time but am going to explore it further
for sure. I LOVE South East Asia
christopherlcall
wow! seriously very nice!
Angielopes's weblog
Reblogged this on angielopes and commented:

This post is so perfect. Every single point is so truthful to the reality of every
emigrant
smashinash101
Reblogged this on The Whatever I Can Think Of Blog and commented:

This is all very true haha. Especially about the line between normal and strange
being blurred. It gets to the point when there is no such thing as normal and
normal leaves your vocabulary.
turterunsfast
Im from Asia and I lived in Europe and US. After many years of living out of a
suitcase I realized that I was so wrong thinking we were different and what
should be the norm. No, were not different and we can only notice the
similarities among cultures when we actually live in the cultures. When we read
books, they only talk about the difference. Maybe its just easier to focus on the
difference so that we can stand out as a unique group of people. I find the
thought silly in this age. And yes, totally agree that once you live abroad, life
never seems to be the same as before. Nice blog! : )
Charles Edward McCaul

Thank you for sharing this. Well said. My wife and I have lived in Cambodia for
20 years. Almost everything you said rings so true. I want to share this with my
expat friends.
Sophia's Pockets
As expats ourselves, we love this and recognize many of these ups and downs.
we even wrote a prayer for the times when the changes seem overwhelming.
http://sophiaspockets.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/a-prayer-for-times-of-change/
Matthew
Hey, thanks for writing this. I lived in southeast Asia for nine months. Reading
your article made me tear up a bit. Im looking forward to going back. Also
looking to read more from you on this topic.
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kailynwall
Reblogged this on Wally's World and commented:

Take me back
odusboi97
Reblogged this on odusboiblogs.
edjeca
This is awesome and true
rabbit
October 1, 2014 at 3:37 am | Reply
Reblogged this on The Brown Lens and commented:

International students would find this familiar
Iron Pen Books

Reblogged this on distantfields.com.

Such a good article. Having lived out-of-country for more than half of my life,
this rings true for me and my family. Thanks for writing.
rabbit
Cant agree more with you. Im an international student from asia, now studying
in Vancouver. Im currently facing the situations you mentioned. Reading your
blog made me feel like youre helping me to express my feelings deep inside. My
english level is not good enough to express the exact feeling Im going through.
Also, its assuring to know that Im not the only one who feels that way. I
enjoyed reading your post.
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localgirlforeignland
October 1, 2014 at 9:46 pm | Reply
Agree~~
pearlprojectblanco
What a great challenge and learning experience for those moving out of their
comfort-zone!
Vickie Munton
Great post! As a parent of missionaries to Madagascar, I appreciated hearing your

perspective. Thanks!
periwinkle
interesting article!
expressionofdesign
Nice words! Thats all truth.
folakemiodoaje
Very true. And even if youve lived 20year oversea, home is always the same
home! Thanks for sharing.
msblackexpat
I enjoyed this post! I agree. Living abroad really changes your perspective on
things. I am currently living in the UAE. Happy travels!
mhashifa
Reblogged this on hashifam and commented:

I smiled while I read this post. Its all true.
btfisher
Reblogged this on Counting Stars and commented:

Throughout my life, I have noticed that I often have a very difficult time relating
to people that I meet, and I dont think that its their fault. I automatically began
searching my mindset for whatever was causing the great disconnect between
how my mind works and how other peoples minds work. Conveniently, an
article popped on my timeline the other day, and I think it explains very well the
difficulty that I have relating others. Because of my life of traveling, I have
experienced things that many people that I come in contact with havent, and I
forget in my self-centered little world that I cant relate to them like I relate to my
family or other people that have experienced life outside their own sphere of
understanding. I am going to share this article with you so that if you are a
traveler, you can learn to relate to people that havent traveled as much, and if
you are a non-traveler, maybe this article can help you understand why that
certain person is so weird.
Ross Blankert
All of this is true unless you live in Panama. The exchange rate is 1 to 1. The
culture is different and in many ways better than in the states. You do have to
give up many things that you used to take for granted. If you are good and kind to
people, you will get the same in return. Be open minded and do not inject your
values onto the local population. Listen to what is being said and watch what
they do. Folks are very nice. Family is everything here.
Marcelo Schlindwein
Every culture has its clear distinctions (not *its).
Lilly Rabbit
This is the best reason i still cant sleep now,to read this
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Socorro
I agree! Right on the dot, Mabuhay! Godbless.
espressodream
So very trueI can relate to a majority of the list. Esp the language bit, I have a
few running through my head that it takes awhile for me to look up the
vocabulary I need. At times it can gets frustrating when there is no equivalent in
English. Although what would be different in my case would be that the US was
one of the foreign countries I moved to and returned home from
johncoyote
Very wise advice. I lived in Europe for three years and Asia for two years. I
needed a good radio and a smile. Open the door to friendship.

Pingback: 10 Things That Change Once Youve Lived Overseas | There Is Yet
Hope |
pattybrucemitchell
Have lived in Brussels, now live in Warsaw. 10+ years in Europe.

Change #11: You miss ingredients and things that you cannot get where you
are currently living. You think, this ham cant hold a candle to Polish ham or I
wish I could get those fresh-from-the-ground leeks in Brussels that still have dirt
on them! Or, Yeah! A whole aisle of chips, including kale/spinach/tortilla chips
(US Whole Foods). : )
Change #12: You can borrow from different cultures to create the holidays you
want. Homard (lobster) for New Years Day, pate for first course at Christmas.
You also have permission to skip the huge Thanksgiving cook-a-thon if you
want!
Sandra Carol Mers Clayton

we lived in France for sixteen years, and our students and other French
friends always loved our American Thanksgiving cook-a-thon. ha! (I DO
love to cook.) They taught me to eat pumpkin soup and I taught them to eat
pumpkin pie.
Now, I see in France you can often buy turkey and the
trimmings around the time of our American Thanksgiving.
Pankajam.
Well researched.
coruscantbookshelf
The really scary thing is I was nodding the whole time I was reading this.
celinerheanne
Wow I love this post .. I just moved overseas (America to the Middle East) and
its different but rather then surviving Im thriving and so happy to read your
relatable post!
thephillipsinasia
Reblogged this on Sojourner in Asia and commented:

TCK or 3CK Third culture kid. It refers to children raised in a culture different
from their parents.
I enjoyed the article.
SirPattalot
This is amazing. Im just about to begin my first long-term overseas journey, so it

is very relevant. Thank you.
cresniov2014
Reblogged this on .
awjo1991
I really enjoyed this post. I only lived overseas for 6 weeks, and its so interesting
to see how quickly these things kick in. There were 29 different cultures in my
study abroad program, so I got bits and pieces from all over the world. When I
came back to the U.S, I felt like a completely different person. I thought
differently (more open-minded).I want to experience so many different cultures.
It would be perfect to find a career that would send me all around the world.
Daniela
I moved to Spain back in July and a lot of this really resonated with me. Thanks
for sharing!
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LIVED OVERSEAS
amyegro
As a recent member of the Expat community, I am learning that these are true!
Thanks for sharingmakes me laugh and feel a little homesick at the same time.
whippelixir
Good work on the nice piece. Its thoughtful and well written. Im sure its
inspiring to a lot of people. In my experience, I often feel these ways even just
traveling within the states as an almost full time lifestyle.
Carlos Cunha
Ive traveled back and forth around the world so much the past three years, I
think I have it down to a science, more or less. Every stitch of clothing I own and
every necessity fits in two seabags and a carry-on backpack.
joelrden
First, I was struck by the wonderful quality of the writing. Then, I was struck by
the unexpected perfection of the changes identified. The humor was so subtle and
embedded in the accuracy of the perceptions, I found myself laughing at the pure
authenticity of it all. A perfect gem of an article.
AdventuresInAnkara.com
Reblogged this on Adventures in Ankara and commented:

Our friend Natalie at Turkish Travel Blog passed this article around the other day.
I found it really interesting and completely true. 10 Things that change once
youve lived overseas. I got a good laugh out of some of it, like I am constantly
forgetting words in English!! And I loved some of the language, like, This is
your life, not a trip and Conversions and exchange rates are always on the
mind. But my personal #1 is You are different.
What do you think? Anything to add? Any favorites?
huberstephanie953
I love this. I hope desperately that one day I will have the opportunity to
experience every one of these 10 things and more.
kiragray
I almost cried because it is so familiar in a land where nothing is familiar, only

Same Same. I even wondered if I had written it over a glass of wine and forgotten
it by the morning. From Texas to Indonesia, and now Thailand with our family of
four, thank you for writing this and reminding me that Im not alone, just
different.
Pingback: 10 Things That Change Once Youve Lived Overseas | Becoming
World Citizens---The Challenge of the Multicultural in Rhetoric and
Composition
Seize the day

Reblogged this on Becoming World CitizensThe Challenge of the

Multicultural in Rhetoric and Composition and commented:
Yes!
Tiff
So true! I love how you encapsulated so many of the things I faced as an expat! I
find that theres a personal struggle to readjust to life back home, at least initially.
Im itching to go somewhere again long-term!
Pingback: 10 Things That Change Once Youve Lived Overseas | David Joannes
StaceA
Reblogged this on You, Me, and Adventure and commented:

A delightful, true, and honest account of living overseas.
ezzahmahmud
Reblogged this on ezzahmahmud and commented:

J shared this link earlier today, and the list is nothing but true depiction of
thoughts. <3
mayodeji91
Reblogged this on mayodeji91's Blog and commented:

#Changes
tojoelle
I totally relate to all of them!
You are my sunshine

Great post! thank you
christianliving2014
Great write!
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evelynfaith
Ive been living overseas for the past 7 years hopping from country to country
and finally moved home this past July. While there are certain things I love
about being back at home, reading this article has tugged on my heart and my
yearning to be back overseas and doing it all over again.
realcassiusza
November 1, 2014 at 10:39 am | Reply
Reblogged this on RealCassiusZA.
inertialconfinement
November 9, 2014 at 4:47 pm | Reply
This is so true! There is a very big distinction between living in other countries
and visiting them. I always hesitate to point this out to people in conversation
because I worry that it makes me sound pretentious. You definitely do learn how
to let go of material things and how to pack everything you need in a suitcase
(something I used to be terrible at). Its funny how perspective changes.
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10 Things That Change Once

resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or

This post is an original post of Taking Route.

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life changes, life lessons, living abroad

179 thoughts on 10 Things That Change

Would the writer share her recipe for enchiladas?

Somethings that would be so uncomfortable in the states, you just get

Reblogged this on The Traveling Spoons and commented:

Thank you for sharing

So much of this is like growing old-forgetting words-trying to respond to you

You SHOULD go back, Lori! Of course, Im a little partial towards SE Asia

Companies usually send their employees overthey dont look in the US

So well said Kimberlynn . Reblogging 10 Things That Change Once Youve

Thanks so much for commenting, David. Youre right, we are overflowing

Thanks for sharing!

Hi Kimberlynn, another expat friend sent this to me.

We could sure talk, huh?

Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment. I love hearing others

country, the more foreign it starts to become. Im actually starting to get a

Once an expat, always an expat

Yes i agree completely.

Ann Aubrey Hanson

I appreciate you saying that

Well Written! an very much relate to it.

Thanks for sharing!

Nicely put. Enjoyed reading the post

Reblogged this on JNY's Link.

I am about to embark on my own journey. I dont even know what to expect or

So truebut so worth it;)

Even if it is not that pleasant to live in the house with

Seriously great article and so funny to read. I think about

I bet youre a fun person to be around.

Reblogged this on A Vote, Voice To Support and commented:

Reblogged this on ccmanny.

What a great post

You hit the nail on the head with #1!

Reblogged this on tinagegirlsofvirtuesworld and commented:

Reblogged this on moderncc12's Blog.

lot in our motorhome now, so this makes it even more interesting.

Loved the blog, and the quote!!

Reblogged this on Emerald Traveler and commented:

Reblogged this on The Reynold RV9 Style and commented:

Id echo your opinion, especially point #1. Wonderful post !

Reblogged this on london7blog and commented:

Reblogged this on searching for. and commented:

Reblogged this on intothesparrowsnest's Blog and commented:

Pee Saao Vara

Toper | 1 Million Free Pictures

Agree on lot of these

Reblogged this on You are the universe.

Reblogged this on Artiffairss.

Reblogged this on Reality of Redemption and commented:

wow! seriously very nice!

Reblogged this on angielopes and commented:

Reblogged this on The Whatever I Can Think Of Blog and commented:

Charles Edward McCaul

Reblogged this on Wally's World and commented:

Reblogged this on odusboiblogs.

This is awesome and true

Reblogged this on The Brown Lens and commented:

Iron Pen Books