Living abroad: a focus on well-being and building an international network
Making the decision to move across the globe and build a life in a new country is a big choice for anyone to make, whether you are a young professional, a student or someone just looking for new experiences. No matter the reason, living and building your life in a country different from your own is a great way to gain new experiences, meet people from different cultures, and develop new skills.
If you’re just starting university or are an experienced professional, moving to a foreign country and meeting people from around the world can be one of the most beneficial experiences, both personally and professionally. From learning about different cultures to eating some of the most delicious food, stepping into a new place can bring appreciation, perspective, and excitement into your life at any age. Not only that, but living in a foreign country has been proven to help improve your overall mental health and well-being. We’ve laid out a few reasons why.
A global future
It’s no secret that our world is becoming increasingly globalized. The future of business, or any field for that matter, depends upon young professionals who possess the cross-cultural competence to thrive in the global market. According to Forbes, “living abroad helps people not only understand their purpose in life but also to align their lives more effectively with the purpose.” The study also found that living or studying abroad helps enhance a professional's growth, global, and creative mindset.
International skills
The benefits of international experiences go beyond the ability to survive in our modern, globalized world. Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School, explains that “foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth of integrativeness of thought.” What’s more, a series of studies show that experiences abroad have a great impact on cognitive ability, increasing skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.
According to the British Council, employers are increasingly looking for employees who not only possess technical knowledge but also these essential “soft skills.” Selecting a candidate with international experience can be a way to guarantee that they possess not only the technical knowledge but also the skills to thrive.
Creative solutions for the modern world
One essential skill that employers and individuals alike value in today's world is creativity. In a world driven by innovation, being a creative thinker can set you apart from your peers. A research article published in the academic journal Applied Cognitive Psychology shows a positive relationship between multicultural experiences and creative cognition. The results found that living or studying abroad “supports complex processes that underlie creative thinking.”
The power of language
An important part of studying abroad is learning a foreign language. Speaking a second or third language can expand your skill set and open the door to more opportunities, and research has found additional cognitive benefits to language learning, including stronger communication and decision-making skills. What’s more, being multilingual can have an effect on your long-term well-being, effectively stymying cognitive decline associated with older age and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The lesser know benefits of studying abroad
The deeper psychological benefits of living abroad as an expat are often unacknowledged, despite their importance in increasing an individual’s resilience and self esteem, as well as developing their identity and sense of self.
In an article published in Harvard Business Review, a group of professors from Rice University, MIT, UNC Chapel Hill, and Columbia discussed the way that living and studying abroad helps students and young professionals develop a clearer sense of self. They found that when taken out of the familiar environment of their home country, participants were forced to reflect on what behaviors and beliefs were part of their true self and not just a result of their environment. They reported having a clearer sense of self and a stronger personal identity.
Having a clear sense of self can increase your self esteem and reduce feelings of self doubt that are often associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, individuals who feel confident in their personal identity are more likely to excel professionally or feel content in their professional life.
The new life experiences and opportunities that international experiences can provide are some of the most tangible benefits of living abroad whether it be as an expat, a student or as a professional. But they can also be some of the most challenging. While living in a country other than your own, something as simple as going to the grocery store or ordering a coffee can seem like the hardest part of your day. Learning to overcome these challenges—both big and small—can build resiliency, which has been shown to greatly improve your overall mental health and ability to cope with life’s hardest moments in a healthy way.