Living abroad can be a thrilling adventure filled with new experiences, cultures, and opportunities. However, with the excitement comes a fair share of challenges and, inevitably, regrets. Many expats, in hindsight, wish they had made different choices or approached their overseas experience differently. In this article, I’d like to explore four common regrets that expats often have and how you can learn from them to make the most of your own international journey. Whether you’re currently living overseas or planning to do so in the future, these insights can help you avoid some common pitfalls.
Not learning the local language
One of the most significant regrets that expats often have is not dedicating enough time and effort to learning the local language. Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a gateway to understanding culture, building connections, and feeling more integrated into the community.
Mastering the local language can make everyday tasks simpler, from ordering food to navigating public transportation. It also allows you to build deeper relationships with locals, as they appreciate your effort to connect on a linguistic level. Furthermore, speaking the local language can open up job opportunities and enhance your overall experience in the host country.
I can definitely speak to the benefits of learning Turkish while staying in Türkiye. In a country where most people don’t use English, everyone really appreciates you going the extra mile to learn their language. Furthermore, you just have to! It was hard getting around without it. Although I do regret not taking my language skills beyond the basic level.
To avoid this regret, invest time in language learning from day one. Take classes, practice with locals, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Learning the language will not only enhance your experience but also leave you with a valuable skill that can benefit you in various aspects of life.
If you are in a similar situation and don’t want regrets when it comes to your language learning journey, follow this link I have to a special offer on iTalki. Check out some more information about it at the end of this article!
Not making friends locally
Living abroad as a digital nomad or expat can sometimes lead to a disconnect from the local community. It’s easy to rely on online friends and social media for social interaction, but having real friends in the country you are living in can significantly enhance your experience.
Having a good community and network may help address your need for social connection, and fight off loneliness. This is something that I’ve written about here before. However, there’s a special connection that only real-life friends from your current city or country can bring to the table.
Making local friends offers you a chance to gain insider knowledge about the place, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in cultural activities that tourists rarely get to experience. Local friends can also provide emotional support, making you feel more welcome and less isolated.
To avoid any regrets, make an effort to connect with locals. Attend local events, join clubs or groups, and participate in community activities. Language exchange programs can be an excellent way to meet people who are eager to learn your language while helping you learn theirs. It also builds on from our first point of regret. Building local friendships can turn your overseas adventure into a more enriching and fulfilling experience.
Not utilizing the algorithm to your benefit
In our digital age, algorithms play a significant role in shaping our online experiences. I only noticed this towards the end of my stay in Türkiye, but my phone was also paying attention to things I was researching and looking. It’s one of my big regrets that I didn’t leverage something like Instagram as tool, instead of just wasting my time doom-scrolling.
As long as you’re not in a country with restrictive bans or social media, or all out no presence of digital platforms, this information should be useful to you wherever you go.
Interacting with content related to your host city or country on social media platforms, search engines, and travel websites can provide you with tailored recommendations and insights. It’s like hacking the algorithm to work in your favor. Whether you’re looking for the best local restaurants, events, or travel tips, the algorithm can be a powerful tool.
Personally I found that once I “liked” one post or “followed” a particular account my For You page and search bars would start recommending more of the same content. Whereas I used to avoid the sponsored content as I scrolled, if it was actually something I needed, why not give an indication to the algorithm to recommend more?
From there, whenever I wanted a good cultural place, restaurant, or sports venue, I would liked and follow a bunch of accounts; even if it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. All in the hopes that the algorithm would take the hint, and started providing more tailored suggestions.
To avoid this regret, make use of location-based searches and hashtags on social media platforms. Engage with local content and contribute your own experiences. By doing so, you can create a personalized digital experience that helps you uncover the hidden gems and unique experiences your host country has to offer.
Not acknowledging your own limitations
One of the most common regrets among expats is not acknowledging their own limitations. Moving abroad can be a thrilling and challenging experience, but it’s essential to recognize that it’s not without its difficulties. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or to encounter obstacles during your overseas journey.
One mistake many expats make is trying to do too much or expecting everything to go smoothly. It’s important to set realistic expectations and be prepared for moments of homesickness, culture shock, or uncertainty. There will be times when you need to take things slowly, and other times when things need to be complete urgently. Knowing when to change the pace, up the load, and how much your own self can bear, are all really important things.
Living in a foreign country, either on your own or with your family, can be an incredibly isolating experience. You are away from all the things that were once familiar to you. You have the opportunity to ask yourself many questions, but those answers don’t come easy all the time.
Check out an article I wrote here; about being the trailing spouse, and how that can affect one’s identity and sense of self.
To overcome this regret, take time to reflect on your personal limitations and prioritize self-care. Reach out to expat support networks, counseling services, or local resources if you find yourself struggling. Recognizing and addressing your own limitations is a crucial step toward a more positive and fulfilling expat experience
Living abroad is an incredible adventure, but it’s not without its share of regrets.
Learning from these regrets can help you make the most of your overseas experience. Whether it’s mastering the local language, making local friends, leveraging algorithms to your advantage, or acknowledging your own limitations, each of these steps can contribute to a more enriching and fulfilling life as an expat. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and you’ll find that your overseas adventure becomes a truly transformative journey.
If you’ve reached the end of this article, firstly thank you. But you are probably interested in how you can prepare for your move overseas, and learn the language of the country you’re going to.
One of the things that finally helped things click with my Turkish studies was taking things at my own time with a private tutor. Italki is one of the most popular, and best ways to learn a wide selection of languages, with an even wider ranger of teachers.
