10 things that change once you’ve lived overseas

10 Things That Change OnceYou’ve Lived OverseasSeptember 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 it’s through those struggles and challenges that you discover more

about yourself and the world around you. You embrace lessons learned and

About Cooking Housekeeping Schooling Traveling

Reflecting Nurturing

broaden your horizons. If you’ve ever lived for an extended amount of time

somewhere other than your home country, then you’ve probably experienced

some if not all of these changes while living abroad.

1. You are constantly learning and unlearning language. I’m 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 I’m looking for in my newly acquired language. That’s all fine and dandy;

that is, unless I was really hoping to find the word in my native language. It’s one

thing to feel a little embarrassed when you don’t know the word for something in

the language you’re still learning. It’s a whole new level of embarrassment when

you’re talking to close friends and family members and can’t seem to find the

English word to express what you’re trying to say. No, I’m not trying to be

pretentious and passively brag about the fact that I’m confusing two languages,

thereby pointing out that I know two languages. I’m legitimately having a

humiliating moment right now and I’m 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 we’ve 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 it’s 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. It’s a clear distinction you’re able to make once

you’ve packed your life into an allowed amount of suitcases, hopped onto a

plane, and then started from scratch in land that’s full of newness to you. Last

time I checked, I’ve 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 haven’t been on a trip!” Sometimes you might

want to snap back with a question of your own, “I don’t 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. We’ll 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

I’m grocery shopping and see vanilla extract, my joy is quickly followed with

disappointment once I’ve calculated the exchange rate in my head. We change

currencies so frequently, I’m always the dumbfounded customer at the check-out

counter searching frantically for the numbers on the bills and coins because I

haven’t 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

it’s clear distinctions on what is acceptable and what’s not. However, to the

outsider coming in, who brings with them a set of different, but still clearly

marked, cultural “dos and don’ts”, 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? I’m not

saying I pick my nose in public now…but I’m 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 you’ve lived in one location or how many

times you’ve moved or where all you’ve 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 you’ve passed all your tests and can

move on to another destination. You are never sure how long you’ll 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. I’ll never forget the words of

a TCK whose family has moved more than a few times while living

overseas: “We don’t measure our life in years, but in kitchens.” For her, it’s easier

to remember how many kitchens she’s cooked in with her mom rather than how

many years they’ve 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. It’s no longer out of the

ordinary to devote an entire day to paying two bills. You don’t expect electricity

and water each day. You always have a back-up plan for that “just in case”

moment when you’re 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

unexpected…because those moments happen a lot more frequently than they did

before you moved abroad.

8. Material possessions do not equate happiness. You don’t have to move

overseas to realize this, but there’s 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,

you’re 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 what’s 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 didn’t think it was

possible to pack everything you wanted to take with you in a few suitcases. But

you did it, and now you can’t 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 you’re able to whip up some of your old favorites

in a flash and you’ve since added some new, local recipes to your collection (so

no substitutions are required). You’ve kissed your comforts goodbye and you’ve

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 don’t matter to you as much as they once did and other things

matter more. You’re continually humbled as you frequently find yourself in a

position of needing help and guidance…sometimes from a complete stranger.

Almost daily you are in a position where nothing is so familiar that you’re 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 didn’t realize exactly how much, in turn,

you would learn about yourself.

“If you’re 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: Lulumière via Compfight cc

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179 thoughts on “10 Things That ChangeOnce You’ve Lived Overseas”

AnonymousSeptember 22, 2014 at 5:04 am | Reply

Would the writer share her recipe for enchiladas?

Kimberlynn BoyceSeptember 23, 2014 at 1:34 am | Reply

Haha, yes, I’ll have to share my recipe for enchiladas. I hope you can wait for

it because I’m in another country until my second child is born. I’ll make a

note of it though, for when I return home

AmberSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:36 pm | Reply

One of the things I’ve noticed about our life outside of the US, is that we never

live in our home. It doesn’t matter where we live, or how long we have been

there, it’s always referred to as the former resident’s home.


It’s 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 I’ve done with

the place. I guess if you’ve lived there once, you don’t have to be waited for

an invite to get a tour of the home

AmberSeptember 23, 2014 at 3:28 pm | Reply

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

used to… the lack of privacy is one of those things.

MarcySeptember 23, 2014 at 11:07 am | Reply

I’ve noticed this since being “back” in the states. The house we have lived in

now for the past 3 years in the states isn’t ours and so I constantly refer to it

as the former residents home (Marie’s house). I’ve never felt at home here.

We sold our home when we moved overseas in 2007. We came back in 2011,

and I’ve never felt “at home” anywhere since. Love the article! Got a big kick

out of #5. I still don’t pick my nose in public, but I definitely cover my mouth

when using a toothpick.

thetravelingspoonsSeptember 23, 2014 at 3:50 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on The Traveling Spoons and commented:

This article perfectly articulates the last eight months of my experience living in

Amsterdam


Thank you for sharing

ellieSeptember 23, 2014 at 4:09 pm | Reply

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

haven’t 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, I’m 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, we’ll leave it to Him! We would love to talk

sometime.


What a great little comparison, Ellie. Thank you for sharing that!

CalebSeptember 23, 2014 at 4:31 pm | Reply

And then there’s those moments when you can’t think of the word you want in

any of the languages you know. That’s really embarrassing!


It’s funny how our brain works (or rather, DOESN’T work) when we start

adding new languages.

Brian ZelinskiSeptember 23, 2014 at 4:38 pm | Reply

I absolutely love your writing. It’s like you were describing my life living in

Central America, Africa, and now Thailand. Nice!


Thank you, Brian! And thanks for reading and commenting. Sounds like

you’ve been around the world!

lori56September 23, 2014 at 4:52 pm | Reply

Great article…I 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. It’s amazing

how those two weeks changed me…..I can really relate to #10. Certain people I

met are still on my mind all the time…I so want to go back!!


You SHOULD go back, Lori! Of course, I’m a little partial towards SE Asia

gooddesignsSeptember 23, 2014 at 4:53 pm | Reply

Like

TimSeptember 23, 2014 at 6:32 pm | Reply

Kimberlynn, I love your article, but how does one live overseas, in the sense that

the little bit I’ve 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?


Thanks for commenting, Tim. I’ve 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. There’s actually an international school in our city

that only hires if you’re fluent in English and they will help out with housing

and visa sponsorship. I don’t think all schools will help out with housing but

they will at least make sure you’re on the proper visa. I’m not certain about

the application process for any other types of businesses. Hope that helps a

little bit!

MRSeptember 25, 2014 at 5:58 am | Reply

Companies usually send their employees over…they don’t look in the US

for new employees to send over. And yes, they do pay for the visas, the

move and even our kids’ school…they 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 don’t think a lot of

people know about it and have the desire…you should look into it.

ChrisSeptember 23, 2014 at 7:07 pm | Reply

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.


Thank you Chris! I really appreciate your comment. It’s good to know when

people can share in similar experiences. You don’t feel so alone with all the

change.

devipone365September 23, 2014 at 7:45 pm | Reply

So well said Kimberlynn . Reblogging “10 Things That Change Once You’ve

Lived Overseas ” in my website

http://bypassicloudonios8.wordpress.com/


Thank you!

DavidSeptember 23, 2014 at 8:01 pm | Reply

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.

Everything’s still the same except for us. Great experience and the most valuable

memories were created.

Thanks for this post. Great read.


Thanks so much for commenting, David. You’re right, we are overflowing

with valuable memories. I feel like if I don’t write them all down, I might not

remember them all!

Z, as in /̍ zeb.rə/September 24, 2014 at 10:53 am | Reply

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 author…well done!

Kimberlynn BoyceSeptember 24, 2014 at 4:03 pm | Reply

Thanks for sharing!

aladyinfranceSeptember 24, 2014 at 1:01 pm | Reply

Hi Kimberlynn, another expat friend sent this to me.

I’ve lived in three continents outside the US (where I’m from), and it’s 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 I’m 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 … (you’re 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.


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

stories I agree with you, the longer you’re away from your passport

country, the more foreign it starts to become. I’m 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 I’ll have to readjust to. And the

thought of leaving my house makes me sad…especially now that it feels very

homey!

But it’s so great when you do start to feel at home, no matter the country. I

haven’t been to France yet (but I keep hinting that to my husband as a “next

place to visit”). If that trip finally happens, I’ll have to send you an email and

get some of your recommendations on what to do while there

Ruth MahoneySeptember 24, 2014 at 3:45 pm | Reply

Great read and helpful now that we find ourselves back in the states! It seems we

have met somewhere along your adventures!


Hmmm…I think I recall meeting you at some point. Or maybe eating a few

meals with you and your family every now and again

LadonnaSeptember 24, 2014 at 5:09 pm | Reply

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 wouldn’t

change the experience.

PandaSmithSeptember 25, 2014 at 1:25 am | Reply

Great article. Being an expat ourselves for many years now, I can surely relate to

much of what you posted. We’ve 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


Once an expat, always an expat

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normal people do.

eklixiSeptember 25, 2014 at 4:24 am | Reply

Yes i agree completely.

AmberSeptember 25, 2014 at 5:07 am | Reply

Great article! I’m from southeast texas! We currently reside in Germany but have

lived in many places.

oliviacharletSeptember 25, 2014 at 9:04 am | Reply

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 you’ve

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 I’d been born in Tokyo but was French and

Belgian, and yet had an American accent. I always used to say it didn’t 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 I’m really grateful for! I’ve 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/


Wow, that gives me some great insight on some of what my own children will

probably experience. It’s encouraging to hear what a positive impact it had on

your life, though. Thanks for sharing!

Ann Aubrey HansonSeptember 25, 2014 at 9:56 pm | Reply

Excellent post! Thanks for putting into words what so many of us know to be

true!


I appreciate you saying that

Jack MorrisSeptember 25, 2014 at 11:30 pm | Reply

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.

TeachFleesSeptember 26, 2014 at 3:50 am | Reply

I’ve never been able to fully articulate to my family and friends what it reall feels

like. Thank you!

Teresa J. SchulteSeptember 26, 2014 at 9:50 am | Reply

This post is so true. I’m in my 3rd year as an expat and just moved to Hungary

from South Korea. I’m experiencing double-culture-shock right now, since

Hungary is so different from both the US *and* the ROK!

Stuart M. PerkinsSeptember 26, 2014 at 2:07 pm | Reply

I’ve never lived overseas, but this was such interesting stuff!

lobhanaSeptember 26, 2014 at 2:15 pm | Reply

Well Written! an very much relate to it.

captaindaquaanSeptember 26, 2014 at 2:19 pm | Reply

♥

EllieEarhartSeptember 26, 2014 at 2:26 pm | Reply

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!


Haha! Thanks for giving me a good laugh as well! I’ve had a similar situation

with paying bus fares as well. You have to laugh or you’ll just have a

miserable day.

abhinavreinventedSeptember 26, 2014 at 3:31 pm | Reply

Great post!!

kmahaney1September 26, 2014 at 4:29 pm | Reply

I’m 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, I’ve only written 1 post! : )


Thanks for that comment! I’m ok with making up words. Dr. Seuss seemed to

get away with it a lot

drsahilthakurSeptember 26, 2014 at 4:42 pm | Reply

Brilliant post.

tropicalsmogSeptember 26, 2014 at 4:45 pm | Reply

Great post, I was nodding along the entire time. I hadn’t stopped to think about

how time is measured differently, but it’s 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 it’s pointless. You’re earning the

local currency.

Also, I think your relationship to your home country changes a bit after you

move, besides the relationship with yourself. I’ve realized so much about the US

and what it is to be American by leaving it.

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lcmedina390September 26, 2014 at 5:24 pm | Reply

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 I’ve been doing a lot of

research on making the move across the pond. I get nervous just thinking about

it, but I know it’s something I would probably really enjoy and cherish. It’s nice

to hear from people that have experienced and made it through the difficulties,

thank you!

Lisette DefoeSeptember 26, 2014 at 9:23 pm | Reply

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 you’ve been in some of these on

my list…

http://lisettedefoe.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/cities-and-countries-where-

ive-been/

emilymbosSeptember 26, 2014 at 10:28 pm | Reply

Makes me miss very much the time my husband and I spent in England while I

was doing my Master’s. While I’m 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!

JeanSeptember 26, 2014 at 11:32 pm | Reply

No, you don’t 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 one’s 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 only…um less than 10 times per year. And I work full-time. I don’t need a

purse. I just carry my wallet down to the coffee shop,etc.

Happy travels!


That’s most certainly another way to cut down on clutter. Sounds like you cut

down on a lot of stress too!

lesixteenthSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:55 am | Reply

Nicely put. Enjoyed reading the post

JNYnitaSeptember 27, 2014 at 1:10 am | Reply

Reblogged this on JNY's Link.

RolandoSeptember 27, 2014 at 2:10 am | Reply

I am about to embark on my own journey. I don’t even know what to expect or

how long I will be there. Thanks for your experiences.

marenmovingforwardSeptember 27, 2014 at 2:40 am | Reply

So true…but so worth it;)

tantoverdeSeptember 27, 2014 at 6:34 am | Reply

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.

faygal4lifeSeptember 27, 2014 at 6:44 am | Reply

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 isn’t funny when it

happens during a business meeting.

NordicPrincessSeptember 27, 2014 at 6:55 am | Reply

A couple corrections:

– you don’t “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 it’s different for everyone.

AnonymousSeptember 27, 2014 at 10:31 am | Reply

I bet you’re a fun person to be around.

DismohSeptember 27, 2014 at 6:57 am | Reply

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

Hope I’ll experience this too when I travel overseas.

lindascharffSeptember 27, 2014 at 6:59 am | Reply

Your article was spot on with everything we’ve experienced in our 40 years

living overseas. We’ve 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. We’ve lived in Seoul, South Korea in an

apartment for 6 years….we’ve 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 didn’t 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 they’ve 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 USA…they’ll 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.comSeptember 27, 2014 at 8:32 am | Reply

What if I told you I’m 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.

ccmannySeptember 27, 2014 at 9:34 am | Reply

Reblogged this on ccmanny.

mayodeji91September 27, 2014 at 11:03 am | Reply

What a great post

Marije BijlsmaSeptember 27, 2014 at 11:12 am | Reply

I can relate to much of what you write. I didn´t move away from my native

country as fas as you did, but still it´s 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

AnonymousSeptember 28, 2014 at 4:06 pm | Reply

Lol

MissLillySeptember 27, 2014 at 3:24 pm | Reply

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 you’re

detached. Friends become spread across the globe and so do your good

memories.

Great post

kestrelSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:01 pm | Reply

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!

donnaevaligiaSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:03 pm | Reply

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

deawehbensonSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:12 pm | Reply

You hit the nail on the head with #1!

jodoveSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:28 pm | Reply

What a joy to delve into your thoughts. Having lived many varied lives around

the world, I appreciate your words! Thanks!

vanyyoSeptember 27, 2014 at 1:51 pm | Reply

Nice

joelhjosephsonSeptember 27, 2014 at 2:42 pm | Reply

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 onayemiSeptember 27, 2014 at 8:24 pm | Reply

OMG!!…this is awesome it’s amazing how I connected and relate, even now to

the first thing on the list….great post..

yemisi onayemiSeptember 27, 2014 at 8:25 pm | Reply

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…

kirstinSeptember 27, 2014 at 6:47 pm | Reply

NUMBER 7. YES.

Jeffrey OttSeptember 27, 2014 at 8:43 pm | Reply

Very insightful post, good advice. Thank you for taking the time to consolidate

these thoughts!

Jeff

MichelleSeptember 27, 2014 at 9:34 pm | Reply

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 didn’t get good closure. But now I

am confident that I am just forever changed by what we experienced living

abroad!

modernccSeptember 27, 2014 at 11:50 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on moderncc12's Blog.

Don RoysterSeptember 28, 2014 at 12:06 am | Reply

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 ZahariadisSeptember 28, 2014 at 12:22 am | Reply

So true. Thank you for making me feel at home while reading you’ve we’ll

written article. Moved to Greece 16 years ago from NY and it all still rings true.

Have read and shared this on Facebook and it’s being liked, replied on and shared

by many.

satsuneSeptember 28, 2014 at 3:48 am | Reply

Very well said…sure have some ideas after living in china for 11 years…now i

get culture shock when i travel home.

fatimasaysellSeptember 28, 2014 at 5:34 am | Reply

I’ve 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, I’ve 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!

TonySeptember 28, 2014 at 5:42 am | Reply

That’s 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

TonySeptember 28, 2014 at 5:56 am | Reply

broadened*

belezaschanSeptember 28, 2014 at 11:03 am | Reply

Loved the blog, and the quote!!

Tracey GreensteinSeptember 28, 2014 at 7:08 am | Reply

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, I’m 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!!

ReynoldRV9September 28, 2014 at 7:33 am | Reply

Reblogged this on The Reynold RV9 Style and commented:

The Perfect finding for a now-NRI who needs to discover himself a Bit!

PeaceMonkSeptember 28, 2014 at 12:00 pm | Reply

I’d echo your opinion, especially point #1. Wonderful post !

susipetSeptember 28, 2014 at 8:15 am | Reply

Great post. I’ve lived overseas in Morocco. Australia and China and wouldn’t

have missed those experiences. Such enormously rich opportunities to learn and

be

london72013September 28, 2014 at 9:53 am | Reply

Reblogged this on london7blog and commented:

Very good description!!! I agree with you!!!

thaleyiaSeptember 28, 2014 at 10:53 am | Reply

Reblogged this on searching for…. and commented:

Oh, I can relate to most of it…

socialdeeSeptember 28, 2014 at 11:14 am | Reply

#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?”

kiwimillySeptember 28, 2014 at 3:36 pm | Reply

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. I’m 3 weeks in. I digress! Thanks again for writing such a lovely post.

intothesparrowsnestSeptember 28, 2014 at 5:13 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on intothesparrowsnest's Blog and commented:

Love this. Absolutely love this.

Pee Saao VaraSeptember 28, 2014 at 5:15 pm | Reply

What a great post on moving to another country! In time, things will be better,

but it’s exciting to experience new things.

Toper | 1 Million Free PicturesSeptember 28, 2014 at 5:36 pm | Reply

Agree on lot of these…

chantellemarievSeptember 28, 2014 at 6:10 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on You are the universe.

rubyr8September 28, 2014 at 6:36 pm | Reply

Love the quote. Interesting write, can’t say I’ve 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.

artiffairsSeptember 29, 2014 at 2:48 am | Reply

Reblogged this on Artiffairss.

anup124September 29, 2014 at 12:13 am | Reply

Didn’t 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.

AnthonySeptember 29, 2014 at 12:46 am | Reply

Thank you. I was having a “let go of the past–let 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.

warmbreadsandwichSeptember 29, 2014 at 2:49 am | Reply

Reblogged this on Reality of Redemption and commented:

This is lovely.

tastehitchSeptember 29, 2014 at 7:39 am | Reply

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.

italycanwaitSeptember 29, 2014 at 8:08 am | Reply

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

it’s now my everyday language, has it’s 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…

christopherlcallSeptember 29, 2014 at 8:34 am | Reply

wow! seriously very nice!

Angielopes's weblogSeptember 29, 2014 at 8:54 am | Reply

Reblogged this on angielopes and commented:

This post is so perfect. Every single point is so truthful to the reality of every

emigrant

smashinash101September 29, 2014 at 6:25 pm | Reply

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.

turterunsfastSeptember 29, 2014 at 4:34 pm | Reply

I’m 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, we’re 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 it’s 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 McCaulSeptember 29, 2014 at 11:07 pm | Reply

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 PocketsSeptember 30, 2014 at 6:26 am | Reply

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/

MatthewSeptember 30, 2014 at 8:31 am | Reply

Hey, thanks for writing this. I lived in southeast Asia for nine months. Reading

your article made me tear up a bit. I’m looking forward to going back. Also

looking to read more from you on this topic.

Pingback: Parole, parole, parole… | Camel and cats

kailynwallSeptember 30, 2014 at 1:21 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on Wally's World and commented:

Take me back

odusboi97September 30, 2014 at 3:18 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on odusboiblogs.

edjecaSeptember 30, 2014 at 7:31 pm | Reply

This is awesome and true

rabbitOctober 1, 2014 at 3:37 am | Reply

Reblogged this on The Brown Lens and commented:

International students would find this familiar

Iron Pen BooksOctober 1, 2014 at 12:20 am | Reply

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.

rabbitOctober 1, 2014 at 3:35 am | Reply

Can’t agree more with you. I’m an international student from asia, now studying

in Vancouver. I’m currently facing the situations you mentioned. Reading your

blog made me feel like you’re helping me to express my feelings deep inside. My

english level is not good enough to express the exact feeling I’m going through.

Also, it’s assuring to know that I’m not the only one who feels that way. I

enjoyed reading your post.

Pingback: Découverte du jour ! | masaladegrecque

localgirlforeignlandOctober 1, 2014 at 9:46 pm | Reply

Agree~~

pearlprojectblancoOctober 3, 2014 at 4:36 am | Reply

What a great challenge and learning experience for those moving out of their

comfort-zone!

Vickie MuntonOctober 3, 2014 at 8:33 am | Reply

Great post! As a parent of missionaries to Madagascar, I appreciated hearing your

perspective. Thanks!

periwinkleOctober 3, 2014 at 1:47 pm | Reply

interesting article!

expressionofdesignOctober 3, 2014 at 2:25 pm | Reply

Nice words! That’s all truth.

folakemiodoajeOctober 3, 2014 at 7:32 pm | Reply

Very true. And even if you’ve lived 20year oversea, home is always the same –

home! Thanks for sharing.

msblackexpatOctober 4, 2014 at 6:16 am | Reply

I enjoyed this post! I agree. Living abroad really changes your perspective on

things. I am currently living in the UAE. Happy travels!

mhashifaOctober 4, 2014 at 9:57 am | Reply

Reblogged this on hashifam and commented:

I smiled while I read this post. It’s all true.

btfisherOctober 4, 2014 at 9:38 am | Reply

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 don’t think that it’s their fault. I automatically began

searching my mindset for whatever was causing the great disconnect between

how my mind works and how other people’s 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 haven’t, and I

forget in my self-centered little world that I can’t 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 haven’t 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 BlankertOctober 4, 2014 at 8:24 pm | Reply

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 SchlindweinOctober 4, 2014 at 8:51 pm | Reply

“Every culture has its clear distinctions…” (not *it’s).

Lilly RabbitOctober 5, 2014 at 2:17 am | Reply

This is the best reason i still can’t sleep now,to read this

Pingback: Forever Restless and Content | From the Cafe Window

SocorroOctober 5, 2014 at 9:56 am | Reply

I agree! Right on the dot, Mabuhay! Godbless.

espressodreamOctober 5, 2014 at 3:23 pm | Reply

So very true…I 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

johncoyoteOctober 5, 2014 at 6:42 pm | Reply

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 You’ve Lived Overseas | There Is Yet

Hope |

pattybrucemitchellOctober 6, 2014 at 12:24 am | Reply

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 can’t 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 Year’s 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 ClaytonOctober 11, 2014 at 1:55 pm | Reply

……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.October 5, 2014 at 6:41 pm | Reply

Well researched.

coruscantbookshelfOctober 6, 2014 at 2:19 am | Reply

The really scary thing is… I was nodding the whole time I was reading this.

celinerheanneOctober 6, 2014 at 3:17 am | Reply

Wow I love this post .. I just moved overseas (America to the Middle East) and

it’s different but rather then “surviving” I’m “thriving” and so happy to read your

relatable post!

thephillipsinasiaOctober 6, 2014 at 5:47 am | Reply

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.

SirPattalotOctober 6, 2014 at 1:30 pm | Reply

This is amazing. I’m just about to begin my first long-term overseas journey, so it

is very relevant. Thank you.

cresniov2014October 6, 2014 at 6:08 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on М Ж.

awjo1991October 7, 2014 at 4:05 am | Reply

I really enjoyed this post. I only lived overseas for 6 weeks, and it’s 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.

DanielaOctober 7, 2014 at 2:04 pm | Reply

I moved to Spain back in July and a lot of this really resonated with me. Thanks

for sharing!

Pingback: Jake & Krissy Marto | 10 THINGS THAT CHANGE ONCE YOU’VE

LIVED OVERSEAS

amyegroOctober 8, 2014 at 1:21 am | Reply

As a recent member of the Expat community, I am learning that these are true!

Thanks for sharing…makes me laugh and feel a little homesick at the same time.

whippelixirOctober 8, 2014 at 6:29 am | Reply

Good work on the nice piece. It’s thoughtful and well written. I’m sure it’s

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 CunhaOctober 9, 2014 at 7:28 pm | Reply

I’ve 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.

joelrdenOctober 10, 2014 at 3:11 am | Reply

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.comOctober 10, 2014 at 3:06 pm | Reply

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

you’ve 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?

huberstephanie953October 12, 2014 at 5:51 am | Reply

I love this. I hope desperately that one day I will have the opportunity to

experience every one of these 10 things and more.

kiragrayOctober 12, 2014 at 9:29 am | Reply

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 I’m not alone, just

different.

Pingback: 10 Things That Change Once You’ve Lived Overseas | Becoming

World Citizens---The Challenge of the Multicultural in Rhetoric and

Composition

Seize the dayOctober 15, 2014 at 5:26 am | Reply

Reblogged this on Becoming World Citizens—The Challenge of the

Multicultural in Rhetoric and Composition and commented:

Yes!

TiffOctober 16, 2014 at 12:41 am | Reply

So true! I love how you encapsulated so many of the things I faced as an expat! I

find that there’s a personal struggle to readjust to life back home, at least initially.

I’m itching to go somewhere again long-term!

Pingback: 10 Things That Change Once You’ve Lived Overseas | David Joannes

StaceAOctober 17, 2014 at 8:35 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on You, Me, and Adventure and commented:

A delightful, true, and honest account of living overseas.

ezzahmahmudOctober 18, 2014 at 9:08 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on ezzahmahmud and commented:

J shared this link earlier today, and the list is nothing but true depiction of

thoughts. <3

mayodeji91October 18, 2014 at 10:41 pm | Reply

Reblogged this on mayodeji91's Blog and commented:

#Changes

tojoelleOctober 20, 2014 at 6:06 am | Reply

I totally relate to all of them!

You are my sunshineOctober 21, 2014 at 12:06 pm | Reply

Great post! thank you

christianliving2014October 22, 2014 at 2:51 pm | Reply

Great write!

Pingback: Helpful Links | Take These Moments

evelynfaithOctober 31, 2014 at 11:49 am | Reply

I’ve 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.

realcassiuszaNovember 1, 2014 at 10:39 am | Reply

Reblogged this on RealCassius•ZA.

inertialconfinementNovember 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). It’s funny how perspective changes.

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