Category: Advice for Living Abroad

An actual conversation that occurred shortly before I moved to China in 2010: My Friend: You’re moving to China? Me: That’s right. My Friend: You’re crazy. Completely nuts. (making “cuckoo eyes” at me) Me: Why? Why is that so crazy? Lots of people do it. My Friend: Because they all speak Chinese there! You’ll probably die.…
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Travel has the tendency to expose and introduce us to some of our worst fears. Or is it that travel has the incredible ability to grant us any number of opportunities for courage? Easing travel nerves may simply be a matter of perspective, of trust, and of knowing our true identity.

Travel makes life look attractive. She’s a seductress who whispers all kinds of promises, each tinged with truth. Those of us who have followed her can tell you, the reality seldom consist with what the imaginings tease. Not all for ill, either. Whatever she may be, travel is also an invaluable teacher. Though she doesn’t give her secrets away easily. For that, you must first buy in. Because there are things I simply didn’t know until I left home.

Nothing is more satisfying to a wanderer than to see the journeys others have taken. In the age of the internet, it’s easier than ever to read stories and enjoy photos of other travelers as they embark on their unique paths around the world. Of course, I’m talking about the rise of travel blogs. In their simplest form, they’re an outlet for bloggers to share their experiences with the world, but travel blogs cultivate much more than mere curiosity.

One of the best parts about becoming an expat in a new country is exploring the culture. A great way to take a peek into the window of a countries culture is to experience their festivals. Taiwan is a place where you can experience a wide variety of festivals from food to fireworks, sky lanterns to tradition, you can find it all here.

One of the interesting, and slightly stressful, customs I’ve learned to accept and embrace while teaching in Korea is gift giving in the office. The most important time for gift giving in Korea is when a new employee receives their first paycheck.

The way I see it, if you’re going to work, if you get to choose, why not make it something you can enjoy, at least to some degree. Something that will challenge and excite and provide new opportunities. Something outside the conventions set by those for whom work is a dirty word. Something exotic, maybe? Here’s why you should work abroad.

You should plan ahead before you take the plunge and travel abroad for a long period of time. This Before You Leave To-Do List shares a few more pearls of wisdom I’ve learnt along the way.