Why you should change countries

The dream to change countries of residence is more and more achievable.  Worldwide airplane access and safety have both increased enormously.  Strategic language learning has made people more connected. Visa permissions are adapting to virtual employment options.  So how do we decide if we should make the move? 

The best reason to change countries is purpose. Every human has divine purposes to carry out in this life. Sometimes living those purposes requires you to change your place of residence.  You might be led to study French visual art, live with Ukrankian refugees, or start a chocolate company in Germany.

Perspective change is another powerful reason to uproot.  This first year in Spain I have been learning that a lunch break should always be followed by a coffee break, long weekends are a chance to visit another country, and that life can be great without a car.

Living in another country also gives you the chance to test and improve yourself. Do you have the patience to embrace a new culture, the emotional strength to live away from home, the bravery to look at the good side of hard things?

A year ago I would have told you that adventure is a powerful reason to change countries. My opinion has changed a lot recently. Adventure is fulfilled in short bursts of change and challenge. If you want adventure, take a trip. Don't change countries to fulfill a need for adventure.  The routine will find you in your new county, so don't make liife changing decisions to run away from It.

Changing your country will force you to appreciate your home country in new ways and that is another reason to consider moving abroad.  Once you move you will notice many things, especially small ones that you value in your home country. Parts of the list are silly. Mine includes the superior peanut butter, Pennsylvania woods, and Subaru Outbacks. Parts of the list are heavy. I miss interacting freely in my birth language, sitting in a room with people who share my upbringing, and my country's medical care. The new appreciation for your home country gained during your move abroad will bless you for the rest or your life.

It might be time for you to move abroad. If you sense that it is, take a few minutes to compare your motives to the ones above.  If you determine that it's truyly time to go, don't let anything stop you! You are in for amazing ride!