Summary

The author reflects on the personal growth and cultural insights gained from living in multiple countries, emphasizing the development of empathy, adaptability in communication, and the joy of forming a global network of friends.

Abstract

The article delves into the author's experiences of residing in three different countries, starting from Asia and eventually settling in Iceland. It highlights the profound impact of immersing oneself in diverse cultures, which fosters a deeper understanding and empathy for people with different backgrounds. The author describes the initial challenges of adapting to a new environment, learning new languages, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The piece also touches on the significance of using multiple languages in social media to connect with friends and family from various parts of the world. Furthermore, it illustrates the enriching experience of building an international circle of friends, which brings the world closer together and offers opportunities to explore different cultures firsthand.

Opinions

Living in different countries is a transformative experience that broadens one's perspective and fosters personal growth.
Adapting to new environments as an 'outsider' enhances one's character by promoting empathy and cultural understanding.
Learning and using multiple languages, including on social media, strengthens connections with people from different cultures.
The act of writing social media posts in the native languages of friends and family is seen as a gesture of appreciation that enhances personal connections.
The author values the global friendships formed through international living, which provide unique opportunities to experience authentic cultural exchanges.
The author believes that the challenges and unfamiliarity of living abroad are balanced by the valuable life lessons and experiences gained.

What Living in Different Countries Will Teach You

I lived the first sixteen years of my life in Asia. Today, I live up north in a small country called Iceland.

I remember a time when I was a small child- when I would admire the Christmas cards the family sent to us from the United States. Drawings of children playing in the snow, in their cosy attire and smiling faces made me want to experience such joyous occasion, too.

So, from a very young age I was aware of the big differences between where I live, and the odd, exciting places ‘out there’.

In total, I have lived in three different countries. Each one of them has their own charm and quirkiness. There are things that I love more in one country than others. But they all have taught me some lessons that has helped me be who I am today.

You’ll gain empathy towards people who are different from you

Because of the fact that I’ve left my home country in my mid-teen, I was able to learn a new culture in a new country that, is so far away and so different from where I grew up in. When most girls were looking forward to their senior ball, I felt like I was at a starting point in a new school.

I knew no one. I felt awkward and only hoped that I would fit in as soon as possible. Eventually, I met some girls who would become my friends.

It’s probably only now that I am writing this when it hit me, how helpful it is to one’s character, to have lived somewhere new. Imagine being placed in a new environment; you are the ‘outsider’ who must adjust. So, you study the culture, people, their way of living, etc. You learn what is appropriate- and also what is offensive. You learn that the jokes you may have found funny before- well, you’ll be surprised to find that your new friends don’t really find it as funny as you.

It’s not you. They just can’t relate.

These types of exchanges have taught me to be more mindful of what I utter, or how I express my views. It may seem totally crazy for some, but it has helped me to get to know people this way. I listen to their stories and always hope for a healthy discussion afterward. People are different. We are all raised differently, and we all learned from our environment differently.

Some people just want to be heard while some crave meaningful convesations that involve voicing out opinions. At the end of the day, everyone is still friends.

You may start writing your social media posts in different languages

Does it really matter? Can’t they just be written in English?

No, it doesn´t matter and yes, of course they can be written only in English!

That’s what I do nowadays, but I did notice something during times when I wrote in several languages and on times when I only wrote in English.

Having lived as a foreigner for most of my life, I have had to learn several languages along the way. This means that I was able to converse with new friends, go to job interviews and confidently answer in the local language, and update my social media platforms in whichever language mattered that day.

Back in the day, when I posted on Facebook I would have two translated languages from English: Danish and Icelandic.

It would be a fun interaction since a lot of my family and friends replied in their languages. I would then reply to them in their written language. All of this seemed natural.

I realized that this extra effort made the people in my network feel somehow appreciated. For them, knowing that I could’ve easily written in English (but did not) made it a little bit special- as if I was speaking directly to them?

Somehow, English made it too ‘easy’ and normal. When I started to only write in English, most of my foreign friends stopped commenting. This was bizarre behavior indeed. Only later on did I realize that it was not personal. They just can’t fully connect with the English language. It’s not the language they use daily.

It’s not personal. They just don’t feel their connection with you in English.

If only I had kept on writing as I did before. But now I think my friends are just confused. I’m sure they read my updates, smile and scroll on.

You’ll have friends all over the world!

Photo by Arina Wong https://unsplash.com/@minw

It may seem as an exaggeration but this is really what happens. My friends from The Philippines have also moved around the globe. My classmates from university in Denmark have moved back home. And what do they say to you when you connect?

“Please come visit me if you are ever in the country”

I have had some invites to different countries and I truly wish I could one day go. I’d love to see the mountains of Tatra in Slovakia, experience the culture in Vietnam, learn how to surf with my bestie in Melbourne, visit the old town in Dubrovnik and so many more!

The world becomes smaller, somehow, when you gain friends who live near and far. People would love to welcome you in their home country: to see, smell and enjoy the most authentic elements they have to offer.

They also love to talk about their food. Notice how people who miss their local cuisine can describe food in detail: the colors, aroma, texture and taste. I notice how their eyes twinkle, like they are speaking of a former love.

To live in another country is saying yes to an invitation to the unfamiliar; where you will meet new people and create new memories. I look at my experiences as something that have been gifted to me. The pleasure and agony of being away from home goes hand in hand. The valuable lessons we get from stepping into something, that is out of our comfort zone will make us grow as a person, become a better neighbor, enhance our perception of the world, and increase our compassion towards others.