There are many countries around the world where you can settle down and improve your quality of life. You might find new friends, earn more money or enjoy a better pace of life.

Yet, although moving abroad is a dream for many, building up the courage to take the plunge can be daunting.

So if you’re thinking of moving abroad but need a good reason to pack up and head overseas, keep reading to remind yourself of some of the benefits of doing so.

You can:

1 – Learn something new about yourself

It’s perhaps a cliché, but moving to another country is sometimes a voyage of self-discovery where you learn more about yourself by facing new surroundings.

You might pick up new hobbies, develop new tastes or fall in love with a new location (or person), all of which can make life so much more satisfying.

2 – Boost your job prospects

Moving abroad can be a significant career.

If you just fancy an extended change of scenery, transplanting yourself from one country to another and making a living there is an impressive addition to any CV. And when you decide to move back to your home country, evidence of having lived abroad can increase your appeal to potential employers.

On the other hand, if you’re staying for the long haul then the jobs market in your new country might be more accommodating than back home. English-speakers can be in-demand, while ‘brain drains’ have also created opportunities for migrants with the right skills to find work.

3 – Earn more money

Variations in economic conditions can also make life more pleasant for you. As well as landing a new job when moving abroad, you might also be able to benefit from higher earnings, lower taxes and better purchasing power.

This can boost your standard of living in the new country, as you discover that wages are higher or that interest rates are much more supportive for savers.

4 – Enjoy better weather

The UK sees warm summers and cold winters, but for some the weather is a major motivator in moving to somewhere with a better climate.

If you’re seeking heat then countries like Australia and the UAE have you covered, while if snow’s your thing then Canada and Switzerland might be better.

Adapting to a new climate takes time, but if it gets you out of consistent rain and winter snowstorms then moving to a new country can be well worth it.

5 – Make lifelong friends

Unless you plan to live as a hermit, chances are that you’ll be meeting new people and making friends after moving abroad.

There’s an assumption that it’s difficult to make new social links in adulthood, but if you find mutual interests and shared activities it can be easy to forge lasting bonds in the community.

If rubbing elbows with the locals isn’t your thing, you could also integrate into an expat community in the new country, as a ‘home away from home’.

6 – Learn a new language

Jumping in at the deep end and moving abroad without knowing at least some of your new country’s language isn’t the best advice, but by confronting the problem head on you can make solid steps towards proficiency.

As well as being able to say more than ‘Hello’, ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Thanks’, learning a new language can make you feel more confident heading out and performing everyday tasks.

7 – Improve your health

Moving abroad can provide an excellent opportunity to make a clean break from past habits and set yourself on the path to getting fitter or eating better. What’s more, some countries make this much easier to do.

Various places are highly supportive of cycling or have excellent hiking routes, while others might bring invigorating commutes and plenty of sporting opportunities.

If you’re open to a new diet then you may end up living longer thanks to the move abroad.

Countries such as Italy, Spain and France have the coveted Mediterranean diet to enjoy, while Japan’s focus on fresh fish and veg along with seaweed is also a known longevity-enhancer.

 

So, if you were looking for a reason to take the plunge and head overseas … what are you waiting for?