Living Abroad Means Embracing Uncertainty, And That’s a Good Thing

When you move abroad, you're not just changing your address. You’re signing up for a whole new way of experiencing the world, and if there’s one thing you can count on to be a part of it, it’s uncertainty. But here’s the twist: that uncertainty is what makes life richer. It slows time down. It makes you more present. It helps you savor those hard-won moments of calm, connection, and clarity.

How long will it take to feel settled? Honestly, it depends. If you're learning a new language, that process alone can take a while (especially if your brain isn't the sponge it used to be). Even if you're fluent, there's still a learning curve: understanding local norms, navigating bureaucracies, figuring out where to buy aspirin on a Sunday. These things take time, and they’re not always intuitive.

So here’s my advice: give yourself 18 months. That might feel like a long runway, but it’s a fair timeline for most people to go from “What is happening right now?” to “Okay, I think I get it.”

And while you're on that path, ask for help. Ask the neighbor. Ask the barista. Ask the parent at school pickup. Most people are glad to offer guidance, and when they do, it not only may solve your immediate problem, it also helps you feel a little more connected to the place you're trying to call home.

Because even once you find your footing, life keeps shifting. Just when you think you've figured it all out, something is bound to change. A job, a school, a visa, a pandemic. But if you can learn to treat uncertainty not as a threat but as an invitation, you’ll be amazed at how resilient and resourceful you really are.