We take a look at the ways student life and expatriate life are exactly the same thing...
14 June 2016
| Last updated on 22 October 2017
For many of us, we're taught from a very young age that we're expected to complete our secondary education, and to set university as our next target. In the narratives we're taught about "life", university or higher education is prominent. At least, in those cultures and countries where we're lucky enough to have access to prime higher education.
We're sure many students will have felt lost, somewhat lonely and a little overwhelmed at the thought of leaving home for the very first time. Even for those students who remain safe under their parents home, you still have to throw yourself out there.
"Get yourself out, go to some student nights, meet new friends with your new roommates", is the advice often shared by the more experienced in "life".
Of course, that's easier said than done. But you know what, students do it, you get out there, meet new people, make new friends.
But once university is over, for the majority of us that's it. Our horrific ordeal of placing ourselves in unfamiliar territory is done. Students graduate, we have made our relationships. The deal is sealed and delivered.
It probably took you a good two or three years to just get used to living as a student, but hey... It's over now. Congratulations!
As an expat on the other hand, it's a continuous cycle of throwing yourself out there. How tiring!
People and potential new friends you meet come... And they go... The continuous revolving door of expat life continually places you in unfamiliar territories, that you are yet to suss out.
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1. You're always learning
2. You're forever broke
3. You're always meeting new people
SEE ALSO: The 13 stages of becoming a new expat
4. But you always forget to Skype the important people
As an expat, it's because of all sorts of different reasons that are perfectly valid excuses; time differences, work, networking events, dinner with friends, work, sleep, eating, watching films, partying, exploring... See, lots of good reasons to forget about the important people in your life...
5. You're always exploring
- Tags:
- expats
- expat life
- living abroad