If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to move abroad—maybe to start a new job, go to university, or just completely change your life—then hi, hello, this post is for you.
I’ve been in your shoes. And not just once, but twice. I’ve packed my life into a suitcase, said tearful goodbyes, and hopped on a plane to start over somewhere completely new—without a guide, without a guarantee, and often, without a clue of what I was doing.
In this week’s YouTube video, I opened up about what it’s really like to move to a new country. Not the logistics, not the checklists, but the emotional side of it. The real stuff no one prepares you for. You can watch it below:
“Did You Always Know You’d Live Abroad?”
This is one of the questions I get the most—and my answer is both yes and no.
Yes, because I grew up obsessed with American movies and TV shows, dreaming of high school lockers, university campuses, and starting a life somewhere far away. I applied for scholarships. I tried to transfer to my law firm’s U.S. office. The desire was always there.
But no, because growing up in a small town near Buenos Aires, I didn’t really know anyone who had actually done it. Living or studying abroad wasn’t a thing people in my community did. It felt more like a fantasy than an actual option. I didn’t think someone like me could do something like that.
And yet… here we are.
Reinventing Yourself Is the Hardest (and Most Beautiful) Part
Moving abroad isn’t just about going somewhere new—it’s about becoming someone new. It’s about starting over in a place where no one knows you. Where your job title might mean nothing, your degrees might need translating, and your go-to coffee order doesn’t exist.
You’ll reinvent your routines. Your comfort zone will stretch in ways you didn’t expect. You’ll find yourself doing things you never thought you could do. And sometimes, doing things you thought you’d never have to do again—like making new friends from scratch or figuring out how to navigate public transport (hello, chaos).
But you’ll also meet yourself, in ways you never have before.
Letting Go: The First Step Toward Freedom
One of the biggest emotional hurdles of moving to another country is letting go. Of things, people, versions of yourself. I remember reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo right before my first big move in 2016—and wow, did it hit differently.
I realized how much I had been holding onto, both physically and emotionally. As a content creator who gets a lot of PR packages, I was drowning in stuff. But also in expectations, routines, relationships, and habits that no longer served me.
Moving forced me to choose. What did I really want to carry with me into this new chapter?
Spoiler: it’s never the extra pair of shoes. It’s always the people, the dreams, and the courage to start over.
Nobody Tells You How Awkward It’ll Feel at First
Let’s be real: the first few weeks or months in a new country can be painfully awkward. You don’t know where to buy shampoo. The grocery store layout makes zero sense. You accidentally say “thank you” to the bus driver in the wrong language.
You don’t get the jokes. You don’t always understand the customs. And suddenly, the most basic things—like mailing a letter or ordering food—become little puzzles you have to solve. It can be humbling, frustrating, and yes, sometimes lonely.
But you learn. You adapt. You grow.
And then one day, without even noticing it, you find yourself giving directions to someone else. You start calling this new place home.
It’s Not for Everyone—But If You Can, Please Do It
I want to be honest here: not everyone gets the chance to move abroad. There are visas, costs, family obligations, and countless barriers that can make it really difficult.
But if you do have the chance—even if it’s not perfect timing, even if it’s scary—I say go for it.
Because here’s the thing: moving abroad will show you how brave you really are. How resourceful you can be. How deeply capable and resilient you’ve been all along.
You’ll never be the same—and that’s a good thing.
Let’s Keep This Conversation Going 💬
Whether you’re seriously planning a move, just thinking about it, or already living in another country—I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below or on my video and let’s connect.
And if you want more videos about moving abroad, working from anywhere, and building a life that feels aligned with who you are, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and join our little corner of the internet.
Here’s to new beginnings, brave choices, and packing light—both literally and emotionally. 💛
See you in the next one.
With love,
Flor – @flopereira
Find me on: Instagram
