Sienna Tohar - week 19 - Do You Think You Can Live in Another Country?

 Okay, there’s a lot to consider when answering this question, but honestly, yes.

Now, mind you, this isn’t me trying to sound independent or anything, trust me, sometimes I get nervous just driving to a different town alone, but I feel like moving to a different country has all to do with being in the right and ready mindset.

Every place has its own energy with people and their mannerisms, attitudes, and behavior. I think when moving to a different country, it’s all about observing the behavior of those in that environment and being able to catch onto it rather than being seen or labeled as “the foreigner.” Like “flowing” with the rest of a certain place and feeling at ease with it, or a connection. Now, I don’t know if I would be ready to move to a country where English isn’t spoken (just YET). I already have trouble socializing in English, could you imagine me attempting to do that in another language?! But, nothing is impossible. I’d love to be fluent in multiple languages (to me, it’s almost like a magic power, except it's just for communication), but it’s easy to say that. I think a language barrier would surely scare me off, but if it’s a country where English is still spoken, I think it would be a lot less threatening. However, if the day comes when I’m fluent in another language from another country, it would be tempting to want to visit a lot and maybe even move there! Never say never!!

You also have to take into account how you’ll make a living, get used to the currency, culture, dialect, know what’s rude, what’s customary, politics, immigrant legalities, etc. I think having family in a certain place would also be important if you’re headed somewhere totally alone, so that if anything, there’s someone to go to if you really need help. And, of course, having a connection to and a passion for a certain place will drive you to move there even more. 

I think especially because of this pandemic, the thirst for travel, exploration, and change has surely built up, prompting many people to go on global and national trips. I know I've missed travelling, as I love learning about other cultures and places, documenting the trip as I go. Through my eyes and the advice I’ve been given, one can read however many books, watch as many documentaries, and research as much as they can on a certain place, but there’s nothing like experiencing it in the flesh, taking it in, and truly getting to know it for yourself firsthand. That’s living. My mom always told me that the greatest gift she would ever give me is the gift of travelling the world for myself (ideally before college), but of course Covid swept in and stopped that from happening (I tell myself perhaps it’s because it just wasn’t the right time yet). But, eventually, I’d like to do it! The world is so beautiful in its diversity of culture, people, and places, and for me, it’d be a shame to just stick around in the same place if I have the chance to change that and educate myself through experience. Besides, there is always something you can learn and take with you from another place.

So, this is already getting kind of long (this happens every time)! The bottom line is, yes I could see myself living in another country. Yes, it would be kind of intimidating, and no, it won’t be an easy change/transition. But, I think to make such a radical decision like that would require a serious amount of ambition, passion, readiness, and ease! If the time ever comes, I know it’ll be the right one! 

Would you ever move to another country? Would you like to travel the world?