Living abroad: one of the greatest accomplishments of my life!
I remember looking at the world globe and wanting to visit places I never heard of. Living abroad has been one of the greatest accomplishments I have done for my life.
During my stay in Korea, I have met so many people from different backgrounds. Many of the people that I have met are from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, England, Canada, France, and Russia. I think that is one of the greatest fears many people have is that they will not meet anyone. With my job I often have to remind others that they will not be the only foreigner and they will meet other people who can speak English, also. Not only will you meet people within your company, but also outside of it as you travel around the country.
Things I have done in Korea in a nutshell:
I saw Usain Bolt at the World Championship games in Daegu, got promoted from teaching to a Human Resource Coordinator, watched a Boyz II Men live in concert and I went to Phuket for a week during Christmas break. You will find that as you travel you will find yourself doing things you never thought you could do.
Traveling abroad allows you to have more self confidence. For example, in the States I couldn’t just walk up to anyone and start a conversation. Now I do it without having to think twice. Of course, you don’t have to go abroad to do this, but it certainly helped me.
The opportunities that come from living abroad is astounding. I never expected that within 5 months of working a teaching job I would be promoted as Human Resources Coordinator. This would never have happened due to my “lack of experience” where I am from. Where else would I have the chance to pack my things and just venture off to Thailand? When would I get an apartment to myself rent free in the US? These are opportunities that come from not only Korea, but living abroad on the whole.
Ladies, if you are interested in traveling abroad, take that leap of faith. Don’t just think of “someday”, set a time be it next month or next year. This is 2012. We should be forging a new path, blogging about exciting topics, and sharing our fun, fulfilled, nomadic lives online.
Korea is just the beginning. I plan on living abroad for as long as I can. Everyday I wake up with a smile on my face knowing that I accomplished what I set out to do and to know that my work is not finished yet. I have so many dreams to aspire too.
It is encouraging to read other’s experiences traveling abroad. Join some travel groups on Facebook or follow some of the travel bloggers on Twitter to get a feel for it all. They will help you get inspired to plan your next big adventure.
Citrina Warren
