There are hundreds of reasons why you could think of moving abroad. It all starts with either things you don´t like about your home country – the so called push factors – or things you long for in another country – the pull factors. However, often the reasons for expatriation are not unambiguous as several reasons may underlie your desire to relocate internationally.

You first start visualizing how your life would be, if you would move abroad. It would be different, that´s for sure, but would it also be better? Naturally, there is no guarantee that everything will work out exactly the way you picture it in your head. But you are tempted to try. You have created yourself a dream!

Follow your dreams, they will show you the way… literally! 

You haven´t made your decision yet, but contemplating about a new future keeps you busy every day. Many questions arise: Where do I want to go? What do I want to do? Do I dare to change my life? Can I leave everyone behind?

In this phase, it seems inevitable that you are comparing your present life with the desired one. It is quite likely that you make a pros and cons list (I did!) although you are well aware that this world cannot be generalized; the people are not always that unfriendly in your home town and the weather can also be bad on the other side of the globe.

Besides enthusiasm you will also experience doubt and fear. You are well informed that nowadays expatriation is not always for real like it was in the fifties. The majority of expats return after some period of time, varying from a couple of months until many years.

When moving abroad seems so difficult, why is it so appealing?

I suppose it is because moving abroad means starting a new life. Whereas your life back home sometimes seems to be predestined, abroad you can start all over and make it your very own. It involves unlimited options. I personally think this is the most exciting part of the expatriate dream. You have erased the limits of you existence and anything is possible.

Why do you think moving abroad is so appealing? Do you agree it is due to the unlimited options it offers? What are your personal reasons why expatriating is attractive to you? Please share your experience, ideas and feedback via the comment section below.