I’ve been living in Spain for a few months now and I still have to pinch myself every morning – this is not a dream, this is reality!

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to spend some time living abroad, immersing myself in new cultures and having somewhere else I can call ‘home’, but like the chicken I am, I thought this would always remain a dream.

Luckily it didn’t.

Sure, it was a lot of stress and heartache moving abroad, but the pros far, far, far outweigh the cons.

If you are considering moving abroad but just need that final push in the right direction, here are few of the reasons why I love living abroad (this is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are the main reasons I wake up with a smile on my face and a spring in my step every day!).

#1 – EVERY DAY IS A NEW ADVENTURE

Living abroad is kind of like being on an extended holiday. Well, it’s not really – especially if you’re working. But it IS like a long old holiday in that there are new things to discover every day, a new environment to soak up and endless, endless possibilities.

#2 – TRYING NEW THINGS

From different foods to different activities, there is something new to try every single day when you live abroad.

When I lived in the UK I got into the habit of just buying the same old things every week, visiting the same old places, and not really branching out because – well, why should I?

Now, though, I spend a helluva lot longer in the supermarket browsing weird foods and filling my trolley with quirky ingredients. I’m also more inclined to try different cafes every day, or travel for an extended amount of time just to go to a new bar – would I do something like that if I was in the UK? Probably not. I’d probably just go to my local like always.

A sketch of Igualada, the small town where I’m living

#3 – LEARNING TO LIVE A DIFFERENT WAY

I love travel and one of the reasons I love it so much is because I really enjoy learning about new cultures, other histories, different traditions. Every part of the world has a unique story to tell and by living in just one country for your whole life you don’t get to experience some of the intricacies and lifestyles of some great places. Basically, you only read one page of a book (or something like that…).

I’ve loved trying to adapt to the Spanish way of living – you know, big lunches and naps for the most part of the day… Because, who doesn’t want to live like that, right?!

#4 – ROUTINE ISN’T AS MUNDANE

I don’t know about you, but when I lived in the UK, routine was dull, dull, dull. I did pretty much the same thing every day against a backdrop that had become so familiar that it just blended in to nothing.

Here in Spain, though, things are a little different. Sure, I still have a routine that I stick to most days, but it doesn’t seem so bad or so mundane because the routine is taking place somewhere else, somewhere new – somewhere that adds a bit of spice to my life!

#5 – IT’S CHEAPER!

I guess this isn’t the case for all places, but I’m certainly enjoying the cheaper prices in Spain. Everything from rent and bills to groceries and transport is a whole lot cheaper which means I get to save more money and do more things!

The downside? Whenever I visit the UK I’m shocked by how expensive things are. Seriously, a pint of beer for £6?!

The SIZE of the spring onions!

#6 – I WON’T REGRET IT

I’ve wanted to live abroad for so long and I really didn’t want to be that person who looks back on their life when they’re old and in their rocking chair and reel off a whole load of ‘I wish I did this..’ and ‘I wish I did that…’

Moving abroad is a massive gamble for anyone, but even if it doesn’t work out at least you won’t regret it later down the line.

#7 – LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE

I started learning Spanish two years ago after a trip to Madrid. When I got back I took lessons in the UK in groups and with a private tutor. I practiced in my own time. I did everything I could to progress, but without anyone to practice with it was hard.

You can see where this is going – there’s no better way to learn a language than by surrounding yourself with it 24/7 and this is one of the main reasons I moved to Spain. I was determined to become fluent in another language and this seemed like the next step.

How am I doing with my Spanish? Well, see for yourself in my fortnightly updates here!

#8 – LEARNING ABOUT MYSELF

I believe you learn so much about yourself when you’re put under pressure and, believe me, moving abroad comes with a bucketload of pressure.

Living in the UK I had the support of friends and family, a stable, secure job, and a routine lifestyle that I’d got into the flow of. Then I moved to Spain and was all by myself (well, except for the Boyfriend).

I think I’ve learnt more about myself in the last five months than I have done in the last five years and I will be forever grateful to Spain for that.

#9 – IT’S CHALLENGING

Living abroad is not easy, and I never expected it to be so. However, I think I was a little disillusioned in how difficult it would actually be, especially with a pretty gaping language barrier (luckily this is beginning to get easier).

But who doesn’t like a challenge? Even going to the shops forces me to use my brain and there’s no way I can sleep walk through my days.

Challenges make you stronger, so what’s not to love about that?!

#10 – ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Or something like that.

I love the UK but I knew that I wanted to explore new lands and set up house in different places before I came back to settle there. I didn’t realise how much I would miss that tiny little country, though.

Now, whenever I visit the UK, I don’t take anything for granted. I revel in seeing my family and friends, and I simply enjoy the time I have there. It took moving abroad for me to realise how great England is and how lucky I am to have been born there.

#11 – FEELING PART OF SOMETHING

Everyone likes to feel like they’re part of a group right? It’s human nature. And moving to a new country – joining a new culture entirely – is one of the best ways to do this.

Sure, holidays and trips to places give you an insight into a culture and its lifestyles, but it very rarely allows you to actually become a part of that culture – ‘us’ and ‘them’.

Spain will always be my second home now and I’ll always, always feel a connection with it.
Ah I feel all warm and tingling inside after writing that. I really do love living abroad and it was absolutely one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Let me know if you have any questions about moving abroad in the comments below and I will help you as best as I can!

Now tell me – do you live abroad? If yes, what do you love most about it? If not, would you like to?