Living abroad is no longer limited to diplomats or global CEOs. For many young people, relocating across international borders during their developmental years has become more common. From embracing unfamiliar customs to forming meaningful relationships in new languages, thriving across borders is a journey that shapes character and worldview.
I was just 7 years old when my family first relocated. By the time I turned 20, I had lived in three different countries—each distinct in language, culture, climate, and rhythm of life. While these experiences came with plenty of challenges, they gave me something invaluable: adaptability, empathy, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Let’s explore how this upbringing built a foundation for personal growth and lifelong resilience.
The First Move: Leaving the Familiar Behind
Moving from your home country can feel like tearing pages from the only story you know. I remember packing up toys, saying goodbye to school friends, and flying into the unknown. The transition wasn’t seamless, and for the first few weeks, homesickness hit hard.
However, once I began learning the local language and attending school, I started to see the possibilities. New foods, holidays, and even the way people greeted each other opened my mind. Children learn quickly, and before long, I was speaking fluently and making friends.
Lesson learned: Change is daunting, but with time, it brings growth. Accepting unfamiliar situations is the first step to thriving across borders.
Adapting to New Cultures
Every country I lived in came with its own set of social rules. What was polite in one culture felt overly formal in another. In some places, being assertive was appreciated. In others, modesty and subtlety were the norm.
By the second international move, I began observing more than reacting. I noticed how people communicated, the way teachers approached education, and how families spent time together. Culture isn’t just about flags or music—it’s in body language, humor, punctuality, and priorities.
This cultural fluidity taught me to navigate social spaces more intelligently. I learned to adapt without losing myself, striking a balance between honoring local norms and staying authentic.
Building New Identities and Friendships
One of the biggest benefits of living in multiple countries is learning how to connect with all kinds of people. In each new city, I had to start over—new school, new neighborhood, and often a new language.
At first, it felt like being a chameleon. But over time, I realized that building relationships in different contexts strengthened my emotional intelligence. I became better at reading people, communicating across cultural lines, and forging trust quickly.
The diversity in my friendships taught me that values like kindness, loyalty, and humor transcend borders. Whether it was sharing lunch in Tokyo or studying in a Parisian library, these moments showed me that human connection isn’t limited by geography.
Academic and Personal Growth
Educational systems differ widely around the world. I attended public schools, international schools, and even a bilingual program. Each environment challenged me in different ways.
In one country, academic pressure pushed me to improve my discipline. In another project-based learning project, creativity was nurtured. By experiencing a range of academic cultures, I developed a learning style that blended structure and exploration.
These transitions built my confidence. Every new city forced me to solve problems, ask questions, and advocate for myself. When you’ve navigated a new subway system or handled medical appointments in a foreign language, small fears back home feel less intimidating.
Challenges of Living in Multiple Countries
It would not be very ethical to say it was all easy. Living in three countries before the age of 20 came with unique obstacles.
- Identity confusion: Where do I belong? That question haunted me for years. My passport said one thing, my accent another, and my values a blend of all.
- Frequent goodbyes: Just when friendships deepened, it was time to pack up again.
- Reverse culture shock: Visiting my home country felt like stepping into a museum—familiar, yet distant.
But each challenge became part of my toolkit. Instead of resisting change, I learned to embrace uncertainty. I stopped defining myself by geography and instead focused on my experiences and principles.
Long-Term Advantages of Early Global Exposure
The benefits of growing up internationally continue to influence my adult life. Today, I navigate professional and personal relationships with a global mindset. Employers value cultural adaptability, and my experiences often spark meaningful conversations.
Living abroad built:
- Resilience: Starting over builds strength.
- Empathy: Understanding others begins with seeing the world through their eyes.
- Curiosity: Every place has a story, and I’m always eager to learn it.
In a world that’s becoming more interconnected, cultural agility isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.
Thriving Across Borders in a Globalized World
Young people today face a world where global mobility is increasingly normal. Whether due to parents’ jobs, education, or personal ambition, relocating during youth is no longer rare.
If you or someone you know is living this journey, know that thriving across borders isn’t about blending in everywhere. It’s about building the skills to succeed anywhere. It’s learning to greet change with curiosity, manage loss with grace, and face challenges with confidence.
You won’t always know the language, the rules, or the food. But you will learn how to observe, adjust, and grow. That’s the real power of living in three countries—or more—before 20.
Each border I crossed before adulthood helped shape who I am. From adjusting to new time zones to decoding cultural nuances, every experience added depth to my identity. I’m grateful for the mosaic of memories, lessons, and perspectives.
If you’re navigating life between countries, know this: You’re not rootless. You’re rooted in the world. You’re not scattered. You’re layered. And most importantly, you’re not surviving—you’re thriving across borders.