From Confused to Curious: How Moving Abroad Taught Me to Fall in Love With a New Way of Living

When I first moved abroad, I brought with me more than just luggage. I carried assumptions, habits, and a rhythm of life deeply shaped by where I came from, a culture that centered community, warmth, faith, and family.

Then suddenly, I was in a place where things were quiet, people were private, yet strangers smiled at you on the street and offered a cheerful "Hi!" without needing to know your name. At first, it felt strange. How could people be so distant, yet so friendly at the same time? But slowly, I realized… this was a different kind of warmth. A quiet kindness. Not loud or overly familiar, but consistent, respectful, and sincere.

At first, it was disorienting. But slowly, something beautiful happened: I stopped expecting everything to feel the same, and started getting curious about how it could feel different… and still be good.

In the beginning, I mistook the silence for coldness. Coming from a culture where people check in daily, drop by unannounced, and hug without hesitation, I felt like a ghost in my new city.

But then I realized this wasn’t rejection. It was a deep respect for personal space.

Here, people knock before they come in. They give you time to settle before asking how you’re doing. They may not speak much, but when they do, they mean it.

It taught me to sit with myself more. To listen without needing to fill the silence. And to understand that connection looks different in every culture, and that’s okay.

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I missed the richness of my homeland’s cooking: the rice three times a day, the sizzle, the comfort of shared plates. But the simplicity here? It surprised me.

Bread and cheese. A warm cup of coffee. Potatoes with seasoning so subtle, it felt like a whisper. At first, I thought, “Is that it?”

But then came the stroopwafel by the canal, the homegrown veggies from a neighbor’s garden, and the intentionality in how meals were shared.

Food here wasn’t fast; it was present. And it reminded me to slow down and actually taste the moment.

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I used to walk past windmills and tulip fields thinking, “I can’t believe I live here.” Then it wore off… until I chose to look again.

Learning the art of biking in the rain. Seeing the beauty in neatly organized cities and perfectly timed buses. Appreciating the art of being on time (still a work in progress!).

The more I observed, not to compare but to understand, the more I found hidden gems such as:

• Supermarkets that feel like puzzles at first

• Street markets with fresh flowers and friendly chaos

• Social rules that feel strange until you learn their why

• The joy of giving three kisses when greeting friends

• And the odd comfort of learning that being “direct” isn’t rude; it’s just how people show honesty

  
  

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Moving Abroad Didn’t Just Teach Me the Culture; It Taught Me Myself

Every time I tried something new here, I discovered something inside me, too:

• The strength to ask questions

• The courage to make mistakes

• The humility to try again

• The joy of learning how much more there is to life beyond what I knew

Yes, it’s different. Yes, it’s uncomfortable at times. But that’s what growth feels like.

If You're Just Starting Out…

If you’ve recently moved, or plan to, it’s okay if you don’t fall in love with everything right away. Be confused. Be curious. Be open.

Try the food, even if it feels bland. Practice the language and the greetings, even if they feel awkward. Say yes to the invite, even if you’re tired.

Eventually, you’ll realise you’re not just living in a new country. You’re becoming a new version of you.

Looking for emotional support or clarity as you adjust abroad? I offer sessions for women navigating culture shock, identity shifts, and relationship transitions abroad.

👉 Book a free clarity call.

Let’s explore your story together.