Broaden your horizon in 2024!

Leave your comfort zone

When you start working abroad, you leave familiar surroundings in your home country. You end up in a new place and are on your own, maybe for the first time ever. You hear a different language, experience a different culture, and before you know it you notice changes in your own habits. At first, it can be difficult to get the hang of the new habits. It can even be overwhelming in some situations, forcing you to step outside your comfort zone. It’s these  moments that allow you to develop personally and professionally. Some challenges you're likely to learn from are finding your new home abroad, adapting to a new (work) culture, and solving problems independently when unexpected things happen. Not everything will always turn out as you planned, but as a result, you will master more and more challenges, and your self-confidence will develop! Stepping out of your comfort zone is about growth, learning, and the joy of overcoming the small challenges that once seemed daunting.

“Initially, taking the first step can be scary (I was nervous too), and settling in can take a while. However, soon enough, I connected with many others in the same situation as me, and I suddenly had numerous friends to rely on! You certainly won't regret embarking on an adventure like mine!” - Rick, who exchanged his small Dutch town for Valencia

Discover new cultures

Culture is the soul of a place, the unique heartbeat that pulses through its streets, art, cuisine, and traditions. You will come into contact with the locals' new cultures and unfamiliar habits. Discovering other people and cultures means learning new perspectives and appreciating the different norms and values in the other country. The goal is to not just see culture from the outside, but to live it, breathe it, and let it change you from within. 

This year, immerse yourself in the cultural vortex of the places you visit. Attend a local festival and feel the collective joy of celebration, or spend a quiet afternoon in a museum, tracing the lines of history with your fingertips. 

“From the moment we got into the taxi and were greeted by the sun, the clear blue sky, and the palm trees, I knew for sure: I belong here” - Damian, who truly found a second home in Lisbon

Connect with people

While living and working abroad you will meet new people from all over the world. Some friends, colleagues, and roommates. All of them with one thing in common - they’ll give you perspectives and ideas that you won’t find in your hometown. You’ll be amazed at the similarities and will learn loads from the differences, but either way you’ll end up with connections that you will remember for a lifetime. 

This year, focus on making genuine connections. Listen to people's stories and share your own. You'll be surprised at how much your international friends can broaden your horizon. Meeting new people can be as simple as striking up a conversation on a bus or in a coffee shop, and let’s not forget that your co-workers can turn into your best friends as well! 

(or more…)

“If I had any questions or issues, I could always turn to my colleagues and my personal recruiter, Nicola. I'm incredibly grateful to them for that! And it was with one of these colleagues that I happened to find the love of my life.” - Hannah, now happily engaged in Ireland.

Live in the moment

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in the same old routine? Going to school or work every single day, talking to the same people, doing the same things. You aren’t living in the moment. Moving abroad means cherishing the smaller things in your life again, whether it's lingering over a meal with new friends or taking a moment to reflect by a scenic overlook. After stepping out of your daily patterns, you'll find joy in the simple things that are easy to overlook when you're rushing through the day. This year, try to slow down and enjoy the moment. Take time to appreciate the now. Explore nearby cities with new friends, get lost after a night out, try your best to have a conversation in a foreign language. 

“When you study, you are never really "at peace". You always have homework, classes, parties, or you have to prepare for your exams. Of course, working full time is a big change. But once you finish working, you don't have other responsibilities for the rest of your day. That means you have time for other things, like the sun, the beach, hobbies, and friends.” - Sophie, who found some peace in Spain

Find your way

Finally, this journey is about you. It's about finding your way through the world and, in the process, carving out your own identity. Each step you take in a foreign land is a step towards understanding your own values, desires, and place in the world. Often, you grow up in your familiar surroundings and only see how your family is dealing with certain situations. Discovering how other people and cultures do things is interesting, and often you can learn from each other. This year, let each new experience guide you to a deeper understanding of who you are. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and allow the journey to reveal your strengths, passions, and dreams. According to our experiences, you will fall in love very quickly with the new lifestyle you've created for yourself, broadening your horizon, creating exciting stories and enjoying free time as much as possible! 🏖️

“You relocate to a new country with a new environment, where you encounter beautiful things and meet incredibly nice people. I also believe it can greatly contribute to your personal development. Of course, it might be daunting and scary at first, but trust me, it's all worth it. My advice is simple: just go for it.” - Dalicia, who didn’t just find herself, but also her Brazilian partner in Lisbon

Now it is your turn!

Now, it's your turn to explore the world and have an adventure! Take a look at our vacancies abroad and start broadening your horizon just like Hannah and the others! Not quite convinced yet? No problem! You can always contact us via the website chat, mail and phone. We are happy to answer all your questions and share our personal experiences about working abroad! 🧳