When I was little, I reasonably assumed I would grow up to be a detective in Paris. Then I realized that I never wanted to touch a firearm and the French don’t pronounce half of the letters in their words. What a waste of syllables. For some of us, the desire to travel is hard-wired. We’re born picturing ourselves in new and exciting environments. But many others would prefer to stay in their hometowns, watch their childhood friends have families of their own and build pools in their backyards. Neither is wrong; they’re simply different investments.
But people also go through different seasons in their lives. There are times for staying close to home and taking care of family and there are times in which you can put yourself first. So if you’d rather sit on your back porch and drink iced tea than climb into a tuk-tuk in Guatemala that’s more than okay. But these feelings might change! There is no particular point in life at which it is best to live abroad. But there are better times than others in the lives of individuals for branching out and exploring the world. Could right now be yours?
Studying Abroad in College
Studying abroad during university is very popular, particularly for American students. And if you’re a college student right now, why not seize the moment? Learning abroad is a great way to travel with purpose. If you are already enrolled in a four-year university, chances are that your financial aid package could transfer with you to a thrilling new place. If you’re willing to embrace change, you could spend a semester or year of your college career not only learning from your coursework but learning to navigate a new culture as well.
In an increasingly competitive job market, study abroad experience can be the perfect way to develop some very marketable and transferable skills. Speaking more than one language is an incredible asset to almost any line of work and living abroad at a formative age demonstrates your capacity for flexibility, adaptability and cross-cultural sensitivity. And when you study abroad when you’re young, everything is an adventure. It’s a time to take risks and learn about what you love.
If you’re looking for an honest account of what it’s like to study abroad during university, flip through the pages of Dear Girls by Ali Wong. Warning: it’s a bit raunchy but it gives an excellent glimpse into the life of a college student in Vietnam. Being enrolled in a university immediately opens countless opportunities for travel. Most institutions offer their own in-house programs for semesters or the summer. But you can also go off on your own within the safety of an organized study abroad program. Cultural exchanges are another completely immersive option where you apply to be a visiting student at an international university. But living abroad as a college student doesn’t need to be a once in a lifetime experience, it can be the beginning of many.
Teaching Abroad in Your 20s
Maybe you didn’t have the time or money to study abroad during university. Maybe you didn’t attend college. Or maybe you did take advantage of study abroad opportunities during your undergrad and it’s only left you wanting more. Your early twenties are another excellent time to put yourself in a new environment—learning a little more about yourself and the world at large. A particularly popular option for young adults who want to travel and be able to eat as well is teaching abroad. Teaching and traveling abroad are the perfect pair. And there is a plethora of affordable options to get you started.
Maximo Nivel’s TEFL certification programs across Latin America to launch your teaching career abroad. Each of their sites also houses a language learning institute where you may be able to land a job after finishing your program. But if Latin America isn’t the area of the world you’re most interested in exploring, at Maximo we can also assist you with job placement on other continents after you are certified to teach English as a foreign language.
If teaching and living abroad sounds too long-term for you, Maximo’s international team also offers a variety of internship, volunteer and Spanish immersion opportunities that can be tailored to your career goals and personal interests. Some of these programs are also open to younger people; even children can come if accompanied by a guardian.
Living Abroad Later in Life
If you’re reading this and feeling like you missed the boat, don’t be discouraged! Many people choose to live abroad during their late teens and twenties because they aren’t tied down yet. But opportunities for travel are different for everyone and traveling doesn’t have to be an age-restricted activity. A sabbatical year can be a life changing experience at any age. Your age doesn’t determine whether or not living abroad is right for you. This could be the perfect time to do something for yourself!
Maybe you’re an empty-nester or retiree or maybe you’re just tired of the job you’ve had for over a decade in the same sleepy town. It’s never too late to step out of your comfort zone. In fact, many of the same travel opportunities are open to adults except they have an advantage over their newly-graduated, ramen-eating counterparts: experience and possibly even money. If you’re interested in teaching abroad for example, don’t let your age deter you. Retired teacher? Your classroom experience and credentials might help you get your foot in the door at an international private school.
But if you don’t have experience that’s okay too, as long as you’re ready for a change of pace. Whomever said, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” didn’t try living and working abroad in or after middle-age. Learning later in life can be just as transformative as studying abroad when you are young if not more so. The world is full of opportunities for you whether you’re looking for a formal teaching position, an Eat, Pray, Love style adventure or to fully embrace the expat lifestyle. You have the power to pick up everything and move!
Maximo Nivel’s opportunities for learning, teaching and volunteering abroad could be a perfect fit for you. No matter which type of program you choose or if you move first and find your footing on the ground, no one but yourself can determine whether or not living abroad is right for you.
So is there a season of life for living abroad? Yes, it’s whichever season feels right for you. Only you can choose when it’s time to make a move. Different experiences bring us different lessons. So go now and go later too. But never feel like it’s too late for you!