Should I Stay or Should I Go? When it Comes to Living Abroad, what Would Make You Want to Remain?

          

     Many of us, myself included, experienced what it means to live in a different country than the one of origin, for an extended amount of time (let's say, from six months onwards). Sometimes we leave with the intention to remain, but our plans are changed when we face the reality of that environment. Sometimes, we only plan to stay for a few months, but eventually we love it so much, that we end up remaining there all our lives. Or simply we go there for a fixed amount of time, for the sake of the experience, knowing exactly what we'll be doing there, and then return home (or move somewhere else), considering our experience an independent chapter in our life with a definite closure. Or, like myself, you end up not really "leaving" any of your two (or more) home countries, and regardless of where you reside, you stay emotionally, technologically and occasionally physically present in your "other world". 

          But when you stay, what makes you WANT to stay? 

1. A stable work situation:

     Maybe the least poetic or fascinating factor, but finding an interesting and fullfilling activity after your studies and being able to support yourself is a big deal. Without this, when you are abroad you find yourself at a big risk, without support from the state and / or a consistent financial reserve. With that sorted out, we can move to other factors. 

2. Friends:

      Assuming that you are a social creature, and that you are doing your best to have an active social life, finding good friends to share your best moments with is crucial. If you and your friends share the same values in life, attribute the same meaning to having fun, and support each other in times of need, in spite of the different backgrounds, then consider yourself lucky, because loneliness away from home will not be an issue for you. And besides, maybe from these friendships and social activities, another important part of your life would develop. You know what I mean... ;)

3. Cultural similarities:

    It is said that if you end up in an environment that shares roughly the same cultural values you grew up with, you would feel more "at home", and therefore more likely to remain. What is deemed right and what is deemed wrong in your country of adoption? Do you agree? Is it also your way of making sense of the world? Did you suffer major cultural shocks, that left you appalled? Consider these questions before making a lifetime decision.

4. Cultural differences:

     By the same token, we come to the opposite end of the spectrum. If you thrive on differences more than similarities, then these differences will attract you. It would be a life full of discovery and learning, you would totally transform your views of the world, but still, on the condition that you don't encounter major problems, and that you still apply points 1 and 2. Alas, I'm so curious if my European friends who currently live in places like India or China would actually remain there indefinitely! ;)

5. Cultural mosaics:

       There are those cosmopolitan envrionments, especially in the western world, where you can encounter all nationalities and cultures. Hence, if this is the case, everyone can fit in. The native population may or may not be your ideal company, there are also other expat communities and national minorities which you would resonate better with. For example, this is why people of numerous nationalities are drawn to cities like London, Paris, or New York. 

6. An immigrant-friendly attitude:

         I would say that point 5 is a consequence of this one, but not necessarily. It is also a big deal to feel accepted, and to enjoy a high degree of freedom in your country of destination, without suffering from limitations in the workplace, or without being marginalized in social circles. However, who you are as a person, and the respect you show to both yourself and the receiving population also plays a major part. Being liked and respected is not about nationality, and if for some people it is, then they are the unworthy ones. 

      That's the long and short of it, of what I learned from my own experiences and those of my friends and aquaintances. If you were in such situation, what were the determining factors in your case?