From Briefcase to Backpack: How Choosing to Live Abroad Transformed These 3 Travelers' Lives

"All journeys begin with one small step, and changing your view of the world will change your life."

Setting Your Course for the Horizon

Are you feeling bored, stuck, drained, or unfulfilled in your life? Are you curious about what life is like living in another country? Wondering what is anchoring you to your life in your hometown? Consider taking the plunge and booking yourself a one-way ticket to a new life. These three travelers chose to trade their briefcases for backpacks, and the experience changed how they look at their lives and themselves. There are several roads you can take to carry you to a new life full of new opportunities. 

Some people choose to work temporary jobs in their home countries until they save enough money to fund their travels. Other travelers apply for volunteer opportunities abroad in exchange for accommodation, giving themselves a home base while exploring the country. While some people take extended vacations from their long-term employment, others choose to become digital nomads, bringing their work with them on the road in the form of remote jobs or freelance work. For citizens of eligible countries, a working holiday visa can provide a middle ground, offering the perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion, and financial sustainability, enabling you to live and work in a country while exploring. But what is it really like to live and work abroad?

In this article, I sit down with three international travelers who leaped into the unknown, deciding to work or volunteer in a foreign country, while building connections across cultures, and discovering more about themselves along the way. Whether you're considering a gap year, a career break, or simply craving a change in your life, their stories offer honest insight and inspiration for anyone considering working and living abroad. 

Meet the Travelers

Rodolfo is a 31-year-old software engineer from Chile. Luisa is a 25-year-old high school Spanish teacher from Mexico. Carolena is a 26-year-old customer service professional and digital nomad from Spain. Rodolfo chose to leave corporate life behind and exchange his 9-5 for the freedom to study a culture completely different from his own. Lusia decided to take advantage of her summer holiday from teaching to seek respite and reconnect with herself in a completely foreign environment. Carolena packed her laptop into her backpack and took her work with her on a journey of self-discovery to expand her comfort zone internationally. Although they come from different countries, cultures, and professions, they each found something they longed for in their lives and developed a deep connection with other travelers, a culture outside their own, and ultimately themselves along their journeys.  

Why They Chose to Travel

Rodolfo longed for the freedom of a life unshackled to a desk in a corporate office. Luisa enjoys exploring new cultures during her summer holiday from teaching classes. She uses her vacation as an opportunity to live life on her own terms and prioritize herself. Carolena took advantage of the freedom her remote job offered and decided she needed a drastic change to get comfortable outside her comfort zone, away from the security of her small town. Each traveler chose to come to South Korea and begin a new life in Busan. Rodolfo and Luisa chose Korea because it was a culture completely different from their own, on a continent across the globe from their homes. Carolena wanted to experience what life was really like behind the screen of her beloved K-Dramas. Although they have all visited Seoul, they preferred the accessibility to nature parks, the ocean, culture, history, cafes, and public transportation that Busan provides, in addition to a more relaxed pace of life and the kindness of the locals. 

First Impressions

Rodolfo had traveled through Japan for six weeks before moving to South Korea. He said that the culture shock was initially intense. "In Japan, everywhere was so clean and quiet, in the trains, on the streets, inside the shops, and even in the restaurants!" He reflected on the first time he attempted to unwrap an Onigiri sushi from 7/11. "It was difficult to unwrap and re-roll the onigiri, so I opened it incorrectly and spilled the rice all over the street in front of the konbini (convenience store), and the local people looked at me strangely for making a mess, so I hurriedly cleaned up what I had dropped." The trash disposal systems in Japan and Korea differ significantly, and he mentioned feeling a bit overwhelmed by the various waste receptacles provided inside the Japanese fast food restaurants. "There were so many different receptacles for each kind of waste material, so I watched how the locals disposed of their items to learn what went into each bin." 

Luisa reflected on the climate difference as a big adjustment, arriving in South Korea during the summer months. "It was so hot and humid, and it's not humid at all in Mexico, so it took some getting used to." Aside from the weather, the way Korean locals greet each other is also quite different from her culture. "Koreans are much more respectful, but not as friendly towards strangers. In Mexico, we greet people warmly and often kiss each other on the cheek. However, in Korea, people do not openly show affection for each other this way. No one hugs each other publicly, and people do not smile at you on the street the way they do in Mexico." 

Carolena had done extensive research on South Korea before arriving in the country, so she didn't experience any drastic culture shock. "I knew the culture in Korea is not as warm and friendly as my own culture, so I was not surprised by this. What surprised me was how little people interact with each other publicly, and how much time they spent quietly on their cell phones. I was also aware of the high standard of beauty and the cultural emphasis on aesthetics. However, knowing and experiencing are very different things. While living in the country, I felt social pressure to maintain a polished appearance at all times, from perfect makeup and styled hair to carefully curated outfits. As a woman, it was very stressful to feel obligated to always look my best or face disapproving looks from the locals. Coming from a place where it is socially acceptable to leave your home in your pajamas, the emphasis on beauty made me feel anxious about not meeting the culture's expectations, and at times it felt very superficial compared to the more relaxed atmosphere of my home town." 

Adjusting to the Local Culture 

When asked about adjusting to life in their new country, they were all surprised by how quickly they had adapted. However, they agreed that complete assimilation is impossible in a limited amount of time, if at all. Rodolfo enrolled in a Korean program at a university to learn the language and culture in a classroom setting. He then applied what he learned by interacting with locals in Korean as often as he could to expand his Korean language skills and deepen his understanding of Korean culture. "It wasn't easy in the beginning, it was difficult trying to assimilate into the culture and become a part of the local community and social networks, it took seven months for the sales woman at my local grocery store to strike up a conversation with me, but that moment of acceptance as a local was worth the wait." 

Carolena did her research on the internet and gained a deeper understanding of the culture through her organic interest in Korean Media and Music. She also used a language exchange app, Hello Talk, to make Korean friends and learn about how locals interact and socialize. Luisa adopted a more relaxed approach by emulating the locals' behavior, using the watch-and-repeat approach. On her first trip to Korea, she had found herself reprimanded often for laughing loudly late at night with her traveling companion at their accommodation, and quickly learned that assimilating into a culture requires understanding the unspoken "rules" of society. Initially, she struggled significantly with the language barrier, but gradually she expanded her vocabulary by listening to commonly used Korean expressions and asking locals about their appropriate uses, so she was able to integrate them into her conversations comfortably. 

Unforgettable Moments

When asked to share their favorite moments in South Korea, they each smiled as they reflected on the many precious moments and treasured experiences they had during their time in Busan.  Rodolfo told me that he enjoyed taking his Korean classes and learning about the culture. His favorite moments were spent partying in Seomyeon with his international friends at the foreign-friendly nightlife venues. "I loved celebrating Christmas and New Year's with my new friends, it made me appreciate the new chapter of my life, beginning a new life in a new country. My found family made all the difference in making my year an unforgettable experience. I am curious to discover if I am the same person I was when I left when I get home, if I go home." 

Carolena reflected on her favorite moments spent in South Korea, "I arrived in Seoul on the Lunar New Year, so everything was closed and I couldn't find an open currency exchange. I had a hard time getting a taxi, and people on the street seemed too busy to be helpful or friendly. However, when I finally got a taxi, the Korean driver was thrilled to meet a foreigner. He asked me where I was from, and when I told him I was from Spain, he started speaking Spanish to me! He was so kind and helpful, he made my first day in Korea so much better. Later that year, I had the opportunity to attend the cherry blossom festival in Jinhae with a Korean friend I had met through my language exchange app. He gave me a tour, taking me to the local markets and showing me less crowded areas popular with locals. My favorite memory is sitting at a lighthouse, eating Korean fried chicken with a friend on her last day in Korea, watching the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen. We walked back in the dark through a remote area. Although it was our first instinct to be afraid as two women alone at night, instead we smiled at each other, knowing that we were safe in South Korea and had nothing to fear." 

Luisa came to South Korea with no expectations, seeking a spiritual respite to recharge for the next school year. "I wanted to experience a more laid-back part of South Korea so I would have more 'Me-Time' and be able to explore without feeling rushed, allowing me to spend more time alone reconnecting with myself. I love that there are so many cafes I can sit quietly in and write in my journal. But what I loved most were the incredible international friends I made and the time we spent unwinding together in Seomyeon. I feel rested and recharged, ready to return home to prepare for the coming school year." 

International Friends Sharing Korean BBQ in Busan, South Korea

Lessons Learned

Rodolfo has no regrets about his decision to work and live in South Korea and will leave with a fresh outlook on life. "I was brought up to believe that society works in only one way. You are supposed to go to a good school, get a good job, and take the traditional road to a good life. When I told my father I was quitting my high-paying corporate tech job to travel, he thought I was crazy. While living in South Korea, I met many people who took an alternative path and found ways to make money while pursuing their passions. It made me realize that there are many roads you can take to discover a meaningful life. In the end, it's not about the money you earn, but the happiness your life brings you that matters. While living in Korea, I had the opportunity to learn a new trade working with my hands as a carpenter and electrician. It was a nice feeling to know my (Korean) boss trusted me with his livelihood, knowing that I hold myself to a high standard and would always do my best work. Now I feel more comfortable living abroad as a foreigner. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me now that I have given myself the freedom to explore new opportunities and live my life anyway I want." 

Luisa also enjoyed her time living in South Korea and volunteering at a hostel. "My experiences in tourism and hospitality have taught me that there are so many different attitudes and mentalities out there, so you never know what to expect from people. I learned how to manage all different personality types. I know what my boundaries are, and I'm happy that I can comfortably maintain them while traveling. I know what I like and what I don't, and I am proud that I am confident enough to enforce my boundaries firmly when necessary. I appreciate my alone time, and I enjoy being in my own company, so it's a nice feeling to know that I am safe and secure by myself in a foreign country. Going out often and interacting with locals gave me a deeper appreciation for Korean culture, and I really like how respectful the Korean people are. No one seems overly concerned with how other people live their lives. Everyone here seems to do their own thing, so it's very comfortable to live here as a foreigner. It was a lot of fun meeting people from all over the world, and I really enjoyed the drinking and food culture of South Korea. It's nice to relax and unwind with friends at the end of the day, sharing meals, soju, stories, and laughter. I had a great time in South Korea, but having the opportunity to experience another culture always deepens my appreciation for my own culture as well. It's nice to leave, but it's nice to come home at the end of a long trip." 

Carolena, who is naturally shy and reserved, was ready for a drastic change in her life, having only taken short trips away from her hometown before making her first big international move. Living abroad has changed the way she experiences herself and her outlook on life. "Before I left home, I was constantly stressing about my future, and I felt stuck in my life. I always prioritized others before myself, and it left me feeling lost. I had become bored with my daily routine and was ready for a drastic change. I had always wondered what it would be like to live in a foreign country, and because I finally had the time and money to do so, I realized that the only thing holding me back was myself. For the first time in my life, I put myself first. While living and working in South Korea, I learned how to tackle problems one step at a time, day by day, and to always prioritize myself without overthinking. I realized that by stressing so much about the future and all the uncertainties of life, I was not enjoying my daily life as much as I could. By remaining present, practicing mindfulness, and focusing on the simple joys each day presented, I was able to develop a deeper appreciation for my life and reintroduce joy into my daily routine, which had become monotonous. By practicing self-love and self-care, focusing on the small things that bring me joy, and making meaningful connections with people from all over the world, I realized that there are no limitations on my future beyond those I had created myself. When I return home, it will be good to spend time with my loved ones, but I am excited to embrace the endless possibilities of what my life has in store for me." 

Advice for Aspiring Travelers

When asked what advice Rodolfo has for others considering traveling with a working holiday visa, he says, "Go! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Push yourself; intentionally putting yourself in uncomfortable situations can help you adapt more quickly and get used to being uncomfortable. Practice your language skills as much as possible. The more you speak, the more confident you will become using the language, and the faster your language skills will advance. Remember to leave yourself at home and come with an open heart and open mind. It will be challenging at first to leave your culture and country behind, but if you remain open to forming new connections and adapting to a new way of life, you will gain more than you lose. The friendships you will forge can last a lifetime. 

Luisa's advice to future travelers is, "Just do it! Don't overthink it. It's fun, and you will learn a lot about yourself, other cultures, and make new friends from all over the world! You'll have a great time. It's always challenging in the beginning to adapt to a new culture, but don't limit yourself by avoiding things out of fear. While volunteering in France, I had to push myself to try new things, especially the food. I always avoided Escargot (Snails), but when I finally tried them, I really liked them! You never know what new favorites you'll discover unless you are brave enough to expand your cultural horizons and try new things." 

When asked what Carolena has to tell other aspiring world travelers, she offers this practical advice, "Even though it can be difficult to start a new life in a foreign country, and it may be hard to adjust to the culture at first, it is very freeing to be able to create any life that you want for yourself and to become whoever you want to be. Doing your research and traveling with realistic expectations about the country and culture you'll be visiting will prepare you to accept the bad with the good. When you leave your home country, you have the opportunity to discover so much about yourself, learn to prioritize yourself, and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. No matter what happens, even if it's a bad experience, you will grow as a person. Sometimes you have to force yourself to make a drastic change and try something completely different, to manifest the changes in your life that you didn't even know you needed to make. When you feel stuck or lost in your life, any change can be a positive one. I was always so afraid to take small steps in my life, but by forcing myself to make a drastic change and go to the other side of the planet, I had an amazing experience and met people who forever changed my life for the better."

The World Awaits

If there is something you have always wanted to try or a place you have always wanted to visit, take a lesson from these three travelers. Life is too short to miss out on any opportunity to experience more of what this wide world has to offer you. By leaving your comfort zone behind, traveling to a foreign country, expanding your cultural horizons, and opening yourself up to new possibilities, you can discover so much about yourself and create lasting connections with people from all over the world. Often, the only thing in life that holds us back from giving ourselves what we want or need is ourselves. There are many different options for traveling, whether you work to save money in your home country, apply for an international job and foreign residency visa, apply for a working holiday visa to enable you to earn money while living in the country, or procure a remote job or freelance trade and start a new life as a digital nomad, your options are unlimited, and your future awaits. What are you waiting for?