After 2 and a half years in Switzerland, I have a lot of talking to say! First and foremost, I probably chose one of the most special places on this planet lol and special in a very strange, unique way… Switzerland is a total 360 from where I initially came from, and there truly is nothing like this tiny country. So as deeply connected my points below are to myself, they may not be everyone’s experience, but I think every expat can understand what I am saying..
Gonna start off a bit head on here, but living and maneuvering a place like Switzerland, is very very lonely. You really learn how to survive on your own, which in the end, is something that I have a lot of gratitude for! Why? Because loneliness comes with self sustainability, growth, better coping skills, and a deeper relationship with your self. The slowness of this country, lack of openness, and finding friends easily are the reasons to thank for that lol
Letting go & embracing NEW. I think this took me 2 years to understand, I was S T U B B O R N. I held onto my old life/ways for a long time, and I wish I knew this earlier. At some point while living abroad, you just got to reach the point of letting go, and embracing things that aren’t familiar. It was terrifying for me at first, but makes up for great learning about the real world and yourself! You realize there is so much more to understand about this place called earth.
Embracing awkward moments and failing. I cant even count on both my hands and toes anymore how many times I have completely failed or made mistakes in the past two years. I have been through 3 different salons, an insane amount of speeding tickets (lol), fines, jobs, and relationships. Phew, thats a lot! My perspective is that, this is totally MY experience, and I am jumping in feet first. How the heck am I supposed to know EVERYTHING? I try my upmost hardest, and I really have my faith in the universe. I am realizing making mistakes is human, and it’s the picking yourself up and taking responsibility that is the real test and lesson.
The world gets a whole lot smaller! After experiencing another country, you meet so many expats from ALL OVER, and some are even on their 3rd or 4th country. I cant even imagine 🤯 You realize, this truly is a personal experience- nor good or bad. & living around the world is something that a lot of people do! Countries and people have their own cultures and different ways of life, which is okay! America is the way that it is, and Italy is the way that it is for reasons and histories. and theres a deeper, more vast understanding of this world, that you dont get told but only through actually experiencing it..
Your life will literally never be the same again. The experience of living in a different country completely changes you. Identity crisis 101 lol the last time I went home, I had a whole reverse culture shock (which is TOTALLY a thing), where I felt a new sense of self. It was sooo confusing being back home and around old friends. I didn’t know how to act lol I also felt so different. Luckily, I have the coolest family and friends, and a lot of good convos.
All in all, through the challenging moments, and in the bigger picture, I know I am living my life and chose the right decision. I have gained so much experience and tremendous knowledge that can easily be overlooked, but I know will be totally worth it, once I get to where i want to be one day. Life is truly a journey, and moving to Switzerland has been the most humbling experience.
