Benefits of growing-up abroad
One question I’m often asked is, “Is it good for kids to grow up in another country?”
Moving abroad with children is a huge decision, and one of the most rewarding choices a family can make. Obviously, it depends on your individual circumstance, but generally, yep, it’s a really good opportunity.
However, when you tell friends and family that you’re considering moving abroad with your kids, you may get shocking responses…
“You’ll destroy your children’s lives!”
“Growing up without their family around is cruel.”
And my personal ‘favourite’, “They’re going to lose all their family if you leave.”
Such a strange comment. They won’t ‘lose their family’. The family is still going to be there – they just won’t be in the same country. They’re not losing them at all. Unless the person who says this is using it as a form of emotional blackmail… But, let’s not go there right now!
Of course, remarks like this – often from someone with an ulterior motive, or bias – may make you feel uncertain about your plans. And, of course, they will pile on that niggling expat guilt.
So, let’s explore the many incredible benefits that growing up overseas gives your children.
Raising your kids abroad
Growing up abroad exposes children to new cultures, languages, and experiences that shape them into adaptable, resilient, and globally minded individuals. The world becomes their classroom, filled with diversity and life-experiences that broaden their horizons in ways you could never imagine.
1) Cultural awareness
One of the most profound advantages of growing up in a different country is gaining a broader worldview, getting a global perspective on life from an early age.
Children who experience different cultures first hand develop an innate understanding of diverse traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. This global awareness fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity – essential skills in today’s diverse and globalised world. They become more open-minded individuals who embrace differences rather than shy away from them.
By celebrating festivals, tasting different foods, and making new friends, your child lives a daily life of absolute fascination and multiculturalism. Even their school friends will likely be from different countries, too, especially if they attend an international school.
2) Language skills
Living in a foreign country often means learning a new language. Children immersed in a second (or third+) language from a young age pick it up naturally, often becoming fluent with ease.
Children often absorb new languages effortlessly through daily interactions, giving them invaluable communication tools for life. Even if the ‘language of education’ in your chosen school is English, for example, their fellow pupils are likely to come from a variety of countries. So, friendships created offer an opportunity to learn a few words and phrases in a selection of languages.
The benefits of language learning are profound, extending far beyond mere communication. Research shows that acquiring a second language at a young age not only enhances communication skills but also enhances cognitive development, improving problem-solving abilities and creativity.
While not all kids will become bilingual, multilingual or even fluent, depending on the time you stay in one country, all language skills do remain for life and can improve future career opportunities.
3) Independence, confidence, adaptability, and resilience
Moving to a new country presents challenges, and we must acknowledge this. Too many parents still subscribe to the trope of ‘all kids are resilient’, so neglect to prepare their child for the challenge of navigating unfamiliar environments. From adjusting to a different school system to making new friends, and perhaps learning a new language, there is a lot for your child to deal with when you move abroad.
If you have prepared your child well, then these life experiences teach children confidence, adaptability and independence – valuable life skills that help them navigate change with confidence. Resilience is not quite as easy to teach, but it does tend to stem from independence and confidence.
Kids who grow up abroad tend to be more comfortable with uncertainty and better equipped to handle life’s transitions.
This composure became very clear when the pandemic first struck in 2020. Our expat children coped with lockdown and uncertainty with far more ease than the children who’d never experienced change.
Life skills for children are not just about learning to tie their shoes or manage their homework; they incorporate a broader spectrum that includes resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to cope with change.
By growing up overseas, your child’s early exposure to independence fosters self-assurance and problem-solving abilities meaning they learn to handle situations that many children growing up in one place may not encounter until later in life.
4) Better educational opportunities
(Yes, I recognise this one may be controversial! I guess it depends on your home country’s school system.)
Many expat children have access to high-quality international schools that offer globally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British, American, or other national programs. These schools often promote critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and multilingual education, setting up students for success in higher education and life beyond.
Schools abroad often offer unique learning environments that challenge conventional thinking. Many will celebrate the culture of the country they’re based in, with special events unique to that country – something that’s not considered in your home country’s schools.
In all the international schools my daughter attended they held annual ‘International Days’.
For these events, we were encouraged to showcase our home country’s cultural heritage, foods, clothing and so on. It was a great opportunity to discover more about our international community.
But it was never easy trying to work out what British cultural dress is!
5) Career and life advantages
Growing up abroad equips children with skills that give them a competitive edge in their future careers.
The career advantages of global experience are undeniable. Employers seek individuals who can navigate an increasingly interconnected world. They value international experience, cultural intelligence, and multilingualism.
Additionally, expat kids often develop strong networking skills and a natural ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, which is beneficial in both personal and professional life.
And, having international experience on a CV is a great way to stand out in today’s competitive world of work. It’s a fabulous conversation piece, if nothing else!
6) Stronger family bonds
Relocating abroad can bring families closer together. On first arriving in a new country, expat families initially depend on each other until we form new connections and friendships; simply because we don’t yet know anyone outside our family circle.
Without the usual extended family and friends’ network, we rely on each other for support, creating deeper family connections.
Together, we explore and steer through our new environment, creating unique, shared experiences, which strengthen family relationships and create lifelong memories.
7) Greater emotional intelligence
Children who grow up overseas learn to appreciate diversity from an early age, cultivating empathy and understanding for others.
Experiencing different cultures and forming friendships with people from diverse backgrounds helps children develop higher emotional intelligence. They become more empathetic, better communicators, and more understanding of others’ perspectives – skills that are invaluable in both personal relationships and the workplace.
In some countries they will see, first hand, what true poverty looks like. And sometimes they’ll see what incredible wealth looks like, too. The ability to stay grounded is enhanced in the face of these imbalances.
This understanding stands out even more when they’re adults and/or when you return to your home country.
8) Friendships across borders
Global friendships for kids are more important than ever. These relationships can blossom into lasting connections with peers worldwide, enriching their lives in ways that extend far beyond geography.
My daughter made friends from almost every country in the world while she attended international schools in Japan, Germany, England, and South Africa. Now an adult, she has a global network of friends she keeps in touch with on social media.
9) A sense of adventure and curiosity
Living overseas fosters a spirit of adventure and curiosity. Expat children grow up exploring new places, trying different foods, and learning about diverse customs. Travel is normal for them, not an annual two-week treat.
This exposure often encourages a lifelong love for travel, exploration, and learning about the world around them.
What may surprise you, however, is that they may then move abroad in their own right when they become adults. Perhaps they will move to a different continent for university? Something to prepare yourself for later in life, as it can be a dreadful wrench for some parents. Just check out some of the comments on my expat guilt article!
Is raising your child abroad right for you?
While living abroad comes with its challenges, the benefits for children are undeniable.
This unique childhood not only enriches their lives but also equips them with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
From language acquisition and adaptability to career advantages and a global perspective, growing up overseas shapes children into well-rounded, confident, and culturally aware individuals.
Living in different cultures, navigating new environments, and building friendships across borders not only enriches our lives but also shapes who we become. The lifelong benefits of this global upbringing are immeasurable.
Growing up abroad is a gift that keeps on giving – one that shapes young minds into global citizens, builds their identity and broadens their horizons forever. Each new country visited, or culture embraced, adds another layer to their identity, that will influence their perspectives for years to come.
If you’re considering an international move, embracing the adventure could be one of the best decisions for your child’s future.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, you do need to take individuality into account. It depends on your move, your kids, your expectations and so much more. Have a read through my articles here on ExpatChild; listen to some of the episodes of my Expatability Chat Podcast about expat kids, and if you need more advice or reassurance, I’m here for you!
