Thinking about moving abroad? You’re not alone.
Whether it’s about a great job opportunity, an extended adventure, getting away from U.S. politics, or the dream of living in a seaside European village, the call to pack your bags and set up shop somewhere new is incredibly alluring.
But for many of us, the excitement quickly morphs into a grocery list of anxieties—plenty of which are entirely natural and, believe it or not, totally beatable. To address those concerns, I’ve put together this list of the seven most common fears keeping people from moving abroad—and the surprisingly simple ways to quash them.
1. Fear of Risk
Let’s face it, moving abroad is a real risk. You’re leaving behind the comforts of home, the fast, reliable Wi-Fi, and maybe even your local pizza place that knows your order by heart.
But here’s the thing: life is risky, even in your home country. Embracing this adventure is a calculated risk, much like putting extra hot sauce on your burrito. Sure, there might be a little discomfort (spicy!), but in the end you’ll remember the experience forever.
How to Beat It: Break the risks down into manageable steps. Research your chosen destination, make a detailed plan, read as many expert insights as you can, and join expat forums to get firsthand advice from people who know.
Remember, you’re not cliff-diving into shark-infested waters; you’re taking a well-prepared plunge. Besides, at least one risk—living predictably—is going out the window.
2. Fear of Failure
“What if I move abroad and it’s a total disaster?” a lot of people wonder. “What if I can’t adapt, find friends, or even figure out the metro?”
This fear is a common one because it’s rooted in self-doubt, with which nearly all of us are familiar. Moving abroad can feel like the ultimate test of your independence and adaptability. But the reality is that nobody, not even the cool influencer posting sunset pics from Santorini, has it all figured out at first.
When we arrive in a new place, everybody is unfamiliar with the local customs, traditions, and costs—probably even the metro, too.
How to Beat It: First, let go of the idea that your move needs to be perfect. Set small, achievable goals for your time abroad: learn key phrases in the local language; try all of the local dishes; make a local friend; ride public transport; take in a show.
Adapting is a process, and the world tends to be forgiving of beginners. Worst case, you’ll come home with a suitcase full of stories and a worldly perspective, which is the opposite of failure.
3. Financial Fear
The fear of running out of money is totally reasonable, especially when foreign exchange rates and unfamiliar costs start to look a bit scary. Suddenly, you’re picturing yourself homeless, hungry, and shivering on the Charles Bridge in the middle of a frigid Prague winter. Money fear might be the primary reason people hesitate to go abroad.
How to Beat It: The key is planning and budgeting. Research the cost of living in your destination and make sure you have enough for at least six months, if not a year, even with minimal income. Set up an emergency fund and have a Plan B for work—becoming a gondolier or online tutor, for instance.
Also, keep in mind that expenses are likely to be high at first, but as you get settled, you’ll figure out where the locals go for cheap eats and affordable fun. Besides, if all else fails, there’s always the universal language of discounts, sales, and grocery store specials.
4. Security and Safety Fears
“But what if I get mugged? What if there’s a tsunami?” Security is also a legitimate concern when heading into the unknown. But we often overestimate the dangers in unfamiliar places simply because we’re unfamiliar with them.
We hear of a major earthquake in Japan, a tsunami hitting Thailand, or a friend getting mugged in Milan and suddenly we think such places rarely go a day without some cataclysmic disaster or crime spree. That, of course, is not the reality.
How to Beat It: Safety planning doesn’t mean wrapping yourself in bubble wrap. Research the safety protocols of your destination and connect with locals and other expats to get a realistic picture of what to expect in terms of extreme weather, risky areas, and so on.
Know the safe neighborhoods, local customs, and emergency contacts in case of… well, anything. Just remember that people all over the world live, laugh, and even thrive in these places—you can, too.
5. Fear of Change
For many of us, the thought of leaving behind all that’s familiar—your friends, favorite coffee spot, that bartender who knows your drink order by heart—feels like giving up an anchor. Humans love familiarity, and moving abroad throws that into serious question.
And for good reason. We’re comfortable at home because we know it well and because people there know us and our interests. But some people, such as those with the so-called Wanderlust Gene, feel a need to move beyond their comfort zone, even if they’re not sure how to do it.
How to Beat It: Start by reminding yourself of the upsides of change. Moving abroad isn’t about abandoning everything; it’s about adding to your life. You’re not just gaining a new place; you’re gaining new perspectives, experiences, people, and stories.
And remember, nothing has to be forever. If you find yourself genuinely missing the old coffee shop, you can always come back for a visit, or move back for good. Bonus points if you bring back a new cocktail recipe for that bartender.
6. Fear of Rejection
We all want to be liked, but the fear of standing out as the “awkward foreigner” is a powerful deterrent. Will you say the wrong thing? Will locals laugh at your cultural blunders? The fear of not fitting in can be enough to keep a lot of people safely at home.
How to Beat It: Remember that fear of rejection is universal, even for locals! The best way to connect is to show genuine curiosity and kindness.
Learn a few basic phrases, be willing to laugh at your own mistakes, and most importantly, be mindful and respect the local culture. People tend to appreciate a good-hearted effort—even if your accent is a little off. Humor and a genuine smile go a long way in any language.
7. Fear of Responsibility
This fear is a bit like all of the others rolled into one: “What if I can’t handle it?”
Moving abroad means becoming the CEO of your new life, taking full responsibility for everything from navigating the postal system to managing your finances in a new currency.
The pressure is on, and sometimes, when you’re thinking about making the big move, it can seem a lot easier to just keep the status quo.
How to Beat It: Think of responsibility as empowerment. Yes, you’ll have to handle the logistics of daily life, but you’ll gain a massive boost in confidence and independence along the way.
Take things step-by-step. Treat the first few weeks like a scavenger hunt: How do I find groceries? How do I open a bank account? Break it down, and before you know it, you’ll feel capable of managing everything from renting a flat to deciphering your local utility bill.
After a few months, you might even start to feel invincible.
Moving abroad can seem daunting, there’s no doubt about that. But the reality is that these fears are mostly rooted in imagined problems. Once you’re in your new city, each fear is more than likely to fade and be replaced by excitement, resilience, joy, and new friendships.
So take a deep breath, make a plan, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. After all, life’s most lasting memories rarely start with “I stayed in my comfort zone.”
Read more on 9 Great Reasons to Move Abroad
About the Author
This essay is an excerpt from EA Editor David Lepeska’s 2023 book, Desiccated Land.
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