Why Moving Abroad in Your 20s Will Change Your Life (And Why You Should Do It Too)

Moving abroad in your 20s might sound risky or even cliché. Everyone seems to be doing it, right? But the fears are real: What about your career? What if you miss out on birthdays, milestones, or drifting friendships back home?

I had those same thoughts when, at 21, I left the UK to study abroad in Canada as part of my undergraduate degree, something I had been dreaming about for years. I expected it to be a short, exciting chapter. But four years later, I’m still here, building a life, chasing new experiences, and growing in ways I never imagined.

In this post, I’ll share how moving abroad in your 20s can completely change your life mentally, emotionally, and even professionally and why I believe it’s one of the best decisions you can make.

Why I Decided to Move Abroad in My 20s

So, why did I first move abroad?

In 2021, I had the chance to study abroad in Canada at the University of British Columbia as part of my undergraduate degree. Despite a few delays and uncertainties caused by the pandemic, I was lucky enough to go and that’s where my journey of living abroad in my 20s truly began.

At first, I thought it would just be a fun, short-term adventure, maybe a few hikes, new friends, and lots of maple syrup. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. 

Life in Canada stopped feeling like a temporary adventure and started to feel like a fresh beginning. I wasn’t just ticking off bucket-list moments or soaking up the scenery, I was changing, growing, and starting to see what my life could look like on my own terms.

You might ask, “Why not just stay in the UK and move cities?” And honestly, you could. But there’s something uniquely exhilarating about living abroad. Being in a completely different time zone, surrounded by new people and unfamiliar routines, forces you to grow.

“It’s like living two lives at once: the one your friends and family back home remember you for, and the one you’re creating from scratch in a whole new country.”

Don’t get me wrong, leaving behind my friends, family, and everything familiar in the UK wasn’t easy. But I knew there was something more out there.

I was exploring incredible places, building relationships and honestly… living out my “main character” era. I wasn’t just coasting through life, I was actively building it.

Curious what it’s actually like to settle into life abroad? Check out my post on what living in Canada is really like.

How Moving Abroad Changed My Life

Moving to a new country, especially when I had only traveled to a few places as a child, was intimidating and overwhelming. Overnight, I was responsible for everything from managing day-to-day tasks to re-building a social life from scratch.

This experience boosted my confidence and reshaped my priorities. Moving abroad didn’t just change my location, it transformed my mindset and shaped my future. 

 I learned how to adapt quickly, handle uncertainty, and appreciate the growth that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone. It taught me that life doesn’t have to follow a set path—and sometimes the biggest personal changes happen when you take a risk on yourself.

The Unexpected Benefits of Moving Abroad in Your 20s

So, is it worth moving abroad in your 20s? Absolutely — and here’s why.

Beyond the stunning landscapes, weekend getaways, and Instagram-worthy moments, spending time in a new country during your twenties brings life-changing lessons you just can’t get at home.

Confidence & True Independence

When you move abroad in your twenties, you quickly learn how to handle real-life stuff on your own. Things like finding a place to live, updating your CV for local jobs, getting a driver’s license, or figuring out how  taxes work in a new country. It’s not always fun, but they’re huge confidence-builders. 

 A Global Network of Friends

One of the best things about moving abroad as a young adult is the people you meet. During my exchange programme, I was lucky to connect with friends from all over the world, many of whom I’m still in touch with today. That shared sense of discovery and unfamiliarity creates deep connections that feel more like chosen family than just friends.

 Emotional Resilience

But let’s be honest,  it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. I’ve experienced loneliness, career uncertainty, and seen friends come and go more often than I expected. But it’s these moments where you learn how to sit with discomfort, solve problems independently, and bounce back stronger than before.

A New Perspective on Life

For me, one of the most empowering outcomes of relocating in your twenties was gaining a completely new perspective. You start to reflect on what truly matters,  your goals, your relationships, and how you want to spend your time.

Living abroad allowed me to think differently about my life back home and the future I wanted to create. 

Should You Move Abroad in Your 20s?

Reading all this might have you thinking, “Okay, but could I really do this?”

Here’s how to know if moving abroad might be right for you:

•  You crave adventure and personal growth
• You’re feeling stuck or uninspired in your current routine
• You want to build independence and confidence
• You’re excited (even if a little scared) to try something new
• You want to live a life that’s yours — not just one that’s expected

If you found yourself nodding “yes” to any of these, it might be time. There’s no “perfect” moment,  just the one where you decide to take the leap.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to move abroad is a big step, one that comes with uncertainty, excitement, and plenty of questions. After everything I’ve shared here, you might still be wondering if it’s the right choice for you.

Sure, I’m still figuring out friendships, careers, and future plans (aren’t we all?). But when I look back at where I started and where I am now, I know that moving abroad was the first decision I truly made for myself and I’ve never looked back.

If you’re even slightly thinking about it, my advice is simple: go for it. Your 20s are for adventure, growth, and discovering who you really are.

Want more tips and stories about living abroad, career growth, and travel?

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