This week, 19 years ago, I landed in Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm as I began what was supposed to be a 2-year international assignment. What I didn’t know was that it was the start of my journey into becoming a citizen of the world.
Having an international experience was a dream of mine, so it did not take much for me to accept the offer to move out of the Brazilian spring into the Swedish autumn. Believe me when I tell you that no one forgets their first Nordic winter, or the first trip to the supermarket where you literally have no idea if you are buying soup or soap. Yes, it is amazing to feel foreign. That sense of anonymity and discovery certainly brings perspective and excitement to life.
A lot has happened since that cold afternoon in Sweden. My work offered me the opportunity to live in 4 different countries until I decided to settle in London where I now call home. There are so many learnings as I transitioned from expat to immigrant, but here are some of the more present for me now:
1. The world is so much bigger than my little bubble – I was raised in this coastal town in the State of Sao Paulo where, even if you didn’t know a lot of people, there was always someone who knows someone you know (hope this is not too confusing). Stepping into the big wide world brings so many people to meet and experiences to share. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming but I became a better person as I expanded my horizons.
2. Lead with curiosity and embrace the culture – it does not matter how much you read about a new country and its culture, nothing beats exploring the environment and experiencing what it has to offer.
3. Home is where the heart is – this is for the most incredible part in all of this journey. In all of the places I lived abroad, I was always seen as a foreigner even if I could speak the language well. When I go back to visit my family in Brazil, I also feel I don’t belong there anymore since the Brazil I left is very different from the one of today. This is when you turn inward, check your values and create a community of like-minded people. They are the family we choose.
If you are offered an international assignment, take it. Every circumstance is different, but in case there is an opportunity out there for you, go explore it. There is a reason why companies do that, it is their way of creating a global team who with their diverse experience could result a much better chance for success. And for you, there is the freedom to try out new things, even become a better version of yourself. Maybe you might also decide to call this new country your new home.
Citizen of the World
