How to live in 10 countries by age 30
Embarking on a mission to live in ten different countries by the age of 30 has been an extraordinary journey, driven by a mix of ambition, curiosity, and a deep desire for learning. From studying abroad during exchange semesters to securing work assignments that took me across continents, I’ve explored a variety of paths to immerse myself in diverse cultures and communities. Each country has offered unique experiences—new languages, new cultures, and friendships that transcend borders.
In this blog post, I’ll share how I made this incredible journey possible, detailing the various opportunities and strategies that enabled me to live in ten different countries. Join me as I recount my personal odyssey and offer insights and tips for anyone aspiring to make the world their home.
Country Of Birth
1. Germany
Everyone of us will live in at least one country in their life. That is often the country of birth where we are born in.
In my case this was Germany. It’s where I was born and raised for the first 19 years.
School
2. Wales
At the time I went to school, it was somewhat common for students to go on an exchange year during grade 11 (out of 13 in Germany). A cousin and friend of mine had done it so that I got interested in the idea.
There are several different ways of how to go abroad during your (high) school time already.
One example are scholarships sponsored by different organizations or political parties. One such example is the “Parliamentary Partnership Program” (Parlamentarisches Patenschafts-Programm) that provides a scholarship for German or US students to live in the US or in Germany for one year. I wasn’t accepted into this program and therefore looked for other options.
A friend of mine shared his experience of going to a boarding school in Wales which he had enjoyed very much. Thankfully, my parents supported my wish to go abroad and I was able to spend one term at a boarding school in Wales.
University
3. Netherlands
When students consider their options for college or university after high school they often think of universities within their country only. However, it is absolutely possible to study abroad for the whole program.
In Germany, I didn’t live too far from the Dutch border and a university that drew in quite a few Germans from around the border. After visiting their Open Day I was sold and didn’t even look into German universities. Thankfully, my application was accepted by the Dutch university so that I didn’t have to consider any German choices.
Exchange Semester
Exchange Semesters are a great way to go abroad and get international exposure. Student visas are often easy to acquire as they are temporary. Universities that might have very high tuition fees can become available through partnership programs where the exchange student doesn’t have to pay fees other than for the home university.
4. Australia
My bachelor study program in the Netherlands included an exchange semester. The location was chosen based on ranking of grades and preferences. My first three preferences were universities in Australia, for the other three I had chosen Canada. Based on the ranking I got my third choice and spent a semester in Adelaide, Australia.
5. France
For my Master’s I went to study in Germany. I made sure to chose a program that would include an exchange semester abroad though. This one took me to a university in France, not far from Paris.
Internships
Just like exchange semesters, internships are another great way to get international experience. Due to the limited time of the internship, it should be similarly easy to get a visa for them – even though not all countries are familiar with the idea of a 6 months internship as it is very popular in Germany and you sometimes have to search for the right category with the company.
Sometimes, it is not possible to intern with a company abroad right away. If that’s the case, do an internship in your home country first and then try to get the internship abroad through internal networking programs and networking yourself.
6. USA – New York
After having done an internship with one of the big four in Germany, I was part of their ‘keep in touch’ list. When they informed us that they were looking for interns for their practive in NYC, I, of course, applied and couldn’t believe my eyes when I was accepted for the 6 months Internship in NYC.
7. Brazil
With time left after the internship in New York until the new university year would start, I thought about how to use the time. After having lived in 3 English speaking countries I became curious to spend time in a different language and culture.
Through AIESEC I found an internship opportunity at an NGO in the middle of Brazil where I worked for six months.
Work
Once you start working there are still many ways to go abroad. From a short term or long term business trip to longer training assignments, expat assignments of 2-3 years or transferring within your company to a subsidiary abroad. Sometimes the opportunities approach you, sometimes you have to create the opportunities yourself.
8. Hungary (and USA again)
I started working in a multinational corporation through a trainee program. The program consisted of completing 3-4 different projects during the first year. One of them had to be outside of Germany. My first assignment took me to our subsidiary in Hungary for 3 months. Lucky for me, my senior manager also wanted me to go to our subsidiary in Portland, Oregon in the US so that I got a second assignment abroad. Both assignments lasted 3 months.
9. Japan
When my husband and I met, he was working in Japan and I was working in Germany. In trying to bring our relationship to the same location, we looked into both the options of him coming to Germany or me going to Japan. In the end, it worked out faster for me to find a job in Japan and I have been there for the last 8 years. Self-expatriated.
Family
10. Senegal
My husband is originally from Senegal. Most of his family still lives there. We took advantage of childcare leave to spend two months with his family in Senegal.