“Wow, isn’t that just amazing? I bet you’re so excited!” — it’s what everyone says when they hear about my post-graduation plans. Friends, family, even strangers. And honestly, who am I to deny it?
When I got the email confirming I'd been offered this new position in France, I was overjoyed! Not only did it bring me the security of knowing I had something lined up after university, but the thought of returning to France sparked a real sense of excitement. I’d spent my year abroad as an English language assistant, and now, going back as a lectrice d’anglais (English language teaching assistant) in a new city feels like the perfect way to relive that experience — this time, with more confidence and a little more life experience under my belt.
Of course, it’s no secret that moving abroad is far from easy. The world feels like it’s opening up, yet the paperwork, the admin, and the sheer logistics can make it feel like it’s closing in. I learned this the hard way during my year abroad: securing a visa, finding somewhere to live remotely, trying to decipher foreign documents — none of it came naturally. I remember arriving in France with a mix of trepidation and anticipation. When my parents said goodbye outside my apartment, I was devastated. Technically, I wasn’t that far from home, but the emotional distance felt enormous.
Those first weeks were tough. But slowly, things settled. I found a rhythm. I stopped “actively missing” people back home — not because I didn’t love or think about them, but because that ache softened into a manageable, everyday kind of homesickness. I realised that living abroad — especially alone — means always carrying a bit of discomfort. But it’s not always a bad thing. Over time, I learned to carry it lightly.
So, why go back? Why willingly step into that uncertainty again? Because discomfort isn’t the enemy — it’s often where the best growth happens. And this time, I’m better prepared. I know what to expect. I know the setbacks, the awkward moments, the hidden joys. I know how triumphant it can feel to solve even the smallest problem on your own in a second language.
The key, I’ve learned, is to be realistic — to embrace the full spectrum of emotions that come with starting over somewhere new. I’ve done it before. I know I’m more adaptable, more observant, and a little braver when I’m away from home.
And when it gets hard, I’ll remind myself: I’m only a short journey away from home.