Adapting Everywhere: What Living in 4 Countries Taught Me About Myself

To start at the very beginning, I didn't just grow up in one place. From an early age, I was immersed in the culture of movement. My parents, tired of the Parisian routine, made a bold decision that would shape my entire life: we moved to Santiago, Chile.

That’s where it all began my lifelong journey through cultures, languages, and ways of being.

Since then, I haven’t just traveled I’ve lived in different cultures. After spending my childhood in South America, I returned to France for high school. Later, I moved to Germany for my first internship, and today I study in the U.S. at the University of San Diego. Each country, each experience, has left a mark not just on my passport, but on who I am.

Honestly, I could probably write a whole book about what I’ve learned from living across continents. But if I had to summarize it in one word, it would be: adaptability.If I could recommend just one book, it would be The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Being exposed to different ways of thinking and behaving pushes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you how to adjust not just superficially, but deeply. It’s one thing to read about other cultures. It’s something else entirely to live inside them.

When you live in different cultures, you learn not to judge what’s different you learn to understand, to be curious, to ask questions, and to find value in every approach. From South America, I learned the power of emotional intelligence how to be open, expressive, and in tune with people’s feelings. From Germany and the United States, I learned structure, discipline, and the value of purpose-driven work. Blending empathy and efficiency gives you a powerful advantage in both life and relationships.

Of course, it’s not always easy. There’s culture shock, moments of loneliness, language barriers, and inevitable misunderstandings. But those are the very challenges that lead to growth deep, transformative growth. Living abroad has made me more independent, more curious, and more open to the unknown.