There are so many reasons people choose to live abroad. The most common reasons we move to another country are:

• Better quality of life
• Education
• Money savings
• Weather is better
• Work/employment

Some of the uncommon reasons people live abroad include:

• It makes you a better person. You learn to understand diverse cultures and this leads to greater respect and compassion for others.
• Living abroad increases your confidence. You may struggle with language and foods at first, but you’ll become increasingly sure of yourself.
• New friends – even romance – will enhance your life. If you’ve struggled with social relationships, you’ll find your home country’s expats are extremely welcoming. (“We’re in this together!”) Shy people have a better chance of developing romantic relationships, too. You’re “special” just because you come from another country!
• Your resume will be more interesting. People stuck in dead-end jobs find living and working abroad gives them a competitive edge in the job market.

It’s a wonderful lifestyle! Still, there will be times you feel guilty about living abroad. Your loved ones at home may not be able to live as well as you. There’s one sure way to battle the living-abroad blues.

When her 17-year-old son wanted to “experience America” and wander off alone during a family visit from another country, this mother was nervous. Could he navigate airport security by himself? Families always seemed to have fewer problems than men traveling alone.

She said yes. They stayed in almost constant communication, but then the phone calls ceased. She was afraid for her son. Was he in trouble? Was he lost somewhere? Then she wondered if he’d run out of minutes on his cellular.

She used her etopuponline mobile app, sent Digicel top up minutes to his phone number and immediately called him.

His first words were, “You’ve got to quit calling me. You’re using up all my minutes!”

The world is getting smaller. Using prepaid phones and mobile service is the most convenient way to travel. But it is also the most convenient way to give mobile minutes to the people that matter most:

• Children
• Distant relatives
• Employees in other countries
• Friends
• Grandparents
• Parents