Part 17 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Your Identity as an Immigrant

Darien Wilson
Apr 23
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Adjusting to Immigrant Status Abroad

If you’re an American thinking about moving abroad, have you really considered what it means to be an immigrant?

I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 17 of my 31-part series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.

Just after receiving renewal of our residence permits in the Netherlands.

Today’s topic?

Your identity as an immigrant.

There’s been a lot of discussion around the words “expat” and “immigrant.” Some people use them interchangeably, but let’s be real: if you’re moving abroad with the intention of building a life there, you’re an immigrant. And that identity comes with real challenges—ones many Americans don’t consider until they’re in the thick of it.

Welcome to Immigrant Life

What comes to mind when you think about how immigrants are treated?

You may have immigrant friends in the U.S.—I know I do. But have you ever asked them about their experience navigating visas, bureaucracy, and cultural barriers? Because dealing with these hurdles will now become part of your daily life.

Things to think about:

Are you prepared for a visa renewal process that could determine whether you get to stay in the country where you’ve built a life?
Have you considered that some people may not like you just because of where you’re from?
Do you understand the political climate for immigrants in your new country? Consider that the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. is part of a global phenomenon.

If I had a euro for every anonymous person online who’s told me to “go back to my country” for saying something innocuous as "I miss wearing leggings as pants"—I’d be able to afford several new Athleta sets.

And for the record—I do miss being able to wear leggings as pants. Especially since we bike everywhere in the Netherlands.

Will You Be the Only Immigrant in the Room?

If you’re moving abroad for work, think about your future work environment:

Will you be surrounded by other immigrants?
Or will you be one of the only ones?
How prepared are you to truly integrate into your new country? What will that look like?

What You Gain—and What You Lose

Here’s the honest truth:

You will gain a broader worldview, deeper empathy, and a richer life.
But you will also lose competencies, confidence, and the ease of daily life you may have taken for granted.

It’s one thing to feel out of place when you’re 22 and backpacking through Europe.

It’s another thing entirely when you’re mid-career, established, and suddenly struggling to fill out basic paperwork, read street signs, or talk to your neighbors.

Going from mid-career professional to immigrant is a real identity shift. Are you ready for your sense of self to shift?

Why Immigrants Stick Together

This is why immigrants find each other. There’s something grounding about meeting someone else who also hums Schoolhouse Rock songs under their breath or understands what it's like to miss mac & cheese and Thin Mints.

That said, connecting with locals is an essential part of your integration.

Here are a few ways to form fast friendships with locals in your new zip code:

Language classes. You’ll meet others who are learning and locals who welcome immigrants.
Community events, sports clubs, and networking groups are a great way to connect about commonalities that transcend culture. Whether you're a runner, a photographer, or a singer, connecting with others passionate about your interest is a great way to meet new people no matter where you are on the globe.

We’ve already talked about making friends and building community—but this is where those connections become vital to your identity as an immigrant.

Final Thought

Resilience is key.

If you want to thrive abroad—especially as a mid-career professional or someone raising a family—you’ll need to adapt. You’ll need to bend so you don’t break.

Being an immigrant is hard.

But it’s also worth it. And what is life, without a little adventure? Emigrating in midlife will really make you grow.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.