Behind the Insta Story: What You Don’t See When Building a Life Abroad

We’ve all seen the picture-perfect moments on Instagram: the golden-hour city skyline, the weekend getaways, the smiling faces at rooftop bars. But here’s the truth: building a life abroad is so much more than what fits into a curated post.

The real story

When I first moved abroad, my feed looked like a dream. In reality, my days were a mix of excitement, confusion, and a lot of “Wait… how do they do things here?” moments. The first trip to the grocery store took twice as long because I didn’t recognise half the labels. My phone’s translation app became my lifeline. I got lost more often than I care to admit, and sometimes, I cried about it on the way home.

That’s the side of the story we don’t often talk about. The missed trains, the nights spent scrolling for cheap flights home, the awkward silences at networking events when you’re still figuring out the local small talk.

Embrace the challenges

But here’s the other side: those same challenges shaped me. They made me more resourceful, more resilient, and more open to new experiences than I ever thought possible. I found friends who became like family. I learned to celebrate small victories, like navigating public transport without checking Google Maps once. And I realised that home can be more than one place.

That’s why I started Borderless Diaries - the Podcast—to have the conversations you won’t find in a glossy travel magazine. Every guest shares the real, unfiltered version of their journey: the doubts, the culture shocks, the proud moments, and the lessons learned along the way. Because that’s where the real magic of an international life happens, in the stories that go beyond the Insta-perfect frame.

If you’re building your own life abroad, know this: the messy parts are just as important as the milestones. They’re proof you’re growing, adapting, and living fully in a whole new world. Not everyone is made for that, but you’re doing it!

I’d love to hear your behind-the-scenes moments. When did you put up a brave face while you were actually feeling messy? Drop them in the comments and we might talk about it on Borderless Diaries - the Podcast.