Expat vs. Immigrant: Why the Labels Matter (or Don’t) for Your Life Abroad

Explore the nuanced distinctions between the terms "expat" and "immigrant," challenging conventional labels and the social biases attached to them. Readers are encouraged to focus less on definitions and more on creating a meaningful life abroad that aligns with their values and aspirations.

Maayan & Gal Founders of Smoozitive

Monday, October 28, 2024

Smoozitive Magazine/Family & Wellness/Expat vs. Immigrant: Why the Labels Matter (or Don’t) for Your Life Abroad

If you’re living abroad, you’ve probably heard it all: expat, immigrant, foreigner. Maybe you even wondered, “Which one am I?” The labels can seem so permanent, but here’s the real question—do they even matter?

Words like "expat" and "immigrant" carry a lot of social baggage, but does the distinction really change your experience? Or is it more about the life you’re building in this new place? Let’s dig in, redefine these terms on our own terms, and celebrate this wild, wonderful life abroad.

Expat vs. Immigrant: A Quick Breakdown​

Alright, first things first: what’s the technical difference between expats and immigrants? We turned to ChatGPT for this:​

  • Expat: Typically, an expat (or expatriate) is someone who’s living in another country temporarily. Maybe they’re there for work or study, with plans to return “home” one day.
  • Immigrant: An immigrant, on the other hand, usually moves to a new country with a bit more permanence in mind. They’re seeking a new life, a fresh start, or simply a better place to put down roots.

In theory, the big difference is time—temporary versus permanent. But the truth? Life isn’t always that straightforward, and plans change. An expat year can turn into a lifetime, and “permanent” can be a fluid term. So why do these words still hold so much weight?

More Than Words: The Social Connotations​

It’s fascinating how society treats these two words so differently. “Expat” might conjure up images of diplomats, high-paid executives, or digital nomads sipping lattes in trendy cafes. “Immigrant” often gets a rougher reputation—people who’ve moved to find safety, stability, or opportunity, sometimes facing social challenges along the way.

And that’s where labels get tricky. Are we really defined by the circumstances that brought us to a new place? Or is it just a reflection of societal biases? People’s paths and reasons for moving are deeply personal, and it feels a little too simple to categorize them by two words.

Take it from someone with roots in multiple places—we’ve been called expats, immigrants, even “nomads.” But it’s not really the label that matters. What matters is finding a place where you can thrive, connect, and feel like yourself.

Defining “Home” on Your Own Terms

If “home” is where the heart is, what happens when your heart is stretched across multiple places? For many of us, our “home” is less about where we were born or even where we live and more about where we feel we can fully be ourselves. So, do these labels even apply?

For some, “home” is where they’re raising their kids, building careers, or finally finding freedom to live authentically. For others, it’s where they can breathe a little easier, where they’re excited about their life. And maybe that’s all the “definition” we need.

Letting Go of Labels to Define Your Journey

So, when someone asks, “Are you an expat or an immigrant?” how do you answer? Maybe it’s time to forget the words and define yourself based on how this new life makes you feel. Life abroad has this funny way of showing us what we’re made of—homesickness, culture shock, and all. But those of us here, figuring it out day by day, we’re a different kind of brave.

​You get to choose what this life abroad means to you.
Are you a lifelong learner?
A global citizen?
A seeker of new horizons?
Whatever resonates with you, make it your own. That’s the beauty of life in a new place—it’s a blank slate for you to create and recreate.

A Life Abroad: Moving Beyond the Labels

When it’s all said and done, the labels don’t really matter. Whether you’re an “expat,” “immigrant,” or something else entirely, living abroad is about embracing change, finding connection, and building a life that feels right. These terms might be useful for a quick conversation, but they’ll never fully capture the depth of what it means to start fresh somewhere new.

So go ahead—call yourself a nomad, a “citizen of the world,” or give no label at all. Just know that you’re part of a global movement of people who were bold enough to make a life worth living somewhere outside the familiar. That’s worth celebrating, no matter what word society chooses to use.

Make It Your Own

The most important part of this journey isn’t the label—it’s how you feel about the life you’re creating. Whether you’re redefining “home,” navigating cultural differences, or just soaking in the newness of it all, every challenge is part of the adventure.

Living abroad is less about the place and more about shaping a life that feels true to you.

Each person’s path is unique, filled with joys, challenges, and invaluable lessons. Embrace your story, celebrate your choices, and remember: what you call yourself matters far less than how you live your life.

Founders of Smoozitive​
Maayan & Gal

Among other things they are dreamers, doers, sisters and of course living abroad. ​They strongly believe that moving and living abroad can and should be the experience we dream of rather than the one we fear. They dedicated their business (and their time and energy) to make sure that happens for as many people as possible. Smoozitive is where you start creating a life you actually enjoy living, no matter where you are.

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