Yes. Mostly in different parts of Europe and Asia. Incredibly valuable. For me, I think of myself as fairly open to people and cultures, but after stays in man

Yes. Mostly in different parts of Europe and Asia. Incredibly valuable. For me, I think of myself as fairly open to people and cultures, but after stays in many countries I realized how closed my previous attitude really was. Meeting and living in many places seems to have helped me be much more open to differences in people, personalities and cultures. If you stay longer than a long vacation, a very common experience (especially in countries with very large language/cultural differences), is a weird phenomenon where you start to hate where you are and every tiny difference or minor inconvenience becomes meltdown inducing. And then you'll get over it and settle into your new life. This psychological wall is a make-it/break-it moment for many expats and some people simply can't get through it and give in. Don't! It's very character building and upon reflection a huge growth opportunity that most people don't get a chance to develop. Finally, I think it's given me a much better sense of perspective about how and where my home country compares to others in various ways - favorably and unfavorably. It's impossible to convey this to people who haven't experienced living elsewhere themselves, so it can a bit frustrating to come back home and hear the same ill informed opinions. Likewise, it can be frustrating to hear about your home country being described by ill informed people in the countries you are in.