People ask me this all the time. If you’re a foreigner that has moved abroad, this is probably a likely question. It’s a fair question, right? Time abroad seems like something temporary for people back home, especially for those that can’t imagine dropping everything and moving somewhere with a different culture and language.

It’s frustrating because if a friend moved from Portland to New York, I wouldn’t ask them how long they’d stay in New York. People move but it doesn’t mean they plan on moving back home after a set period of time.

Lately, when I hear this question from people back home, I feel a bit defiant. I want to show you that it’s not just a phase. I know you’re not testing me, but I want you (and everyone) to know that living abroad is a challenge that I can master. I can live a good life here. I can grow as a person and a professional. I can travel, I can fall in love, I can build a life here.

I don’t know how long I’ll stay here. Next time ask me when I plan on visiting my hometown, because I live in my new home now. Thank you.