A reflective journey on living abroad, exploring identity, belonging, and personal transformation. Between visas, accents, and nostalgia, the experience reveals how immigration can reshape one’s sense of self and purpose.
By Juliana Machado
Living abroad challenges and reshapes identity and sense of belonging
After nine years living in New York, the author finds herself “landing” in Los Angeles, invited to reflect on the experience of studying and living abroad.
Her journey began years earlier, with a teenage trip from Brazil to England, Netherlands, and Portugal—a time marked by discovery, music, and a first taste of freedom.
First Encounters With the World
Among the strongest memories were rock concerts featuring The Who and Eric Clapton, alongside an indescribable sense of possibility.
Years later, her first trip to the U.S., in 1999, felt surreal:
“It was like merging into a movie screen. Everything was different—the houses, the colors, the people… even the taste of the water.”
Language, Identity, and Transformation
During her early studies in the U.S., she encountered a powerful idea:
Speaking another language activates a different part of the brain.
This shift goes beyond communication—it reshapes identity and perception. Language connects deeply to:
- Roots and upbringing
- Cultural belonging
- Family and social structures
Living abroad, therefore, becomes not just a physical transition, but an internal transformation.
Between Visas, Accents, and Nostalgia
The immigration journey is not without struggle.
The author describes moments of frustration, uncertainty, and longing, asking questions familiar to many immigrants:
- How do I belong?
- What should I say to be accepted?
- How do I show that behind my accent, there is intelligence and depth?
True belonging comes from inner awareness, not external validation
These reflections reveal the emotional weight of navigating identity in a foreign land.
A Shift Toward Presence and Self-Discovery
Over time, a new perspective emerges.
Instead of seeking validation externally, the experience becomes an opportunity to:
- Let go of old patterns
- Reconnect with inner identity
- Live in the present moment
A realization takes shape: identity is not confined to nationality—it is rooted in presence and awareness.
Beyond Labels: Redefining Belonging
The question shifts from “Am I American or Brazilian?” to something deeper:
“Who am I, regardless of where I am?”
Living abroad becomes a path toward self-discovery and purpose, allowing space to move beyond labels and cultural expectations.
A Broader Purpose in a Global World
The experience ultimately invites a more conscious way of living.
By peeling away layers of social conditioning and expectation, one can:
- Discover a deeper sense of purpose
- Contribute meaningfully to the world
- Embrace a broader, more connected identity
In a time of global challenges, this awareness becomes not just personal—but collective and transformative.
* Juliana Machado is the founder and director of Icon Workshops and Events. She is Brazilian and lives in Los Angeles.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What challenges do Brazilians face living in the U.S.?
Common challenges include language barriers, cultural differences, visa issues, and feelings of nostalgia.
2. How does learning a new language affect identity?
It can reshape perception and activate different ways of thinking, influencing how individuals see themselves and the world.
3. What is culture shock?
It’s the emotional and psychological impact of adapting to a new cultural environment.
4. How can immigrants deal with feelings of not belonging?
By focusing on self-awareness, presence, and personal growth, rather than external validation.
5. What are the benefits of living abroad?
It offers opportunities for personal transformation, cultural expansion, and discovering life purpose.
