The trend of young people moving abroad is on the rise worldwide. Whether they are American, Canadian, German, Italian, French, or from any other country, every year more and more young people are leaving their home countries in search of new adventures, professional skills, or simply a change of pace.
- The desire to move abroad is on the rise around the world; for example, in Germany, more than 41% of 14- to 29-year-olds now view moving abroad as a serious option—a record high.
- Young people move abroad for a variety of reasons: career opportunities, to learn a language, quality of life, or simply a desire for adventure.
- Youth mobility programs (university exchanges, work-and-travel programs, international volunteer work) now make it easier to travel abroad, regardless of one’s country of origin.
- Social isolation remains a common challenge during the first few months, regardless of the young expatriate’s nationality.
- International health insurance is still essential to cover unexpected events, no matter where you settle.
Mobility for young people is easier than it used to be
In an era of globalization, the international scene holds no secrets for many young people, whether they are from North America, Europe, or other continents. Over the years, the Youth Emigration has increased significantly, driven by increasingly accessible programs.
Every year, the Erasmus+ program enables hundreds of thousands of European students to study or complete an internship in another country on the continent, without incurring additional tuition fees. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV), which is open to young people aged 18 to 30 or 35, depending on bilateral agreements between countries, offers the opportunity to travel while working temporarily. A young Canadian can thus travel to Australia or Germany, a young Australian can settle temporarily in Japan, or a young South Korean can try their hand at living in New Zealand: such agreements exist between many countries, in all directions. International volunteering, which takes various forms depending on the country of origin, allows young people to gain their first professional experience abroad while contributing to a humanitarian, cultural, or economic initiative.
What is the purpose of these trips abroad? To gain new professional skills, meet new people, improve a foreign language, get involved in a humanitarian project, or become more independent. Whatever the goal, all these trips are formative experiences that help young travelers develop an open mind and the ability to adapt.
The motivations behind youth expatriation
Every year, the InterNations network publishes its survey Expat Insider, one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on the lives of expatriates. The 2025 edition is based on responses from more than 10,000 expatriates of 172 different nationalities and ranks 46 countries according to several criteria. The most common motivations among young expatriates, regardless of their country of origin, are the search for professional opportunities, a better quality of life, higher salaries, or simply the desire to discover a new country.
This trend is evident in several countries at the same time. In Germany, moving abroad has become a serious option for more than 41% of 14- to 29-year-olds, the highest proportion ever recorded: young Germans already living abroad, particularly in Switzerland, the United States, and Austria, generally report being happier than those who stayed in Germany. In Italy, the year 2024 saw a record number of departures among 18- to 34-year-olds, with a 48% increase compared to the previous year.
The most popular destinations vary by country of origin, but some are common across the board: the United States for its salaries and innovation ecosystem; Australia for its quality of life and generous working-holiday program; Canada for its immigration policies that favor young professionals, and, within Europe itself, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Coping with isolation when moving abroad at a young age
Moving abroad at a young age isn’t always as easy as it seems. Far from family, friends, and familiar surroundings, it’s not uncommon to go through a period of isolation, especially during the first few months abroad, before building a new social circle.
There are several strategies that can help minimize this risk, regardless of the destination: joining groups or communities of young expats in the area, participating in local activities, staying in regular contact with loved ones back home, and giving yourself the time you need to adjust without putting excessive pressure on yourself. This adjustment period, while sometimes difficult, is an integral part of the experience and generally subsides over time.
How to prepare for life abroad when you're young
Traveling at a young age has many advantages, but it also requires being aware of certain pitfalls. Before leaving, there are several things you need to check: the visa or work permit required depending on your destination country, the validity period of your passport, and any recommended or required vaccinations.
Your budget also deserves special attention. Housing, a security deposit, and sometimes a return ticket—the first few weeks abroad often involve higher-than-expected expenses, even before you receive your first local paycheck. Setting aside a financial cushion can help reduce the stress of getting started.
Finally, finding out about the cost of living and the healthcare system in your destination country before you leave can help you avoid many unpleasant surprises. Some countries require a minimum level of health insurance coverage in order to issue a visa, while others leave newcomers completely on their own when it comes to medical expenses.
What the country-by-country data show
The trends observed in Germany and Italy are mirrored, with comparable figures, in many other countries. In France, for example, the Ipsos/Syntec 2025 survey reveals that nearly 15,000 recent graduates from engineering and business schools leave the country each year, with the proportion reaching 19% for Polytechnique graduates, for instance. Among the young French graduates surveyed, 57% are considering moving abroad within the next three years, with 21% seriously considering it.
If you are French, two Mondassur resources take a closer look specifically at these national trends: our article on young people moving abroad after graduation details the motivations specific to young French graduates, and our article on young French people who move abroad to live examines the trends observed specifically in France. No matter where you are in the world, country-specific data remains useful for putting your own project into perspective compared to those of other young people who have gone before you.
Be sure to check your international health insurance!
If you move abroad to work, it is important to know that you will generally no longer be covered by the social security system in your home country, but rather by that of your destination country. Please note that the latter does not always cover all healthcare costs.
Appropriate international health insurance generally covers doctor visits, hospitalization, medications, and repatriation assistance in the event of a serious health issue. For a young professional or student who is likely to move from country to country regularly, a flexible plan with no long-term commitment is often the best option. It is therefore essential to learn more about your expatriate health insurance to deal with any unforeseen circumstances that may arise while you’re there. The Mondassur team is here to help you through this process.
Recent graduates, wherever you are in the world: don’t hesitate, the world is yours!
