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Expat Lifestyle
The expat lifestyle does have some advantages. One gets to live in a foreign land but, gradually, becomes as much a native as those who were born in the new nation. Oftentimes, an expat will find themselves soon becoming part of a network of other expats who have chosen to call the new nation their home. This takes time to develop and much of the lifestyle has to do with creating a network of local and foreign contacts which can help one successfully navigate their new home. Over time, one will become not only a native, but something of a new person for having the experience.
An expat will generally experience a language barrier, even if the nation to which they've moved officially speaks the same language as their country of origin. Consider if one moves to Jamaica from England, for instance. While the nation speaks English, it is a much different English than that taught in British schools. Having a network of expats from one's home nation can make it much more relaxing to adjust as there will be people with whom one can speak in their true native tongue and who understand one's cultural preferences.
An expat must also create this network for personal safety. Those who have been living in the nation for a while will know the ins and outs of survival in the nation and will be able to offer needed advice about which areas are safe to visit and which are best avoided by anyone save for locals. This is best learned from the experience of others rather than through trial and error which can have potentially disastrous consequences for anyone living in a foreign land. Remember to rely on one's network when lost or confused rather than to assume one can 'handle it' if something bad is about to happen.
The expat network, most importantly, will provide an occasional taste of home. Consider what one leaves behind: national holidays, the humor that characterizes one's culture, national 'in-jokes', and a knowledge of local politics. All of these things are very much a part of one's quality of life and, even though one will be living somewhere very distant from their country of birth, they can still enjoy those things that defined their life at home. One need not feel like a stranger in a foreign land and one can easily create a lifestyle which offers comfort and familiarity.