Suzanne Omossa from Sweden describes her experiences working abroad, and how it changed her outlook on life

Some years ago, my boyfriend and I decided to go to Luxembourg for one year to get some international work experience. Luxembourg was a quaint little place, almost like a mini kingdom in itself, nestled in between Germany, France and Belgium. Everything was very orderly, clean and well organised, it hardly seemed to have any social problems whatsoever. Most things revolved around the fact that the town got its business through its European Union institutions and the many investment banks that had settled there. It had an air of being very international, but at the same time rural and homely - a unique combination to achieve.

We managed to rent an apartment right in the centre of Luxembourg, opposite the French embassy and very close to the central square. Right under us, there was a wonderful, classic French style café. Each morning the most delicious scents of coffee managed to find their way into our apartment, and I found it very difficult to resist going in there for a strong café and croissant practically every morning before work. It set me up for the day ahead and I believe the café must have found it very good business to have me as a neighbour!

It took 3 months of endeavours and with the help of my partner's family to finally get a job. But the job I got was right down my alley using my Swedish, English and French, all of which I speak fluently. I found myself working for a printing company that produced the Official Journal for the European Communities, working alongside people of 11 other nationalities, including Swedish. It was one of the most rewarding and fun jobs I have ever had working as a proof-reader with a slightly mad French boss and distinctly different nationalities all trying to work together to meet our daily deadlines.

After this experience in Luxembourg, as small as the country was and unknown to bigger nations (such as United States and China) I felt that I was a changed person. I would never quite see my home country the same way again. This is what living abroad does to you whether you realise it or not! 

Suzanne Omossa is now living and working in London, England