Dating abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is dating abroad like?

Dating abroad means making romantic or social connections with people while living in a different culture and environment.
It can be a lot of fun, but also tough at the same time.
Especially during a long trip, dating abroad can be a way to find a partner, but also to simply make nice, deep connections.
Dating is sometimes easier than making friends, and sometimes dates lead to great friendships.
Also, dating abroad is not only about romance, but also about getting to know yourself in relation to others.
It is a way to practice dealing with differences in values and communication.
The entire process can bring many benefits, but it also regularly comes with significant challenges. Connecting, letting go and sometimes starting over are not uncommon.

Cultural differences play a major role (flirting, communication, expectations, public affection).
Relationships can become intense more quickly due to the temporary context.
You are often outside your comfort zone, with a small or no social network.
Language can be a barrier (or a connecting factor).
Expectations may differ (casual vs serious).

that dating norms vary greatly from country to country: direct vs. be subtle, for example the Dutch and Japanese who have completely different ways of communicating.
that some cultures are more focused on relationships, others on casual contact.
that you are more open to new people because you are also “new” yourself, but therefore you can also jump into something more quickly.
that saying goodbye is more often part of the process.
that it can be difficult to make plans for the future.

To get to know yourself better in relation to others: you discover what you find important and where your boundaries lie.
To strengthen your communication skills: you learn to deal with language differences and cultural nuances.
To increase your empathy: you learn to understand other perspectives, norms and values.
To increase your self-confidence: you approach people and make new connections.
To broaden your worldview: relationships provide a unique insight into a culture from within.

Authenticity: being able to stay close to yourself, even in a new and sometimes confusing context.
Making judgments: making conscious choices about what suits you and what does not.
Empathy: trying to really understand the other person and cultural differences is extremely important.
Self-confidence: opening yourself up and meeting new people is not easy and takes quite a bit of courage!
Flexibility: during a relationship abroad, almost nothing goes as you are used to. Dealing with unexpected situations, differences and changing expectations is an art in itself.

Open and international dating culture: Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Canada.
- Often more direct, more equal and more accessible.
Passionate and social cultures: Spain, Italy, Brazil, Mexico.
- More expression, social contact and spontaneous encounters.
More traditional dating cultures: Japan, South Korea, India, Morocco.
- More emphasis on roles, expectations and sometimes family.
Backpacking and travel destinations: Thailand, Indonesia, Portugal, Colombia
- Many international travelers and temporary connections.

that expectations don't match (e.g. casual vs serious), which can lead to disappointment, confusion and heartbreak.
that miscommunication arises from language barriers or cultural differences in flirting, boundaries and intentions.
that you make yourself vulnerable in an unknown environment, which creates a risk of emotional or physical insecurity.
that you experience intense connections more quickly that also end quickly, which can have an emotional impact.
that your boundaries fade because you are in a “travel bubble” and are less critical than at home.
that you will be confronted with fraud, abuse or dishonest intentions (for example financial or visa-related).
that differences in norms surrounding relationships, gender roles or sexuality lead to difficult situations.
that sexual health entails risks (STDs, limited access to care or protection).
that you become dependent on someone in a strange environment, which can affect your autonomy.
that in case of problems (conflict, safety) help and support can be harder to find.
During activities and trips abroad, the coverage of your own health insurance in the Netherlands may be insufficient, or even lapse. See the pages on insuring activities abroad.

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