When I was 12 years old, I’ve traveled for the first time by myself, without my parents or my sister. I went off to a missionary program 1250km away from home. Yes, there were people to take care of us, and I was not the only kid participating. But that was the very first time I had to learn on my own how to be resourceful and independent.

At 17, I attempt my first solo-trip outside my country. This time the destination is Grand Rapids, Michigan in the United States of America. I spent a year living as an American. And right after graduating from university, at 22, I decided to go to Australia. On the first trip, outside of my country that I had to completely take care of myself. No “real” adults to watch over me.

That was the first time I left Brazil, considering another country as a possible future home. I lived in two cities for almost a year. I did not stay in Australia, but it did contribute to the beginning of an almost impossible quest it would last a long time: where/what is the ideal country and city to live in?

Today, after living in Portugal for the past two and a half years, I cannot yet say the search is over, but I can predict an inconclusive verdict it is on its way. 

What is a global citizen/citizen of the world?

According to Wikipedia, global citizenship is “the idea that one’s identity transcends geography or political borders and that responsibilities or rights are derived from membership in a broader class: “humanity”. This does not mean that such a person denounces or waives their nationality or other, more local identities, but that such identities are given “second place” to their membership in a global community. Extended, the idea leads to questions about the state of global society in the age of globalization.”

The same idea that global citizens are not attached to their original roots and that their individualization is benefited by globalization can be seen in this article written by Irene Skovgaard-Smith republished at BBC WorkLife. Here, she mentions how this concept can be so negatively perceived by people and governance, at times.

This author also conducted a study with professionals from different backgrounds working in the Netherlands and what she concluded is that is not so much that people who leave their countries are rootless like some suggest, but rather that “they construct and share a cosmopolitan identity and sense of belonging. This means that they feel less attached to their nation of origin and cultural background.”

Although I do not feel less attached to my home country and to my culture, which ironically comes out strongly when I’m surrounded by people from other nationalities, I can get behind this idea of identity transcending geographic borders. 

That’s not to say I believe in a borderless planet and an “international passport”. I think it is important to have different cultures, different stories, and views of the world. At the same time, my personal identity has expanded so much because of traveling.

I think this is one of the reasons I like to write in English because I feel the most inclusive this way. Because there are parts of me in all these places I lived in and they live in me. It is also why it has been hard for me to decide on a city to settle. I can see beauty and dark in all of them.

Does that make me a citizen of the world? Well, I have become much more open, understanding, empathetic, and connected to people from all around the globe and their issues. Much more curious about the way they live and what I could learn (and I have learned a lot). There are moments I think I have lost some of my “brazility”. At the same time, I think this way of life is not sustainable long-term, especially for the ones, who like me, have been hopping from place to place every two or three years. And then again, I still feel I have some more searching to do… 

Not easy.

As my quest, this piece is also ambiguous and has not point other than re/starting a discussion about globalization and living abroad.

What are your thoughts on the topic? Let me know!

Your friend,

Ana.