When I first stepped off that plane at Tribhuvan International Airport in 2013, heading to London with nothing but a worn-out backpack and dreams that felt simultaneously too big and too small, I had no idea I was beginning what would become a 13-year journey across continents. I thought I was just going to study abroad for a few years, get my degree, and return home with a shiny certificate and some good stories to tell.
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How wrong I was.
That young student from Nepal – the one who used to study by candlelight during power cuts and dreamed of seeing the world beyond the mountains – couldn't have imagined that education would become not just what I studied, but how I'd live my entire life.
The Unexpected Education of Moving Around
London taught me resilience in ways no textbook ever could. Those first months were brutal – trying to understand British accents while juggling coursework, part-time jobs, and the constant homesickness that hits you like a punch in the gut at 2 AM. I learned that surviving in one of the world's most expensive cities isn't just about having enough money; it's about developing the internal systems that keep you sane when everything feels overwhelming.
Then came Lisbon in 2016. Portugal wasn't part of my original plan – but then again, the best adventures rarely are. Those sun-soaked years taught me that learning a language isn't just about memorising vocabulary lists; it's about rebuilding your entire way of thinking. When I finally started dreaming in Portuguese, I realised I hadn't just learned a new language – I'd discovered a new version of myself.
And now, here I am in Brugge, Belgium, writing this from my apartment overlooking medieval canals that have witnessed centuries of students, dreamers, and wanderers just like me. This city has taught me that sometimes the most profound lessons come not from rushing toward the next big thing, but from slowing down enough to actually absorb where you are.
Why I Share What I've Learned
This blog is a space where I share what moving across countries, learning languages, and starting over again has taught me about learning, growth, and life.
Productivity & Mindset became essential when I realised that motivation alone wouldn't get me through those tough London winters. You need systems that work even when you don't feel like it.
Language Learning stopped being a mysterious, impossible task once I figured out that fluency isn't about perfection – it's about the confidence to make mistakes and grow.
"Bitty Tips" are those small, science-backed study methods like Active Recall and Spaced Repetition that I wish someone had taught me back in Nepal. They're called "bitty" because they're small changes that create massive results.
The Real Lesson: Education Never Stops
Whether you're studying in a classroom in Kathmandu, trying to learn a new skill from your bedroom in Belgium, or somewhere completely different, the truth remains the same: the right system is everything.
I've learned that education isn't something that happens to you in a specific building for a specific number of years. It's something you carry with you – from the mountain valleys of Nepal to the canals of Belgium and everywhere in between.
So whether you're reading this from Nepal, Belgium, or anywhere else in the world, remember this: your education is an adventure that's just beginning. The world is indeed your classroom. The question isn't whether you're ready for it – it's whether you're ready to embrace the beautiful uncertainty of where your next lesson will come from.
That young student from Nepal – the one who used to study by candlelight during power cuts and dreamed of seeing the world beyond the mountains – couldn't have imagined that education would become not just what I studied, but how I'd live my entire life.
The Unexpected Education of Moving Around
London taught me resilience in ways no textbook ever could. Those first months were brutal – trying to understand British accents while juggling coursework, part-time jobs, and the constant homesickness that hits you like a punch in the gut at 2 AM. I learned that surviving in one of the world's most expensive cities isn't just about having enough money; it's about developing the internal systems that keep you sane when everything feels overwhelming.
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| London: Where I built the grit and systems that changed my life. |
Then came Lisbon in 2016. Portugal wasn't part of my original plan – but then again, the best adventures rarely are. Those sun-soaked years taught me that learning a language isn't just about memorising vocabulary lists; it's about rebuilding your entire way of thinking. When I finally started dreaming in Portuguese, I realised I hadn't just learned a new language – I'd discovered a new version of myself.
 |
| Lisbon: Where I realized that learning a new language means finding a new 'you'. |
Denmark in 2022 brought its own lessons (which I wrote about in detail). Those long, quiet winters in one of the world's most organised societies showed me the power of discipline and structure. It's funny how silence can teach you so much about focus. While my friends back home were complaining about distractions, I was learning to find productivity in simplicity and building my "internal engine."
And now, here I am in Brugge, Belgium, writing this from my apartment overlooking medieval canals that have witnessed centuries of students, dreamers, and wanderers just like me. This city has taught me that sometimes the most profound lessons come not from rushing toward the next big thing, but from slowing down enough to actually absorb where you are.
Why I Share What I've Learned
This blog is a space where I share what moving across countries, learning languages, and starting over again has taught me about learning, growth, and life.
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| From Kathmandu to Brugge—sharing the systems that make growth possible. |
Every single move, every language learned, and every sleepless night spent figuring out visa applications has taught me how we actually learn. And more importantly, how we can learn better.
Productivity & Mindset became essential when I realised that motivation alone wouldn't get me through those tough London winters. You need systems that work even when you don't feel like it.
Language Learning stopped being a mysterious, impossible task once I figured out that fluency isn't about perfection – it's about the confidence to make mistakes and grow.
"Bitty Tips" are those small, science-backed study methods like Active Recall and Spaced Repetition that I wish someone had taught me back in Nepal. They're called "bitty" because they're small changes that create massive results.
The Real Lesson: Education Never Stops
Whether you're studying in a classroom in Kathmandu, trying to learn a new skill from your bedroom in Belgium, or somewhere completely different, the truth remains the same: the right system is everything.
I've learned that education isn't something that happens to you in a specific building for a specific number of years. It's something you carry with you – from the mountain valleys of Nepal to the canals of Belgium and everywhere in between.
So whether you're reading this from Nepal, Belgium, or anywhere else in the world, remember this: your education is an adventure that's just beginning. The world is indeed your classroom. The question isn't whether you're ready for it – it's whether you're ready to embrace the beautiful uncertainty of where your next lesson will come from.
Over to You: Let's Connect
I’ve shared my journey from the mountains of Nepal to the canals of Belgium, but every journey is different. I would love to hear your story:
- What is one "unexpected lesson" life has taught you recently?
- Are you currently studying or working in a place that feels far from home?
- What are your feelings or opinions on the "right system" vs. "motivation"?
Please leave a comment below or share your thoughts. I read every single one, and I’d love to know who is walking this path alongside me.
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