What makes a free mover different?
Skills and experiences that set you apart
Nicolò Branchi – CMO at wearefreemovers | January 29, 2025
You’ve made a choice that puts you on another level: studying abroad as a free mover. You didn’t just step out of your comfort zone—you left it far behind, diving into a world of opportunities that most students wouldn’t even dare to dream of. For that alone, you’ve got my respect!
And you know what? It’s not just about snapping cool photos to share (although, let’s be honest, those don’t hurt). Being a free mover changes you. It shapes you. It transforms you into a version of yourself that the “you” from yesterday wouldn’t even recognize. But what is it that truly sets you apart?
Spoiler: you’ll tell us when you’re back.
Table of contents
Independence: your superpower 🦸
Unlike students in exchange programs, you didn’t take the easy road. Even with our support in handling the paperwork and finding the right university, the final decision, the courage to leave, and everything that comes after were entirely up to you. That puts you on another level.
- Why it matters: Employers and future collaborators are always looking for problem solvers. Your ability to take initiative, adapt to new situations, and tackle real challenges will make you stand out in any job or team.
- How it shows: From navigating the chaos of a foreign city to figuring out how an entirely new academic system works, you’ve shown you’re not just adaptable—you’re unstoppable.
Cultural intelligence: your secret weapon 🧠
Let’s face it: living in a new country isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. You’ve had moments where you stared at a plate thinking, “What even is this food?” or struggled to understand why people were laughing at something you didn’t get. But instead of running away from the unfamiliar, you dove right in and embraced the chaos.
- Why it matters: In today’s hyper-connected world, the ability to understand, adapt to, and thrive in different cultures is a superpower. It’s what turns cultural clashes into opportunities for growth.
- How it shows: You don’t just accept differences—you embrace them. You’re the kind of person who can connect with anyone, anywhere. In global teams, that’s not just a bonus—it’s priceless.
Resilience: you’re unstoppable 💪
Remember that time you ended up on the wrong campus looking for your first lecture? Or when grocery shopping felt like a live audition for “Mime of the year” because no one understood what you were saying? Yeah, those moments weren’t exactly highlights, but they turned you into a master of the bounce-back—and when you look back on them someday, you’ll crack a smile (and maybe even shed a little tear).
- Why it matters: Life loves throwing curveballs, and resilience is what helps you hit them out of the park. Thriving instead of just surviving? That’s your thing now.
- How it shows: You’re the person who keeps their cool when everything goes sideways, cracks a joke to lighten the mood, and then pulls out a solution like it’s no big deal. People notice that—and it’s what makes you unique.
A unique network: your global squad 🌍
As a free mover, you’ve built connections in ways that most students can’t even imagine. You didn’t rely on the comfort of an organized program—you went out there, met people from every corner of the world, and built your squad from scratch.
- Why it matters: Your global network isn’t just a cool collection of contacts; it’s a goldmine of future opportunities. These connections could lead to adventures, collaborations, or even that dream job you haven’t thought of yet. Imagine brainstorming ideas with a friend in Tokyo or getting insider tips for exploring Berlin from someone who lives there—your global squad opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
- How it shows: When you can reach out to someone across the globe for advice, inspiration, or even a future partnership, you’re already playing a whole different game.
A story worth telling 📖
Without being presumptuous: being a free mover gives you a life story that’s anything but ordinary. You didn’t just take the road less traveled—you carved your own path, one step at a time. And that’s what makes all the difference.
- Why it matters: People love a good story. Whether you’re at a job interview, a networking event, or just chatting with friends, your free mover journey has the power to captivate, inspire, and maybe even spark a little envy.
- How it shows: Your story isn’t just about studying abroad; it’s about personal growth, fearless choices, and proving that boundaries are meant to be broken. It’s the kind of story people remember—and one you’ll be proud to tell for years to come.
Ready to own your difference?
Being a free mover is more than a choice; it’s a mindset. You’ve proven you’re bold, adaptable, and ready to take on the world. These skills and experiences are your superpower—use them to shine.
At wearefreemovers, we’re here to celebrate and support you every step of the way. Ready to keep setting yourself apart? Let’s make it happen.
