Some personal reflections on being an international professional in a world that is increasingly less welcoming to foreigners: I’ve spent more than 15 years working outside my home country, rarely having the opportunity to work in my mother tongue, Portuguese. And language is key in law. Over the years, I’ve conducted research, taught, and given talks in English, Dutch, French, and, more recently, Italian. Many have supported me in this journey—but others have made me feel out of place. Maybe because I was a foreigner. Maybe because I was a woman. Or maybe just because they didn’t like my face. From conversations with young professionals seeking advice, I know I’m not alone in this experience. Many who work abroad feel the weight of not fully “belonging.” And at a time when political discourse often penalizes ‘being a foreigner,’ I feel it’s important to say this out loud: -If you have left your home country and are working hard to fit in, you should feel proud of yourself. I'm sure those who hired you, are grateful for your work. I feel that every day from my colleagues both at Tilburg University and Luiss Guido Carli University; -If you sometimes experience imposter syndrome, that’s okay. It means you care. -If you put yourself out there, some will appreciate your work, and others won’t. We’re not all apple pie. -If you feel self-conscious about your accent or the occasional misplaced preposition, remember the international experience and perspective you bring to the table. At the end of the day, what truly matters is knowing your values and skills—because that’s what makes you, you.
Interesting reflection but not something I have experienced in 20 years living in Paris and working (short term in 40 countries). On the other hand, I was born in Ireland brought up in England, sent to school and University in Ireland so my early life was an experience of being an alien. I then worked in Ireland for 20 years but always felt I was an outsider. Even though Ireland is English speaking- sometimes I feel more ‘at home’ speaking French or Spanish. At least with those two languages I know I am speaking a language which is not my own. All that said “the times they are changing” (Bob Dylan) and there are tectonic changes taking place in Europe and the USA but perhaps it is too soon to understand what is happening or to predict - what next? In Asia where I am at the moment I can see how the world is changing and where the future could lie.
Well said! I think it gets even worse when you realise that after many years working in a foreign language you almost don't have vocabulary in your mother tongue and then you become neither. Ou, como se diz em português, nem isso, nem aquilo.
As someone who has also moved from one culture, region, legal system (and climate zone!) to another, your words resonate well with me, Sofia Ranchordas. The process of "re-inventing" oneself in order to fit in and show one's worth is tough at times, but incredibly good for strengthening one's backbone. And it makes life so much more adventurous!
Sofia, thanks for sharing this content. As a foreigner working in a language different from my native one, I completely understand your point, I felt the same way at the beginning. Living in a different language not only influences our grammar but also shapes our way of thinking, acting, and solving problems. Despite the challenges, working and living abroad, as you mentioned, has made me more confident in my abilities and more aware of my potential. This increased self-conscious helps me overcome the obstacles along the way
Well said Sofia Ranchordas ! Especially if it’s coming from seasoned expert and inspirational person like you, it does validate the point strongly. It’s your true self that matters and should be celebrated anytime and in any situations.
Perfectly said Sofia Ranchordas!! You have may full support and understanding 👐🏻 Thank you for sharing!!! I think the full set of adaptability skills one learns when being a foreigner (which go beyond the bare language skills) are unique, invaluable and irreplaceable skill that should be always appreciated! You can learn from a book but only moving across the world you can learn the many ways of life 🌎🌍🌏
So refreshing to read this, and coming from academic rockstar like you! Thank you for sharing, dear Sofia!
Can't agree more! I've experienced this myself.
Thank you for this comment. There is not even one day that passes by that I either do not feel the imposter syndrome or just 'not belonging'. I have also studied law and it is indeed by nature a subject you are expected to practice mainly in your mother tongue. And indeed, feeling people around you are grateful for your work means a lot.
Your value for the academic world goes beyond that of other great scholars because of posts like this. I always check in with foreigners to try to understand how it is to live away from home. but obviously I cannot fully understand having not been in the same position myself. I do admire them, and really appreciate having a team with many nationalities. It enriches. As do classes with lots of international students. I knew about some of your experiences and am very sorry for that. Maybe people are just jealous, because you are so good.