Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
There are a number of benefits that come from living abroad, however, one of the most negative things is that families come and go at such a frequent rate that many of my friends leave.
In my 18 years living in Bahrain, I have known a countless number of people who have left the country (and I know I am not alone in this situation)
Many expatriate students, such as myself, come to the Middle East as a result of a parent’s employment, which is usually under a temporary contract. This means that it is not uncommon to see families travelling from country to country, which has had a major impact on me and the many friends I made at school.
However, when I leave Bahrain to go to university, I will be the one having to leave my friends and family behind.
On the positive side, with the advancement of technology and social networking sites, it is easier to remain in contact with the people I am leaving. This will dull my sadness and, I hope, help me to retain my friendships while making new ones.
