Dating in Translation. Love, Language & Learning to Laugh

Dating while living abroad can be a ride. One minute you’re walking hand-in-hand through the streets of Madrid; the next, you’re pretending to live in a stranger’s apartment just so your date doesn’t follow you home (true story). This blog post is a reflection from our recent episode of The Global Girlfriend featuring Izzy where we dive into what it’s really like to date cross-culturally: language barriers, cultural confusion, awkward missteps, and the moments that make you believe in global love stories all over again.

Here’s what we learned:

Say Yes (But Know Your Boundaries)

When you first move abroad, everything feels new. It’s easy to adopt a “say yes to everything” mindset—yes to tapas, yes to new friendships, and yes to dates with handsome strangers who may or may not speak your language. It’s a beautiful approach... until you feel uncomfortable and realize, oh right, I’m allowed to say no, too.

One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation with Izzy was this: Know what’s okay with you and what’s not, even when cultural norms differ. You can acknowledge a cultural difference and protect your peace. You don’t need to apologize for saying no. Even if the guy insists on walking you home in the rain, you’re still allowed to fake a destination if that feels safer. (Again, true story.)

Language Barriers Are Real—and Funny

Let’s talk about language. It’s romantic to think you’ll fall in love with someone and pick up their mother tongue by osmosis. But here’s the truth: dating in your second (or third) language is hard. It’s exhausting. You can’t express your full self. You can't drop a perfectly-timed one-liner or explain why you cried watching a pasta commercial.

Izzy shared that in her early days in Madrid, she relied on high school Spanish and Google Translate to get through first dates. Later, she dated almost exclusively in English—not out of snobbery, but because she wanted to be fully herself. As your language skills grow, your personality starts to emerge more fluently in that language. But still... swearing, sarcasm, and soul-bearing tend to land best in your first tongue.

Moral of the story? Go easy on yourself, and your date. Bring a sense of humor. You're both trying.

Cultural Differences Don’t Always Equal Red Flags

It’s easy to misread a cultural quirk as a red flag. A guy walks you home after a first date? In North America, that might feel overly forward. In Spain, it might be seen as basic politeness. A date who won’t speak against their government’s actions? That could be about history, not apathy.

The key is curiosity. Ask questions. Check your gut, but also your assumptions. When you’re dating cross-culturally, miscommunications are going to happen. Some will be cute. Some will be confusing. Most will teach you something new about others and about yourself.

Dating Apps, Duolingo, and That One Guy From Paris

Ah yes, the apps. Love them or hate them, they’re part of the landscape. Whether it’s Tinder’s lawless scroll or Hinge’s curated chaos, apps can be great for meeting locals and fellow expats alike. But safety first, always screenshot the profile, share your location, and text a friend. And if you need to walk into a fake apartment to avoid giving out your address... we get it.

And yes, some of us have completed an entire Duolingo course for a boy. (Spoiler: the owl doesn’t even throw you a graduation party.)

Final Thoughts: Know Yourself First

Dating abroad is not just about falling in love with someone else—it’s about growing into yourself. Izzy reminded us that the most important relationship she’s built over the past 10 years hasn’t been with a partner—it’s been with herself. Her dealbreakers haven’t so much changed as they’ve become clearer.

So whether you’re dating for the plot, the passport stamp, or the potential love of your life, remember this: your needs matter. Your comfort matters. And your experiences, even the cringey ones, are shaping a story that is entirely your own.

Got your own “dating abroad” tales: good, bad, or gloriously awkward? We’d love to hear them. DM us on Instagram @theglobalgirlfriend or email us at theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com.