Perks of being Binational

By: Gina Dewar

Being binational is a privilege that not many have. What is it exactly?

Binational refers to being of two nations. You become a binational person when you leave your birth nation and live in another country. You don’t leave completely but instead you take your birth nation with you to your new place.

In the United States especially, millions of citizens and residents are binational. Here in Southern California, where I live, being binational is not an uncommon thing. We have so many different nationalities withing our community that is that precise thing that makes the United States a wonderful country.

Being binational usually means you are probably bicultural. This is what makes you have an advantage over those who are not.

What are the perks of being binational and bicultural?

1. Creativity is often greater in a bicultural person.

2. You can think in two cultures, sometimes so different that it gives you a broader perspective when trying to solve a problem.

3. Fluent in ideas and communication

4. You understand diversity and minority issues.

5. Greater tolerance for information overload. You get used to knowing a lot of things.

6. The culture of your origins is appreciated more when you have something to compare it with.

7. Different points of views when debating.

8. You are more likely to succeed in key positions in a corporation, especially those roles that are people oriented.

9. Your understanding of peers is broader due to your expanded diversity of origin.

10. You get the best of both worlds.

If you are binational, embrace it, live it, and enjoy it. You are a small percentage of the world’s population that has this benefit.