Bigger things: being a native speaker, knowing how all the institutions (schools, churches, etc.) work. Never having to learn subtle stuff about how to interact in this or that rare situation. Being a citizen of the place you live. Being near family.
Leaving your home country has a lot of drawbacks, no matter where you are from or where you are going to.
German windows design and their obsession with fresh air is such a subtle but absolutely fantastic part of their culture IMHO.
I really enjoy living in Norway. I miss the color of dirt and smell where I was in the US. I still find the color weird. It isn't to say that I don't like it or that one is better or worse, really, just one is more familiar. SImple as that.
In addition to being an intellectually interesting exercise, every little change makes me just that much better at being able to examine problems from different angles and reframe my perspective when necessary.
This isn't to say it's always a walk in the park, of course. My first move from the US to China was a little rough, but totally worth it in the end.
So true. I emigrated three times. I learned a lot. But there was so much sacrifice that I ask myself now and then if it was worth it.