Immigrant teachers have been more visible than ever before owing to transnational mobility. However, there is a lack of research on exploring their lived experiences in a broader context. With an auto-ethnographic approach, this study delves into the life of a non-native migrant in New Zealand over a period of 6 years. The qualitative data were mainly drawn from his reflective journals written between 2009 and 2016. Using grounded theory analysis, a genuine narrative of the 'self' reveals that the experience of living overseas has constantly shaped his expectations on personal, social and professional levels. The findings generate a conceptual framework as a means to illustrate intertwined relationships between one's expectations and living experiences.