No one likes losing money, but when you live abroad and need to transfer your money between currencies, you face…
Read More
11 Best health apps for expat women
As a woman living abroad, it is important to stay physically and mentally healthy so you can be at your…
Read More
Why I hate telling people I live in France
When I was back home in the USA last month, my feelings about one aspect of the living abroad experience…
Read More
Expat mistakes that hold us back as foreigners abroad
As a kid, I thought the adults in my life had it all figured out. I thought everyone was kind…
Read More
7 Assumptions people have made about me and others who live abroad
Everyone makes assumptions and most of the time they’re harmless even if they are majorly off base. But you know what they say when you assume… Here are some things people have assumed about me over the years after moving abroad and I’m setting the record straight.
Is living abroad freeing?
A couple of months ago on Twitter, among all of the memes, political arguments and other randomness, I came across…
Read More
How to move to France
Hi guys, the most popular question I get from readers is about how to move to France. People write me looking for advice, reassurance and encouragement, all of which I’m happy to give.
The living abroad in France experience is not one size fits all
There’s this theme I’ve seen among my own readers and elsewhere in this niche. It’s that life abroad is a…
Read More
Challenges of of living abroad in France
It’s easy to find a million reasons why you should move abroad to France. But once you’re here, is life perfect? Of course not! Let’s talk about the hardest parts of living abroad in France.
When living abroad forces you to reinvent yourself
What has shaped your identity and made you into the person you are? Maybe things like where you grew up, your career path, your role in your community, and the people in your inner circle. Identity is complicated. Living abroad complicates it further, but it’s not all bad.
Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate life more?
One of my readers left a comment that got me thinking. Julie wrote, “What is it about France that allows us to slow down and really appreciate the smaller things in life? I find I get excited about things that I wouldn’t even give a second thought to at home and I find myself doing things I wouldn’t think possible.” Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate the small things? Or does it? Will a move abroad make you enjoy life more? Should it?
Respecting the culture and doing the right thing
Most of the time, respecting the culture and doing the right thing are one and the same. Other times, it’s not so clear. As a foreigner, it’s hard to always know if you’re doing the right thing and if the way you’ve lived you life up until now counts in the same way it did back home.
What’s surprised me the most about my life in France?
Living abroad is full of surprises big and small. Let’s talk about some of these living in France surprises including culture, food, and stereotypes.
Do you feel French?
“Do you feel French?” someone asked me recently. I had to think about it. The question of feeling French is a complicated one and makes us think about our identity as foreigners living abroad. What makes someone feel French and how long does it take for this to change? Let’s take a closer look.
Little ways to make the holiday season merry for loved ones far away
The holidays can be a challenging time for those of us who are no longer “home” and have new traditions and places to embrace. How can you reconnect with loved ones far away? I have a few simple tips.
Expat depression: Dark side of life in France (and where to turn for help)
This isn’t a fluffy feel-good post on how life in France is OMGAMAZING 24/7. Nowhere is perfect day in and day out and that’s the truth. This is a post about mental health and the dark side of expat life in France (or anywhere).
Reflecting on 5 years in France
This is me reflecting on 5 years in France. Truth be told, this post has been in my drafts folder for months. I kept starting it and then deleting what i’d written not sure what I should say or how I should say it.
How to start a lifestyle blog (or any blog)
You live abroad and love expat blogs. You’ve toyed around with the idea of starting an expat blog yourself. Now is the time. Here’s how to start an expat blog.
A French perspective: Surviving my first couple of months in the USA
today I’m sharing a different point of view. For my final guest post this winter, I have a piece written by a French woman who now lives in the USA. Catherine Rochereul-Portier was born and raised in France and then moved to Germany. Over 20 years later, in 2013, she gave up her consulting business and moved with her family to the United States.
Life lessons from living abroad
As we get older and see more and do more, we can’t help but allow these experiences to change us. I like to think it’s all for the best. Here are some life lessons from living abroad that I’ve put together.