8 Ways to Move Abroad: Real-Life Examples + Video // FrameAmbition
Hello hello!
Moving abroad is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in their life, more-so those who do it alone. As you may or may not know, I'm back in my hometown Nairobi after studying abroad in Port Elizabeth and then the past year working in Cape Town, South Africa.
Knowing myself, I'll be on the move soon enough. I spoke to a few fantastic ladies who have made moves in their careers and in their addresses, and here are their stories to inspire both you guys and myself!
So. How do people just up and move to a foreign country? Ask some real-life heroes of mine!
Siya, 25. South Africa - Hong Kong. (English Teacher)
Blog - http://afroqueenabroad.com/ Instagram: (@siyasanga_makie)
Would you start off with a brief intro of yourself, your upbringing, if travel was a part of your life early on or not, etc. Anything you'd like people to know :)
I must say, my main motivation to finish architecture school and graduate was all for the fab opportunity to pack my bags, coconut oil, deep conditioner, satin scarf and TRAVEL honey! My family has always been big on discovering new adventures but this has been the first time I’ve ever left Africa as a solitary traveller.
Where are you currently living?
I am currently living in Hong Kong. Despite the fact that I miss the little things from home like South African rooibos rea, aromat seasoning and greeting a friendly stranger randomly, it’s pretty much an interesting place.
Anything in particular make you get moving from your home town/country?
Well, a quarter-life crisis tends to make young people do the strangest things. The original plan was to stay in South Africa for a few years and work in an architectural firm. However, I felt unfulfilled and needing something more to wake me up in the mornings and smile on a Monday. The thought of moving abroad was the answer.
Teaching English abroad is by far one of the simplest gateways for a graduate to travel, immerse in a new culture and grow as an individual all while getting a monthly pay cheque + work experience in a foreign country.
Best thing about having different homes in one life
The best thing about having different homes in life are the experiences that come with it. The transition from getting over your culture shock and embracing a place is a somewhat comforting realisation that you’re learning some life lessons and growing in the process. Moreover, meeting new people that might turn out to be lifelong friends has been a big plus.
Most annoying thing about having different homes in one life
Well for me, the only thing I find annoying about having different homes is homesickness. Sometimes all you need is your mom and if she isn’t near you wherever you may be, it can be a little tough to get through certain days.
Any fellow teachers’ moves abroad you’ve been jealous of?
I’ve seen teachers going on vacation to the most fabulous resorts and travel destinations. Life in Hong Kong can be extremely expensive, (“adulting” is a rough journey on your first try here!) so trips are limited to once or twice a year on a budget if you still have other things to save up for.
Wildest dream (or maybe already a plan in the works) were would you live next and why?
I would love to try out life in Latin America, I have my sights aligned with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It’s a plan in progress, the question is when? :)
Money-Check: Vanessa. USA-China-UK
The lovely Vanessa of Wander Onwards (Instagram: @wanderonwards) has some advice for making the money that you'll of course need to even start thinking about moving and/or traveling abroad. Check it out, her advice for working online as a freelancer as you travel or adjust in a new place.
Check out a few of my own tips to make extra money for a move and to start a move to a new country:
Gemma, 32. UK - Saudi Arabia - Turks & Caicos/Bermuda. (Nurse)
Blog - www.blessedarethecurious.blog | Instagram - @gemma_laing
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Gemma, a normal girl from England. I qualified as a nurse back in 2006 and back then had no idea where my career would take me. I was never that interested in travel growing up and only in 2010 did I take my first backpacking trip to Thailand. On my return I never really settled back into my home life, constantly dreaming of packing in my job and jetting off somewhere new. But honestly, I didn’t have the courage, or money to make it happen.
It took years of consideration before I finally took the plunge and applied for a job at a top ranking hospital in Saudi Arabia. When I was finally ready, it actually turned out to be a really easy decision. I wasn’t scared or nervous, I was just excited to finally be putting my dreams into practice. It turned out to be the best decision I ever I made.
Where are you currently living?
Right now I don’t really have a home! Since leaving Jeddah back in June I’ve been doing locum nursing between Turks & Caicos and Bermuda. Dream destinations that I’ve been so lucky to have the opportunity to work in. It works nicely for me because it means I get to work in new and exciting places, visit home and travel for fun in between. The work that I’m doing is great, I really enjoy it and I’m grateful that I can feel like that about my career and combine both my work and passions.
Anything in particular make you get moving from your home town/country?
I guess there’s many things that got me moving away from my home town. Some reasons are more complicated than others. But I’m a great believer that life is short, and if you’re not happy with something then you should make a change to seek the happiness you deserve. I was ready for huge life shake up, hence moving to Saudi Arabia...probably the biggest change I could have chosen!
Best thing about having different homes in one life
The best thing about not having one home is having friends all over the world, an understanding of how people live in different cultures and the feeling of freedom, knowledge and compassion that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone and into the big wide world.
Most annoying thing about having different homes in one life
Sometimes it’s hard and I miss friends and family at home and the constant change in my work and environment can be difficult. Sometimes it’s hard living in transient world of constant goodbyes, but it’s worth it and the positives by far outweigh the negatives. Of course, it isn’t for everyone.
Wildest dream (or maybe already a plan in the works) were would you live next and why?
Right now I’m just focusing on plans for the year, doing some more locum nursing with some other plans in between. Who knows where I’ll work next? It’s great to have a career with so many options and I’m not much of a planner so it works well for me. We will see where life takes me.
Nursing is a great career option if you want to travel with work, and of course, very rewarding too! I’m lucky to enjoy my work and be able to combine my passion for oncology nursing with my passion for travel. If I can do it, anyone can <3
