How to Move Abroad: Your Guide to Start Living Abroad
A podcast for Americans who want to move abroad, hosted by Mistelle Godlewski, a move abroad expert. It covers practical topics like visas, budgets, timelines, jobs, kids, healthcare, paperwork, and the emotional challenges of relocating. The show aims to help listeners create a realistic plan rather than just dreaming about moving.
Episodes
Stop Trusting Google. Here's What It's Getting Wrong About Your Move Abroad
You've been googling moving abroad for weeks. Maybe months. And the information you've found is — some of it useful, some of it outdated, and some of it confidently, specifically wrong in ways that are sending your planning in the wrong direction.This week I'm going through the biggest things Google gets wrong about moving abroad. The money number that doesn't apply to you. The digital nomad visa
True Crime, Cold Coffee, and Why Nobody Talks About the Middle
I've restarted this episode three times. I've made coffee I didn't drink. I've listened to approximately four true crime podcasts this week and I know more about cases in rural Ohio than I do about my own content plan.And I'm guessing you have a version of this too. Not about a podcast. About the move. The research you've been doing. The applications you've been sending. The thing you've been work
I Miss Being Good at Things: The Competence Grief of Moving Abroad
I am, in English, reasonably funny. Quick. Articulate. I can read a room.In German, even after years, I am a flattened version of myself. I can express the basic version of an idea. I cannot do nuance. The jokes don't translate. And in social situations I go quiet — not because I have less to say, but because the gap between what I want to say and what I'm capable of saying is genuinely embarrassi
Stop Hitting Apply on LinkedIn. Here's What Actually Gets You a Job Abroad
You've optimized your LinkedIn profile. You have the right keywords, the right headline, the right summary. You're applying to listings that match your experience. You're posting content to stay visible.And nothing is happening.This week I'm telling you why. LinkedIn is not a job hunting platform — it's social media for people who are at work. And the difference between those two things matters en
The Privilege Conversation Nobody in the Move Abroad Space Is Having
Moving abroad is a privilege. I'm going to say that clearly and then spend the whole episode explaining what I mean by it — because I don't mean what you might think I mean.I moved to Switzerland with less than $2,000 in the bank. I also had a relocation package, a transferable job, a university education, and a US passport. Both of those things were true at the same time. And I think that's actua
You've Been Googling the Wrong Words for Moving Abroad. Here's What They Actually Mean
You've been using visa, permit, and residency like they mean the same thing. They don't. And it's sending your research in the wrong direction.This week I'm walking through the vocabulary of moving abroad — not in a glossary kind of way, just in a these words matter and here's why kind of way. Visa vs. permit. Temporary vs. permanent residency. Citizenship vs. naturalization. Schengen vs. EU. Domi
Unscripted: What's it really like to live abroad?
In this episode, I'm just chatting about what it's really like to live abroad and what I miss most about the US. There's no task on this one... just me and you sharing how it actually feels to live abroad.
What Healthcare Actually Looks Like When You Move Abroad
I had cancer at thirty. I've navigated healthcare in two countries with that history, including a high-risk pregnancy in Switzerland that cost me nothing beyond my regular insurance premium.This week I'm talking about what healthcare in Europe actually looks like — how most of Europe's systems work for legal residents, what makes Switzerland different, whether doctors speak English, and what to do
You Left America. Your Vote Still Counts
Here's the thing nobody says clearly enough: moving abroad is not opting out. You still file US taxes. You still carry that passport and get the face when someone finds out you're American. You still feel the dollar losing value in your actual bank account. You are still affected by what happens there.This week I'm making the case for why your vote matters more from abroad than you might think ...
American Moving Abroad? The IRS Is Coming With You. Here's What That Means
Nobody wants to talk about taxes. Until the IRS sends them a letter, at which point everybody wants to talk about taxes very urgently.This week I'm giving you the heads up before that happens. The basics of what Americans abroad actually need to know about US taxes — why you still have to file even when you live somewhere else, why you probably won't owe anything, what FBAR is and why the penaltie
Going Back to School Abroad at 30, 40, or 50: The Moving Abroad Visa Strategy Nobody Talks About
Someone I know just got accepted into a Master's program in France. She's in her thirties. She's moving in September. And she is not doing this because she couldn't think of anything else — she's doing it because it is one of the smartest moves I've seen someone make in a long time.This week I'm making the case for the student visa as a legitimate, strategic, completely underrated pathway for adul
You've Done Everything Right. So Why Aren't You Moving Abroad Yet?
This one is for the person who has been doing the work. Really doing it — hiring coaches, rewriting the resume, applying and applying and applying — and still not moving.This week I'm talking about what's actually happening when the job-first strategy isn't working, why the problem is sometimes structural and not personal, and the questions worth sitting with honestly when you've been at this long
Schools Abroad: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before We Moved
My daughter has been in schools in two countries across three different systems — a bilingual Swedish-German private school in Vienna, a German-English bilingual private school in Switzerland, and next year the local Swiss public school. Every single one of those decisions was made deliberately, for specific reasons, with real trade-offs.This week I'm talking about what I actually learned navigati
Every Person You'll Tell About Moving Abroad (And How to Survive Them)
You have the plan. You have the country, the visa, the number, the Tuesday Test results. You know this works.Now you have to tell people.This week I'm walking through every type of person you're going to tell about your move abroad — the Catastrophizer, the Underminer, the one who makes it about themselves, the Unsolicited Expert, and the rare and precious Quiet Supportive One — and exactly how to
The Moving Abroad Reality Check Nobody Gives You (But Should)
You picked a country. Amazing. Now let's find out if it actually works.Not the Instagram version — anyone can imagine themselves somewhere beautiful on a Saturday with a glass of wine and nowhere to be. The Tuesday version. The one where you need to buy toilet paper and find a dentist and figure out whether your visa actually works and whether you can afford to live there on your actual budget.Thi
You're Overcomplicating Moving Abroad. Here's Proof.
Last week I made you cry. This week I'm giving you a break.No frameworks, no heavy stuff, no seventeen-step process. Just the honest, slightly unhinged truth about why you're overcomplicating this — and the only three things you actually need right now to move this whole situation forward.Spoiler: it's not a perfect plan. It's not a fully funded savings account. It's not a remote job and a signed
The Real Cost of Moving Abroad — And Why It's Still Worth It
I found out I had breast cancer at thirty years old. That's the real reason I moved abroad — not the job offer, not the adventure. The diagnosis that made one day stop being an option.This week I'm telling you the actual story. The cancer. The friends I lost. My best friend of twenty years I haven't spoken to in eleven. The moment every single time I say goodbye to my mom at the airport. The weigh
How Much Do I Actually Need to Move Abroad? Hint... It's not $20K.
Everyone on the internet has an opinion about how much money you need to move abroad. Most of them are wrong — or at least, wrong for you.This week I'm giving you a simple formula to calculate your actual savings target based on your specific situation: where you're going, which visa you're using, and how long you need to float yourself before income kicks in. Because your number is built from tho
Moving Abroad on a Budget: How to Make Trade-Offs without a Shame Spiral
Moving abroad means making trade-offs. Every single person who has done it has had to make them — there is no version of this where you don't. The goal isn't to avoid them. It's to make them on purpose instead of by accident, because the accidental ones are the ones you end up resenting.This week I'm breaking down the two trade-offs that trip people up the most — do you move now with less money or
How People Accidentally Make Moving Abroad Way More Expensive Than It Needs to Be
Once people realize moving abroad might actually be possible, this is where things usually go sideways.In this episode, I talk through the exact places I see people overspend when they’re scared, where they cheap out and regret it later, and how fear quietly drives a lot of money decisions during an international move. This isn’t about perfect budgeting or cutting everything fun — it’s about makin
The dreaded F work... Finances for Moving Abroad
There’s a moment in the move-abroad process that almost no one talks about — and it’s not the exciting beginning or the adrenaline-filled end.It’s the messy middle.In this episode of How to Move Abroad, I talk about the exact point where most people quietly bow out of their plans — not because they ran the numbers and the numbers said no, but because they didn’t run the numbers and let fear fill i
Visa Appointments and Processing Times: How to Plan So You Are Not Screwed Later
Appointments and processing timelines are the part of moving abroad people avoid until it is too late. In this episode, I break down the difference between document timelines, appointment timelines, processing timelines, and your real life move timeline. I explain why appointments are often the real bottleneck, how to plan backwards so you stop getting surprised, and what to do when you cannot get
Paperwork First: The Documents That Decide Your Moving Abroad Timeline
In this episode, I break down the documents that control your moving abroad timeline, including passports, certified birth and marriage certificates, background checks, income proof, and when apostilles and translations matter. I also explain the three ways people get delayed (wrong document version, authentication requirements, and expiration windows) and I give you a simple weekly task.Grab Prep
DIY vs Pay to Move Abroad: How to Stop Wasting Money and Actually Get Out
Moving abroad is not expensive in one big way. It is expensive in dozens of small ones. In this episode, I break down what you should DIY, what is worth paying for, and where people waste money out of overwhelm instead of strategy.We talk about how to decide based on risk, timeline, and complexity, which parts of moving abroad are safe to do yourself, and when paying for professional help actually
Proof of Funds Explained: What Counts and How to Plan for It (Without Spiraling)
Proof of funds isn’t a personal attack... it’s a stability check. In this episode, I explain what proof of funds actually means in plain English, what typically counts as “proof” (income, savings, self-employment, combinations, and sometimes insurance), why the requirements change depending on your visa lane, and how to make a plan if you don’t meet the requirement yet, without turning it into a c
Pick Your Visa Lane (Before You Pick a Country)
If you’re choosing a country before you know your visa lane, you’re not planning—you’re sprinting at Platform 9¾ without the Hogwarts letter. In this episode, I break down what a “visa lane” actually is, why it’s the first decision that makes everything else easier, and the most common visa lanes Americans use to move abroad (yes, some don’t require a job offer).What we coverThe Platform 9¾ proble
Moving Abroad in 2026? The 47-Tab Spiral Is Why You’re Stuck (Do This Instead)
Welcome to Season 2... and yes, the podcast has a new name. ABROADly Speaking is now How to Move Abroad. Same show, same feed, same me. I just got tired of pretending we’re here to “chat about life abroad” when what you actually need is a plan that works in real life.In the new format, every episode ends with one weekly task because collecting information isn’t progress, and we're done with 'next
The Only Packing Guide You Need for Moving Abroad
If you’ve been pacing around your house trying to figure out what the hell you’re supposed to take with you when you move abroad, this episode is the sanity you need.We’re not talking about “decluttering.” We’re not talking about “sparking joy.” We’re talking about what actually needs to go in the boxes when you move your entire life across an ocean.This is the straight-to-the-point, no-Pinterest,
The Quiet Truth About Wanting to Move Abroad (And Not Doing It Yet)
This episode is not a pep talk.It’s not a motivational countdown to midnight.It’s not a “new year, new me” vision-board moment.This is the real conversation most people avoid at the end of the year — the one where you look honestly at your life and admit whether it’s actually working for you.Because the holidays have a way of showing us the truth: who we’ve become, what we’ve outgrown, and what we
Why You Can’t Google Your Way Through a Move Abroad (No, Seriously, You Can’t)
Everyone thinks they can “just Google” their way through a move abroad… until they’re eight tabs deep in contradictory visa articles, three breakdowns into Reddit threads, and somehow watching a YouTube video from 2014 about moving to Spain that hasn’t been accurate since Obama was in office.In this episode, I’m breaking down why Google cannot and will not give you the roadmap you think it will. W
Moving Abroad: When did the Politics start looking like Hunger Games
Last night, the U.S. crossed a line that a lot of us have been quietly watching for years.A nationally framed “Patriot Games” competition — one high school boy and girl per state, competing in an athletic showdown — sounds harmless on paper. But if your stomach dropped when you read that headline, this episode is for you.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m talking about why moments like this
Pay Yourself First If You Want to Move Abroad (Why Saving Isn’t Your Real Problem)
In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I break down why most people who say they want to move abroad never actually do — and why it’s not because they “don’t make enough money.”We’re talking about paying yourself first — not in a Pinterest, envelope-stuffing, aesthetic-budget way — but in a real, grown-adult way that actually funds your future instead of reacting to exhaustion, convenience, and emo
The Real Reason You Can’t Stop Thinking About Moving Abroad
This is the episode where I say the quiet thing out loud:You’re not thinking about moving abroad because you want adventure or aesthetics or to live your “best life in Europe.” You’re thinking about moving abroad because something deep in your body has realized you can’t keep living the way you are now.This isn’t escapism. It’s Maslow’s hierarchy. Your foundational needs aren’t being met anymore —
The Truth About Money and Moving Abroad (That No One Wants to Admit)
Today we’re talking about money.Not budgeting tips. Not “stop buying coffee.” Not manifesting abundance under a full moon.We’re talking about the sentence everyone throws around when they think about moving abroad:“I just can’t afford it.”And we’re going to look at whether that’s actually true… or whether it’s the excuse that feels safest to say out loud.Because sometimes? The math is the math.But
How Much Do You Actually Need to Move Abroad?
Today we’re talking about money.Not in the “stop buying coffee” way (absolutely not), but in the real, strategic, let’s-actually-do-this way.If you’ve been waiting to hit a “perfect savings number” before you move abroad… this is your episode.Because that number you keep chasing?It’s probably not based on math — it’s based on fear.Which means it will always move.Which means you will always feel li
How I Moved Abroad with $2,000 (and Paid Off $9K of Debt in Year One)
People love to assume you need $20k in savings, a remote job, and a color-coded shipping spreadsheet to move abroad. Cool. Cute. Not my story.In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I moved to Switzerland in 2013 with $2,000 in the bank, two cats, cancer recovery still happening, and absolutely zero idea what I was doing — including the part where we had to borrow money because we nee
Your Job Title Doesn't Mean Sh*t Abroad
That fancy title you’re proud of? The one that made you sound important at home? Yeah, it doesn’t translate internationally — and it’s probably the reason you’re getting ghosted.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why U.S. résumés fall flat overseas, how your job title is confusing recruiters, and what to actually do instead if you want to get noticed (without rewriting your entire career).
Why You’re Not Getting Hired Abroad (and It’s Not About You)
If you’ve been applying for jobs abroad and getting radio silence, this episode is your intervention.In ABROADly Speaking, I break down the real reason international job applications go nowhere — and spoiler: it’s not your résumé, your confidence, or your qualifications. It’s the broken system you’re trying to break into.You’ll learn how global companies actually hire (hint: they usually don’t mea
The Limits Aren’t Real: What Running a Half Marathon Taught Me About Fear, Waiting, and Moving Abroad
A few weeks ago, I ran a half marathon — something I almost didn’t even sign up for. And somewhere between mile six and mile ten, I realized I wasn’t just racing my body… I was racing my beliefs about what I could handle.That run became a mirror for how so many of us approach our move abroad — full of invisible limits we call “logic” or “being practical,” when it’s really just fear wearing a respo
Paperwork Panic: The Documents You Actually Need for Your Visa (and the Ones You’ll Forget)
No one moves abroad because they love paperwork — but let’s be honest, you can’t get that visa without it.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I take you inside the bureaucratic nightmare every future immigrant faces: the endless hunt for “official documents.” From birth certificates that apparently expire to translations certified by mythical creatures, this is your survival guide to the least g
Stop Chasing Easy Visas
Everyone wants to move abroad easily — but chasing the “easiest visa” is how people end up broke, burnt out, or back on a return flight they didn’t plan to take.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I dismantles the myth of “easy countries” and expose why quick-fix visas usually cost more, restrict you later, and turn your dream move into bureaucratic Groundhog Day.You’ll learn what “easy” really
Visa First or Job First? Trick Question
Tired of being stuck in visa limbo? In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I'm debunking the internet’s favorite argument — visa first or job first — and explaining why neither one is the right place to start. You’ll learn how to build leverage, create momentum, and stop waiting for the perfect order before you make your move abroad.If you’re serious about moving overseas — but stuck between Google
Visa Lies They Don’t Want You to Know
“Just get the visa—it’s easy.” LOL, no. In this raw, no-fluff episode, I break down the truth about moving-abroad visas: real costs (translations, apostilles, insurance), timelines that slip, documents you didn’t know existed, and the subtle red flags officers look for. You’ll learn how to use official government sources, what to prepare first, and how to present yourself as a safe bet—so you don’
Before You Move Abroad: What Actually Gets Hard (and Better)
Thinking a move abroad will fix everything? In this raw, unscripted episode, I pull back the curtain on what life overseas is really like—the good, the gutting, and the everyday in between. We talk mental health wins, culture shock, language gaps, time-zone whiplash, taxes (twice!), and the ache of being far from family during emergencies and milestones. If you want the freedom of a life abroad an
Job Seeker Visa Explained: The Real Path to Working Abroad (Not a Digital Nomad Fantasy)
If you’re serious about living overseas, the job seeker visa can beat digital-nomad hype. I break down what it is, who qualifies, proof-of-funds, timelines (often 6 months), and how it converts to a work permit/EU Blue Card—plus Germany, Austria (Red-White-Red), Portugal, Sweden, and UAE examples.Cover Letter TemplateCareer & Professional Life
Moving Abroad With Pets: Cargo vs. Cabin, Paperwork, Costs & What Actually Works
If you’ve ever Googled “do cats survive cargo??” at 2am, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I moved overseas with my pets—twice—what I’d do again, and what I’d skip. No scare tactics, no fluff. Just real talk on international pet travel so you can stop spiraling and start planning.Here’s what I cover:Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Sea: how airlines decide, size/weight
How to Apply for Jobs Abroad Without Looking Like a Walking Red Flag
Let’s be real — most Americans applying for jobs abroad look like giant, flashing red flags. Not because they’re unqualified, but because their résumés, cover letters, and visa conversations scream: “I’m going to be a problem for you.”In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I’m breaking down how to stop waving those red flags and start presenting yourself like the capable, low-risk hire you actually
Privilege Abroad: The Uncomfortable Truth About Moving Overseas
Moving abroad doesn’t magically make you enlightened, adventurous, or morally superior—and pretending otherwise is dangerous. In today’s episode of Abroadly Speaking, I’m pulling back the curtain on a truth many people don’t want to admit: your privilege follows you wherever you go.I’ll share how I learned this the hard way, the subtle ways privilege shows up when you move overseas, and why “good
The Truth No One Will Tell You About Living Abroad (But I Will)
Moving abroad isn’t about sipping cappuccinos on cobblestone streets or having your life magically fall into place. It’s about ripping yourself out of what’s familiar, facing uncertainty head-on, and realizing that the “perfect timing” you’ve been waiting for doesn’t exist.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m showing you the biggest myth that keeps people stuck: the idea that you’ll somehow k
Why Your Dream Destination Might Not Be Your Best Move
When you imagine moving abroad, you probably have a very specific place in mind—maybe it’s a city you visited once, or somewhere you’ve romanticized for years. But here’s the thing: your dream destination might not actually be the best place for you to start your new life.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m breaking down why that happens, what you might be overlooking in your planning, and h
The American Dream Was a Lie—And It’s Okay to Walk Away
They told us to go to school, get a job, buy a house, and everything would be fine. But what happens when you follow the rules and still feel like your life doesn’t fit?In this episode, I’m getting real about what it means to walk away from the version of success we were sold. From being diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 to rebuilding my life abroad, I’ll take you through how I realized the Ameri
Raw & Unfiltered (Visit to the US)
This one is completely raw and unfiltered. I talk about my recent visit to the US and how my move abroad has changed my viewpoint on 'normal' and the shock I had when I couldn't make it to the local diner less than a mile away without a car.
What the Hell Do I Do With All My Stuff? (Moving Abroad Without Losing Your Mind or Your Grandma’s China)
Moving abroad means packing your life into suitcases, boxes, and maybe some tears — especially when it comes to your stuff. In this episode, Mistelle gets real about the emotional and practical challenges of sorting, shipping, selling, and letting go of belongings before an international move.From sentimental heirlooms to that stack of “maybe someday” junk, you’ll learn a simple three-bucket syste
How I 'Summer' While Living Abroad
What if summer didn’t feel like unpaid overtime with a side of mom guilt?In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I pull back the curtain on what summer really looks like when you leave the U.S.—and no, it’s not all white linen beach photos and perfect sunsets.I share my own story of swapping a spreadsheet full of “free” activities (that still cost $75) for a life where summer isn’t something to surv
How to Move Abroad Without Being That American A**hole (Privilege, Gentrification & Real Talk)
You ever scroll Instagram and see yet another shiny post about “just moving abroad”... and wonder: At what cost? Not just your cost—but what it costs the people who already live there?Yeah, we’re going there.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m tearing into the part nobody wants to talk about: how moving abroad (yes, even when you’re broke, burned out, or desperate to get your kid somewhere s
You Don’t Need a Remote Job to Move Abroad (And I’m Tired of Pretending You Do)
If I had a euro for every time someone said, “Just get a remote job and move abroad,” I could buy a cappuccino on a cobblestone street and retire early.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m breaking down the toxic myth that you need a remote job to leave the U.S. and build a life abroad. Spoiler alert: You don’t. I didn’t. And most people I help don’t either.The remote job fantasy is a polishe
You’re Not Overreacting — You Might Just Need to Move Abroad
Ever been told you’re being dramatic for wanting to leave the U.S.? That things will “calm down after the next election”? Or that “every country has its problems”? Yeah… no.In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the myth that wanting to leave the U.S. makes you unpatriotic, overly sensitive, or delusional. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. You’re not overreacting — you’re just awake.If you’ve hit tha
Starve the Poor
In this episode, Mistelle goes all in on the brutal hypocrisy of “Make America Healthy Again”, the rebranded wellness rhetoric that’s gutting food assistance for poor and working-class families. We talk about why this cruelty is making families question if the U.S. is still a place they can raise their kids safely and with dignity.From WIC cuts and school lunch rollbacks to the slow suffocation of
Moving Abroad: Tough Love Edition
If you’re stuck in the “one day I’ll move” mindset—waiting for more money, more clarity, the next election, or for your kids to magically turn into adults overnight—Estelle is here to lovingly shake you out of it. This isn’t a motivational fluff piece. It’s a reality check with sass, a splash of sarcasm, and zero tolerance for your excuse parade.We’re talking:Why “the right time” doesn’t exist (sp
How to Move Abroad When You're Broke, Terrified, and Have No Clue Where to Start
This one’s for you if you’re staring down the chaos in the U.S., feeling broke as h*ll, and wondering if moving abroad is even possible (spoiler alert: it is).In this episode, I’m walking you through what it really looks like to start planning your escape—from that first gut-punch of a realization that something has to change, all the way to researching visas without falling into a Reddit rabbit h
Stop Wasting Time: 5 Job Search Mistakes Americans Make When Trying to Move Abroad
If you've been job hunting so you can move abroad and you're still stuck, this one's for you. Because here's the truth: you're not jobless because you're lazy. You're jobless because you're focusing on the wrong sh*t. And someone had to say it.This week, I'm unpacking the five biggest mistakes I see Americans make when job searching for roles abroad—mistakes that waste your time, kill your momentu
How I Landed My Jobs Abroad
In this unscripted episode of Abroadly Speaking, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I landed my first job abroad without a single sponsorship, raise, or relocation package in sight. (Spoiler: it involved a lot of 4am French conference calls, a couple of cats, and a very persuasive email to HR.)People always ask, “How do I get a job abroad?” And the truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answ
It’s Not You — The Process Is This Confusing
If you've ever found yourself 47 tabs deep in a visa rabbit hole, sobbing into a PDF last updated during the Obama administration, this episode is for you.In today’s rant-slash-reality check, I dismantle the myth that moving abroad is just a "research problem" and get real about why it feels so impossibly hard to do something that Instagram influencers make look effortless. Spoiler alert: it’s not
How to Find Your People Abroad (Without Feeling Like a Total Weirdo)
Moving abroad isn’t just about chasing the views or sipping cappuccinos on cobblestone streets — it’s about finding your people too. Because spoiler alert: you’re gonna need more than Instagram-worthy mountains when real life hits.In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the hardest (and most important) parts of expat life: building your community abroad. I’ll walk you through:Why finding a trib
Before the Visa, Fix Your Brain: Mindset Shifts for Moving Abroad Without Losing It
Let’s be real—moving abroad isn’t just a logistics checklist of visas, boxes, and Google Translate tabs. It’s a complete mental overhaul. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that absolutely no one warns you about—but trust me, they matter more than your suitcase weight limit.I’m diving into:Why the “I can’t” voice in your head needs to be fired immediatelyThe difference betwee
Real Ways to Land Work Abroad Without Selling Your Soul to LinkedIn
Sick of endlessly scrolling through job listings that all feel the same? Yeah, same. This week on Abroadly Speaking, I’m spilling the tea on unconventional (but totally legit) ways to land a job abroad without relying on the usual suspects like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or soul-crushing online applications.We’re talking about:Volunteering your way into paid work (yes, really).Seasonal gigs with perks l
Budget Series: How Much Do You REALLY Need to Move Abroad? (Spoiler: Not a Yacht)
In today’s episode, I’m answering the question that’s on everyone’s mind: How much do you really need to move abroad? Spoiler alert: Not as much as you think.I’ll break down how to live comfortably on a budget while moving abroad, including housing, healthcare, food, and transportation costs. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to adjust your lifestyle to avoid breaking the bank.If you missed the Don’t G
Budget Series: Proof of Funds: How Much Do You Need to Move Abroad?
If the government thinks you're just borrowing from your mom to get through the visa process, they’re going to see right through it—and deny your visa. So, let’s talk about proof of funds: what it is, why it matters, and how to make sure you have what you need (without resorting to sketchy money moves).In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, we’re breaking down: ✔️ What proof of funds is and why som
Budget Series: How to Move Abroad Without Going Broke: Budgeting Hacks That Actually Work
So, you’re ready to move abroad—but you’d prefer not to survive on instant ramen for six months? Fair enough.In this episode, we’re diving into real ways to cut costs before, during, and after your move—without extreme couponing or moving back into your parents’ basement. We’re covering: ✔️ Visa & paperwork hacks that actually save you money ✔️ The best ways to score cheap flights (hint: forge
Budget Series: Hidden Costs (and how to avoid them)
Don't Go Broke Abroad Challenge: Register HEREMoving abroad isn’t just about booking a plane ticket and packing a few suitcases. If you’re not prepared for the hidden expenses lurking in the shadows, they’ll devour your budget faster than you can say "visa application fee." In this episode, we’re uncovering the sneaky costs that catch so many expats off guard—documentation fees, visa costs, bankin
Finding a Job Abroad
Looking for a job abroad? Buckle up, because today we're diving into the reality of international job hunting. Forget the myths—just showing up in a new country or assuming your English skills alone will land you a job isn’t the golden ticket you think it is. In this episode, we’ll break down the most common misconceptions about working abroad and give you actionable strategies to actually land a
Moving Abroad with Pets: Because Leaving Fluffy Behind is NOT an Option
Leaving your pet behind when you move abroad? Yeah, that’s not happening. If you’re a pet parent planning an international move, this episode is for you. I moved abroad in 2013 with two cats (who, at the time, were my only family), so I get how stressful this can be. From breed restrictions to airline fees, microchips to health certificates—there’s a lot to consider when taking your furry friend w
How to Legally Stay Abroad Without Selling a Kidney or Marrying a Local
Ever dreamed of living abroad but don’t want to risk deportation or, you know, breaking international law? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real, legal ways to move abroad—no fake marriages or under-the-table gigs required.From freelancer and digital nomad visas to traditional work sponsorships and even golden visas for the bougie among us, I’ll walk you through the options, the loopholes, a
...But I only speak English...
A lot of people think they have to be fluent in a new language before moving abroad—but is that actually true? In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I share my own experience moving to a German-speaking region with barely any German, how I learned to navigate daily life, and what truly helped me become fluent over time.Spoiler alert: You don’t need to be fluent before you go! But you do need the r
Choosing Where to Live
So many people make the mistake of choosing where to move abroad based on visa requirements alone. But if you're going to uproot your life and start fresh, you want to ensure you’re building a life you actually love. In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I walk you through the real first step of moving abroad: deciding what kind of life you want to live.Drawing from her own experiences moving acro
Healthcare Abroad
Trigger Warning: Between timestamp 3:27 to 4:38, Mistelle discusses medical history. If you prefer to avoid this, please skip during this part.In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, Mistelle takes a deep dive into the healthcare systems she’s experienced while living in the US, Switzerland, and Austria. She compares her personal journey through (TRIGGER WARNING- personal health) treatment in the U
Life Abroad through a 7-year-old's Eyes
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Abroadly Speaking, Mistelle sits down with a very special guest—her 7-year-old daughter (affectionately called "Monkey"). Together, they dive into what it’s really like to grow up as an expat kid in Switzerland.What you’ll hear in this episode:Monkey’s favorite parts about living in Switzerland, from skiing in the Alps to hiking through breathtaking l
What Do You Do When You Don’t Have a Tribe?
In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, we dive into one of the unexpected challenges of expat parenting: managing life when your safety net—family, close friends, or a trusted tribe—is thousands of miles away. What do you do when your child gets sick, and there's no grandma or best friend nearby to step in?Mistelle shares her personal experiences of parenting abroad, from navigating a chickenpox ou
Holidays Abroad—Making the Most of Christmas Away from Family
Navigating the holiday season as an expat comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you're living thousands of miles away from family. In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I'm diving into how my family and I have celebrated Christmas over the years while living abroad, from renting cozy ski chalets in Switzerland to inviting everyone to us instead of flying across the U.S.I share stor
Visa - It's not the Credit Card
Welcome to another episode of Abroadly Speaking, where we unravel the exciting, challenging, and sometimes tedious details of moving and living abroad. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the not-so-glamorous but absolutely crucial topic of visas—what they are, why they’re essential, and how to tackle the paperwork without losing your sanity.If you’re daydreaming about starting a life overseas,
