The world is changing - many people are ready to take the leap and move to another country. If you are one of them, here are the things that I learned as an American abroad.

A woman in a white long sleeve short and pink headlock walks away down a street lined with trees. There is a house in the distance with a green door

As you’ve found your way to this article, I’m going to assume that you’re an American thinking about moving abroad.

You’re certainly not alone in this endeavor. According to one site, the number of Americans looking to move abroad surged by over 1500% after the November election of 2024.

This post is dedicated to my experience as an American abroad in hopes to give others an idea of what this journey looks like.

Woman with blond hair, a black face mask, black glasses, and a black hat is looking at the camera. There are large, white buildings behind her that resemble government or stately buildings

Here’s my story:

In September 2020, I masked up and made my way to the airport with a one-way ticket to Leeds, England, where I spent 3 years as an undergraduate student. During this time, I earned my bachelor’s degree, built a life in the UK, and absolutely fell in love with slow travel.

Even though my original plan was to leave and never return (i.e., pursue a Graduate Visa after graduation), life happened, and I ended up back in the US in September 2023.

I spent a year at home in the US, focused on laying a solid foundation for my career, reconnecting with family in person, and planning for my next chapter.

I am now a digital nomad, traveling the world while working remotely.

This article looks back at where my nomadic journey began and dives deep into everything I learned living in the UK as an American. My hope is that you can get a sense of what it’s like to leave the US and begin your journey in another country.

Before we get into what I learned as an American abroad, here are some of my favourite resources:

20 best expat destinations for each life stage - Best overall guide to destinations for all lifestyles and situations.

Here’s what I learned as an American who moved abroad:

Slowing Down is Okay

After years of American hustle culture, living in England changed my perspective. As I traveled across Europe, I saw a theme in culture: work is just a means to live. Your life is built outside of your career - your life is about family, friends, and hobbies.

There are some countries where they don’t ask you about “what you do for work,” they ask about your hobbies, your passions, your family and friends.

Seasonal Living is an Art

Coming from sunny California and Texas, northern England’s winters hit hard.

Embracing hygge – cozy lighting, blankets, and seasonal foods – helped me appreciate winter’s slower pace, combating SAD (seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression) and also making summer a little more magical.

Expat Life is a Bubble

You’re caught between two worlds – never fully belonging to either. You watch events unfold from a distance, both at home and in your host country.

Homesickness Hits Unexpectedly

When I say I would get the most random bursts of homesickness, those first couple of years.

A grocery store trip might trigger a wave of nostalgia over a missing cereal brand (or in my case, ranch dressing 😜).

You’ll miss milestones, but one day, you’ll visit home and start missing your new country too.

Free Healthcare is a Game-Changer

I hesitated to see a doctor after an injury until my flatmate reminded me it was free.

The relief of accessible (affordable if not free) healthcare was eye-opening – something many Americans don’t realize until they experience it firsthand.

Queer Safety & Community Exist

Attending a Pride parade in Leeds, England…it was life-changing. It was uplifting, safe, and empowering. It reminded me how vital it is to live in a place that celebrates who you are.

Moving abroad comes with its challenges but it also comes with valuable insight and safety. If you have an opportunity to do it and feel the pull to, I say you should absolutely do it.

This isn’t necessarily an “advice” article, but if I could leave you two pieces of crucial advice:

1.) Do a sickening amount of research into your host country and show up as your best self. You are a guest in this new community; show them love and respect in return.

2.) Take care of your mental health. Moving and living in a new country is hard. It is mentally taxing. Homesickness is real and it comes at the most random times. Find your routines and failsafes to protect your mental health. Make sure you get familiar with the mental health system in your new country as well.

From one nomad to another – I wish you the best in this journey!