How to Move Abroad: Your Guide to Start Living Abroad

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 adults who want to move abroad. We're talking about what a student visa actually gives you, why earning a local degree dramatically changes your job prospects in that country, why you are not too old for this, and the practical things you need to research if you want to take this seriously.Also: why the nineteen year old with the lanyard who lives in your imagination is not relevant to this conversation and needs to be evicted immediately.

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 enough that the effort and the results have completely stopped matching.Also: the thing career coaches often don't say, why being on the ground changes everything, and why your first move doesn't have to be your forever move.This is not a pep talk. It's a real conversation with someone who has been doing everything right and deserves an honest answer about why it might not be working.

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 navigating school systems abroad — the real cost of international school versus local school, what the Swiss tracking system at grade six means and why it matters more than most expat content will tell you, and the questions you actually need to ask about your destination's school system before you move.Also: what gifted identification in Austria taught us about Swiss education policy, and why we're moving our daughter to local school before sixth grade on purpose.

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 handle each of them without abandoning your plan or your sanity.Also: the partner conversation, the people who won't come around, and what you actually don't owe anyone an explanation for.Spoiler: it's more than you think.Conversation starters

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.This week I'm walking you through the Tuesday Test — five questions that tell you whether your country works for your real life or whether you need to adjust one thing before you go any further.Spoiler: it's almost always just one thing. And one thing is completely fixable.AbroadAF app

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 lease and a detailed spreadsheet.It's a country, a visa lane, and your actual number. That's it. We're covering all three and then I'm sending you away with exactly one thing to do this week.You've got this. I promise you've got this. Now stop researching and let's actually move.

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 weight of being far from home when things go wrong.And then I'm telling you why I'd do it again. Every single time.This one is for the person who is scared and wanting out and feeling guilty about both. You're not crazy. You're not ungrateful. You're paying attention. And the life you want is more buildable than you think.

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 those things — not from a Reddit thread and not from what someone else paid to move to Barcelona in 2019.I'm also getting into why the visa you choose changes everything about what you need financially — and how picking the right pathway for where you actually are right now might make this possible a lot sooner than you think.This is the last money episode. We're closing this chapter with a real number, a real timeline, and zero excuses.

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 wait and keep saving, and do you ship your stuff or sell it all and start fresh. I'm also getting into how to stop treating every financial decision like a test of how serious you actually are about this move.Spoiler: it's not. It's just math with feelings stapled to it.Free download: 10 Money Hacks for Your Move AbroadInstagram: @iammistelle

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 making trade-offs intentionally instead of panicking your way through them.If you want to move abroad without burning cash, burning out, or resenting every decision you make along the way, this episode will help you slow down, get honest, and spend in ways that actually support the move.

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 in the blanks.We’re talking about money in a way that actually helps you move forward — not finance-bro advice, not Pinterest budgets, and not “you’ll figure it out when you get there” nonsense. Money feels personal because it carries history, stress, shame, and responsibility — especially for women and parents — and when it stays vague, it becomes overwhelming fast.Free Guide to Savings

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 a slot. I also share my Austria appointment adventure and the lesson it taught me about building buffer time and backup plans. Weekly task included: the Appointment Map.Grab the PreparedAF 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 PreparedAF to make your document checklist SIMPLE!Follow me on Instagram @iammistelle

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 saves you time, money, and stress. I also share common traps like paying for country selection before knowing your visa and buying courses without an action plan.You will leave this episode with a simple pay vs DIY framework and a weekly task to help you stop panic spending and start making real progress toward moving abroad.Free checklist

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 crisis.What I coverProof of funds, translated into normal human languageThe youth hockey analogy: “Can you cover the season?” (that’s the whole point)What typically counts as proofWhy your visa lane controls what proof-of-funds looks likeWhat to do if you don’t meet it today: the levers you can pull (timeline, lane, documentation, country shortlist, buffer strategy)Follow me on Instagram @IAmMistelle

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 problem: why “dream country first” keeps you stuckWhat a visa lane is (the legal reason you get to live somewhere)The most common visa lanes Americans use:Work-sponsoredStudentFreelancer/self-employedProof of funds / non-lucrative / financially independentFamily/ancestry/partnerSpecial programs (digital nomad, working holiday, etc.)The biggest mistakes I see:Falling in love with a country before checking eligibilityTreating visas like a personality quizThinking a job offer is the only way“Researching” without producing a shortlistHow to pick a lane without spiralingFree visa checklist

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 year' energy.In this kickoff episode, I’m talking about the thing that keeps most people stuck: the 47-tab spiral. It feels productive, but it’s usually just overwhelm in a trench coat.This week’s task: the One-Page Move. You’ll pick 3 non-negotiables and 3 deal-breakers, and choose one next action to do in the next 7 days.Follow me on Instagram @iammistelleGrab our free checklist.

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, no-fantasy guide to choosing what comes with you, what stays behind, and what you should absolutely stop feeling guilty about letting go. I’m walking you through the real questions, the real logistics, the emotional traps, and the “why did I even pack this” regrets you do NOT need to repeat.If you want a grounded, practical “how to” episode without the pep-talk energy — this is the one. By the end, you’ll know exactly what deserves space in your suitcase… and what’s just taking up space in your life.Find out more about the Departure Lounge here: https://www.mistellegodlewski.com/departure-lounge

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’re still pretending we’re okay with.And if you’ve been telling yourself, “next year will be different,” for the third, fourth, or tenth year in a row… this episode matters.In this conversation, we talk about:Why the “fresh start” feeling of January is a trap we return to every yearWhy waiting to feel ready is the exact reason nothing changesHow to recognize when you’ve already outgrown your current lifeThe difference between wanting change and deciding to changeThe grief, honesty, and courage involved in becoming someone newNo resolutions.No pressure.No performative growth.Just the truth you already feel — finally spoken out loud.If you’ve ever felt the quiet ache of “I can’t do another year like this,” this one is for you.Departure Lounge information: https://www.mistellegodlewski.com/departure-lounge

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. We’re talking outdated info, missing context, bad advice, and the reasons the algorithm has no idea who you are, what you qualify for, or what country won’t immediately reject your poorly formatted resume.If you’re stuck in “I should be able to figure this out myself” guilt, this is the episode that frees you from that nonsense. We’ll get into what Google can tell you, what it absolutely can’t, and how to actually get clarity without losing your mind, your time, or your entire weekend to visa blogs with broken links.If you want real answers — not search results — let’s talk about why Googling isn’t your enemy, but it sure as hell isn’t your guide.Want support?  Join the Departure Lounge.

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 aren’t isolated, why they feel eerily familiar, and why so many Americans are experiencing a low-grade panic they can’t quite explain. This isn’t about partisan outrage or dramatic predictions — it’s about pattern recognition, power, and what happens when spectacle starts replacing substance.We’ll talk about why “you’re overreacting” is the most common response right before people regret not acting sooner, how cultural signals matter just as much as laws, and why waiting for a clearer sign is usually how people miss their window.This is a quiet but ruthless conversation about trust, safety, and agency — and why for many people, the question isn’t if they’ll leave anymore, but when.If you’ve been feeling unsettled, exhausted, or like you’re watching your country turn into something you don’t recognize, you’re not crazy — and you’re not alone.And no, you don’t need another sign.

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 emotional spending.If you keep telling yourself you’ll start saving after things calm down, after you do more research, or after there’s money left over (spoiler: there never is), this episode is for you.I explain why your move abroad isn’t a hobby — it’s an exit plan — and how starting with as little as $10 can shift your priorities, your behavior, and your timeline faster than any perfect budget ever will.We cover:Why “not enough money” is usually a priority problem, not an income problemHow paying yourself first actually works when life is already expensive and overwhelmingWhy waiting to save “what’s left” guarantees nothing ever happensThe simplest way to start funding your move abroad without blowing up your lifeThis is a grounded, practical episode for anyone who’s done Googling, done spiraling, and ready to stop performing planning energy — and actually move.Departure Lounge

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 — safety, stability, belonging, identity — and your nervous system is trying to move you toward someplace where you can actually breathe.And yes, it’s scary. And disorienting. And you probably feel guilty for wanting something more.But you’re not crazy. You’ve outgrown your life.This episode is the grounding. The “you’re not alone.” The “you’re not making this up.” The “you’re allowed to want the exhale.”We’re talking about how the body knows before the mind does, how to listen when your life starts feeling too small, and why moving abroad scared is still moving abroad.No hype. No fantasy. Just truth.

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 a lot of the time, “I can’t afford it” really means:“I’m overwhelmed. I’m scared. I don’t know where to start. I don’t want to look at the numbers because the numbers make everything real.”This episode is your call-out and your relief:If money isn’t the real problem, you’ll finally see what is.And if money is the problem, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to approach it — without panic, self-blame, or pretending you’re going to suddenly become a different person on January 1st.No shame. No delusion. No “someday.” Just honesty, clarity, and your next move.

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 like you’re not ready.In this episode, we break your move abroad into three actual financial phases — before, during, and after — so you can see what things actually cost, where your money needs to go, and how to stop saving for a fictional scenario no one is living in.We’re letting go of panic-savings and replacing it with clarity, pacing, and a timeline that makes sense.No shame.No overwhelm.Just a real plan that lets you start.If you want 2026 to be the year you actually go — not the year you “think about going again” — this one matters.Join the Departure Lounge

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 needed three months of rent upfront and had no clue deposit insurance existed (yes, I will be screaming about that forever)I also talk about moving again — to Austria with a baby, then back to Switzerland during the pandemic — and what those moves cost too. (Spoiler: both under $1,200 out of pocket.)If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t move abroad until I save a huge amount of money,” this episode will challenge that — in a real, non-delusional, no-manifesting-required way.Yes, moving abroad takes planning. No, it doesn’t have to take a lifetime of savings.move abroad on a budget, cost to move abroad, moving to Switzerland costs, how to move abroad cheap, 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).If you’re serious about landing a job abroad, stop praying to the LinkedIn gods and start speaking the language employers actually understand.Let’s make your résumé make sense — before it ends up in another black hole.Join the Get Hired Abroad Challenge.

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 mean you when they say “open to international candidates”), why your CV is getting filtered before a human even reads it, and what to do differently so you finally get noticed — without wasting hours refreshing LinkedIn.This isn’t about being more “positive.”It’s about being strategic AF in a system that wasn’t built for you.Join the Departure Lounge for this month's Challenge: Get Hired 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 responsible-looking spreadsheet.In this episode, I’m pulling apart what “waiting for the right time” really means, how fear quietly brands itself as caution, and why the biggest thing holding you back isn’t money, timing, or visas — it’s you moving your own damn goalposts.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your move abroad, this is it.I’ll share:How I learned the difference between fear and factsWhy “someday” is the most expensive word in your vocabularyWhat happens when you stop branding fear as logicAnd how to start — even if you’re scared, broke, or not “ready” yetBecause the truth is, you don’t need permission, perfect timing, or another spreadsheet. You just need to start running your own race.Let’s go.Free Checklist for moving abroad

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 glamorous part of your move abroad.You’ll learn what documents really matter, why “recently issued” means something different in every country, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that derail visa applications.It’s not about perfection — it’s about persistence, preparation, and PDFs.Visa ChecklistVisa Therapy Challenge

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 means in visa language (spoiler: it’s code for “short-term pain disguised as convenience”) — and what you should actually look for instead.Link to the Visa Therapy Challenge (inside the Departure Lounge)

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 tabs and embassy confusion — this is the dose of real talk you need.LINKS:The Departure Lounge

“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’t cry in front of the clerk.Free personalized Visa Checklist (works across most countries)Research & Register mini-course (payment plan from $34) to set up visas, registrations, and timelines without 100 tabsHave questions? DM @iammistelle on Instagram

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 and the truth about the trade-offs, this is your reality check—with love.ResourcesStart planning with Research & Register (mini-course; 3-month plan from $34)Freebie: Cover Letter Template (for applying abroad)

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

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 limits, and why “live animal” holds aren’t the Hunger Games.Paperwork that trips people up: microchip standards, timed rabies shots, health certificates, USDA endorsement (for U.S. departures), import permits, and quarantine rules.Airline & route strategy: booking early, pet caps per flight, weather embargoes, and choosing airports with good animal handling.Prep for calmer pets (and a calmer you): carrier training, exercise, food/water timing, what comfort items to include (and which you won’t get back).Landing & settling: first vet visit, jet lag for pets, setting routines, safe decompression spaces.Money & expectations: realistic costs, where to spend vs. save, and why the real hurdle is paperwork + guilt—not the flight.Bottom line: your pet wants you. With the right prep, they’ll handle the move better than you think (often better than we do).Got questions about your specific route or rules? DM me on Instagram @iammistelle and I’ll point you in the right direction.

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 are.I’ll walk you through:Why U.S.-style résumés get trashed overseasHow to write cover letters that don’t sound like therapy sessionsThe right way to mention your visa status without scaring employers offWhat hiring managers abroad actually want to see (spoiler: it’s not your babysitting job from 2002)And why “spray and pray” job applications are killing your chancesApplying abroad isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. And if you know how to package yourself for an international market, you’ll stand out for the right reasons.Free Cover Letter Template👉 Tune in and then DM me on Instagram @iammistelle if you’re ready to stop ghosting recruiters and start actually landing interviews abroad.

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 intentions” aren’t enough if you want to live abroad responsibly. From passports and rent prices to community impact and cultural extraction, this episode gets real about what it actually means to build a life abroad without falling into the colonizer trap.This isn’t about guilt—it’s about responsibility. Because the truth is, awareness gives you choices: to show up consciously, to use your advantages for good, and to build a life beyond borders that doesn’t just serve you, but also respects the people and places you’re stepping into.If you’re thinking about moving abroad—or you’re already here—this episode is for you.

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 know when you’re ready. Spoiler: you won’t. Life will still be messy. Your bank account won’t feel big enough. Your family won’t all be on board. And that dream version of yourself who finally feels confident? She doesn’t show up until you’ve already made the leap.I’ll share why waiting for certainty is the surest way to stay stuck, how fear disguises itself as “logic,” and what it actually looks like to start building your life abroad before you feel prepared. Because if I had waited for the right time, I’d still be sitting in my old life, wondering if “someday” would ever come.Jumpstart Challenge: https://www.mistellegodlewski.com/jumpstart

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 how to choose a location that’s not only exciting but also sustainable for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. I’ll talk about the practical realities—like cost of living, visas, and job opportunities—that could make or break your move.If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll only move if it’s there,” this is your sign to widen your options. Because the right place for you might not be the one you’ve been daydreaming about—and that’s not a bad thing.REACCH mini-courses: LINK

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 American Dream wasn’t mine—and how I found something better.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or quietly Googled “how to move abroad” while crying into your coffee… this one’s for you.Referenced:ABROAD mini-courses

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.

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 system to keep your sanity and your memories intact. Plus, hear true stories, brutal truths, and Mistelle’s no-nonsense tips for making space—both physically and emotionally—for your new life abroad.If you’re overwhelmed by the clutter, stuck in “what if I need this?” mode, or just terrified of breaking grandma’s china, this episode is for you.Ready to start your move without losing your mind? Let’s unpack this together.Join the 7-Day Jumpstart Your Move Abroad Challenge

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 survive. From six-week school breaks and paid vacation that actually lets you rest, to day camps that teach independence instead of just supervision—this is the unfiltered, real-life version of raising a kid abroad.We talk about: ✅ How summer in Switzerland actually works (spoiler: it’s not 12 weeks of chaos) ✅ Why living abroad didn’t make life perfect—but made it damn more livable ✅ Letting go of guilt about “not doing enough” every day ✅ The quiet truth: wanting more space, slower days, and less panic doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you awakeIf you’re currently googling “affordable summer camps near me” or “how old can a kid be home alone,” take this as your sign:It doesn’t have to be like this.✨ Want to take the first step? Grab my free visa checklist—a real, no-fluff list of what you actually need to get your paperwork started.🌍 Ready for more?Follow along on Instagram @iammistelle for the real, messy, hilarious life abroadLeave a quick review to help other women (and moms) dreaming of a slower, saner life abroad find usSubscribe so you never miss an episodeLife’s too short to stay stuck. Let’s see what’s possible—together.

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 safer) still comes from a place of privilege ...and how to do it without being the tone-deaf, colonizing, “loud-in-English-only” American everyone complains about.We’ll get brutally honest about:Why your intent doesn’t erase your impactThe quiet ways gentrification happens (yes, even if you think you’re “just renting a cheap place”)Why refusing to learn the local language isn’t quirky... it’s disrespectful AFHow to spend, tip, dress, and show up so you’re part of your new community, not just on top of itPractical tips to keep you from turning into the kind of American who ruins it for everyone elseThis isn’t about guilt. It’s about responsibility, and making damn sure that when you move abroad, you do it with integrity, respect, and your eyes open to the ripple effects of your choices.Because living abroad is a privilege. And if you’re going to claim it, the least you can do is not be an a**hole.I’m sharing real stories from my own move (and yes, my German was questionable at first), what I got wrong, and what I’ve seen too many Americans still get wrong.Want to get your move abroad plan started without selling your soul or your integrity? 👉 Grab my free personalized visa checklist.And if this episode hit home, leave a review, share it with a friend, or come tell me your messy, honest thoughts over on Instagram @iammistelle.See you there. And remember: life's too short to stay in one place... but don’t make it worse when you leave.

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 polished half-truth that looks great in TikToks and Pinterest boards but collapses the second you actually try to make it work—especially if you’re not a 24-year-old with tech skills, dual citizenship, and a family trust.If you’ve ever felt like moving abroad was only possible if you had the perfect home office setup and 10K months from passive income funnels, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through:Where the remote job myth came from5 real ways people move abroad (without remote work)What you actually need to legally and sustainably live abroadThe biggest time-wasters that keep people stuck and brokeAnd how to get started even if you’re burnt out, broke, and babysitting Google for visa answersThis one’s for the caregivers, the side-hustlers, the moms with no backup plan, the folks holding it together with duct tape and hope.Because no, you don’t need to code your way to Croatia.You need a plan—and I’ve got one for you.🎧 Ready? Press play.🎁 Grab the free masterclass, “Still Jobless, Stateside & Stuck,” to avoid the 3 biggest mistakes Americans make when trying to land a job 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 that point where you’re done coping and ready to actually go, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through the four-part framework I use with my clients to plan a move abroad that’s real, legal, and grounded in reality — not fairytales or filtered travel feeds. From choosing the right country, understanding your visa options, and building a practical budget (yes, three types of budgets), to gathering the mountain of paperwork most people don’t talk about — I’m laying it all out.This episode is your unapologetic permission slip to take your desire to leave seriously. Because choosing your peace, your family’s future, and your mental health? That’s not selfish — that’s survival.🎟️ Grab my free guide, 10 Ways to Save on Your Move Abroad/ 📦 Need help with the actual logistics? Check out my ABROAD framework and mini courses.

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 SNAP, she exposes how this administration weaponizes “health” to shame, starve, and control. If you’re pissed off, you’re paying attention.

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 (spoiler: it’s not coming)How fear dresses up as logic (and lies to your face)What Estelle’s $2,000-in-the-bank move looked like—and why she did it anywayThe 3 hardest truths you need to hear if you actually want to move abroad✨ Whether you're stuck Googling “how to move abroad” for the 97th time or you’re paralyzed by perfectionism, this episode will either:Fire you up to finally take actionOr give you the clarity that you’re not actually serious (yet)Either way, it's a win. 🎯🚨 Call to Action: Ready to stop pretending you’ll move “someday”? Start with this: → Download your free personalized visa checklist: Take me to the quiz🎧 Listen now and start moving—mentally and literally.

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 hole.We’ll talk:Why being scared is normal (and actually a sign you’re doing something brave)How moving abroad is not just a cute Pinterest fantasyThe very first step to take if you're feeling overwhelmed and totally stuckWhy your “why” matters more than your budget at this stageThe mindset trap that keeps most people Googling instead of goingWhat to look for in a country so you don’t end up broke and burnt outA basic intro to visas that doesn’t require a JD or a trust fundThis episode is your permission slip to start small, get practical, and remember you’re not crazy for wanting something safer, freer, and better for you and your family.So grab your notebook (or just the back of an envelope), because we’re making this real.Let’s go. 🌍✈️