The world is actually really beautiful. People are really beautiful… just do it. I don’t want to have regret.”
That’s how our conversation with Yolanda Rashemah, host of The Places We Call Home Podcast, ended, and it perfectly captures the reality of living abroad.
In this episode of Wandering Works for Us, we explored what it truly means to build a life in a new country, from identity shifts to finding a sense of belonging abroad.
If you’ve ever considered moving overseas, or are already navigating expat life, this conversation will resonate deeply.
The Reality of Moving Abroad (Beyond the Dream)
It’s More Than Travel—It’s Transformation
But Yolanda brought us back to something deeper:
“Every single time has been very different… and it pulls out more from you.”
That’s the part people don’t always expect. Because moving abroad isn’t just exciting, it’s stretching. It asks more of you than you think you’re ready to give. And sometimes, it forces you to start over completely.
Expat Life and Identity: Starting Over
Who Are You in a New Country?
One of the biggest challenges of expat life is redefining who you are. Back home, you know how everything works. You understand the culture, the language, and your place in it. Yolanda described something many expats feel but struggle to put into words: “Everything that I was before is now irrelevant. I’m having to rebuild who I am here.”
That hit hard.
Abroad, even simple tasks can feel unfamiliar. We’ve experienced this firsthand, living in Portugal and navigating daily life, learning the language, and adjusting to a new cultural rhythm. It’s humbling, but it is a common part of the moving abroad experience, and it’s completely normal. It’s where growth happens
What Is Home for Expats?
Redefining the Meaning of Home
So what is home when you’re living abroad? For Yolanda, home isn’t just one place; it’s layered: “Home is about people… and it’s about being rooted.”
Home can be where you were born, where your family is, where you feel safe, or the community that helps you grow. For us, after three years abroad, we’ve realized something powerful: The meaning of home changes when you live abroad.
The “In-Between” Phase of Living Abroad
Feeling Between Two Worlds
Many people living abroad experience what we call the “in-between” phase. You’re no longer fully connected to your home country.
But you’re not fully integrated into your new one either.
“You are never fully at home where you moved to… and no longer fully at home where you moved from.”
That’s the truth of expat/immigrant life.
This is one of the most common life abroad challenges. It can feel isolating, but it can also be freeing. Because in that space, you get to define what home means to you.
How to Create a Sense of Belonging Abroad
Belonging Is Built, Not Found
One of the biggest lessons from our conversation: You have to create your sense of belonging abroad. For us, that meant getting involved in our local community, trying new experiences, learning Portuguese, and showing up consistently. Building a life abroad requires intention.
You can’t just live somewhere new; you have to engage with it.
Letting Go When Moving Abroad
Why Less Really Is More
Moving abroad forces you to let go of everything–physically and emotionally. Before relocating, we sold nearly everything we owned.
And while it was difficult, it was also freeing. Letting go creates space for new experiences, new perspectives, and a new way of living. This is a powerful but often overlooked part of the moving abroad experience.
What Does Thriving Abroad Look Like?
A Different Kind of Success
In many places, success is tied to productivity and hustle. But living abroad can shift that mindset. For us, thriving now looks like slower mornings, walkable daily life, more time with friends, less stress, and more presence. It’s not about doing more, but living better.
Expat Lifestyle Tips for Newcomers
Advice for Anyone Moving Abroad
If you’re planning to live abroad, here are a few key takeaways:
- Give yourself time to adjust
- Expect challenges—they’re normal
- Be open to new experiences
- Learn the local language
- Get involved in your community
And most importantly:
Be kind to yourself.
Just Do It: The Truth About Living Abroad
There will never be a perfect time to move abroad. There will always be uncertainty. But the world is full of incredible experiences waiting for you.
If you’re thinking about it…
Just do it.
Because the biggest regret isn’t failing. It’s never trying at all.
Want to hear the whole interview? Check out the podcast!
We not only tell you about our experiences traveling across Europe, but we also talk about what it is like to live abroad.
To listen to Yolanda’s Podcast, The Places We Call Home, click here!
Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).