One year my wife and I decided to spend a summer in Spain.
We packed our suitcases and lugged our 18-month year old from Arizona to Madrid and began our summer. We hit up 10 Spanish cities (Madrid, San Sebastian, Pamplona, Barcelona, Valencia, Almeria, Grenada, Sevilla, Cartagena, and a few more), ran with the bulls, ate tapas, and ran a business from abroad.
Pretty epic, and something I’d like to do again eventually one day.
I know the community at Terkel resides in different parts of the world, so I thought I’d ask a question on which places are the best to live abroad. Here’s a few recommendations I received.
Where Are the Best Places to Live Abroad?
From Chiang Mai, Thailand to Nepal, here are eight answers to the questions, "Where have you lived abroad, how long were you there, and what was the experience like?"
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Netherlands
- Czech Republic and Argentina
- Dublin, Ireland
- Australia
- Thailand, Germany, and Now Bulgaria
- Nepal
Chiang Mai, Thailand
I lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for two years, and it was an amazing experience. Chiang Mai is a beautiful city with a rich culture, friendly people, and delicious food. I loved exploring the city's many temples and museums, and the night markets were always a fun place to hang out.
Living in Chiang Mai was relatively affordable, which made it a great place for me to live as a digital nomad. I met people from all over the world, and the ex-pat community was welcoming and supportive.
Natalia Brzezinska
Marketing and Outreach Manager, PhotoAiD
Netherlands
Five years ago, I moved to the Netherlands for a man I had just met six months prior in Guatemala. His dad received a terrible health diagnosis, so our travels throughout Central and South America had to be cut short. We rushed to return to his home country of the Netherlands to be by his side, and while my visa was being processed, his dad made a miraculous recovery.
We had already started settling into life together in his home country, and it disappointed us to postpone our further travel plans, but it was the right decision for the time. Little did we know the pandemic would hit and the timing would be a blessing in disguise. After five years here, I've now integrated and received dual citizenship.
The experience was extremely challenging in ways I never expected, but I'm a better person for having to adapt so much. Living abroad is an experience I'd recommend to everyone, but be prepared for it to be the hardest experience of your life.
Kayla Ihrig
Founder, Writing From Nowhere
Czech Republic and Argentina
Living abroad is never easy, but it is something I recommend to everyone. Doing so can be daunting, as you have to adapt to a new environment, learn a new language, and immerse yourself in a different culture, but if you do it, you will feel happy to have done it.
My first experience living abroad was when I did an internship in the Czech Republic. My next experience was when I moved from Argentina to the US to do my Masters. It was a great experience. Not only did I improve my English language skills, but I could also learn about different ways of doing business and a new culture. It also helped me to build up a strong network, which I have been able to use in my work since then.
Luciano Colos
Founder and CEO, PitchGrade
Dublin, Ireland
My six months in Dublin, Ireland, at a language school was an unforgettable experience. The city is vibrant and rich in culture, offering a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. From learning about the history and traditions of Ireland to immersing myself in the live music scene and nightlife, I expanded my horizons and made lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds. Even the weather, which is on the cooler side, suited my preference. Living abroad in Dublin gave me a chance to learn and grow in ways that will stay with me forever.
Dilruba Erkan
Consultant, Character Calculator
Australia
I am originally from the UK, but I spent 7 years living in Australia and it was a great experience. One of the biggest differences was the weather and outdoor lifestyle—it was a real bonus to spend so much time outside and enjoy the sunshine.
It's important to note that Australia can be quite expensive, especially if you aren't working. That being said, even lower-paid jobs can provide you with a good salary to live comfortably.
Overall, I would highly recommend considering a move to Australia if you're looking for a new adventure and a different way of life. It may have its challenges, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
Lilia Koss
Community Manager, Facialteam
Thailand, Germany, and Now Bulgaria
I lived in Thailand for two years, Germany for 12 years, and now Bulgaria for over one year and counting. I've enjoyed learning about the culture of each place I've lived in, tasting the local cuisine, and meeting and learning from the locals. Of course, there are also things I don't like about each place, too.
The hardest part, once you've settled in and the high of moving to a new place wears off, is taking the time to make meaningful connections. I've found the best way to do this is to sign up for groups around your interests. For example, if you like to be outdoors, sign up for a hiking group. That way, you'll meet people who you share something in common with and who you'll see regularly, which makes it more likely to create a faster connection.
Laurel Robbins
Founder, Monkeys and Mountains
Nepal
I am originally from India, from the state of Delhi. I always felt drawn to Nepal, with its stunning Himalayan landscapes, vibrant cultural traditions, and friendly people.
During my college days in 2022, I moved to Nepal to explore the country and learn more about its culture. While I was there for just two months on my stay, I enjoyed the local culture and made some friends along the way. I learned how to speak Nepali and developed a deep appreciation for Nepali cuisine, music, and dance.
I also traveled around the country, visiting places like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Obviously, there were certain challenges for me, like navigating the sometimes chaotic traffic in Kathmandu and adjusting to the slower pace of life in rural areas. However, I found that the warmth and generosity of the Nepali people were sufficient for me to navigate any obstacles that came up.
Harsh Verma
Head of SEO, Codedesign
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