5 Tips to Help Black Women Transition Abroad Easily

Have you ever dreamt of what it would be like to live in another country? I know I sure have. I traveled to Portugal last year with a friend and instantly loved the culture, food, and music. I immediately thought to myself, "I could live here." According to a recent NBC News article, Black women are moving abroad more than ever. Due to a combination of factors, including being tired of racism, sexism, and the lack of opportunities in the United States, some just need a change of scenery. For example, influencer Glo Atanmo moved abroad to find love. Whatever the reason, if you are considering a move abroad, keep reading for some tips and tricks to help make your transition smooth.

Define Your Purpose: The first step is determining why you want to move abroad. Is it for adventure, career development, personal growth, or a combination of these? Defining your purpose will help you make informed decisions about your destination, finances, and lifestyle. Research countries that appeal to your goals and interests. 

Research the Destination: Before jumping into the plane and heading overseas, thoroughly researching your desired destination is essential. Get to know about your destination's language, culture, and customs. Don't just rely on the opinions and perceptions of others; take a deep dive and do your research. Familiarize yourself with where you are going; it could be the city, town, or rural area. Youtube can also be a great resource; check out Driven Spice's channel, a vlog about living in Portugal. Vlogger Tiffany Davis lived in Paris for years before recently moving back to the States; she has great content about living abroad.

Develop a Financial Plan: After identifying your destination, you need to develop a financial plan that caters to your initial and subsequent migration costs, including visa applications, moving expenses, housing, healthcare, and daily living expenses. You can save up, invest in a side hustle, or secure a job before you move to cushion your transition financially.

Connect with Expats and Social Networks: Living in a foreign country is not easy, and it is natural to feel homesick, lonely, and out of place. Therefore, connecting with other expats or social networks that cater to your interests is vital. Connecting with other black expats or local groups will help you adjust to your new environment. When researching things to do before visiting Argentina on my first solo trip, I stumbled upon a fantastic organization called Spanglish Xchange. The organization brings together Spanish speakers and English speakers, of all levels, in a series of coordinated conversations, similar to speed dating. I met some fantastic people that made my trip even more enjoyable. Sign up for fitness classes, join a sports team, or attend cultural events to meet like-minded individuals. Once you have a supportive network, you will feel more confident and start enjoying the opportunities of living in a foreign country.

Learn the Language: Learning the language of your destination is an excellent way to integrate into the culture and communicate effectively. It is also helpful for finding a job, making new friends, and understanding the country's customs. Taking language classes or watching online tutorials can be convenient and easy to integrate into your daily routine. The more you become comfortable with the language, the more opportunities will come.

Stay Authentic: Remember your roots and authenticity. Embracing your culture and allowing others to experience it can make it an exciting and fulfilling journey. Share your food, music, dance, and traditions with others. Be proud of who you are and your heritage. Bring your unique perspective into your new environment and interact with others that enhance your cultural growth.

Stay Positive: Moving abroad is a significant adjustment; only some things will be smooth sailing. There might be moments when you feel homesick, experience culture shock or things do not work out as planned, this is normal, and it is essential not to lose sight of the big picture. Stay positive and be open to new experiences. Take it one day at a time and learn from your mistakes. There is always something new to learn, and every hurdle is an opportunity for personal growth.

Moving abroad can be intimidating, but with careful planning, research, and support, it's possible to make the transition a smooth one. So whether you're looking for new job opportunities, a change in scenery, or a new adventure, don't be afraid to take the leap and embrace the experience.

Are you planning on moving abroad anytime soon? Let me know where you’re headed and how the planning process goes.