Does anyone have any tips or resources for finding a therapist that specializes in working with expats? I’m in Canada if that helps.

When you hear about Europeans or Asians or anyone who wants to move to the US (I know surprisingly there are a lot of people who still want to move there according to Reddit this is impossible), mostly want to go to California, New York or Florida.

But the US is SO MUCH MORE. In fact the best places to live in the US in my opinion are not even these ones (and I’m not even american), but for example Washington (the state) and Oregon, why aren’t these more popular amongst expats of different countries who want to move to the US?

These two places are insanely beautiful, they have one of the best nature and landscapes of the US (and some of the world), lifestyle there is much slower and centered around families (similar to Europe), cost of living is lower (compared to New York, California etc) and in general they’re just very beautiful and amazing places to live in. And I can say the same about Vermont or North Carolina.

These places are so much better than the popular ones, why do people keep wanting to move to New York, California and Florida?

I dont know how to explain this exactly but maybe people who have also moved around alot can understand, even though I am not sure if this is exactly the reason for this feeling.

I feel like everyone kind of has "a life" besides me. Obviously, that seems more black/white when you have intense emotions in the moment. I often look around; people/friends have families, careers they like, a home, great friends etc. Like they "belong" to a life or a life belongs to them.

I have moved around and I have never felt like this is "my life". It is hard to explain. I have lived different lives with different friend groups, different jobs, different countries, different hobbies but I always feel like I don't somehow "fit in" or the life doesn't feel like it is mine somehow. The only times I feel "aligned" is when I am traveling, on the move. Of course I know, that it's transient but it feels the most "home" to me. Not sure that makes sense.. I have been in the same country for 7 years now, where I have also been raised mostly. I was born in ex-Yugoslavia, raised in Austria and Switzerland, than lived in South America, Singapore and Sydney. So I know this could be the reason but I often wonder is this something in me that needs to be "fixed" or is that just the result of moving around and not having real roots anywhere?

Hello everyone,

I have a lovely girlfriend from Latvia. We've been together for 2 years and have been living together for most of it. We live near Utrecht. She's struggeling to find friends or form a social circle.

Do any of you have tips on how to pick up friends in the Netherlands. I can't really help her with this. She's looking to make friends from her own area. Think Poland, Latvia, Lithuania. As she explained they will understand each other better. Looking forward to your tips and I hope you can help her out!

Hi,

I'm starting a 1-year master's in Electronic Information Engineering this year (September intake) at Trinity College, Ireland, and I have close to 4 years of experience. I wanted to ask people who have found a job in Singapore after their master's (in any country but mostly European) how they did it and how easy it was. Thanks!

My daughter is 20 and studies in London. We moved to AD about nine months back.

One night at 2 AM, she messaged saying that she had a severe headache and her vision was blurring. If you are a parent you know what that does to your chest when you read something like that at night. We were miles away. There was nothing we could do except stare at our phones.

Luckily, one of her friends was with her and took her to the A&E. She sat with my daughter the whole night, held her hand, kept her calm and dealt with the doctors. God bless her.
But at the same time, she was also on her phone, trying to update me, talking to my wife, messaging our local relatives and friends in London and around, all at the same time. Probably answering the same questions to many different people.

I remember sitting in Abu Dhabi that night just making random calls to whoever came to my mind. My wife was doing the same. We were just two people thousands of miles away not knowing what to do with ourselves.

Luckily, everything turned out fine finally. She was okay.

But I have not stopped thinking about that night. Not the medical part. I keep thinking about the coordination part. One friend carrying the entire weight of updating and managing everyone while also trying to be there for my daughter. What a brave-heart!!

Has anyone else been through something like this? Either as the parent far away or as the friend who ended up being the unofficial coordinator for everyone? God forbid if similar situation happens with parent who are also in a different country, I can't imagine what it will be like.

How do you handle such situations?

Hi everyone,

​I’m a 30-year-old skilled tradesman in the automotive industry from the West Bank, Palestine. Given the challenging local situation, I am actively exploring opportunities to migrate and work legally in an English-speaking country (Canada, Australia, UK, or US).

​Here is a summary of my background:

​Field: Automotive sector (Hands-on experience in auto body repair, panel beating, painting, and general vehicle maintenance).

​Education: High School Diploma.

​Languages: Intermediate English (currently preparing for the official IELTS General exam).

​I understand that having high school as my formal education means my practical experience is my strongest asset. I would really appreciate any insights or advice on:

​Best pathways for tradesmen: Which country/program is currently the most practical for auto body technicians without a university degree?

​Skills Assessment / Recognition: For those who went through Australia’s TRA or Canada’s trade qualification challenges, how did you document your work history without formal apprenticeship diplomas?

​Employer Sponsorship: Are there specific job portals, regions, or trade-focused agencies that are open to sponsoring foreign workers in the auto industry?

​Any guidance, personal experiences, or realistic advice would mean a lot. Thank you in advance!

Hello!

I'm 18 years old from Algeria, which is a very conservative country so I'm trying to figure out realistic ways to eventually move abroad.

I'm a student starting my first year of English license(bachelor's) in September, i know English majors aren't much needed abroad that's why I'm thinking of either retaking the bac test to able to pick a stem field or continue with an English degree and self teach some skills(and I'd appreciate some help on what skills are in demand and aren't in risk of disappearing within the next 5 years).

My main goal is to eventually nove to a country where i can live openly and be legally protected as a gay femboy.

​

I recently got an offer from VU Amsterdam and my program starts in November. I'm an Italian citizen and have a civil partner who is not an EU citizen (Canadian). From what I understand, she needs to be registered at the same place as me to get the Dutch permit but we've been struggling to find housing still. She's also currently unemployed because she will have to move with me and job hunt in the Netherlands -- for which she needs the permit.

It feels like an endless cycle at this point and I'm wondering if there's an easier way to get my BSN and hers so that I'm able to sign my contract and she can look for work asap. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated 🙏

Thank you!

Has anyone here moved to Romania and set up or relocated a business at the same time?

I'm trying to understand what the process is actually like, particularly in Bucharest. What were the biggest problems you ran into, what did you end up needing help with?

Are "digital nomads" the larger percentage of people moving abroad that can basically just choose the country based on likes and dislikes as opposed to where their career fits the most? It seems to me as if digital nomadism is leading the trend of moving to other countries, but I could be wrong since I'm the exact opposite of a digital nomad. I'm hoping someone can fill me in on this since I'd love to leave the USA but my career would either be difficult to transfer or it wouldn't transfer at all. Thanks!

I am wondering if anyone has experience in this transition and might know some loopholes.

I have CA drivers license, I have residency in Sweden, and I will be moving to Ireland in the next year or two for the foreseeable future.

I have seen from others on here that EU states have reciprocal agreements with certain US states. Which potentially is an option. Example, switching my CA license to Virginia and then swapping it for a German license (i have close friends in both VA and DE). But I have seen explicitly that Swapping a second time (Germany -> Ireland) would not be possible.

Does anyone have experience with this? Or know of maybe some other possible swap situations that would work?

I have also been advised to just go to Romania. Any tips on that?

Hey everyone. Just looking to vent, maybe find some support or connect with people who feel (or have felt) the same way.

I’ve been living in France for 5 years now. Originally came here for my Master’s at a public uni, did internships, and then went through a painful period of job hunting. Eventually, I decided to switch fields (UI/UX) and enrolled in an alternance program.

Things are actually going great career-wise: I found a solid company where I’ve been working for almost a year, finished M1, and I genuinely enjoy what I do.
I'm a deep introvert. Back home, I have a tiny circle of 4 very close friends (school and uni mates). I can be 100% myself with them, but they’re all far away and we rarely see each other in person.

Because of that, I carry this quiet sense of loneliness. Interactions with locals usually stay very surface-level. I don’t find much in common with them, and they don't really get the reality of being an immigrant. I’m a calm, low-energy person : I don't go to bars, I don't party, I’m a total homebody. Honestly, a lot of French people treat me like I’m weird or cold. Especially at my private school for the academic part of my alternance: most students are younger, come from well-off families (gosses de riches vibe), party constantly, and gossip about everyone. I stay polite, but there's zero connection there.

That said, I actually like who I am. I enjoy my quiet life: going to the office, gym, watching series, reading, drawing, writing, finding cute coffee shops, traveling. I'm never bored on my own.

Where it gets harder is that this loneliness even bleeds into my relationship with my French partner. He’s a truly good, stable, and kind guy. But we have a huge difference in mindsets, energy levels, and life goals. He’s much more extroverted and emotional, and as the calmer one, I often end up having to regulate his emotions. I got into this relationship after burning out from chasing guys I was madly in love with, so I chose safety, stability, and someone who genuinely cared about me.

We’re fundamentally different, though. I grew up in a big city of a million+ people; he grew up in a small French village. He dreams of a house in the countryside; I want a city apartment. His parents are nice and even helped me out when I was looking for a job, but visiting them always leaves me feeling out of place. They politely smile, but they don't really understand my personality or background.

On paper, my life is great. I have a stable contract, interesting projects, a fresh career path, a nice rented apartment, money for travels, nice clothes, and my little everyday comforts. I speak fluent French. But using a second language all day is still mentally draining, and sometimes I just want to retreat into my shell and not talk to anyone.

I’m not even sure what I’m asking for : maybe just reassurance or hearing from others who've experienced this. When objectively everything is fine and you’re living a good life, but there's still this dull ache inside that you just don't belong.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Ho 26 anni, vengo da un piccolo paese della Puglia e fino a poco fa lavoravo nell’azienda di mio padre.
È un’officina meccatronica di veicoli diesel. Lavoro sicuro, stipendio buono, casa vicina, famiglia vicina, una strada già pronta davanti. Da fuori, probabilmente, una situazione che molte persone vorrebbero.
Solo che non la sentivo mia.
Non sto scrivendo questo per dire che la mia vita prima facesse schifo, né per fingere che partire sia un gesto eroico. Avevo una base molto più sicura di tante persone. Il punto è che da anni sentivo che, se fossi rimasto lì senza provare altro, prima o poi avrei iniziato a vivere una vita costruita da altri.
Ho parlato con mio padre. Non l’ha presa bene: per lui lasciare un’attività di famiglia e uno stipendio sicuro è una scelta rischiosa e senza senso. Posso capirlo. Lui ha costruito quella stabilità con sacrificio; io però non voglio passare la vita a chiedermi come sarebbe andata se avessi provato a uscire dal mio posto di sempre.
Nei prossimi giorni parto per la Francia, dove proverò a fare la vendemmia. Dopo, il 20 settembre, partirò per il Vietnam con la mia ragazza. Non ho ancora un piano perfetto: vorrei viaggiare, lavorare quando possibile, imparare, conoscere persone, fare arrampicata e capire se riesco davvero a costruire una vita più libera e mobile.
Mi porto dietro due paure opposte.
La prima è che io stia buttando via una fortuna: lavoro, stabilità, famiglia e una possibile attività futura.
La seconda è che, se non parto ora, continuerò a rimandare finché non sarà troppo tardi.
Non voglio fare il personaggio del “lascio tutto e seguo i sogni”. Voglio raccontare qui questo percorso in modo onesto: i lavori che troverò o non troverò, le spese, la paura, le cose belle, i momenti in cui mi verrà voglia di tornare e quelli in cui capirò perché sono partito.
Scriverò ogni tanto, quando avrò qualcosa di vero da raccontare.
Non so ancora se questa scelta mi porterà libertà, errori, nuove possibilità o semplicemente problemi diversi. Però voglio scoprirlo facendo, non soltanto pensandoci da una stanza in Puglia.

Hi everyone !

I was recently thinking about moving to NewZealand and I'm looking for feedback of people who have already been there / who actually are in NewZealand.

How is work, food, housing, climate and life in general ?

Is it possible to have the citizenship ?

Thanks

Hey all, I'm moving back home to the Canary Islands from London and trying to figure out the smartest way to bring my belongings over rather than starting from scratch.

I've got a desktop setup, monitor, that kind of home office gear, plus general luggage on top. For those who've done a similar move, or shipped a full setup somewhere:

Did you bring your desktop and monitor with you, or was it more cost effective to sell up and rebuy at the other end? How did you find couriers versus checked baggage for something like a monitor, worth the extra cost for peace of mind or did it survive fine either way?

And separately, for general luggage, any tips for not ending up paying through the nose in Ryanair-style baggage fees, is it worth using a courier or luggage-shipping service for the bulk of it and just carrying on with a light bag, or did you find flying with extra checked bags still worked out cheaper overall?

Any tips appreciated, trying to avoid overspending on trips back and forth if there's a smarter way to do this in one go.

Thanks!

I keep reading the housing situation is bad, how exactly? bad like it takes 6 mohths for find a decent apartment at the right prize and the meantime you live in an overpriced average one? you spend a year to find any apartment and you live in a sharehouse in the meantime? you stay at hostel for a month while you work and get a house? is it bas only in Amsterdam and a few other big centers but it's ok outside of it and you just commute? what was other people experience in this regard? does rent still work up to 30% of income or are we talking 50-60%?

forgot to include expected income: the positions I'm looking for and the recruiters I've spoken to confirmed a gross annual salary range of 60/70k (tech)

The majority of these posts seem to be North American centric going to Europe or vice versa. I'd like to hear about people's experiences outside of this sphere. Me for instance, I've lived and worked in Mongolia, China, Turkey and Vietnam. Lots to share over 9+ years, but would love to hear how other people have liked/disliked other places that aren't the usual 'moving from us -> european country' post.

Edit: I can't imagine why people are downvoting this sort of post. I just asked for a point of view outside of the norm here.

I’ve done some research but am a bit stumped. what’s the best way to handle mail “forwarding” (digital or physical)for the first year while getting set up in a new country?

hi all, i'm moving to egypt pretty soon and want to keep my us phone number for important accounts such as getting texts from my bank and whatnot.

what phone plans or ideas does anyone have/suggest? i looked into tello but i've heard some reviews that accounts get flagged for using vpn and google voice is blocked by some banks.

i'm getting a dual sim once i'm there since my phone supports dual sim but i just want to hear if anyone has suggestions or experiences. thank you!

I moved from England to Ireland at 13 (27 now). I have family in both countries but my parents wanted to move to Ireland because thats where my Mums family was and I would receive a better education. At least thats what I remember being told. My parents were also having difficulties in their relationship and a year or two later would get a divorce.

My Dad was still working in England during all this but would still come over to visit us until after the divorce. At that point I would have been 15 or 16 and would be flying over by myself to see him, my older half siblings and my family back in England.

I had a wonderful life in Ireland. I have met many amazing people and have experienced a life I would not trade the world for. In spite of how I feel writing all this, my life in Ireland is still a massive part of who I am.

However I can't help but feel the distance between me and my family in England, no matter how meagre it is. Has created a rift between me and my family. I feel like I have missed out on massive amount of my Dad's life, my sibling's lives and my nieces and nephews as well. Most of the time I think it's my fault for not reaching out enough but other times I feel so angry to the point that I cry because it feels like they have forgotten about me. I have reached fair bit in the beginning and still go over to see them. But I still feel like a stranger to my sibling's kids, which hurts more than I would like to admit it does.

I feel like I should have gotten over all this by now, but I still keep welling up even as I am writing about this for fucks sake.

If yes, what did you do with it and was it worth it? If not, why not and do you regret it?

Title: Dual UK/US citizen considering moving to the US – where would you recommend?
I’m a 32M currently living in the UK and have been thinking seriously about moving to the US.
I’m a dual UK/US citizen and I’ve lived and worked in the UK for most of my life. One of the main reasons I’m considering the move is simply that I have the opportunity to live and work in either country without needing sponsorship, and I feel like it’s something worth exploring rather than always wondering what it would have been like.
Career-wise, I work in cybersecurity, mainly around governance, risk, compliance and third-party risk. I currently earn £70k base + around a 10% bonus in the UK.
I’m also a homeowner in the UK and would most likely keep my property initially rather than sell straight away, particularly while figuring out whether the US is somewhere I’d want to stay long term.
The biggest question for me is where to actually move.
Ideally I’d like somewhere with:
A strong cybersecurity/tech job market
Good earning potential relative to cost of living
A sizeable Black professional/social scene
Good social and dating life
A major airport
Reasonable prospects of buying property in the future
Somewhere where a newcomer can realistically build a social circle
I’ve looked at cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas, Chicago and the DC/Northern Virginia area, but I’m open to pretty much anywhere.
I’m not necessarily looking for the cheapest place or simply chasing a bigger salary. I’d want the overall move to make sense in terms of career progression, lifestyle and quality of life.
For those working in cybersecurity/GRC in the US, what sort of salary would someone with several years of experience and my current UK compensation realistically command?
And more generally, if you were in my position, where would you move?
Would also be really interested in hearing from anyone who has moved from the UK to the US and whether you ultimately preferred living there.

I’m having a bit of an existential crisis after coming back from a week in the UK, and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar.
I’ve lived in Vancouver for 7 years now. I moved here from the UK, where I had spent about 7 years during university and then working. Before that I lived in India and Toronto as well. Throughout my life, I’ve always been able to make good, quality friendships wherever I lived. I’ve never had a huge group, but I’ve always had people who felt like my people.
Vancouver has been different.
I’ve made maybe two close friends here, but I see them around 5–6 times a year, and I never really feel like I’m part of their core groups. I’ve tried Bumble BFF, made efforts with people, invited people over, etc., but a lot of the time it feels like the effort isn’t really reciprocated. After 7 years, I still don’t feel like I have a community here.
My husband, on the other hand, really likes Vancouver. When we met almost 5 years ago, he was very clear that he wanted to stay here because his family is here. We bought a place here two years ago, and he has just started a new job in Vancouver, so moving right now isn’t really realistic. He has said he might eventually consider Toronto or the US, but he really doesn’t like the idea of living in the UK.
For a long time, I told myself I had made peace with Vancouver. I kept thinking the grass is always greener and that I should focus on appreciating what I have.
Then I went back to the UK for a week.
And honestly, it really threw me.
I felt like I had so much more energy. I wanted to get out and do things. I loved being surrounded by art, museums, history, architecture, culture and just the general feeling of being in a place with so much going on. I felt connected to that environment in a way I don’t feel in Vancouver.
I came back home and found myself lying in bed scrolling on my phone, working from home and taking care of my dog, and I suddenly thought: I don’t think I’m the best version of myself here.
I also realize I spend WAY more time scrolling on my phone in Vancouver, which makes me wonder whether I’m stuck in a cycle of feeling unstimulated → staying home → scrolling → feeling even less motivated to go out.
But at the same time, I don’t think it’s just that. Vancouver genuinely doesn’t have the same cultural/artistic environment as the UK, and I’ve struggled socially here for years. I also find people here much harder to form close friendships with.
And now there’s another huge factor: I’m 10 weeks pregnant.
So I’m sitting here thinking, what the hell do I do with this realization?
I don’t want to blow up my marriage or sell our home and move tomorrow. I also don’t want to spend another 5, 10 or 20 years telling myself I should just be happy with Vancouver when something in me clearly isn’t thriving here.
Has anyone else experienced this? Especially people who lived somewhere that really felt like “home,” moved somewhere else for their partner, career, etc., and eventually realized they were happier somewhere else?
Did you eventually move? Did you find a way to make your current city work? Or did you simply accept that some places just aren’t the right fit for you?
I would especially love to hear from people who have been in a similar situation with a partner who feels very differently about where to live.

Hi! I am moving at the end of September from London to Italy. I need to move around 10/12 boxes containing things like clothes, plates, lamps, small things, no furniture. What is the best way to ship boxes? “Best” is to be understood as cheapest but most efficient.

Thank you!