I left the US in 2015 and have since lived around the world. Reverse culture shock hit me harder than leaving ever did.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman in a halter top observes a woman selling food in a Cambodian market.
Kat Smith exploring a Cambodian market.

Courtesy of Kat Smith

After 5 years of living abroad in Canada and Europe, I took off my rose-colored glasses and moved back to the US

Tech Insider : Business
Woman smiling at Mont Royal viewpoint -
I spent years living in Canada and Europe before returning to the US. Life abroad was great in many ways, but it was not the extended vacation it looked like.

Sydney Baker

I moved abroad at 40 to escape loneliness. I didn't expect how hard it would be to go home.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Deidre Donnelly posing near the water in Haiphong, northern Vietnam.
Deidre Donnelly was single, lonely, and unsure what came next, so she moved to Vietnam.

Provided by Deidre Donnelly

Living abroad for 28 years gave me everything I wanted — and a quiet guilt I still carry

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Kris LeBoutillier standing near a shophouse in Singapore.
Kris LeBoutillier says that living in Singapore gave him opprotunities he never would have found back home.

Provided by Kris LeBoutillie

The 10 most peaceful countries in the world, ranked

Tech Insider : Travel, Economy, Travel
Traveler at US airport
International conflict is pushing some Americans to consider relocating abroad.

Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images

I sold my business and my home and moved to Europe with my dog. Living here has its pros and cons.

Tech Insider : Business
Natalie Lynch and her dog Enzo.
TK

Courtesy of Natalie Lynch

I left the US to start over after a tragedy — and fumbled through 5 classic first-timer mistakes

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Melanie Gordon smiling with trees behind her
If you're traveling solo for the first time, especially after a significant life event, I hope this helps you avoid some of the pitfalls I fell into.

Melanie Gordon

I sold my home and moved to Europe at 55. I'm not living my dream life yet, but it's better than working my life away in the US.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Natalie Lynch and her dog Enzo in Antibes, France.
Natalie Lynch and her dog Enzo in Antibes, France.

Courtesy of Natalie Lynch

I got divorced and moved to Paris at 57. I'm happy I retired in Europe, but life abroad isn't always a fairytale.

Tech Insider : Business
A selfie of Lisa La Valle
Lisa La Valle

Courtesy of Lisa La Valle

I moved my family from New York City to Puerto Rico 18 months ago. We love it here, but some things surprised us.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
The author and her family in Puerto Rico.
The author and her family moved to sunny Puerto Rico in August 2024.

Courtesy of Sophie-Claire Hoeller

Subscribe to expat