Planning to retire and move abroad at the same time? Discover how to manage this powerful life transition with practical tips on identity, structure, and creating purpose after retirement abroad.

Moving abroad and retiring are two major life events—and doing them at the same time? That’s a powerful (and potentially overwhelming) combination.

Many people dream of retiring in a foreign country, whether for a lower cost of living, adventure, or a new lifestyle. But what often goes unspoken is how difficult it can be to manage both transitions simultaneously.

As an intercultural psychologist and expat coach, I’ve worked with many people navigating this exact path. And I can tell you—there are ways to make it easier, more meaningful, and a lot more joyful.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface—and what you can do about it.

When you retire and relocate abroad, you’re not just changing your location. You’re also shifting:

• Your daily routine

• Your social network

• Your professional identity

• Your sense of purpose
  

That’s a lot for anyone. And yet, we often blame the move itself when we feel out of sorts.

“Maybe this country isn’t for me…”
“I don’t feel like I belong here.”
“Why is everything so hard?”

But often, what we’re experiencing is not just culture shock—it’s the impact of retirement mixed with relocation.

Let’s unpack three powerful tips to help you navigate this chapter smoothly.

So much of our identity is wrapped up in what we do.

Think about it: one of the first questions people ask is, “What do you do?”

 When you retire, you suddenly lose that piece of your identity—and when you move abroad at the same time, you may also lose the familiar people, places, and rhythms that once gave your life structure.

Ask yourself:

• How much of my self-worth is tied to my career?

• What roles do I want to embrace now?

• What gives me a sense of contribution and meaning?
  

This awareness can help you proactively create a new version of self—one that’s not defined by a job title, but by intention and joy.

One common trap retirees fall into is the lack of routine. At first, it’s liberating. No more alarms! No more meetings!
But after a few months, it can lead to a feeling of drift.

In a new country—where language barriers, fewer social connections, and cultural differences exist—this can amplify loneliness or disorientation.

Instead, create a light routine:

• Sign up for a weekly class (art, language, fitness—whatever excites you)
• Join a social or cultural group
• Volunteer for a cause you care about
• Set small rituals in your day (like morning walks or journaling)
  

You don’t need to fill every hour. But having places to be and things to look forward to gives your week a rhythm that supports your mental and emotional well-being.

Some people try to “replace” their old work schedule by overbooking their retirement life. Others swing in the opposite direction and end up feeling disengaged or isolated.

The sweet spot? Balance.

• Make time for fun, travel, and exploration

• Give yourself permission to rest

• Choose meaningful, low-pressure ways to contribute (like volunteering or mentoring)
  

Volunteering abroad is a popular choice for many retirees. It provides purpose and connection, without the stress of a formal job. Just be sure to commit to something that genuinely excites you—it’s still a form of work, after all.

This book is a must-read for anyone going through a big life change—and it’s one I recommend in my Expat Journey Program. It beautifully breaks down the emotional process behind life transitions and how to move through them with clarity and intention.

The expatriate lifestyle after retirement can be rich, fulfilling, and adventurous. But it also requires self-awareness, planning, and support.

By honoring both the emotional and practical aspects of retirement and relocation, you can turn this dual transition into an exciting, empowering new chapter.

I offer expat coaching for retirees, including one-on-one sessions and a all-in-one membership designed to help you feel confident, purposeful, and supported in your move abroad. Learn more here: www.deborahdahab.com/workwithme

Moving abroad with kids? Learn how to choose the best school in a new country by focusing on curriculum, budget, language, long-term goals, and your child’s needs.

When families move abroad, one of the biggest—and most emotional—decisions is choosing the right school for their children.

But here’s the thing: there’s no universal “best” school. What works for one family might be completely wrong for another. That’s why scrolling through online forums or asking in Facebook groups often leads to more confusion than clarity.

The right school is the one that fits your family’s values, goals, and lifestyle.

Let’s walk through the most important questions to ask before you even start researching.

Before diving into school websites, take a step back and ask yourself:

• What type of education do we value?

• Are we looking for consistency because we’ll move again soon?

• Or are we settling long-term and want our child rooted in the local culture?
  

For example:

• If you’re living abroad temporarily and want to maintain educational continuity, international programs like IB (International Baccalaureate) might be ideal.
  

If you’re planning to stay long-term, a local public or private school might help your child integrate better into the community and culture.

Your child’s age will affect not only what level they’ll enter but also how easily they adapt to new systems.

• Younger children may pick up a new language more easily and adjust quickly.

• Older kids might need more support with curriculum transitions, academic pressure, or social integration.
  

Some families prefer more structured environments, while others seek alternative education models like Montessori or Waldorf. Know what fits your child’s learning style and emotional needs.

If you’re considering private or international schools, costs can vary dramatically from country to country.

• Get clear on your monthly or annual education budget.

• Don’t forget to factor in additional fees: enrollment charges, books, uniforms, extracurriculars, meals, and transportation.
  

Tip: Your research will be more focused and productive once you’ve aligned your budget with your educational goals.

Timing matters—a lot.

• Every country has a different school calendar. Some start in January, others in September.

• Public school enrollment usually follows specific windows. Missing those could limit your options.

• Popular private or international schools might have waiting lists or early application deadlines.
  

Start researching at least 6–12 months in advance if possible.

This is a big one. Ask yourself:

• Do we want our child to become fluent in the local language?
• Or do we prefer an English-speaking or bilingual environment?
  

If your goal is integration and cultural immersion, local-language schools are a strong choice. But if language is a barrier or stressor, starting in an international school with support for second-language learners may ease the transition.

• Your educational goals (consistency vs. local integration)
• Your child’s age and learning style
• Your budget and extra fees
• Your move timeline and school calendars
• Language preferences and long-term plans

If you’re in the early stages of planning your international move, check out my free ebook Move Overseas with Ease.

Get it here: www.deborahdahab.com/freeresources

Have questions or want to connect? Comment below, send a message, or join our community of globally-minded families preparing to move with confidence.

Thinking about learning a new language before your move abroad? Don’t start without this step-by-step checklist to set clear goals, choose the right method, and stay motivated.

Learning the language of your future home is one of the smartest things you can do when planning an international move. It opens doors, eases daily life, and helps you build real connections.

But here’s what I see all the time: people dive headfirst into Duolingo or enroll in intensive courses without a plan. And a few weeks in, they feel overwhelmed, burned out, or like they’re just not making progress.

Sound familiar?

Before you start, take a breath and go through these key steps. They’ll help you build a sustainable, effective language-learning strategy that actually works for your life.

Start with your purpose. Why do you want—or need—to learn this language?

Your reason will shape everything else: how much time to invest, what vocabulary to focus on, and how fluent you actually need to be.

Here are some examples:

• Daily life: Shopping, making small talk, asking for directions? You may only need basic conversational skills.

• Work or business: Attending meetings, giving presentations, or managing teams? You’ll likely need intermediate to advanced fluency.

• Social connection: Want to build friendships and feel at home? Think about how you’d like to express yourself emotionally and culturally.

Clarifying this from the start helps you focus on what truly matters—and ignore the rest.

Now that you know why you’re learning, zoom in.

Ask yourself:

• Will I need to write professional emails?

• Will I be negotiating contracts or managing teams?

• Do I want to talk to other parents at school pick-up?
  

The more specific your goals, the easier it will be to:

• Choose the right learning materials

• Measure your progress

• Stay motivated

Learning a language takes time—but timelines help keep you accountable.

Instead of vague goals like “I want to speak fluently,” try something like:

• “Hold a basic conversation within 3 months”

• “Understand a podcast episode in 6 months”

• “Give a short work presentation in 9 months”

Make your goals time-bound, but flexible. Life abroad gets busy—your plan should support you, not stress you out.

Let’s get real: how much time can you truly dedicate to learning a new language?

Look at your schedule. Consider your work, move logistics, family responsibilities, and mental bandwidth. Then, make a commitment you know you can keep.

Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or an hour per week, consistency beats intensity every time.

After you set your goals and timeline, do a gut check.

Does it feel doable—or already stressful?

If it’s too ambitious, scale it back. You might:

• Focus on fewer skills at a time (just speaking or listening, for example)

• Stretch your timeline a little longer

• Shift to easier resources
  

A sustainable plan is way more effective than a perfect one you’ll abandon in two weeks.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning.

Ask yourself:

• Do I remember best by reading, listening, or doing?

• Did I love flashcards or group study in school?

• Do I prefer structure or flexibility?
  

If you’re not sure, take a quick learning style quiz online. Then choose tools that match your style:

• Auditory learners: Podcasts, conversation clubs, audio flashcards

• Visual learners: Videos, written guides, color-coded notes

• Kinesthetic learners: Interactive apps, role-play, immersive experiences
  

Matching your method to your brain makes everything more fun—and more effective.

Language isn’t just about grammar or pronunciation—it’s about connection. About showing up in your new life with curiosity, confidence, and courage.

So before you open that app or sign up for a course, give yourself the gift of a plan. A thoughtful start can make all the difference in where you end up.

The Expat Journey Program includes a dedicated workshop on how to plan your language learning journey—tailored to your goals, style, and timeline.

Whether you’re preparing to move or already abroad, this workshop gives you practical tools to learn smart, not just hard.

Explore the program at www.expatjourneyprogram.com

Struggling to communicate abroad? Learn how to adapt to cultural communication styles—whether high-context or low-context—and connect with ease and confidence in your new country.

When you move to a new country or begin working across cultures, one thing becomes clear very quickly: communication isn’t universal.

It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how it’s said, when it’s said, and even what’s left unsaid. And if you’re not tuned into these differences, misunderstandings can pop up fast.

The good news? 

You can learn to navigate new communication styles—and still stay true to who you are.

Let’s start with two big-picture communication styles: high-context and low-context.

 High-Context Communication

• Relies on relationships, body language, and implied meaning

• Emphasizes harmony and group connection

• Common in many Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American cultures
  

In high-context settings, people often take time to build rapport before diving into the main point. It’s not uncommon to discuss the weather, ask about family, or make small talk before getting down to business.

 Low-Context Communication

• Direct, clear, and focused on facts

• Prioritizes efficiency and individual expression

• Found in cultures like the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia
  

Low-context communicators value getting straight to the point. They’re often more task-focused and may see small talk as a delay, rather than a connection builder.

Before adapting to a new culture’s way of communicating, it helps to understand your own. Ask yourself:

• Do I prefer efficiency, or do I enjoy building personal rapport first?

• Do I value “getting to the point,” or does it feel more natural to warm into a conversation?

• Do I find small talk annoying—or essential?
  

Recognizing your communication comfort zone helps you adapt with more self-awareness (and less frustration).

1. Observe Before Jumping In

Pay attention to how people around you interact. Do they shake hands? Smile often? Ask personal questions before getting to business?

Just watching and listening can give you powerful clues about what’s expected.

2. Adjust Without Overhauling Who You Are

You don’t need to become a different person. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
If you’re used to being direct, try softening your tone or adding pleasantries before making a request. If you’re more indirect, you might need to practice being a bit more assertive in low-context cultures.

3. Ask for Feedback (Even the Subtle Kind)

Sometimes feedback isn’t direct—it’s in body language, awkward pauses, or how someone ends a conversation. Use these cues to make gentle course corrections.

And if you’re comfortable, ask a trusted local or colleague: “Is there anything I should do differently when I communicate here?”

4. Stay True to Yourself

Adapting doesn’t mean abandoning who you are. It’s about finding a respectful middle ground—where you can navigate local expectations without losing your voice or values.

When I moved back to Brazil after years abroad, my direct, no-nonsense communication style clashed with local norms. I got feedback that I was intimidating—something I’d never heard before.

At first, adding small talk felt weird. But when I started asking people about their weekend or their family before jumping into work topics, I noticed something shift. People opened up. 

Trust grew. Communication got easier.

It didn’t take much—just a bit of curiosity and willingness to meet people halfway.

Effective communication is more than a soft skill. It builds bridges. It creates trust. It’s what helps you go from surviving in a new country to truly connecting.

Whether you’re collaborating across cultures at work or ordering coffee in a new city, the ability to shift gears, read the room, and communicate with empathy makes everything smoother—and more rewarding.

In the Expat Journey Program, we dive deep into cultural adjustment, including how to communicate confidently across cultures. Whether you’re preparing to move or already abroad, I’ll help you build the awareness and tools you need to feel connected—wherever you land.

 Explore the Expat Journey Program

Living abroad means navigating cultural differences—and the assumptions that come with them. Here’s how a simple plumbing issue turned into a powerful reminder about curiosity, communication, and cultural understanding.

Living in another country teaches you a lot: how to adapt, how to communicate beyond words, how to laugh at yourself—and, surprisingly, how often we get things wrong by assuming.

This lesson came back to me recently in a very unexpected way: through a plumber.

A few days ago, I shared a short video on social media about an experience I had. Nothing dramatic—just a frustrating moment. A plumber had promised to send me an estimate… and then disappeared. No messages, no calls, nothing.

As someone who likes clear and direct communication, I used the story to reflect on how different cultures handle communication. Where I live now, the style tends to be more indirect—and that contrast alone can create misunderstandings, even over something as simple as a service appointment.

I didn’t mention which country I was in. I didn’t name the plumber. Just a light personal insight about how intercultural dynamics show up in everyday life.

And then the comment came.

“You should learn the local language.”

It was based entirely on assumptions.

The commenter assumed:

• That I didn’t speak the local language

• That I was speaking to the plumber in English

• That the plumber didn’t speak English

• And that the whole situation was somehow my fault—for not integrating
  

Here’s the truth?

I do speak the local language—fluently.
I had the entire conversation with the plumber in that language.
The issue had nothing to do with language barriers.

To their credit, the commenter deleted the message after I clarified. No apology, but hey… small victories.

Because we all do it.
Even those of us who teach about intercultural communication and have lived in multiple countries (hi)—we still fall into the trap of interpreting someone else’s behavior through our own lens.

It’s natural. It’s automatic.
But if we don’t stop to examine those assumptions, we miss out on real understanding.

Assumptions close doors. They:

• Block connection
• Limit empathy
• Create friction where there could be curiosity
• Lead to unfair judgments
  

When you live abroad—or even when you’re just having a conversation with someone from a different background—your job isn’t to assume. It’s to ask. To stay open. To remember that your way isn’t the only way.

And maybe this is something you want to carry with you too:

• Be curious before you’re critical.

• Ask before you assume.

• Breathe before you react.

Whether you’re navigating a new culture or just dealing with a ghosting plumber, these little mindset shifts can change everything.

There’s a whole world to discover—not just in the country you’ve moved to, but in every human interaction. If we can slow down, stay present, and let go of snap judgments, we open the door to deeper understanding and real connection.

So next time something doesn’t make sense, ask yourself: What might I be assuming here?

It might just teach you more than you expected—just like that plumber taught me.

The Expat Journey Program is here to help you move abroad—and grow through it. With resources, coaching, and a supportive community, you’ll build a life abroad that works for you.

Learn more at www.expatjourneyprogram.com