Here are some of our most frequently asked questions to help you on your journey into expat life:
What should I know before moving abroad for the first time?
Moving abroad is both exciting and overwhelming and it’s completely normal to feel both at the same time! Beyond the logistics of visas, housing, and finances, the most important thing to know is that you will adapt. The challenges that feel so big at the start (like finding your way in a new culture or building a support network) will become part of your story of resilience. Remember: you don’t have to have everything figured out before you go. What matters is taking it step by step, asking questions, and giving yourself grace as you learn.
👉 If you’re feeling the weight of a big move, our $49 Intro Mentoring Session is the perfect space to ask your questions and reduce the overwhelm. Book here →
What are the biggest mistakes first-time expats make when relocating?
The biggest mistake isn’t forgetting a document or packing too many boxes to ship. Those mistakes happen A LOT when under high stress – I left my son’s suitcase behind on our departure to Singapore and had to Uber it to the airport! The biggest mistake is trying to do everything perfectly. Many women put pressure on themselves to have every detail under control from day one and often that’s just not possible! There will be bumps in the road, and that pressure can quickly lead to burnout.
Another common mistake is not preparing emotionally: there will be some culture shock, loneliness, and identity shifts are as real as shipping delays or visa paperwork! Every expat experiences uncertainty on the emotional rollercoaster of relocation. But everything that happens will be a chance to grow stronger and more confident abroad.
How do I decide if moving abroad is right for me and my family?
Deciding to move abroad isn’t just about job opportunities or lifestyle upgrades – it’s really about alignment with your values, family needs, and personal dreams/aspirations. Ask yourself: Do I crave adventure and growth more than I fear the unknown? Am I willing to be flexible to change? Can I give myself grace while my family adjusts? There will never be a perfect time or a perfect plan! But if the idea excites you as much as it scares you, it might be exactly the change you’ve been waiting for.
And remember: you don’t have to make this decision alone! Our free Should I Move Abroad? 25+ Questions Self-Assessment will guide you through the process and help you feel clear and confident about your next step.
How do I deal with culture shock as a first-time expat?
Culture shock happens to everyone. Yes, even the most seasoned expats and travelers! At first, the newness feels exciting, but then the reality of daily life can bring frustration, homesickness, and even resentment. The good news? These feelings are temporary. With time, routines, and small wins (like finding your favorite coffee spot or making a local friend), your new country will begin to feel like home. Be gentle with yourself in the first 0-6months specifically as you’re transitioning, allow the emotions to flow, and remember: struggling with culture shock doesn’t mean you’re failing! It means you’re human.
“I had severe reverse culture shock after moving from Asia to America! I remember crying in Target, as the choice of which laundry detergent to buy seem so overwhelming. Believe me, it happens and it’s normal!”
How can I maintain my identity and confidence as an expat trailing spouse?
One of the hardest parts of moving abroad is when your career, routines, or community suddenly change. You’re often left asking: I gave up everything for this move, now WHO AM I HERE? It’s easy to feel invisible while your partner or children find their place. But here’s the truth: your identity is not lost – it’s evolving. Living abroad offers a unique opportunity to rediscover passions and hobbies, explore new roles, and redefine success on your terms. Confidence will come from giving yourself permission to grow in new directions while still honoring who you’ve always been.
If this feels like a current struggle for you, I invite you to explore our Rediscover Your Spark 8-Week Coaching Program – designed especially for expat women navigating identity shifts and ready to reconnect with their confidence!
How do I prepare financially for an international move?
Moving abroad often costs more than expected! Even when your company is covering the major moving costs and visa processing fees. Gone are the days of the “golden unicorn expat package” where your move costs, rent, utilities and cars were paid for! (plus business class flights home once a year – those were the days!)
You’ll need to factor in housing deposits, school enrollment fees and increasing your health insurance coverage (if your company only provides a basic plan). The best step is to create a realistic budget that includes both the “knowns” (shipping, rent, insurance) and the “unknowns” (emergency flights, cultural costs, new wardrobes). And remember, preparing financially doesn’t mean you have to have everything perfect before you go. The key is flexibility — building a buffer and knowing that adjustments will come.
“In Singapore we got caught out big time with health insurance! Our family plan provided by the company ONLY included my husband on the dental and vision insurance… my son and I were out not included! We didn’t realize this on arrival and ended up over $15k out of pocket for orthodontist, dental and optomotrist/opthomologist needs. Health providers in Singapore are top class, but costly!“
Read more about some of the hidden costs to look out for here
What documents and visas do I need to live abroad long-term?
Every country’s requirements are different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist. The paperwork for applying for visas and work permits can feel super overwhelming. What matters most is starting early, keeping a clear folder system (digital and physical) with back ups, and breaking it down step by step. And remember most immigration processes take longer than expected, so give yourself extra time – but you will get there!
Once you’re approved and on the plane to your new home, ensure you keep ALL your paperwork and documents in your CARRY ON luggage with you at all times! You do not want to be stuck at immigration on arrival because you’ve left a document in your suitcase and its waiting at the baggage carousel or worse lost in a flight delay!
How can I find housing before moving to a new country?
Finding housing abroad can be tricky prior to moving. Everyone jumps to download the local real estate app and starts looking for their dream house/apartment. BUT pls know photos online don’t always match reality, and rental rules vary everywhere. Spend time researching a number of neighborhoods and get an understanding of school entry requirements. Often local schools are zoned to specific areas, and many private schools have long waitlists.
Watch ‘walking tours’ and real estate videos on YouTube (eg. “The best place to live in Dallas with kids” or “Pros and cons of living in Zurich as an expat”). This is the quickest way to get a feel for where to live. Think about proximity to work and school commute times. Then once you have a shortlist connect with local expat groups for honest recommendations.
Book your look-see visit! This is the ONLY way to know if you are going to like the area. And if possible, wait to sign a lease until you’ve seen the house/apartment in person. Temporary housing for the first few weeks often saves stress (and money!) in the long run.
Read more about our tips for “How to Choose the Right Job, Destination & Neighborhood” here
What should I know about school admissions and waitlists abroad?
For families, schools are often one of the first big challenges to consider when moving abroad. Many international schools have long waitlists and can be very expensive. Most follow a strict enrollment process with application cut-offs for the upcoming school year. Some require additional steps such as recommendation letters, interviews, or even a “shadow day” where your child attends a day of classes before being admitted. Location also matters – in some countries, local schools are strictly zoned and you must live within a certain proximity to attend. Others, like charter schools in the USA, operate on a lottery system with annual applications. If you arrive after the cut-off, you may have to wait an entire year to apply again!
It can feel stressful, but use your time to explore ALL options before making your decision. My other advice is to BOOK that look-see trip and organize school tours. The only really way you’ll get to know the school is to see it in person (with your children if possible).
Continue reading here First time Expat’s Do’s and Don’ts
Can expat trailing spouses work overseas, and what options exist if I can’t?
One of the hardest truths to come to terms with as an expat ‘trailing spouse’ is the realization that some visas don’t allow spouses to work in the new country. This can feel like a huge blow to your identity, especially if you’ve always worked and do not want to put your career on hold. But here’s what we’ve learned: many women use this season to explore new opportunities — online businesses, remote work, volunteering, or studying to upskill. It may not look and feel exactly the same, but it can open unexpected doors to new opportunities.
How do I continue my career while living abroad as an expat woman?
The global workplace is changing. Remote work, online consulting, and entrepreneurship are more possible now than ever before. I’ve coached women who’ve had flexible employers who have allowed them to continue their same corporate role, with time zone adjustments. With a little imagination it is possible! The key is to keep your professional identity alive — update LinkedIn, build and connect with international networks, and keep learning. Even if your path changes, your skills and value do not disappear.
What are the best ways to make friends and build a social life abroad?
Until you meet “your tribe”, bouts of loneliness, especially in the first year are normal. Building friendships as an adult takes time! Many expat women say it feels like “dating” again — trying new groups or hobbies, sussing out new like-minded people, and perhaps joining a committee or sporting club for the first time. Our best advice is to put yourself out there often! Join Facebook groups (eg. Local Mums in X town, or Women of X city) and research expat groups in your state or country. Attend meetups, volunteer, and say yes to invitations (even if it feels uncomfortable at first). Friendships will grow! Usually it happens when you least expect it. Most women at our age are looking for connection – remember that.
“I found an “Aussies in Florida” Facebook group and I started commenting and engaging. Then finally built up the courage after feeling homesick for a few months to suggest a coffee morning meet up for anyone in my town who might want to connect. I was overwhelmed by the response! We had 10 women RSVP, most had lived in the USA 3-15 years and really missed their connection to Australia. Some women drove from Orlando and Sarasota 1.5-2 hours to be with us! It was so much fun we decided to start running coffee mornings monthly.”
How do I deal with culture shock as a first-time expat?
First things first – culture shock is NOT a sign you’re failing at expat life. It’s a sign you’re adjusting to a MAJOR life transition. You may cycle through excitement, frustration, sadness, and finally at some stage you will come to acceptance. The most important thing is to give yourself compassion and time. Explore your new home, create small routines, book short trips, try new experiences and celebrate tiny wins (like navigating the grocery store or market!). The culture shock will pass, eventually what you thought strange will become “just a part of life”.
Our best advice – look for the similarities and NOT the differences. Often our mind gets stuck focusing on all the negatives, one of main differences expats complain about can be $ exchange rates and cost of living. “Back home this cost X, everything here is so expensive!”. And yes, this may be true! But the sooner you can accept that you’re here now, earning and spending in local currency, the easier it will be in the long run to adapt and find peace with your new reality.
What is expat depression, and how can I overcome it?*
Expat or ‘Trailing Spouse’ depression is somewhat common. When you say good-bye to your life and follow your partner to a new country it can bring up many big emotions. A heavy weight of sadness, loss of motivation, or a deep sense of disconnection after moving abroad does happen. It often comes from shifts in career/identity, a lack of support networks, or long lasting homesickness. Please know: you are not alone, and nothing is “wrong” with you. Many expat women experience this, and with the right support (talking to others, building community, seeking therapy or coaching) you can and will move through it. The key is to reach out early, as soon as you begin to notice the signs, so you don’t have to carry the weight alone for too long.
How do I live with uncertainty and the anxiety that can happen as an expat?*
Learning to live with “uncertainty” is a part of every expat’s journey. From the sometimes rapid change in work, visa requirements, schools, or housing, living in a new culture a lot can all feel out of your control. It’s natural for this to cause some anxiety, but remember: everything always works itself out. Whatever challenge you face, there will be a resolution. It may not turn out exactly the way you envisioned, but nothing stays uncertain forever. And every step forward builds your confidence to handle whatever comes next.
The key is focusing on what you can control — daily routines, self-care, exercise and eating well in times of high stress. Small anchors like a morning walk or visiting a favorite coffee spot for a chat with a friend can help de-stress the anxiety. And again, reach out early for support from a professional if the anxiety is beginning to consume your daily life, disrupt sleep patterns, or becomes too overwhelming.
What is the Expat Women’s Collective, and who is it for?
The Expat Women’s Collective is essentially a hub of resources to help women on their expat journey. EWC’s aim is to build a supportive community designed for women who are moving abroad (or already living abroad) and want confidence, clarity, and connection. It’s especially for first-time expats — women who are navigating new cultures and the emotions that come with leaving “home.” We offer free resources, blogs, coaching and mentoring to make your transition smoother.
Does the Expat Women’s Collective offer mentoring or coaching for expat women?
Yes! Our mentoring is designed specifically for new expat women who feel overwhelmed, anxious or uncertain about their move. And it’s also for expat women who are already on the journey, who perhaps have settled into daily life but still feel the emotional ups and downs, identity shifts, or lingering questions about where they truly belong.
The $49 Intro Mentoring Session is a safe, supportive space where you can ask questions, talk through your concerns, and leave feeling empowered with clarity and practical strategies or next steps.
Sometimes just 60 minutes of chatting through all those “big life” challenges with someone who has been on a similar journey can make ALL the difference!
*Disclaimer: Janel Briggs, founder of Expat Women’s Collective, is not a licensed mental health professional and does not provide diagnoses or treatment for mental health conditions. The mention of depression, anxiety, or other emotional challenges in this FAQ content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or therapy. If you are experiencing ongoing emotional distress, please seek support from a qualified mental health provider in your area. If at any time you feel unsafe or in crisis, please contact your local emergency services immediately.
Expat Women's Collective 