As I began promoting my new book You Too! Can Live Abroad, I decided to speak with different women having the time of their lives living and working abroad. Over the past couple of weeks, I interviewed a State Department English language fellow, a future expat, and a physician traveling with her husband and young son. Now, I want to introduce to a single mother making a global impact by following her dream and living with purpose. 

 I originally met Kristen a couple of years ago through my networking group, Expat Women of Color, where she assisted me in an interview for my graduate capstone project. At that time, she and her son were living in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi. However, I'm currently interviewing her from an entirely different continent. She is now residing in Africa in the country of Uganda.

A New Adventure A New Way of Life...


 First, tell my readers when you first moved abroad and what took you? I first moved abroad in August 2013 after accepting a job offer with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) in the UAE.  I have always had a desire to live abroad since my teenage years when I traveled to Spain with my uncle. Visiting Spain inspired me to keep pursuing my dreams of living abroad. Prior to applying for the position, I worked as a first grade teacher for 3 years in the Chicago area. I love teaching and all aspects involved but I was ready for a change of pace, a new adventure and way of life. I was tired of living check to check and I felt that my life was in a stagnant place. I was also ready to move on from an emotionally and spiritually draining romantic relationship. The desire was always in me to teach abroad but prior to that time, I felt very limited by my circumstances as a single, African-American mother with a limited income. How in the world was I going to be able fulfill this lifelong dream? Sometimes it takes those uncomfortable situations and moments of uncertainty to push you out of your comfort zone into a place of purpose and destiny.

I understand that you are not traveling the world alone, you actually have a gorgeous gentleman accompanying you. Tell us a little about this companion of yours, and how his life has been changed by living abroad?  Yes, I am the proud mother of 8-year old Christion Nicholas Isaiah. He joined me in the UAE a few months after I arrived. I would highly recommend single mothers, who are considering a move abroad, to go alone for at least a month so that you can properly settle in before your little one arrives. He was 6-years old at the time and I was confident that living abroad would expand his ideas of the world around him through his intercultural experiences. Surprisingly, Christion adjusted very well to his new environment. I, on the other hand, was in a state of culture shock for over 5 months! While in the UAE, he was able to make friends from literally all over the world, learn Arabic and travel to various countries such as India, Oman, Sri Lanka, Qatar and Thailand within the span of 2 years. Furthermore, I made sure to keep him very busy by enrolling him in several after school activities including art lessons, soccer, basketball and swimming. I stayed connected with other single mothers and families, encouraging playdates and outings since community is very important when raising a child, especially as a single mother living abroad. Overall, Christion’s life has been enriched by this experience and he has become extremely well-rounded as a global citizen, allowing him many opportunities for growth and exploration.  

I am still a little jealous that my mother didn’t take me off to see the world. However, what if any, are the challenges of living abroad and do you think your son will ever regret being a 3rd culture child? The challenges were plentiful during our time in the UAE. That’s why I absolutely encourage parents to research the country of interest, especially if you have children of color because in my opinion, not every country is ideal for raising them. Therefore, you must find a place that works for you and supports your morals, beliefs and lifestyle. Talk to other families who mirror your situation. There were imminent differences between the American culture and the very conservative Muslim culture we experienced in the UAE. At first, Christion couldn’t understand why Christmas and Easter weren’t being celebrated and why we couldn’t eat in public during Ramadan. After the first year, things were clearer for him but again, it was definitely a cultural shock.
One of the biggest challenges for him was being away from his father. Single moms, although I encourage you to consider life abroad, I also want you to consider the relationship between your child and their father before making a definitive decision. I had to take into consideration the existing relationship Christion had with his father prior to our relocation. In the end, I didn’t regret my decision to bring him and my intentions were meaningful, however, it was definitely a hardship.
I want the entire scoop on your move to Uganda. How did you decide on moving to Uganda? What are the differences between Dubai and Uganda, and what do you love about your new adventure? After two years in the UAE, I decided that it was time for us to move on, however, I wasn’t ready to return to the States. Therefore, I accepted a job in Kampala, Uganda. Seeing the hardships Christion had to deal with being away from his father, I decided to leave him in the States for 1 academic year while I continued to pursue my teaching career…abroad. This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life since my son and I are very close.
So how in the world did I end up in Uganda? Well, when I made the decision to leave the Middle East, I started considering other locations such as Asia, South America and Africa. I completed a profile on www.searchassociates.com (highly recommended if you’re in the education field) and applied for several positions to no avail. I reached a time in the job search process where I became very discouraged and figured that it may be best to move back to the States after all and settle with a teaching position there. Right when I made that decision, I received an email from an international school in Uganda. They were pleased with my credentials and wanted an immediate interview. Unbelievably, I was hired a week later. Wow! I was moving to Africa! Now, that I am here, I am very thankful that I made the decision to move to Uganda. It was a huge to say the least because my son is away but from an overall perspective, it has helped me considerably by widening my outlook and increasing my faith and overall confidence. What I love about my journey the most is being in the presence of progress. The country is growing, moving and developing at a rapid pace. It feels great to be a part of the movement by contributing in any way that I can. By the way, my school is amazing! The children love to learn and the school community is chock full of extracurricular programs and resources. In the UAE, it was a challenge because I worked in the local schools so naturally there was a language and cultural barrier. Furthermore, in Kampala, the lifestyle is more relaxed, friendly and full of life. On the other hand, in the UAE, the culture was a lot more conservative in terms of dress, lifestyle and community relations. Through this transition from the UAE to Uganda, I am learning more about self-identify, love and purpose. I am learning how to remain strong during adversity, although the distance between my son and I is very difficult, at times. Through my community involvement, consistent networking and building social relationships, I am aware that everything happens for a reason and Uganda was definitely in God’s plan for my life.
Ok, I want to talk to you forever about your new journey, but I don’t have time. However, I would love for my readers to know a little more about you and what your aspirations are as an expat. What would you like for my readers to know to help them if they contemplating moving abroad? What has been your biggest lesson? One thing that I will say is never give up on your dreams and interests because of your circumstances. God has given you a very special path and purpose in this life. One of my biggest lessons and challenges was to not let fear control my destiny and to simply trust the process called life.
If you want to live abroad, I advise you to research employment opportunities in your field. Find out which countries have the best opportunities in terms of contracts, salaries and living conditions. Additionally, build a network before you arrive. This is extremely important and will help during the adjustment period. Continue to push through any obstacles that come your way. Stay strong, positive and know that your destiny is waiting on you. Lastly, if you are a single mother, I encourage you to allow your child to live abroad at least once. Of course, take all factors into consideration so that you can make very wise decisions for your family. Believe me, moving abroad, if you decide to do so, is an opportunity that you won’t regret. Go for it! I believe in you! It was one of the best decisions I made and now my life will be forever changed. For further information on my journey as a single mother of color living abroad, please watch out for the release of my very first E-book entitled:  Turbulence, (test)imonies and triumphs: Inspiration for single mothers of color pursuing purpose abroad. You can also follow my journey on my blog at www.msblackexpat.com .

Face book: Kristen Woodruff
Instagram: Msblackexpat
Have you thought about living abroad, but you have a family? Have you been waiting to speak to your spouse about your dream of living in South Africa, Spain, or Japan but you aren't sure they will support your dream? Well, you never know what will happen until you have the conversation. More and more people with families are packing their bags and trading their hectic lives more family interaction in a foreign country. So, really what are you waiting for?

 This week I had the pleasure of doing an interview with Atlanta native Carmen Brown who moved to New Zealand with her husband and son. Proof that even with a family, it can be done! If you are interested in getting some assistance or learning how to start the process, check out my new book You Too! Can Live Abroad.

You Can Have A Normal Live Living Overseas...
Name: Carmen
Age:  In my 40’s and fabulous
Occupation: Physician
Countries visited?  Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Denmark, Dominican Republic, England, Fiji, Hong Kong,  Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Samoa, South Africa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand
Where is home? Atlanta, Georgia
Where are you currently living? New Zealand
How long have you been living in this country? We have been in New Zealand for 2 years
Who is traveling with you? My husband and my 3 year old son
When did you first obtain a passport? In 2007! Believe it or not, I didn’t leave the continent until 2007 and between then and now I’ve visited almost 30 countries. I don’t think it’s ever too late to travel and explore!
When did you first know that you wanted to actually live abroad? After I went overseas. I realized that people have normal lives in other countries not unlike our lives in the USA. I also noticed that many places placed less emphasis on material goods an more on fostering relationships with friends and family and enjoying activities. I knew then that living abroad would be the best option for myself and my family. My husband is a former military “brat” and spent the first 15 years of his life living abroad so he was definitely integral in our decision to move overseas.


What is the most rewarding thing about being able to live abroad? Having a different perspective on life. I think that when you live overseas you have the opportunity to meet people who are so very different from your culture and background that you can’t help but to be inspired and educated by them. I didn’t realize how small my view of the world was until I found myself immersed in another country half a world away. I’m proud of myself for learning to grow and accept the beauty in differences.
What have you learned about yourself since moving abroad? I have realized that I didn’t need a fraction of the material goods that I spent a lifetime accumulating! I also realized that things can be done at a much slower, less stressful pace. I think I used to stress myself out back home, always trying to prove to everyone and myself that I’m a Superwoman. I have just recently learned here in NZ how to let things go… I’ve also learned that I’m an outdoorsy person! I would have NEVER tagged myself as a “hiking” or “camping” girl. Now these are two of my favorite outdoor activities! I try to do at least a 1 hour hike once a week-not only is it great exercise but it’s a perfect time to clear my head and think.
What do you most about living in New Zealand? WOW! First and foremost I love the safety of the country. New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the safest nations in the world with low crime and even lower corruption. You feel that as an American in everyday life. I also love the beauty of the country. I feel like I live in a postcard with crystal blue water, white sand beaches, lush green forests and snow covered mountains. I can’t believe how stunning it is here!


What is the most challenging thing about living abroad? Trying to schedule time to catch up with friends and family and “Letting go” of the fast paced “convenience” lifestyle. When you are 17-18 hours ahead of all of you friends and family it gets VERY difficult trying to Skype or call them. It really takes some planning. I do miss some other things like Soul Food and certain ethnic restaurants but it has just made me a better cook! I make so many things from scratch now because I can’t find the things in the store…Like I make my cornbread from scratch now instead of using Jiffy and I can make my own “Jimmy Dean” sausage!


The one question or concern I get the most is, “Where will find work?” Tell me how you found work in New Zealand, and how feasible would you say it is for the average person looking for a job to move abroad and find work? I have found in most countries if you have a skill or an advanced degree of some sort, finding work will not be difficult. New Zealand publishes what they call a “Skills Shortage List” on their immigration site which lists all of the degrees and skills that they need immediately. This will make it very easy for you to find work and to get a Permanent Residency based on your skill set or degree. They do usually prefer you have at least 1-2 years of experience in your field. I have noticed new graduates may have a more difficult time finding work.  There are lots of jobs available in IT, Science, Education, Medicine and Engineering. Recently one of my friends from Atlanta came to visit and was able to find a job in IT and has decided to move his family to NZ next year! It is possible!!

If you are interested in reading more about Carmen and her life in New Zealand, then check her blog out www.brownkiwis.blogspot.com


If you are interested in getting started as an expat and living abroad, I would love to help you. I am offering a 20 minute exploration coaching session, click here to learn more.


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Cha is the president of Global Bound Consulting where she coaches’ individuals in transition, provides intercultural training, and speaks to schools, groups, and organizations. She is also the founder of Expat Women of Color, which is a 501C3 organization that helps connect women who desire to live, work, study and/or travel abroad with other women  and resources to live abroad successfully. In here spear time, she loves to travel and see the world. You can contact and learn more about Cha through her personal website www.chajones.com or through her blog www.thenomadicchick.com.















There are a growing number of Americans moving abroad, and black women are amongst those seeking an international life as an Expat. So, as I get ready to launch my new book, YOU TOO! Can Live Abroad (sign up now! for updates) in a few weeks, I wanted to speak to both women who are currently living abroad, and Future Expats.



Today, I had the opportunity to speak to Future Expat, Cherise Charleswell, who is already a seasoned traveler. However, she still has her sights set on having a life and career outside of the United States. Although, she doesn't have a firm date of when she'll actually move abroad, she does have some of her future international travels for 2016 already booked and paid for, she is not playing y'all!  

Expecting Great Things!


Name: Cherise Charleswell
Occupation: Clinical Researcher, Diversity Officer, Writer, Segment Producer for Broadcast Radio, Model. Yes, I wear MANY hats.
Counties visiting by the end of 2015: Japan, Indonesia,   Singapore, Costa Rica.
Already Booked for 2016: Trinidad & Tobago, Thailand, 
Turkey, Kosovo, Albania, and Colombia. And, I still feel like I am forgetting to list a few.
Where is home?  Home and roots will always be the Virgin Islands. However, I do not feel tied to any particular locale.
Currently resides in? Los Angeles 
When did you first obtain your passport? At a young age, I'm not exactly sure when it was first obtained for me.
Have you traveled abroad? If so, where? Yes, I have. I have been to…Mexico, Canada, The Bahamas, Antigua, Anguilla, St Kitts, The Netherlands, The Netherlands Antilles: (St Maarten/St Martin, Aruba), British Virgin Islands, England, Portugal, Greece, Italy, France, and United Arab Emirates.

 Why are you interested in living abroad?  Living abroad is something that I wanted to do for a very long time. I was unable to accept a study abroad program, being that I had to work my way through college during my undergraduate years. However, I made it a point to befriend any exchange students and all those who had an immigrant background like mine. I just find that people outside of the US seem to be more socially politically aware, and for that reason far more interesting. There is also the state of US politics and the economy. I would like to live in a country that still values education, people, and infrastructure over war and profit. One where mass shootings are not the accepted norm. One where pursuing higher education does not put you in crippling debt. Seriously, I would like to pursue a doctoral degree, but know that I will not put myself in further debt by doing it here in the United States.

Where would you like to live and why? Goodness, if I had the exact answer to this, I would be gone already. I will just say that I am open to all opportunities. I have found something that touches me in every country that I visit, and know that I will be able to make any country “home”.

What do you think will be your biggest adjustment when moving abroad?  The biggest adjustment may be not being able to readily obtain some of the food products that I am used to; particularly since I am a vegetarian.
Do you have any fears about living abroad? If, so what are they? No, I do not.

What are three things you miss about America? I am unfortunately still here and have nothing to miss. However, I am sure that when I do emigrate, the things that I will miss are my family and friends; but they will always have an open door to visit me.


 Cherise is an active member of Expat Women of Color on Facebook.


 If you are interested in getting started as an expat and living abroad, I would love to help you. I am offering a 20 minute exploration coaching session, click here to learn more.

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Cha is the president of Global Bound Consulting where she coaches’ individuals in transition, provides intercultural training, and speaks to schools, groups, and organizations. She is also the founder of Expat Women of Color, which is a 501C3 organization that helps connect women who desire to live, work, study and/or travel abroad with other women  and resources to live abroad successfully. In here spear time, she loves to travel and see the world. You can contact and learn more about Cha through her personal website www.chajones.com or through her blog www.thenomadicchick.com.





I often hear, “Living abroad seems like a dream.” I have clients who want to live abroad, but don’t know where to begin. Some of them have desired to live abroad for years, but they either lose focus of their dream, don’t know anyone who has made living abroad a reality, or they feel overwhelmed by the notion of packing their bags and globetrotting all over the world. However, it’s funny because I even hear things like, “I don’t know any black women doing that.” Well, living abroad doesn’t have a race limitation nor is it reserved for the rich and famous. You too! can live abroad. (Sign up now! for an update)

In a few weeks, I am going to release the first book in my Nomadic Chick Travel Guide Series showing you how feasible it really is. In the meantime, I wanted to interview real women who have not only lived abroad, but who are doing some great things while living out their international dreams. Here is my first interview with State Department Funded English Fellow, LaTasha Simms.  
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Limitless Possibilities...

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing an old friend of mine from South Korea, LaTasha Simms. I met LaTasha over six years ago when we were both living and working in South Korea teaching English. LaTasha is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but currently living in Chengdu, China. She had just arrived in Chengdu after spending a few months in the Middle East when I caught up with her for this interview.

When did you first fall in love with the notion of living and traveling abroad? I've always loved to travel. When I was child, I would get so excited before road trips that I couldn't sleep. My first international trip was to Paris, France, in my first year of high school. This was actually the first flight I'd ever taken. I still have no clue how my mother afforded that trip, the private school I was attending and supporting our family. Who knows what I may have become if she had not.

We met in South Korea, so what was the best thing about living in Korea?  We did indeed. I loved the fresh delicious and organic produce being sold widely throughout the city and country side. Living in Korea left a lasting impression on the way I view health. To this day, I drink tea everyday and take walks. I also liked that there was ALWAYS something to do in South Korea. I never felt bored, there was too much to do most of the time. 

What have you learned from living and working abroad that has changed your life?
"Believe half of what you see, none of what you hear." Living abroad has taught me that you'll never truly know or appreciate a culture until you experience it for yourself. Being open to receive all that an experience has to offer you, and walking away with understanding and compassion. I now firmly believe in the vital role that cultural ambassadors, diplomats, and intercultural communicators play in our ever globalization society.

How did you feel when you came home after living in Korea for five years? Completely disconnected. I graduated from Central State University in June 2008. I landed in South Korea on August 25, 2008. I missed 5 years of domestic networking, conferences, and family events. I worked so hard for over a year to reconnect myself with old colleagues, friends, and family in order to reestablish my network. It was difficult. 
Yeah, many people don't understand that Repatriation is REAL. I totally understand the disconnected feeling.

What has been the most challenging thing you have experienced living and/or traveling abroad? Feeling like a goldfish in a very small fish tank. Today, while taking the bus home, I had to ask a Chinese couple many times to stop taking photos of me. They were excited to meet a foreigner, they told me I was beautiful, then proceeded to take photo after photo of me without my permission. 

Where have you traveled internationally? I have traveled to 16 countries. France, Spain, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Panama, Trinidad, Amsterdam, Oman, Armenia, Georgia, China, Japan, and the UAE.

What is the best thing about a life being able to experience the world? People. I have met some of the most brilliant and talented people while living abroad. I have a very eclectic group of friends that I'm proud to have met.

Tell us, where are you currently are and what took you there? I am currently living in Chengdu, China. I recently received an English Language Fellowships. I am one of very few people to be chosen for this opportunity.The English language fellowship is a U.S. State Department sponsored program that links TESOL professionals with universities in over 40 countries. 

That sounds exciting, tell us how you acquired this opportunity? The application for the English language fellowship is lengthy. You'll need to submit a statement of purpose, lesson samples, transcripts, and recommendations in order to apply. If you're chosen from the applicant pool, the second step is an interview, project offer, and health verification. Once this is all completed, you must attend an orientation in Washington D.C. The entire process takes about six months. This was actually my second time applying.

It seems that you are loving traveling the world, can you tell my readers why you think it’s important to travel, especially internationally? Television is art imitating life. What you see in the media is often times not entirely true. Forming your own opinions and perceptions are vital to understanding the world around you. Conversely, it's important to allow people to experience you and your culture, for the same reasons. We are a global society. The lines between us are blurring everyday. From climate change to our economy, we affect one another. 

Finally, what advice would you give the next generation or other women who want to live abroad, but don’t really know where to begin?

"Dream Big, Think Big, Work Smart, Be great." Dare to dream as big as possible. Do not allow what you see to make you blind. This world is full of successful people who only had dreams. Seek out the opportunities that will allow you to one day attain your dream. Network with people who have something to offer your dreams, as well as those who enrich your present. Find a good mentor who is knowledgeable and cares about your success. Don't expect to start at the top. Be ready and willing to start at the bottom and work smart. Once you've begun your journey, start to mentor someone, pay the kindness that people showed you forward. 

Well, as always it is a pleasure to catch-up with women traveling the world, but it's extra special when you get the opportunity to reconnect with people you actually know and have broken bread with on this journey. Thanks LaTasha for sharing part of your journey with me and my readers. Please keep us updated on life in China.


If you are interested in knowing more about LaTasha, her experience, or her new fellowship please leave questions, comments and/or follow her on twitter @LatashaSimms

Also, if you are interested in getting started as an expat and living abroad, I would love to help you. I am offering a 20 minute exploration coaching session, click here to learn more.
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Cha is the president of Global Bound Consulting where she coaches’ individuals in transition, provides intercultural training, and speaks to schools, groups, and organizations. She is also the founder of Expat Women of Color, which is a 501C3 organization that helps connect women who desire to live, work, study and/or travel abroad with other women  and resources to live abroad successfully. In here spear time, she loves to travel and see the world. You can contact and learn more about Cha through her personal website www.chajones.com or through her blog www.thenomadicchick.com.
Moving abroad is a major life changing decision. Therefore, it would be wise to ask yourself a few things before you pack your bags and travel the globe. Here are a few questions that you may want to start with...

1. Why do I want to move abroad?
Maybe you have watched too many travel movies and the idea of moving seems wonderful. Was is romanticized? To be very honest, if you want to move abroad and fall in love, then you might want to have another game plan. I’m not saying that you can’t move abroad and fall in love, but it may not happen like in the movies. You may have way more problems trying to find the true you before you ever find true love. Therefore, I’d really ask myself, “What do I want from this experience?” before I would go packing my bags. Traveling is great, and living abroad is even greater, but the best advice I can give you is, know what you want before you trekking across the globe, unless your sole purpose is to find yourself, in that case, pack lightly. 

2. Is my fear of the unknown real?
Often times we make up in our heads what is going to happen before we make any decision one way or the other, and in most cases those things never occur. Your mind can be your worse enemy when it’s time to do something that you have never done before. If you really want to live abroad and you have some fears, then it’s best to stay positive and stay away from anyone who would discourage you. It’s ok to read about other people’s experiences, but it best to really get quiet and ask yourself some questions about where your fear is coming from. Most of the time your fear is imaginary, I like to use the acronym False Evidence Appearing Real, because more often than not, your fears are coming from what you heard from someone else, what you think based off the past, or something that you read. However, you won’t know until you decide to go and see for yourself. You have to remember that what other people may want, need, or enjoy is for them. So, their experience is based off what they deem important, you could miss out on a great opportunity paying attention to someone’s bad advice based on what they experienced. You owe it to yourself to step out of your fears and live your own experience. If you too have a bad experience, then you know that it wasn’t for you, but you eliminated your fear based of your own knowing and not someone else’s experience.

3. Do I really want to move or do I want to take pictures and travel?
I know that you have been looking at pictures of those people you know or have come across currently living abroad. And the photos are amazing! You too want to go to Malaysia and trek up 240 something odd steps, while feeding crazy monkeys just to enter the Bantu Cave, or climb the Great Wall of China and get lost in the endless maze of wall that seems to disappear in forever. However, it is important to know that once you move abroad that game changes. You aren’t a traveler anymore, and although you can still travel and go sightseeing, for the most part, you are a resident. Meaning, you will be immersed in the culture, customs, and day-to-day living within that country. It’s exciting at first, but the nostalgic does wear off eventually. Especially, after a little cultural incident or two occurs and you begin questioning, “Why am I here?”   It happens! However, if you really, really, really want to live abroad, then those moments don’t discourage you, they actually add to your experience and strength your journey. So, I am not trying to scare you, but it is import to realize that there is a vast difference between traveling abroad than it is to live abroad. 

4. Do I have an exit strategy?
Let’s face it. Bad things can happen. It’s not that you want them to happen, and it’s not that they will happen. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. So, have you thought about what happens if you get sick, your plan doesn’t work as you thought it would, or if you need to evacuate due to some confrontation among countries? Things outside of your control can occur and the best thing to do is have a contingency plan in place in case of an emergency. I would advise having travel insurance, connecting to the Embassy and enrolling in STEP (Smart Travelers Enrollment Program), this will allow you to get travel alerts while you are traveling, allow the Embassy to contact you in case of a disaster or civil unrest or emergency, and/or help your family and friends get in contact with you in case of an emergency. I also think keeping enough money within reach that will allow you to leave if there is an issue in country or at home is a great way to stay proactive vs being reactive in a time of disruption. You never know you could get sick and need surgery or have a family emergency at home. You want to make sure that you have a plan in place where it won’t leave you desperate and stuck.

5. Do I have a network of people supporting my dream?
It’s great to be excited about your new venture to live in another country, but do you have other people cheering for you? You don’t have to have a bunch of people with signs and banners yelling your name, but I would encourage you to have a few great people that you can call on when things get tough, or you start to doubt yourself. Moving away from everything that you have always known isn’t always a cake walk, sometimes it gets lonely. However, when you do have your bad days or moments, it is great to have someone or a group of people who either understand your journey, or they support you in it. So, I would encourage you to have a network of other expats who you can connect with and ask questions, meet occasionally, or you can call upon day or night that will be there for you and provide good reinforcement and positively. Living abroad is very exciting and enriching, but there are moments when you find yourself missing home or feel alone, and you want to connect with someone who will encourage you. If you are on Facebook there are plenty of groups and I have one for women living abroad, where you can connect and ask questions. Feel free to visit us at either Women of Color Living Abroad or Expat Women of Color, these are closed groups, but they are open to women of all races and nationalities.   

Did you find these questions helpful? If so, click here and sign-up for Cha’s FREE newsletter so she can keep you updated on her book, You Too! Can Live Abroad: A Guide for Self-Initiated Expats.

What are some other questions that you would ask yourself before moving abroad? Are you in the process of moving and need assistance? If, so I would love to assist you. I am an expat and transition coach and I work with individuals who are going through change, and I primarily work with those relocating abroad. Don’t try to defeat the world alone, if you need help planning, overcoming your fears, or simply need to create a strategy for finding the right place and work, then I can assist you.
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Cha is the president of Global Bound Consulting where she coaches’ individuals in transition, provides intercultural training, and speaks to schools, groups, and organizations. She is also the founder of Expat Women of Color, which is a 501C3 organization that helps connect women who desire to live, work, study and/or travel abroad with other women  and resources to live abroad successfully. In here spear time, she loves to travel and see the world. You can contact and learn more about Cha through her personal website www.chajones.com or through her blog www.thenomadicchick.com.
 



Travel doesn’t have to be far.

October 2015
Photo credits: http://socialwehour.com/ep-content/uploads/2014/10/fall.jpg


It's fall and soon leaves will descend from trees and line the streets with mustard, burnt orange, and brick red colors. We will begin sipping hot cider, tea, and/or hot chocolate. Our homes will become a safe haven and cozy rest from all the summer activities. However, you may still have a sting from the travel bug. So, what should you do?

There is nothing like all the excitement around the hustle and bustle of summer travel. The laughter of children playing, music on blast, the sun beaming, and days that seem to last forever. There are beautiful beaches, thrilling amusement parks, fascinating family trips, but all that can suck the life right out of you. Now, that it is fall you need to rejuvenate and find a place to relax while the children hit the books again. But where?

For the most part traveling is defined in terms of length and movement, and most often associated with planes, trains, and automobiles. However, and brisk walk through a state park discovering waterfalls that you never knew existed could be a wonderful trip. Not to mention, it might be in your own backyard, or at least close enough to be considered your own backyard.

Here are a few things to consider to feed your fall travel bug…

Travel and entertainment often go hand and hand.
·         Find a fall concert series
·         Snuggle in for a theater production
·         Explore a new art exhibits
           Lakes, rivers, and trees, means camping
·         Look into renting a cabin in a state park
·         Pitch a tent and hit the campgrounds
·         Go fishing
       Apples anyone
·         Find an apple orchard
·         Look up apple festivals
       A picture is worth thousand words
·         Travel throughout the city, state, or your region taking photos
·         Create crafts from your summer trips
·         Create a scrapbook

These are just a few things that you can do to satisfy your desire to venture out of your comfort zone. It is that time of the year when movements become slower, days are shorter, and preserving heat is a must. However, you don’t have to pack away your luggage just yet. Day trips or trips within the state are idea when you still have a little more travel within you, but you don’t want to hop a flight and go away.


Share with me some of your fall travel trips and/or ideas below in the comment area, and remember if you are interested in learning more about traveling abroad or just want to stay connect to all things Love, Travel, and Purpose, click here and sign-up for my newsletter and/or look at events I'm hosting.  
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Cha is the president of Global Bound Consulting where she coaches’ individuals in transition, provides intercultural training, and speaks to schools, groups, and organizations. She is also the founder of Expat Women of Color, which is a 501C3 organization that helps connect women who desire to live, work, study and/or travel abroad with other women  and resources to live abroad successfully. In here spear time, she loves to travel and see the world. You can contact and learn more about Cha through her personal website www.chajones.com or through her blog www.thenomadicchick.com.

If you are an American and a woman, then you have most likely been WARNED about women’s safety. I think all American women have the rape statistics ingrained in our brains. We all know that 1 out of 3 women have been raped or molested, and to be safe and cautious when in new environments. Or do we? 

How many times have you watched the news and saw a person traveling overseas on vacation featured as MISSING? You would think that anyone going to a foreign country would have some precautions, women in particular, would be very mindful of their environment. However, that is not always the case. 


Are you aware that sex trafficking is 90% women, or how about that 50,000 women are trafficked into the United States alone each year?
Government and nongovernmental experts in the field estimate that out of the 700,000 to two million 4 women and children who are trafficked globally each year, 45,000 to 50,000 of those women and children are trafficked to the United States. Approximately 30,000 women and children are being trafficked annually from Southeast Asia, 10,000 from Latin America, 4,000 from the Newly Independent States and Eastern Europe, and 1,000 from other regions. (Central Intelligence Agency briefing, Global Trafficking in Women and Children: Assessing the Magnitude, April 1999.)  https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/books-and-monographs/trafficking.pdf



Now, I know that many of you are Solo Travelers, but it is always safer to travel in a group. However, I have traveled in a small group and I felt like it would be much safer if I were alone. When traveling on my own I tend to have my guard up, but it's much easier to be comfortable when you think you have the safety of a group.

I recently went on a trip where the person I was with got invited on a date, and because I was with them, I felt obligated to go if for no other reason than to keep them safe. It was at that time, I realized how unsafe some women are. I have a photographic memory and I pay a great deal of attention to my surrounds, but I realized that some people just don’t. I witnessed firsthand a women falling asleep in a car with a stranger, I was floored. How do you know where they are taking you, and how do you trust someone that much with your life?

When traveling overseas the best part of the experience is being spontaneous and adventurous, but that doesn’t mean being unsafe or ignorant. I am the type of person who lives by my intuition, and nine out of ten times I am always correct, but if I feel anything wrong I never second guess it, I follow my feelings. I happen to love meeting new and interesting people, but I don’t care to meet anyone who will potentially take my life. In most cases you are safer than not, but here are a few things that you could do to keep yourself safe while traveling and meeting and having a wonderful time:


SAFETY IS A MUST

  1. Always be aware of your environment, watch the locals and see how they respond
  2. Blend into your environment, when you look like everyone else it is harder for people to single you out
  3. Have a plan, when you know what  do if something were to happen before it does, then the less you have to think about and prepare  for (If you stay ready you don’t have to get ready)
  4. Have some form of communication (cell phone, paper and pen, ect.)
  5. Research the area you going to first and be aware of things that could occur, make sure you know the areas that are not really good for women or foreigners to be in alone
  6. Leave your plans or trip itinerary with someone that you trust or that you talk to frequently
  7. Check trip advisory boards to see about weather issues and possible negative tourist attacks

Do you know the top 10 countries listed for rape are
(to see the complete list: click)
  1. France
  2. Germany
  3. Russia
  4. Sweden
  5. Argentina
  6. Belgium
  7. Philippines
  8. Spain
  9. Chile
  10. Lesotho 


Again, I am not trying to pump fear into anyone. I really want more women to travel and see the world from a place of love, but I believe that the more you know the more valuable your experiences are. It is always better to be safe than it is to be sorry. So, I hope that you find this articles helps you think about some things that you may not have thought about.  


If you are having issues around preparing for a solo trip, overcoming your fears, or simply planning and want to get some support, then please get your Free 30 minute exploration coaching call from Expat Coach Cha Jones. Click here to learn more.