ABROADly Speaking

Last night, the U.S. crossed a line that a lot of us have been quietly watching for years.A nationally framed “Patriot Games” competition — one high school boy and girl per state, competing in an athletic showdown — sounds harmless on paper. But if your stomach dropped when you read that headline, this episode is for you.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m talking about why moments like this aren’t isolated, why they feel eerily familiar, and why so many Americans are experiencing a low-grade panic they can’t quite explain. This isn’t about partisan outrage or dramatic predictions — it’s about pattern recognition, power, and what happens when spectacle starts replacing substance.We’ll talk about why “you’re overreacting” is the most common response right before people regret not acting sooner, how cultural signals matter just as much as laws, and why waiting for a clearer sign is usually how people miss their window.This is a quiet but ruthless conversation about trust, safety, and agency — and why for many people, the question isn’t if they’ll leave anymore, but when.If you’ve been feeling unsettled, exhausted, or like you’re watching your country turn into something you don’t recognize, you’re not crazy — and you’re not alone.And no, you don’t need another sign.

In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I break down why most people who say they want to move abroad never actually do — and why it’s not because they “don’t make enough money.”We’re talking about paying yourself first — not in a Pinterest, envelope-stuffing, aesthetic-budget way — but in a real, grown-adult way that actually funds your future instead of reacting to exhaustion, convenience, and emotional spending.If you keep telling yourself you’ll start saving after things calm down, after you do more research, or after there’s money left over (spoiler: there never is), this episode is for you.I explain why your move abroad isn’t a hobby — it’s an exit plan — and how starting with as little as $10 can shift your priorities, your behavior, and your timeline faster than any perfect budget ever will.We cover:Why “not enough money” is usually a priority problem, not an income problemHow paying yourself first actually works when life is already expensive and overwhelmingWhy waiting to save “what’s left” guarantees nothing ever happensThe simplest way to start funding your move abroad without blowing up your lifeThis is a grounded, practical episode for anyone who’s done Googling, done spiraling, and ready to stop performing planning energy — and actually move.Departure Lounge

This is the episode where I say the quiet thing out loud:You’re not thinking about moving abroad because you want adventure or aesthetics or to live your “best life in Europe.” You’re thinking about moving abroad because something deep in your body has realized you can’t keep living the way you are now.This isn’t escapism. It’s Maslow’s hierarchy. Your foundational needs aren’t being met anymore — safety, stability, belonging, identity — and your nervous system is trying to move you toward someplace where you can actually breathe.And yes, it’s scary. And disorienting. And you probably feel guilty for wanting something more.But you’re not crazy. You’ve outgrown your life.This episode is the grounding. The “you’re not alone.” The “you’re not making this up.” The “you’re allowed to want the exhale.”We’re talking about how the body knows before the mind does, how to listen when your life starts feeling too small, and why moving abroad scared is still moving abroad.No hype. No fantasy. Just truth.

Today we’re talking about money.Not budgeting tips. Not “stop buying coffee.” Not manifesting abundance under a full moon.We’re talking about the sentence everyone throws around when they think about moving abroad:“I just can’t afford it.”And we’re going to look at whether that’s actually true… or whether it’s the excuse that feels safest to say out loud.Because sometimes? The math is the math.But a lot of the time, “I can’t afford it” really means:“I’m overwhelmed. I’m scared. I don’t know where to start. I don’t want to look at the numbers because the numbers make everything real.”This episode is your call-out and your relief:If money isn’t the real problem, you’ll finally see what is.And if money is the problem, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to approach it — without panic, self-blame, or pretending you’re going to suddenly become a different person on January 1st.No shame. No delusion. No “someday.” Just honesty, clarity, and your next move.

Today we’re talking about money.Not in the “stop buying coffee” way (absolutely not), but in the real, strategic, let’s-actually-do-this way.If you’ve been waiting to hit a “perfect savings number” before you move abroad… this is your episode.Because that number you keep chasing?It’s probably not based on math — it’s based on fear.Which means it will always move.Which means you will always feel like you’re not ready.In this episode, we break your move abroad into three actual financial phases — before, during, and after — so you can see what things actually cost, where your money needs to go, and how to stop saving for a fictional scenario no one is living in.We’re letting go of panic-savings and replacing it with clarity, pacing, and a timeline that makes sense.No shame.No overwhelm.Just a real plan that lets you start.If you want 2026 to be the year you actually go — not the year you “think about going again” — this one matters.Join the Departure Lounge

People love to assume you need $20k in savings, a remote job, and a color-coded shipping spreadsheet to move abroad. Cool. Cute. Not my story.In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I moved to Switzerland in 2013 with $2,000 in the bank, two cats, cancer recovery still happening, and absolutely zero idea what I was doing — including the part where we had to borrow money because we needed three months of rent upfront and had no clue deposit insurance existed (yes, I will be screaming about that forever)I also talk about moving again — to Austria with a baby, then back to Switzerland during the pandemic — and what those moves cost too. (Spoiler: both under $1,200 out of pocket.)If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t move abroad until I save a huge amount of money,” this episode will challenge that — in a real, non-delusional, no-manifesting-required way.Yes, moving abroad takes planning. No, it doesn’t have to take a lifetime of savings.move abroad on a budget, cost to move abroad, moving to Switzerland costs, how to move abroad cheap, abroad

That fancy title you’re proud of? The one that made you sound important at home? Yeah, it doesn’t translate internationally — and it’s probably the reason you’re getting ghosted.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why U.S. résumés fall flat overseas, how your job title is confusing recruiters, and what to actually do instead if you want to get noticed (without rewriting your entire career).If you’re serious about landing a job abroad, stop praying to the LinkedIn gods and start speaking the language employers actually understand.Let’s make your résumé make sense — before it ends up in another black hole.Join the Get Hired Abroad Challenge.

If you’ve been applying for jobs abroad and getting radio silence, this episode is your intervention.In ABROADly Speaking, I break down the real reason international job applications go nowhere — and spoiler: it’s not your résumé, your confidence, or your qualifications. It’s the broken system you’re trying to break into.You’ll learn how global companies actually hire (hint: they usually don’t mean you when they say “open to international candidates”), why your CV is getting filtered before a human even reads it, and what to do differently so you finally get noticed — without wasting hours refreshing LinkedIn.This isn’t about being more “positive.”It’s about being strategic AF in a system that wasn’t built for you.Join the Departure Lounge for this month's Challenge: Get Hired Abroad.

A few weeks ago, I ran a half marathon — something I almost didn’t even sign up for. And somewhere between mile six and mile ten, I realized I wasn’t just racing my body… I was racing my beliefs about what I could handle.That run became a mirror for how so many of us approach our move abroad — full of invisible limits we call “logic” or “being practical,” when it’s really just fear wearing a responsible-looking spreadsheet.In this episode, I’m pulling apart what “waiting for the right time” really means, how fear quietly brands itself as caution, and why the biggest thing holding you back isn’t money, timing, or visas — it’s you moving your own damn goalposts.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your move abroad, this is it.I’ll share:How I learned the difference between fear and factsWhy “someday” is the most expensive word in your vocabularyWhat happens when you stop branding fear as logicAnd how to start — even if you’re scared, broke, or not “ready” yetBecause the truth is, you don’t need permission, perfect timing, or another spreadsheet. You just need to start running your own race.Let’s go.Free Checklist for moving abroad

No one moves abroad because they love paperwork — but let’s be honest, you can’t get that visa without it.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I take you inside the bureaucratic nightmare every future immigrant faces: the endless hunt for “official documents.” From birth certificates that apparently expire to translations certified by mythical creatures, this is your survival guide to the least glamorous part of your move abroad.You’ll learn what documents really matter, why “recently issued” means something different in every country, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that derail visa applications.It’s not about perfection — it’s about persistence, preparation, and PDFs.Visa ChecklistVisa Therapy Challenge

Everyone wants to move abroad easily — but chasing the “easiest visa” is how people end up broke, burnt out, or back on a return flight they didn’t plan to take.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I dismantles the myth of “easy countries” and expose why quick-fix visas usually cost more, restrict you later, and turn your dream move into bureaucratic Groundhog Day.You’ll learn what “easy” really means in visa language (spoiler: it’s code for “short-term pain disguised as convenience”) — and what you should actually look for instead.Link to the Visa Therapy Challenge (inside the Departure Lounge)

Tired of being stuck in visa limbo? In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I'm debunking the internet’s favorite argument — visa first or job first — and explaining why neither one is the right place to start. You’ll learn how to build leverage, create momentum, and stop waiting for the perfect order before you make your move abroad.If you’re serious about moving overseas — but stuck between Google tabs and embassy confusion — this is the dose of real talk you need.LINKS:The Departure Lounge

“Just get the visa—it’s easy.” LOL, no. In this raw, no-fluff episode, I break down the truth about moving-abroad visas: real costs (translations, apostilles, insurance), timelines that slip, documents you didn’t know existed, and the subtle red flags officers look for. You’ll learn how to use official government sources, what to prepare first, and how to present yourself as a safe bet—so you don’t cry in front of the clerk.Free personalized Visa Checklist (works across most countries)Research & Register mini-course (payment plan from $34) to set up visas, registrations, and timelines without 100 tabsHave questions? DM @iammistelle on Instagram

Thinking a move abroad will fix everything? In this raw, unscripted episode, I pull back the curtain on what life overseas is really like—the good, the gutting, and the everyday in between. We talk mental health wins, culture shock, language gaps, time-zone whiplash, taxes (twice!), and the ache of being far from family during emergencies and milestones. If you want the freedom of a life abroad and the truth about the trade-offs, this is your reality check—with love.ResourcesStart planning with Research & Register (mini-course; 3-month plan from $34)Freebie: Cover Letter Template (for applying abroad)

If you’re serious about living overseas, the job seeker visa can beat digital-nomad hype. I break down what it is, who qualifies, proof-of-funds, timelines (often 6 months), and how it converts to a work permit/EU Blue Card—plus Germany, Austria (Red-White-Red), Portugal, Sweden, and UAE examples.Cover Letter TemplateCareer & Professional Life

If you’ve ever Googled “do cats survive cargo??” at 2am, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I moved overseas with my pets—twice—what I’d do again, and what I’d skip. No scare tactics, no fluff. Just real talk on international pet travel so you can stop spiraling and start planning.Here’s what I cover:Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Sea: how airlines decide, size/weight limits, and why “live animal” holds aren’t the Hunger Games.Paperwork that trips people up: microchip standards, timed rabies shots, health certificates, USDA endorsement (for U.S. departures), import permits, and quarantine rules.Airline & route strategy: booking early, pet caps per flight, weather embargoes, and choosing airports with good animal handling.Prep for calmer pets (and a calmer you): carrier training, exercise, food/water timing, what comfort items to include (and which you won’t get back).Landing & settling: first vet visit, jet lag for pets, setting routines, safe decompression spaces.Money & expectations: realistic costs, where to spend vs. save, and why the real hurdle is paperwork + guilt—not the flight.Bottom line: your pet wants you. With the right prep, they’ll handle the move better than you think (often better than we do).Got questions about your specific route or rules? DM me on Instagram @iammistelle and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Let’s be real — most Americans applying for jobs abroad look like giant, flashing red flags. Not because they’re unqualified, but because their résumés, cover letters, and visa conversations scream: “I’m going to be a problem for you.”In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I’m breaking down how to stop waving those red flags and start presenting yourself like the capable, low-risk hire you actually are.I’ll walk you through:Why U.S.-style résumés get trashed overseasHow to write cover letters that don’t sound like therapy sessionsThe right way to mention your visa status without scaring employers offWhat hiring managers abroad actually want to see (spoiler: it’s not your babysitting job from 2002)And why “spray and pray” job applications are killing your chancesApplying abroad isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. And if you know how to package yourself for an international market, you’ll stand out for the right reasons.Free Cover Letter Template👉 Tune in and then DM me on Instagram @iammistelle if you’re ready to stop ghosting recruiters and start actually landing interviews abroad.

Moving abroad doesn’t magically make you enlightened, adventurous, or morally superior—and pretending otherwise is dangerous. In today’s episode of Abroadly Speaking, I’m pulling back the curtain on a truth many people don’t want to admit: your privilege follows you wherever you go.I’ll share how I learned this the hard way, the subtle ways privilege shows up when you move overseas, and why “good intentions” aren’t enough if you want to live abroad responsibly. From passports and rent prices to community impact and cultural extraction, this episode gets real about what it actually means to build a life abroad without falling into the colonizer trap.This isn’t about guilt—it’s about responsibility. Because the truth is, awareness gives you choices: to show up consciously, to use your advantages for good, and to build a life beyond borders that doesn’t just serve you, but also respects the people and places you’re stepping into.If you’re thinking about moving abroad—or you’re already here—this episode is for you.

Moving abroad isn’t about sipping cappuccinos on cobblestone streets or having your life magically fall into place. It’s about ripping yourself out of what’s familiar, facing uncertainty head-on, and realizing that the “perfect timing” you’ve been waiting for doesn’t exist.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m showing you the biggest myth that keeps people stuck: the idea that you’ll somehow know when you’re ready. Spoiler: you won’t. Life will still be messy. Your bank account won’t feel big enough. Your family won’t all be on board. And that dream version of yourself who finally feels confident? She doesn’t show up until you’ve already made the leap.I’ll share why waiting for certainty is the surest way to stay stuck, how fear disguises itself as “logic,” and what it actually looks like to start building your life abroad before you feel prepared. Because if I had waited for the right time, I’d still be sitting in my old life, wondering if “someday” would ever come.Jumpstart Challenge: https://www.mistellegodlewski.com/jumpstart

When you imagine moving abroad, you probably have a very specific place in mind—maybe it’s a city you visited once, or somewhere you’ve romanticized for years. But here’s the thing: your dream destination might not actually be the best place for you to start your new life.In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m breaking down why that happens, what you might be overlooking in your planning, and how to choose a location that’s not only exciting but also sustainable for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. I’ll talk about the practical realities—like cost of living, visas, and job opportunities—that could make or break your move.If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll only move if it’s there,” this is your sign to widen your options. Because the right place for you might not be the one you’ve been daydreaming about—and that’s not a bad thing.REACCH mini-courses: LINK