This week on Going Places, we're talking about staying places.
Specifically, what if you went overseas and instead of staying for a vacation -- a week or two -- you stayed for a year? Or six months?
KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley says if you have the time, there’s a lot of value in living and working in a foreign country.
“If you’re young, universities love seeing this on your resume,” he said. “If you’re older and you’re a retiree, it’s a way of getting away from the golf course and the evening cocktail hour, and doing something really interesting with your life.”
Attributes
You have to be open to risks, Brumley says. You’re leaving your home country and entering not just a new place, but a new culture.
“You have to be resilient,” he said. “Chances are you’ll get homesick. I did. You have to push yourself through that period.”
It also helps to be flexible and open-minded, and to have a deep sense of curiosity.
Finding Work
Networking is key, just like in the United States, Brumley said.
“Ex-pats tend to pool together,” he said. Look to websites like the Expat Exchange to connect with people who can help you navigate the employment system and the culture.
Money
In many places, you’ll find a lower cost of living.
“Right now many people are moving to Panama and Nicaragua,” he said. “Retirees are moving down there, purchasing a beautiful house or condo, saving money, their Social Security checks go a lot further, and it’s sunny all the time.”
Snack Before Meal
Don’t go for a year or two the first time you do this.
“Test the waters first,” Brumley said. “Sign up for something that’s shorter term. If you really love it, you can dig deeper into it and figure out how to stay there.”
--
Going Places is KPLU's weekly exploration of travel, with Earthbound Expeditions co-founder and world traveler Matthew Brumley. Earthbound provides small-group travel for clients including KPLU.
