Why Women in Their 20s Need to Live Abroad

Monday Jan 30, 2012 – by Arielle Loren

“I will not be just a tourist in the world of images, just watching images passing by which I cannot live in, make love to, possess as permanent sources of joy and ecstasy.” -Anaïs Nin

It’s not enough to be a tourist, a two-week vacationer that only gets to experience the beauty of resorts and pre-packaged fun. It’s better to be an adventurer, a world traveler, a dare devil, a young 20-something woman living abroad. It’s easy to get caught up between finishing your degree, starting a 9-5 job, paying down credit cards, and chipping away at those student loans. But the truth is that the job and debt aren’t going anywhere; your youth is fleeting. It’s time to get serious, pack your bags, and experience a new life. Move to a foreign country, up your quality of life, and try something different for six months.

I moved to Brasil in September of 2011 with no savings, some credit cards, and a few freelance gigs. I had invested all of my money in the production of my magazine, Corset, and my documentary, Bideology. So with nothing to lose (literally) and time to kill before my investments paid off, I decided to take a risk and move to country that’s fascinated me since college.

I arrived to find that rent could be sky high or dirt cheap, depending on whom you know. I’ve paid anywhere from $200-$500 per month for a room (and yes, $500 is expensive in Bahia, Brasil). I found that food can cost New York City prices if you eat in the tourist saturated areas, or it could be like the dollar menu if you eat inside local non-tourist neighborhoods. And I’ve learned how to enjoy free fun with street festivals and beautiful beaches at my unlimited access.

But the truth is that had I come to Bahia as a temporary tourist with plans to only “vacation” for a week or two, I wouldn’t have been able to figure out the majority of the information listed above. Moreover, Bahia is also a place that is not connected very well with the Internet. So all of the job opportunities for teaching English or working at a hostel come through making in-person visits and connections. Basically, you have to step out of your comfort zone and just move here. You can’t always plan things, and unless you’re “in” it, you won’t succeed.

Overall, it took me about four months to get to the point where jobs, affordable rent, and cheap food were at my front door. I turned down the English teaching job because I wanted to travel to Rio de Janeiro, where I’m currently staying now, and because my freelance gigs started to pick up. You’ll find that American dollars goes a long way in certain countries, particularly in impoverished, high unemployment areas. Even pulling in just $1000 a month makes you wealthy to the local population. So better to garner remote income than join the local economy.

So how do you do it? How do you, a 20-something-year-old woman, make the big move abroad? How do you learn a new language? Find an affordable place to stay? Eat well but cheaply? And get that plane ticket?

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apple says:

January 30, 2012 at 11:05 am

what about safety as a woman? i’m afraid of living somewhere i never been alone as a woman?? help!
*sorry if this comment repeats*

↑ Reply

chanela says:

January 31, 2012 at 5:33 am

SERIOUSLY!! especially if its in another country where they don’t speak english and you don’t know the language because you just “felt like” going to live in korea or brazil…. thee fack!?!? lol

its bad enough walking to the damn bus stop in your own neighborhood!

Jamillian Monroe says:

January 30, 2012 at 11:30 am

I am onboard with this article whole heartedly! I will be leaving for the DR in 2 days and will be making a trip to Trinidad two weeks after that for Trinidad CARNIVAL! This is the first time I am traveling internationally and I am 28! I just really realized that I need/can make trips like this, just to experience the world! I too had gotten caught in the prison like traditional thinking of working 9-5, Monday- Friday with 2 weeks of vacation a year. But recently I read two books that made me say, enough already. I read the four hour work week and eat, pray, love. Both of the authors take trips as they please and can still afford to pay their bills lol. So I finally found my niche, my dream job. A job that I love working with kids, where I am my own boss and I get paid to have fun, go on field trips, do arts and crafts etc. I am finally living my life. I plan to go to Brazil, Belize and Canada within the next year. Kudos to all you women LIVING your life in reality and not vicariously through social networking lol. Us travelistas must stick together follow me @jamillianmonroe

The Taker (yeah I rep them GIANTS) says:

January 30, 2012 at 2:03 pm

I would love to do this someday. I recently started doing some research about studying abroad. It sounds like and probably is an amazing experience. I’m trying to save 2 grand by the end of this year. I really want my money to go towards something meaningful. Who knows, I have a few cities in mind. Ms.Loren you are truly an influence.

Rashida says:

January 30, 2012 at 2:05 pm

This is a great article! I’ve been a non stop student, but I try to my best to travel during my breaks. I’m considering taking a break after law school to live abroad in France and/or Italy. I’ve created a blog that I’m hoping will inspire more Women of color to travel. Check it out: http://www.blackwomenonthego.com

MK says:

January 30, 2012 at 2:25 pm

I’d love to do this, currently I am learning purtuguese and I am so want to go live in Brazil for about two months. But, how do you do this if you’re already married? it’s not so easy. But, i still want to do it.

ruggie says:

January 30, 2012 at 4:30 pm

I studied abroad during college and met some older black expats, and have met more over the years. The cool thing about expats, which is also unbelieveable, is that a lot of them know each other from the international scene. They cross paths in different countries. It’s like a clique in the sky.

I’ve thought seriously about living abroad, but I don’t enjoy being away for extended periods (3 months plus). I get lonely for fam…

Lucy H says:

January 30, 2012 at 6:23 pm

Absolutely LOVED this article and was soo very inspired by it!!! We believe in the power of the journey and the positive impact traveling and living other experiences can have! Let’s ALL GO!

» Why Women in Their 20s Need to Live Abroad Arielle Loren says:

January 30, 2012 at 6:31 pm

[...] Why Women in Their 20s Need to Live Abroad « Are Vegetarian Men Better in Bed? /* [...]

binks says:

January 30, 2012 at 8:48 pm

I would love to live aboard tor a summer…Mmm I might give some thought to it especially with colleges incentives of aboard programs

cybertronicpurgatory says:

January 30, 2012 at 9:04 pm

great post, i have been in South Korea for the last two years and am hard pressed to find a reason to move back to America permanently right now. i do miss the fam, but my life here at the point where i am in my life and career is much richer than it would be back home, and i am blessed to have a fam that acknowledges that and supports me.

it’s such an incredible experience! i encourage anyone to find a place, research culture and opportunities, and go~

Val says:

January 30, 2012 at 11:44 pm

Two cheers for this wonderful article. I couldn’t agree with your points more, except I’d add that it’s equally as beneficial for women to live abroad and explore new venues in their thirties as well.

I’ve lived as an expat in Brazil, France and am currently in Japan, and the experiences I’ve gained, the people I’ve met and the true friends I’ve made have made living abroad invaluable. For those considering moving, do it. Time is precious. Saftey isn’t an issue, because if you’re not aware, anywhere can be unsafe. If you move with an open mind, fully aware of your surroundings and ready to build connections, you’ll be safe….more than safe… you’ll prosper.

One avenue to try would be teaching English abroad, very often only a BA is required (www.tefl.com).

Alexandra says:

January 31, 2012 at 12:57 am

Great article! Thanks again Arielle. Your travel centered stories have helped me a lot.
I’m prepared to take my first trip abroad this spring. I’ve been taking in all that I can, reading about all the tips/ideas that will help me. I do plan on living abroad eventually, even if I don’t know what country I’ll call my next home, I know for sure that’s what I want to do. I’ve been inspired enough, and I’m happy to have chose a career path allows it as well. Looking forward to it.

B says:

January 31, 2012 at 8:39 am

Did you move alone or did your friend move with you? I seriously want to live abroad but going to place by myself where I dont even speak english does not sound that safe and desirable.

HeartofDiamonds says:

January 31, 2012 at 12:16 pm

I love this article. I have lived abroad before (Europe, Africa and South America). And I’ve traveled all over the world. I love the international experience, both because you come to appreciate America even more and also because you love other cultures too.

BHLiz says:

January 31, 2012 at 2:51 pm

I’m so excited about this article. For the past few months I been questioning myself on what should I do with my life. everyday the thought of traveling and living somewhere other then the urban brooklyn. I want to move now, but I’m not prepared financially. Patience, patience patience…

B.Payne says:

January 31, 2012 at 2:58 pm

This is where I am right now…

Originally from Chicago, currently in Brooklyn and setting plans to move to London and travel abroad while living there.

This is why I get up everyday to go to work so that I can save and prepare myself for this next step in life and I’m sooo excited.

If anyone has any suggestions, blogs that they can share with me, please do. I’m trying to get to know ppl who are either from or currently living in London.

THanks in advance!

Als says:

January 31, 2012 at 4:32 pm

Hi

I live in London and have been for the past 13 yrs.
If you have any questions etc, let me know.
You can contact me through my blog.
B.Payne says:

January 31, 2012 at 4:44 pm

Hi Als!

I would love to chat with you. What’s the name of your blog?

Here’s my address: brinapayne@gmail.com

Boococo says:

January 31, 2012 at 4:40 pm

Bookmarking this! I absolutely love travelling and so far I’ve been to Greece, Nigeria, Los Anglese and Lisbon. Living in brazil has always been a dream of mine but i’m entirely to cautious to just pack up and go without a solid plan, financial security and a firm knowledge of the language. But this article is extremely insightful.

starr says:

January 31, 2012 at 7:18 pm

I have to say that this article is very inspiring. A year out of school, with lil prospects of employment right now, I’ve thought many times to book a one way ticket somewhere, and just live. Though impulsively, it might be wouldn’t be very responsible, living abroad is something I’ve always wanted to do, and regret not doing it during my undergrad years. This article is just what I needed right now.

Cheree says:

February 1, 2012 at 2:37 am

Why limit this specifically to women in their 20′s? I’m 29, and I plan on living abroad after graduate school!

Cher Lewis says:

February 1, 2012 at 5:24 am

I am 61 years old woman and about to embark on a 6 month overland trip from London to Australia. I retired at age 51 and moved to Italy. I wish at 23 years old I had taken the opportunity to live in France for a year; instead I religiously took my two week breaks..they were enjoyable and enriching…but just not the same as being even a month or two in one place. So try…single an without language…go on girl!