Moving abroad sounds oh-so exciting until you see ‘Ausgang’ at the Frankfurt airport and realize you can’t speak the native language.
Between figuring out paperwork, money, language, and just trying to feel like yourself in a completely new environment, it can be a lotttttttt.
When I moved from the U.S. to Germany, I had to learn a lot the hard way.
So I put together this list of everything that genuinely helped me adjust, feel grounded, and build a life here.
If you’re planning a move—or already living abroad—this is for you 🤍
💸 Money & Finances Abroad
One of the first things I realized is that managing money internationally is… not straightforward.
What helped me:
- Wise – This is what I use to send money between accounts and currencies. The fees are low, and it’s super easy to use.
- A local German bank account (once you’re settled)
Tip: If you’re moving soon, set this up early; it’ll save you stress.
🇩🇪 Learning German (Without crying after german class 😅)
I’m not gonna lie, German is NOT an easy language to learn.
What helped me was keeping it simple and consistent, rather than overwhelming myself.
My go-to tools:
- Duolingo – Great for building daily consistency
- Babbel – More structured and practical for real conversations
- Social Media – Great to listen to natives and develop cultural cues
Tip: Slow, VERY slow, and steady wins the race with this one. It’s exposure every single day. 1% everyday.
✈️ Travel & Booking Tools I Actually Use
Whether it’s visiting family, exploring Europe, or quick weekend trips—these are my staples:
- Booking.com – Hotels, apartments, everything
- Airbnb – Great for longer stays or more home-like spaces
- Momondo.de – Affordable international flights
Tip: I always compare both before booking anything.
🧠 The Mental & Emotional Side of Living Abroad
I never once thought about the emotional and mental side of moving abroad before arriving, but I wish I did.
Living abroad will grow you—but it will also challenge you.
There were moments where I felt:
- disconnected
- overwhelmed
- unsure of myself
And these resources really helped me stay grounded:
- The Bible – King James Version
- Atomic Habits – Helped me build routines when everything felt unstable
- The 5 AM Club – Showed me how to get the most out of my day
Reminder: Internal growth is a beautiful part of moving abroad.
🌍 My Biggest Lesson About Living Abroad
It’s not just about moving countries.
It’s about:
- rebuilding your routines
- rediscovering yourself (or discovering yourself for the first time)
- learning how to feel at home in a new version of your life
And that takes time.
So give yourself grace 🤍
✨ last but not least
If you’re starting your life abroad—or even just thinking about it—know this:
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need the right tools, a little patience, and the willingness to grow through the experience.
