Let's discuss one step you can take today to move abroad, even if you're not quite ready to move abroad... yet.

Reminiscing about things that maybe we could have done differently when we moved, I'm sharing with you some ideas of different things to consider when you're considering the move.

We'll explore different options for shipping your goods (air and sea shipments) as well as consider what the various things to consider when you're moving your things.

So whether you're ready to start packing or you're just in the start of your journey abroad, I invite you to listen in and find the first step you can take today to start your journey.

Follow me over on Instagram for all things unfiltered life abroad. @iammistelle

Ever feel like you're just not ready to make the leap abroad? Today, I'll unpack one of the biggest myths around moving overseas: the idea of being “ready.”

With over a decade of experience and three international moves under my belt, I share why “readiness” is more a mental block than a real milestone, and offer practical steps to start your journey even if you’re feeling unprepared.

From planning your budget to connecting with expat communities in your future destination, my tips are all about making your dream a reality without waiting for the elusive “perfect time.”

Join me for a candid chat on getting comfortable with the unknown and taking control of your plans.

Key Topics:

• Why the idea of being “ready” is a myth (and what’s actually holding you back)
• Practical ways to start preparing for life abroad, from budgeting to visa timelines
• How to build your new community online before you even set foot in your new country
• Tips for backward planning to feel more confident and in control of the move

Looking for our "Ultimate Move Abroad Checklist?" You can find it here:

Take me to the Checklist

Follow me on the gram: @iammistelle

If this episode inspired you to think bigger and take action, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend who's ready for their own adventure! And don’t forget to download the checklist and start planning your next steps abroad.

So many people make the mistake of choosing where to move abroad based on visa requirements alone. But if you're going to uproot your life and start fresh, you want to ensure you’re building a life you actually love. In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I walk you through the real first step of moving abroad: deciding what kind of life you want to live.

Drawing from her own experiences moving across multiple countries and continents, I share practical insights on how to choose the right place based on your lifestyle, values, and must-haves. From job opportunities and climate preferences to accessibility and outdoor activities, this episode will help you create a framework for making one of the biggest decisions of your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why visa requirements shouldn’t be the first thing you consider when choosing where to live abroad
• The key questions to ask yourself about your ideal lifestyle before making a move
• How climate, job availability, and transportation access should factor into your decision
• The importance of a ‘must-have’ and ‘must-not-have’ list when evaluating different countries
• A simple yet powerful ranking system to help you compare potential destinations

Resources & Links:

• ABROAD Course – Get a clear roadmap for moving abroad with step-by-step guidance
• Follow Mistelle on Instagram: @iammistelle
• Join the Abroadly Speaking community for more tips and stories

Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you gain clarity on your move abroad, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s been dreaming of making the leap!

Tune in next week for another deep dive into what it really takes to live life beyond borders!

A lot of people think they have to be fluent in a new language before moving abroad—but is that actually true? In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I share my own experience moving to a German-speaking region with barely any German, how I learned to navigate daily life, and what truly helped me become fluent over time.

Spoiler alert: You don’t need to be fluent before you go! But you do need the right mindset, strategies, and willingness to immerse yourself.

I’ll cover:

✅ The myth of needing to know the language before you move

✅ How I went from barely speaking German to using it confidently

✅ Practical ways to learn and adapt once you arrive

If fear of the language barrier is holding you back—this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with me:

📍Instagram: @iammistelle

📩 Email: welcome@mistellegodlewski.com

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it! 🚀

Ever dreamed of living abroad but don’t want to risk deportation or, you know, breaking international law? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real, legal ways to move abroad—no fake marriages or under-the-table gigs required.

From freelancer and digital nomad visas to traditional work sponsorships and even golden visas for the bougie among us, I’ll walk you through the options, the loopholes, and what you definitely shouldn’t do unless you want to be on a first-name basis with immigration officials.

So, if you’re ready to pack your bags legally, hit play and let’s talk visas!

Follow me on Instagram

Leaving your pet behind when you move abroad? Yeah, that’s not happening. If you’re a pet parent planning an international move, this episode is for you. I moved abroad in 2013 with two cats (who, at the time, were my only family), so I get how stressful this can be. From breed restrictions to airline fees, microchips to health certificates—there’s a lot to consider when taking your furry friend with you.

In this episode, we’ll cover: ✅ The first steps to take when planning your pet’s move ✅ The ‘paw-sport’ (yes, really) and paperwork they’ll need ✅ Country-specific restrictions (especially for certain dog breeds) ✅ Vaccination, microchipping, and health certificate requirements ✅ Flying with pets—cargo vs. in-cabin and what to expect ✅ Budgeting for pet relocation (because, of course, it’s not cheap) ✅ Housing and finding pet-friendly rentals ✅ What to do once you arrive: vet care, registration, and emergency prep

Resources Mentioned:

📌 My Export & Ship mini-course covers pet relocation in detail, including a step-by-step process for getting your pet abroad without a headache.

📌 Need help figuring out breed restrictions or pet travel rules? DM me on Instagram!

Follow & Connect: 📍 Instagram: @iammistelle 📍 Threads: (Okay, you can’t DM me there, but you can stalk my posts.)

Hit play and let’s get Fluffy ready for their big move!

One of the biggest fears I hear about moving abroad is not being able to speak the language. It holds so many people back from taking the leap to move, but is it really that big of a problem?

In this episode, we'll talk about why NOT knowing the language before you move is NOT a problem.

You'll also hear three ways that I found that helped me go from not speaking any German (the language where I live) to fully fluent quickly.

No more excuses. No more fears. If you're feeling the itch to move abroad, don't let the fear of not knowing the language stop you from creating your life overseas.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, I'll reflect on the tradition that means the most to me and how we've made it work thousands of miles from home.

As an expat living in Switzerland, I share my journey of keeping the Thanksgiving spirit alive, even though the holiday doesn’t officially exist here. Discover the origins of my "Nomad Thanksgiving," an annual feast that brings together a melting pot of friends from all over the world, each bringing comfort foods from their own cultures. It's a tradition we call framily—friends who have become family.

Listen in as I recount stories of gratitude, community, and adapting traditions, from cooking two small turkeys to make up for a European-sized oven to finding creative substitutes for ingredients like canned pumpkin and cranberries. I also dive into the deeper challenges and joys of maintaining family traditions as an expat, including how I'm passing Thanksgiving down to my daughter in a way that’s meaningful—even if it looks a bit different.

So, whether you're an expat missing home or someone dreaming of building a life abroad, this episode is a heartwarming reminder that you don’t have to leave your traditions behind—you just might need to adapt them.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• The origins of "Nomad Thanksgiving" and how it’s become a beloved tradition
• Creative ways to adapt holiday meals and ingredients abroad
• The beauty of sharing traditions with friends from around the world
• My personal take on building a life abroad while staying connected to family traditions

Connect with me: Follow along with the expat life and join the conversation on Instagram @iammistelle. And remember, life’s too short to stay in one place—keep that passport handy!

In this episode, I dive into one of the heaviest parts of expat life: the guilt that comes with being far from family.

For anyone who’s moved abroad or is considering it, the decision is often clouded by questions like, Will I miss out on time with my parents? Will my kids know their grandparents? What happens if there’s an emergency?

I share my personal experiences, including the emotional challenges of being an ocean away when family emergencies happen. I'll open up about how I cope with these feelings, ways my family has stayed connected despite the miles, and why choosing this path for my family’s best life doesn’t mean I don’t carry the weight of being far from loved ones.

If you'd like to chat, find out more, or just get a window into the life of an expat, I've got you. Head on over to Instagram and come along (@iammistelle)

Welcome to another episode of Abroadly Speaking, where we unravel the exciting, challenging, and sometimes tedious details of moving and living abroad. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the not-so-glamorous but absolutely crucial topic of visas—what they are, why they’re essential, and how to tackle the paperwork without losing your sanity.

If you’re daydreaming about starting a life overseas, this episode is packed with practical tips to make sure your visa process goes smoothly (or at least as painlessly as possible).

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why visas are non-negotiable: No, you can’t skip this step if you want to stay legal in your new home.
• Key documents you can prep NOW: Save time (and headaches) by getting your passport, birth certificate, marriage license, and more in order.
• The deal with apostille stamps: Spoiler: a notary stamp won’t cut it in many cases.
• How to navigate the dreaded police certificate: Yes, you may need to ask the FBI to vouch for you—don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds.
• Visa renewals are a thing: Why your journey doesn’t end after you get that first shiny visa.

Whether you're gearing up for your first move abroad or already living the expat life, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intricate world of visas.

🎧 Don’t miss out—hit play and let’s demystify the visa process together!

Connect with me

Got questions or stories about your own visa adventures? Drop a comment or connect with me on social media [@iammistelle]—I'd love to hear from you!

Make sure to subscribe to Abroadly Speaking for more insights and tips on living your best life abroad. 🌍

Navigating the holiday season as an expat comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you're living thousands of miles away from family. In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I'm diving into how my family and I have celebrated Christmas over the years while living abroad, from renting cozy ski chalets in Switzerland to inviting everyone to us instead of flying across the U.S.

I share stories of juggling long-haul flights with a small child, the magic of European Christmas markets, and how we've found joy in creating new traditions while staying connected to loved ones. If the thought of missing family during the holidays is holding you back from moving abroad, this episode is full of tips on making the season special—no matter where in the world you are.

I would love to connect on Instagram @iammistelle

In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, we dive into one of the unexpected challenges of expat parenting: managing life when your safety net—family, close friends, or a trusted tribe—is thousands of miles away. What do you do when your child gets sick, and there's no grandma or best friend nearby to step in?

Mistelle shares her personal experiences of parenting abroad, from navigating a chickenpox outbreak with her toddler to the added complexities of managing work and childcare during COVID lockdowns. Learn how cultural differences, workplace policies, and a bit of creativity helped her juggle it all and find solutions in seemingly impossible situations.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• A story of managing a toddler with chickenpox while both parents worked full-time.
• The surprising benefits of family leave policies in Austria and Switzerland.
• How COVID-19 added new layers of complexity to parenting abroad.
• Creative strategies for balancing work and parenting without a local support system.
• Tips on making the most of cultural differences, like extended sick leave policies.

Who This Episode is For:

This episode is perfect for expat parents, dual-working households, or anyone considering the move abroad and wondering how to handle parenting challenges far from home.

Resources Mentioned:

• The GroClock for rest-time management (not sponsored but highly recommended!)
• Disney+ and how screen time can be an occasional lifesaver.

Let’s Connect!

Have your own story about parenting abroad? Share it with me on Instagram [@iammistelle]!

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Abroadly Speaking, Mistelle sits down with a very special guest—her 7-year-old daughter (affectionately called "Monkey"). Together, they dive into what it’s really like to grow up as an expat kid in Switzerland.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Monkey’s favorite parts about living in Switzerland, from skiing in the Alps to hiking through breathtaking landscapes.
• A day in the life of a Swiss schoolkid: bilingual education, woodworking classes, and spending Fridays in the forest.
• How their family stays connected with grandparents and relatives back in the United States—complete with FaceTime calls and playful pranks.
• Monkey’s favorite global adventures, including camel rides in Morocco, safaris in Denmark, and countless gondola rides in Venice.
• The unique perspective of a child exploring new cultures, embracing adventure, and creating unforgettable memories abroad.

Whether you’re a parent considering the expat life, a fellow traveler, or just curious about what growing up abroad is like, this episode offers a delightful peek into the joys, challenges, and unforgettable experiences of expat family life.

Tune in for an adorable, funny, and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Mistelle:

Instagram: @iammistelle

Website: MistelleGodlewski.com

Liked this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

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Trigger Warning: Between timestamp 3:27 to 4:38, Mistelle discusses medical history. If you prefer to avoid this, please skip during this part.

In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, Mistelle takes a deep dive into the healthcare systems she’s experienced while living in the US, Switzerland, and Austria. She compares her personal journey through (TRIGGER WARNING- personal health) treatment in the US with the healthcare experiences she's had in Switzerland and Austria, highlighting the stark differences in cost, accessibility, and approach.

Mistelle shares the financial challenges she faced while undergoing extensive treatment in the US despite having excellent health insurance, discussing the toll it took on her and her family. She contrasts this with the more affordable and accessible healthcare she encountered in Switzerland, where even major procedures like MRIs and ultrasounds cost far less than what she would have paid in the US.

The episode also explores Austria’s socialized healthcare system, which Mistelle experienced during a surgery in 2020. She recounts how the cost of care was completely covered by the government, with no out-of-pocket expenses, despite a seven-day hospital stay. Mistelle touches on the potential downsides of socialized medicine, such as long wait times for non-emergency care, and the balance between private and public insurance options in Switzerland.

Through personal anecdotes and a candid comparison of healthcare in these three countries, Mistelle sheds light on the realities of navigating medical care abroad and offers insights into how different healthcare systems work, for both the healthy and those facing serious medical conditions. Whether you're a potential expat or someone who's already living abroad, this episode provides valuable perspectives on how healthcare varies across borders and what that means for your own well-being.

Tune in for an honest and eye-opening discussion about health, insurance, and the real cost of care when living abroad.

Like the episode? Follow Mistelle on instagram @iammistelle where we share all things "living abroad"

Looking for a job abroad? Buckle up, because today we're diving into the reality of international job hunting. Forget the myths—just showing up in a new country or assuming your English skills alone will land you a job isn’t the golden ticket you think it is. In this episode, we’ll break down the most common misconceptions about working abroad and give you actionable strategies to actually land a job.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why “just showing up” in a new country won’t guarantee you a job.
• The truth about English speakers being in demand abroad.
• The visa vs. job dilemma and which one you should focus on first.
• How multinational companies can be your best bet for job sponsorship.
• Why LinkedIn (used strategically) can be your best friend—but not your only tool.
• The power of networking and how to do it without being that person who cold DMs strangers.
• Why taking a lateral move (or even a slight demotion) might be your ticket abroad.

Got questions or want to share your job search story? Connect with me on Instagram @iammistelle.

Want to know more about our Career & Professional Life mini-course? Check out all the info here.

Don't Go Broke Abroad Challenge: Register HERE

Moving abroad isn’t just about booking a plane ticket and packing a few suitcases. If you’re not prepared for the hidden expenses lurking in the shadows, they’ll devour your budget faster than you can say "visa application fee." In this episode, we’re uncovering the sneaky costs that catch so many expats off guard—documentation fees, visa costs, banking nightmares, short-term housing expenses, and more.

But don’t panic! I’m giving you the inside scoop on how to avoid these budget busters (without having to sell a kidney). Plus, if you’re serious about moving abroad without going broke, don’t miss my Don't Go Broke Abroad challenge kicking off on April 1st, 2025. Details and registration link below!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why documentation and legalization fees can feel like legal extortion—and how to cut costs.
• The real price of visa applications (hint: it’s not just the application fee).
• How foreign banking fees quietly drain your wallet and what to do instead.
• The hidden costs of temporary housing (and how to score deals on short-term rentals).
• Why shipping your entire house abroad might be the worst financial decision you ever make.
• The shocking reality of double taxation for U.S. citizens (because Uncle Sam never forgets).

Join the "Don't Go Broke Abroad" Challenge! Want a clear, stress-free roadmap to budgeting for your move? Join my 3-day Don't Go Broke Abroad challenge, starting April 1st, 2025. We’ll cover: ✔️ The BEFORE Budget: Visa fees, application costs, medical exams, document and translator fees. ✔️ The MOVE Budget: Travel expenses, temporary accommodation, pet relocation costs. ✔️ The AFTER Budget: Taxes, tax treaties, double taxation, and managing retirement accounts.

📍 Sign up here: LINK

Resources Mentioned:

• Wise & Revolut for international banking
• U.S. State Department for apostille information
• Expat Facebook groups for short-term rental deals

🎧 Enjoyed this episode?

• Subscribe & leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
• Screenshot this episode, share it on Instagram, and tag me @iammistelle so I can say hi!

Your budget deserves better—let’s make your move abroad as affordable (and stress-free) as possible!

So, you’re ready to move abroad—but you’d prefer not to survive on instant ramen for six months? Fair enough.

In this episode, we’re diving into real ways to cut costs before, during, and after your move—without extreme couponing or moving back into your parents’ basement. We’re covering:

✔️ Visa & paperwork hacks that actually save you money

✔️ The best ways to score cheap flights (hint: forget weekends)

✔️ Smart shipping tricks that won’t drain your bank account

✔️ How to avoid the “Oh $%&!, I’m broke” moment after landing

💡 Bonus: My FREE 3-day “Don’t Go Broke Abroad” Challenge kicks off April 1st! We’ll map out your budget together so you can move abroad without financial regret. Sign up now!

10 Ways to Save on Your Move freebie!

Hit play, take notes, and let’s get you moving abroad without emptying your bank account.

If the government thinks you're just borrowing from your mom to get through the visa process, they’re going to see right through it—and deny your visa. So, let’s talk about proof of funds: what it is, why it matters, and how to make sure you have what you need (without resorting to sketchy money moves).

In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, we’re breaking down:

✔️ What proof of funds is and why some countries require it

✔️ How much money you actually need (hint: it depends!)

✔️ The right way to prepare so you’re not scrambling at the last minute

✔️ What not to do (aka why you shouldn’t ‘borrow’ money just for a bank statement)

✔️ How this all fits into your bigger Move Budget

If you’re serious about moving abroad, you need to know the financial realities of visa applications. I’m here to help you get prepared so that your move isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality.

Join the 'Don't Go Broke Abroad' Challenge! Starting April 1, 2025, this free 3-day challenge will walk you through exactly how to budget for your move abroad—before, during, and after. Sign up now and take the stress out of your finances. Join Here!

In today’s episode, I’m answering the question that’s on everyone’s mind: How much do you really need to move abroad? Spoiler alert: Not as much as you think.

I’ll break down how to live comfortably on a budget while moving abroad, including housing, healthcare, food, and transportation costs. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to adjust your lifestyle to avoid breaking the bank.

If you missed the Don’t Go Broke Abroad challenge, don’t worry—the replays are available until April 15th. Grab them before they’re gone, or catch them when I offer them again!

Remember, it’s all about smart planning and being resourceful—living abroad doesn’t have to be expensive.

Sick of endlessly scrolling through job listings that all feel the same? Yeah, same. This week on Abroadly Speaking, I’m spilling the tea on unconventional (but totally legit) ways to land a job abroad without relying on the usual suspects like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or soul-crushing online applications.

We’re talking about:

• Volunteering your way into paid work (yes, really).
• Seasonal gigs with perks like housing and wine.
• Work exchanges where your rent = chores.
• Networking that doesn’t involve awkward cold DMs.
• Turning that weird hobby into a money-making expat hustle.
• And even how job fairs might not be the nightmare you remember from college.

Whether you're looking for adventure, stability, or just a damn job that pays the bills in euros, pesos, or francs—this episode is packed with ideas to help you break in without breaking down.

👉 Pour yourself a coffee (or wine—no judgment) and hit play. Your new life abroad might start with something way less boring than a cover letter.

Follow me on Instagram (@iammistelle)

Let’s be real—moving abroad isn’t just a logistics checklist of visas, boxes, and Google Translate tabs. It’s a complete mental overhaul. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that absolutely no one warns you about—but trust me, they matter more than your suitcase weight limit.

I’m diving into:

• Why the “I can’t” voice in your head needs to be fired immediately
• The difference between real barriers and just plain fear
• What happens when your perfectionism packs itself in your carry-on
• Why blending in doesn’t equal belonging—and how your awkward American accent is actually a superpower
• How asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s strategy
• And why making mistakes abroad isn’t a failure—it’s literally the point

Whether you're in full-blown planning mode or just toying with the idea of living somewhere with better bread and universal healthcare, this episode is your pep talk and reality check rolled into one.

This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything will be perfect (spoiler: it won’t). It’s about preparing your mind to move—so when the visa gets approved, your brain isn’t still freaking out in the corner.

🎧 Grab your headphones and let’s talk mindset, messiness, and making this move work on your terms.

Visa checklist: https://b4wvalhzyq1.typeform.com/to/TAiaGp69

Moving abroad isn’t just about chasing the views or sipping cappuccinos on cobblestone streets — it’s about finding your people too. Because spoiler alert: you’re gonna need more than Instagram-worthy mountains when real life hits.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the hardest (and most important) parts of expat life: building your community abroad.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why finding a tribe matters more than you think (even if you swear you're a loner)
• How to make friends as an adult without feeling super awkward
• Where to actually find other humans — both locals and fellow immigrants
• Why your partner can't be your only social life (seriously, save yourselves)
• Real tips to get yourself out there — even if you're an introvert like me

If you’re feeling a little lost, homesick, or like you're ready to meet someone (anyone) who gets it, this one's for you. Grab your coffee, and let's talk about how to build your life abroad with real friendships, real support, and real connection.

Connect with me on Instagram: @iammistelle

If you've ever found yourself 47 tabs deep in a visa rabbit hole, sobbing into a PDF last updated during the Obama administration, this episode is for you.

In today’s rant-slash-reality check, I dismantle the myth that moving abroad is just a "research problem" and get real about why it feels so impossibly hard to do something that Instagram influencers make look effortless. Spoiler alert: it’s not because you’re bad at adulting, it’s because immigration systems were literally designed to confuse, delay, and deny.

We talk red tape, random visa rejections, emotional labor, and the deep inequities baked into the system. But mostly, this is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself for being overwhelmed by a process that was never meant to be user-friendly.

If you’ve ever thought:

🌀 "Shouldn’t I be able to figure this out?"

🌀 "Why is this so hard?"

🌀 "Am I missing something obvious?"

This episode is your new favorite pep talk.

Takeaways:

• No, you're not bad at this. The system is broken.
• Visa confusion ≠ personal failure.
• Why immigration info is more contradictory than IKEA instructions.
• What no one tells you about the emotional labor of this process.
• Homework (the good kind): two ways to reset your brain when the chaos gets loud.

Need more support that doesn’t cost thousands or make you feel like a failure?

DM me on Instagram @iammistelle – real info, real help, real human language.

In this unscripted episode of Abroadly Speaking, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I landed my first job abroad without a single sponsorship, raise, or relocation package in sight. (Spoiler: it involved a lot of 4am French conference calls, a couple of cats, and a very persuasive email to HR.)

People always ask, “How do I get a job abroad?” And the truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But I’m walking you through my very real, very non-linear path, from North Carolina to Switzerland (and a few pit stops in between), so you can see how you might pitch your own international move… especially if you’re already working for a global company.

Inside this episode:

• Why “waiting for a sponsored job” isn’t your only option
• How I negotiated a move abroad without asking for more money
• The financial case that got my company to say yes
• What to consider if your partner is the one being relocated
• How we navigated multiple international moves while keeping both careers alive

✨ Plus: I’m hosting a free masterclass on May 27th at 2pm EST all about why your current job search strategies aren’t working—and what to do instead. If you're tired of being Still Jobless, Stateside and Stuck, you don't want to miss this.

👉 Register here

If you've been job hunting so you can move abroad and you're still stuck, this one's for you. Because here's the truth: you're not jobless because you're lazy. You're jobless because you're focusing on the wrong sh*t. And someone had to say it.

This week, I'm unpacking the five biggest mistakes I see Americans make when job searching for roles abroad—mistakes that waste your time, kill your momentum, and keep you broke (and still stateside). I’m calling out fantasy scrolling, fake productivity, and why your Pinterest board of European apartments isn’t a strategy.

We’ll talk about:

• Why “just get a remote job” is garbage advice
• What productive procrastination looks like (spoiler: it might feel like ‘research’)
• The fantasy loop that’s tricking your brain into feeling prepared
• Why picking your dream country first is actually backwards
• The visa-job chicken-and-egg trap—and how to work around it

If you're ready to stop spinning in circles and actually make progress on your move abroad, this episode will give you the clarity (and kick in the butt) you’ve been missing.

Resources Mentioned:

👉 [Freebie]: Cover Letter Template

👉 [Masterclass]: Still Jobless, Stateside, & Stuck (Tuesday, May 27, 2025 @2pm EST)

Rate & Review:

If this episode gave you a wake-up call (in a good way), would you mind rating and reviewing the show? It helps more future expats find their way here—and out of the resume doom scroll.

Want help building your move-abroad plan—without the fantasy fluff? Come say hi on Instagram [@iammistelle] or visit mistellegodlewski.com.

This one’s for you if you’re staring down the chaos in the U.S., feeling broke as h*ll, and wondering if moving abroad is even possible (spoiler alert: it is).

In this episode, I’m walking you through what it really looks like to start planning your escape—from that first gut-punch of a realization that something has to change, all the way to researching visas without falling into a Reddit rabbit hole.

We’ll talk:

• Why being scared is normal (and actually a sign you’re doing something brave)
• How moving abroad is not just a cute Pinterest fantasy
• The very first step to take if you're feeling overwhelmed and totally stuck
• Why your “why” matters more than your budget at this stage
• The mindset trap that keeps most people Googling instead of going
• What to look for in a country so you don’t end up broke and burnt out
• A basic intro to visas that doesn’t require a JD or a trust fund

This episode is your permission slip to start small, get practical, and remember you’re not crazy for wanting something safer, freer, and better for you and your family.

So grab your notebook (or just the back of an envelope), because we’re making this real.

Let’s go. 🌍✈️

If you’re stuck in the “one day I’ll move” mindset—waiting for more money, more clarity, the next election, or for your kids to magically turn into adults overnight—Estelle is here to lovingly shake you out of it. This isn’t a motivational fluff piece. It’s a reality check with sass, a splash of sarcasm, and zero tolerance for your excuse parade.

We’re talking:

• Why “the right time” doesn’t exist (spoiler: it’s not coming)
• How fear dresses up as logic (and lies to your face)
• What Estelle’s $2,000-in-the-bank move looked like—and why she did it anyway
• The 3 hardest truths you need to hear if you actually want to move abroad

✨ Whether you're stuck Googling “how to move abroad” for the 97th time or you’re paralyzed by perfectionism, this episode will either:

1. Fire you up to finally take action
2. Or give you the clarity that you’re not actually serious (yet)

Either way, it's a win. 🎯

🚨 Call to Action:

 Ready to stop pretending you’ll move “someday”? Start with this:

 → Download your free personalized visa checklist: Take me to the quiz

🎧 Listen now and start moving—mentally and literally.

In this episode, Mistelle goes all in on the brutal hypocrisy of “Make America Healthy Again”, the rebranded wellness rhetoric that’s gutting food assistance for poor and working-class families.

We talk about why this cruelty is making families question if the U.S. is still a place they can raise their kids safely and with dignity.

From WIC cuts and school lunch rollbacks to the slow suffocation of SNAP, she exposes how this administration weaponizes “health” to shame, starve, and control.

If you’re pissed off, you’re paying attention.

Ever been told you’re being dramatic for wanting to leave the U.S.? That things will “calm down after the next election”? Or that “every country has its problems”? Yeah… no.

In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the myth that wanting to leave the U.S. makes you unpatriotic, overly sensitive, or delusional. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. You’re not overreacting — you’re just awake.

If you’ve hit that point where you’re done coping and ready to actually go, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through the four-part framework I use with my clients to plan a move abroad that’s real, legal, and grounded in reality — not fairytales or filtered travel feeds.

From choosing the right country, understanding your visa options, and building a practical budget (yes, three types of budgets), to gathering the mountain of paperwork most people don’t talk about — I’m laying it all out.

This episode is your unapologetic permission slip to take your desire to leave seriously. Because choosing your peace, your family’s future, and your mental health? That’s not selfish — that’s survival.

🎟️ Grab my free guide, 10 Ways to Save on Your Move Abroad/

📦 Need help with the actual logistics? Check out my ABROAD framework and mini courses.

If I had a euro for every time someone said, “Just get a remote job and move abroad,” I could buy a cappuccino on a cobblestone street and retire early.

In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m breaking down the toxic myth that you need a remote job to leave the U.S. and build a life abroad. Spoiler alert: You don’t. I didn’t. And most people I help don’t either.

The remote job fantasy is a polished half-truth that looks great in TikToks and Pinterest boards but collapses the second you actually try to make it work—especially if you’re not a 24-year-old with tech skills, dual citizenship, and a family trust.

If you’ve ever felt like moving abroad was only possible if you had the perfect home office setup and 10K months from passive income funnels, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through:

• Where the remote job myth came from
• 5 real ways people move abroad (without remote work)
• What you actually need to legally and sustainably live abroad
• The biggest time-wasters that keep people stuck and broke
• And how to get started even if you’re burnt out, broke, and babysitting Google for visa answers

This one’s for the caregivers, the side-hustlers, the moms with no backup plan, the folks holding it together with duct tape and hope.

Because no, you don’t need to code your way to Croatia.

You need a plan—and I’ve got one for you.

🎧 Ready? Press play.

🎁 Grab the free masterclass, “Still Jobless, Stateside & Stuck,” to avoid the 3 biggest mistakes Americans make when trying to land a job abroad.

You ever scroll Instagram and see yet another shiny post about “just moving abroad”... and wonder: At what cost?

Not just your cost—but what it costs the people who already live there?

Yeah, we’re going there.

In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I’m tearing into the part nobody wants to talk about: how moving abroad (yes, even when you’re broke, burned out, or desperate to get your kid somewhere safer) still comes from a place of privilege ...and how to do it without being the tone-deaf, colonizing, “loud-in-English-only” American everyone complains about.

We’ll get brutally honest about:

• Why your intent doesn’t erase your impact
• The quiet ways gentrification happens (yes, even if you think you’re “just renting a cheap place”)
• Why refusing to learn the local language isn’t quirky... it’s disrespectful AF
• How to spend, tip, dress, and show up so you’re part of your new community, not just on top of it
• Practical tips to keep you from turning into the kind of American who ruins it for everyone else

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about responsibility, and making damn sure that when you move abroad, you do it with integrity, respect, and your eyes open to the ripple effects of your choices.

Because living abroad is a privilege. And if you’re going to claim it, the least you can do is not be an a**hole.

I’m sharing real stories from my own move (and yes, my German was questionable at first), what I got wrong, and what I’ve seen too many Americans still get wrong.

Want to get your move abroad plan started without selling your soul or your integrity?

👉 Grab my free personalized visa checklist.

And if this episode hit home, leave a review, share it with a friend, or come tell me your messy, honest thoughts over on Instagram @iammistelle.

See you there. And remember: life's too short to stay in one place... but don’t make it worse when you leave.

What if summer didn’t feel like unpaid overtime with a side of mom guilt?

In this episode of Abroadly Speaking, I pull back the curtain on what summer really looks like when you leave the U.S.—and no, it’s not all white linen beach photos and perfect sunsets.

I share my own story of swapping a spreadsheet full of “free” activities (that still cost $75) for a life where summer isn’t something to survive. From six-week school breaks and paid vacation that actually lets you rest, to day camps that teach independence instead of just supervision—this is the unfiltered, real-life version of raising a kid abroad.

We talk about:

✅ How summer in Switzerland actually works (spoiler: it’s not 12 weeks of chaos)

✅ Why living abroad didn’t make life perfect—but made it damn more livable

✅ Letting go of guilt about “not doing enough” every day

✅ The quiet truth: wanting more space, slower days, and less panic doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you awake

If you’re currently googling “affordable summer camps near me” or “how old can a kid be home alone,” take this as your sign:

✨ Want to take the first step?

Grab my free visa checklist—a real, no-fluff list of what you actually need to get your paperwork started.

🌍 Ready for more?

• Follow along on Instagram @iammistelle for the real, messy, hilarious life abroad
• Leave a quick review to help other women (and moms) dreaming of a slower, saner life abroad find us
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode

Life’s too short to stay stuck. Let’s see what’s possible—together.

Moving abroad means packing your life into suitcases, boxes, and maybe some tears — especially when it comes to your stuff. In this episode, Mistelle gets real about the emotional and practical challenges of sorting, shipping, selling, and letting go of belongings before an international move.

From sentimental heirlooms to that stack of “maybe someday” junk, you’ll learn a simple three-bucket system to keep your sanity and your memories intact. Plus, hear true stories, brutal truths, and Mistelle’s no-nonsense tips for making space—both physically and emotionally—for your new life abroad.

If you’re overwhelmed by the clutter, stuck in “what if I need this?” mode, or just terrified of breaking grandma’s china, this episode is for you.

Ready to start your move without losing your mind? Let’s unpack this together.

Join the 7-Day Jumpstart Your Move Abroad Challenge

This one is completely raw and unfiltered.

I talk about my recent visit to the US and how my move abroad has changed my viewpoint on 'normal' and the shock I had when I couldn't make it to the local diner less than a mile away without a car.

They told us to go to school, get a job, buy a house, and everything would be fine. But what happens when you follow the rules and still feel like your life doesn’t fit?

In this episode, I’m getting real about what it means to walk away from the version of success we were sold. From being diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 to rebuilding my life abroad, I’ll take you through how I realized the American Dream wasn’t mine—and how I found something better.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or quietly Googled “how to move abroad” while crying into your coffee… this one’s for you.

Referenced:

ABROAD mini-courses

You picked a country. Amazing. Now let's find out if it actually works.

Not the Instagram version — anyone can imagine themselves somewhere beautiful on a Saturday with a glass of wine and nowhere to be. The Tuesday version. The one where you need to buy toilet paper and find a dentist and figure out whether your visa actually works and whether you can afford to live there on your actual budget.

This week I'm walking you through the Tuesday Test — five questions that tell you whether your country works for your real life or whether you need to adjust one thing before you go any further.

Spoiler: it's almost always just one thing. And one thing is completely fixable.

AbroadAF app

Last week I made you cry. This week I'm giving you a break.

No frameworks, no heavy stuff, no seventeen-step process. Just the honest, slightly unhinged truth about why you're overcomplicating this — and the only three things you actually need right now to move this whole situation forward.

Spoiler: it's not a perfect plan. It's not a fully funded savings account. It's not a remote job and a signed lease and a detailed spreadsheet.

It's a country, a visa lane, and your actual number. That's it. We're covering all three and then I'm sending you away with exactly one thing to do this week.

You've got this. I promise you've got this. Now stop researching and let's actually move.

Proof of funds isn’t a personal attack... it’s a stability check. In this episode, I explain what proof of funds actually means in plain English, what typically counts as “proof” (income, savings, self-employment, combinations, and sometimes insurance), why the requirements change depending on your visa lane, and how to make a plan if you don’t meet the requirement yet, without turning it into a crisis.

• Proof of funds, translated into normal human language
• The youth hockey analogy: “Can you cover the season?” (that’s the whole point)
• What typically counts as proof
• Why your visa lane controls what proof-of-funds looks like
• What to do if you don’t meet it today: the levers you can pull (timeline, lane, documentation, country shortlist, buffer strategy)

Follow me on Instagram @IAmMistelle

If you’re choosing a country before you know your visa lane, you’re not planning—you’re sprinting at Platform 9¾ without the Hogwarts letter. In this episode, I break down what a “visa lane” actually is, why it’s the first decision that makes everything else easier, and the most common visa lanes Americans use to move abroad (yes, some don’t require a job offer).

• The Platform 9¾ problem: why “dream country first” keeps you stuck
• What a visa lane is (the legal reason you get to live somewhere)
• The most common visa lanes Americans use:
  • Work-sponsored
  • Student
  • Freelancer/self-employed
  • Proof of funds / non-lucrative / financially independent
  • Family/ancestry/partner
  • Special programs (digital nomad, working holiday, etc.)
• The biggest mistakes I see:
  • Falling in love with a country before checking eligibility
  • Treating visas like a personality quiz
  • Thinking a job offer is the only way
  • “Researching” without producing a shortlist
• How to pick a lane without spiraling

Free visa checklist

Welcome to Season 2... and yes, the podcast has a new name. ABROADly Speaking is now How to Move Abroad. Same show, same feed, same me. I just got tired of pretending we’re here to “chat about life abroad” when what you actually need is a plan that works in real life.

In the new format, every episode ends with one weekly task because collecting information isn’t progress, and we're done with 'next year' energy.

In this kickoff episode, I’m talking about the thing that keeps most people stuck: the 47-tab spiral. It feels productive, but it’s usually just overwhelm in a trench coat.

This week’s task: the One-Page Move. You’ll pick 3 non-negotiables and 3 deal-breakers, and choose one next action to do in the next 7 days.

Follow me on Instagram @iammistelle

Grab our free checklist.

If you’ve been pacing around your house trying to figure out what the hell you’re supposed to take with you when you move abroad, this episode is the sanity you need.

We’re not talking about “decluttering.”

We’re not talking about “sparking joy.”

We’re talking about what actually needs to go in the boxes when you move your entire life across an ocean.

This is the straight-to-the-point, no-Pinterest, no-fantasy guide to choosing what comes with you, what stays behind, and what you should absolutely stop feeling guilty about letting go. I’m walking you through the real questions, the real logistics, the emotional traps, and the “why did I even pack this” regrets you do NOT need to repeat.

If you want a grounded, practical “how to” episode without the pep-talk energy — this is the one.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what deserves space in your suitcase…

and what’s just taking up space in your life.

Find out more about the Departure Lounge here: https://www.mistellegodlewski.com/departure-lounge

This episode is not a pep talk.

It’s not a motivational countdown to midnight.

It’s not a “new year, new me” vision-board moment.

This is the real conversation most people avoid at the end of the year — the one where you look honestly at your life and admit whether it’s actually working for you.

Because the holidays have a way of showing us the truth: who we’ve become, what we’ve outgrown, and what we’re still pretending we’re okay with.

And if you’ve been telling yourself, “next year will be different,” for the third, fourth, or tenth year in a row… this episode matters.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Why the “fresh start” feeling of January is a trap we return to every year
• Why waiting to feel ready is the exact reason nothing changes
• How to recognize when you’ve already outgrown your current life
• The difference between wanting change and deciding to change
• The grief, honesty, and courage involved in becoming someone new

No resolutions.

No pressure.

No performative growth.

Just the truth you already feel — finally spoken out loud.

If you’ve ever felt the quiet ache of “I can’t do another year like this,” this one is for you.

Departure Lounge information: https://www.mistellegodlewski.com/departure-lounge

Everyone thinks they can “just Google” their way through a move abroad… until they’re eight tabs deep in contradictory visa articles, three breakdowns into Reddit threads, and somehow watching a YouTube video from 2014 about moving to Spain that hasn’t been accurate since Obama was in office.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why Google cannot and will not give you the roadmap you think it will. We’re talking outdated info, missing context, bad advice, and the reasons the algorithm has no idea who you are, what you qualify for, or what country won’t immediately reject your poorly formatted resume.

If you’re stuck in “I should be able to figure this out myself” guilt, this is the episode that frees you from that nonsense. We’ll get into what Google can tell you, what it absolutely can’t, and how to actually get clarity without losing your mind, your time, or your entire weekend to visa blogs with broken links.

If you want real answers — not search results — let’s talk about why Googling isn’t your enemy, but it sure as hell isn’t your guide.

Want support?  Join the Departure Lounge.

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 problem
• How paying yourself first actually works when life is already expensive and overwhelming
• Why waiting to save “what’s left” guarantees nothing ever happens
• The simplest way to start funding your move abroad without blowing up your life

This 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.

I found out I had breast cancer at thirty years old. That's the real reason I moved abroad — not the job offer, not the adventure. The diagnosis that made one day stop being an option.

This week I'm telling you the actual story. The cancer. The friends I lost. My best friend of twenty years I haven't spoken to in eleven. The moment every single time I say goodbye to my mom at the airport. The weight of being far from home when things go wrong.

And then I'm telling you why I'd do it again. Every single time.

This one is for the person who is scared and wanting out and feeling guilty about both. You're not crazy. You're not ungrateful. You're paying attention. And the life you want is more buildable than you think.

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.

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