Move Abroad to Another Country

Leaving the United States and moving abroad to another country is the adventure of a lifetime! It’s a common dream, and we totally get it!

We left the USA in 2017, and honestly, our only regret is not doing it sooner!

Imagine waking up to the sound of ocean waves in Ecuador, strolling through historic streets in Spain, or enjoying an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle in Malaysia.

Moving abroad isn’t just a change of address—it’s a transformative experience that can open doors to new cultures, opportunities, and ways of living that you never thought possible.

For many, the idea of living in another country feels like a distant dream, but the truth is, people from all walks of life have successfully relocated, finding greater freedom, financial stability, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Our Struggles & Fears, Then

We met in 2012 through a mutual friend and built a comfortable life in the suburbs of Denver. We had a nice house, stable jobs, and a seemingly secure future. But in 2015, everything changed—what we now call The Year of Hell.

JP underwent two spinal surgeries that cost nearly $1 million. Thankfully, insurance covered most of it, but the financial strain forced us to sell our house and a car, ultimately downsizing into a tiny one-bedroom apartment. It was a humbling and stressful period, and we began questioning everything about our lifestyle.

As we struggled to make ends meet, the idea of moving abroad started to take shape, but we didn’t know the first thing about leaving the U.S. Plus, with JP’s spine full of new titanium hardware, we were concerned healthcare outside the U.S. wouldn’t be able to handle the upkeep.

Quite simply, we were afraid—what if we made the wrong choice?

But after 18 months of research and planning, we finally took the leap and on September 30, 2017, we left the U.S. and moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

Living Our Dream, Now

After more than 7 years, we’re still living our dream abroad.

We work online, choosing where and when we want to work (a Monday can be a Saturday!).

Within 3 years of leaving the U.S., we paid off over $60K in debt from student loans, medical costs, and general living expenses we couldn’t afford back in the U.S.

Instead of commuting to a cube to afford the car we needed to commute to the cube, we now check off bucket list destinations at will, including Paris, Rome, London, Athens, Corfu, Sevilla, Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Mexico City, Medellín, and more!

And most importantly, we’re making a real difference—we’ve helped and inspired thousands of people to move abroad for a happier, more fulfilling life.

Why Move Abroad?

Moving abroad offers a range of incredible benefits that can transform your lifestyle for the better. Here are just a few reasons why so many people take the leap:

• A Higher Quality of Life (and Lower Cost of Living) – Many countries offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. You can enjoy better healthcare, fresh food, and a more relaxed lifestyle for much less.
• Time & Location Freedom – Whether you work remotely or are retired, moving abroad can give you more control over how and where you spend your time, allowing for greater flexibility and a lifestyle that suits you best.
• A Better Work-Life Balance – Some cultures prioritize life over work, giving you more time to enjoy your passions, family, and personal growth.
• High-Quality Healthcare – In many countries, top-tier medical care is accessible at a fraction of U.S. prices, with affordable insurance and minimal out-of-pocket costs.
• Adventure & Memorable Experiences – Immersing yourself in a new culture challenges you to adapt, learn, and grow in ways you never imagined. You’ll become more resilient, open-minded, and resourceful while collecting unforgettable experiences.
• More Visits to Bucket List Destinations – Living abroad puts you closer to regions you’ve always wanted to explore, making it easier and more affordable to travel.
• New Friends (or a Love Interest) – Moving abroad expands your social circles, introducing you to like-minded expats and welcoming locals who can become lifelong friends—or even something more.
• More Freedom & Security – Many expats find that moving abroad provides a greater sense of personal freedom and, in some cases, even enhanced safety and security.

Moving abroad allows you to design a lifestyle that prioritizes what matters most to you.

Real People, Real Transformations

Don’t take our word for it. Here are some of our community members who are living their dream abroad.

Cindy: From Political Discontent to Personal Fulfillment Abroad

Disheartened by the political climate in the U.S., Cindy sought a fresh start. The divisiveness and unrest left her feeling unsettled, prompting her to explore options beyond her homeland in search of peace and stability.

After moving abroad, Cindy has immersed herself in a vibrant culture that resonates with her values. The sense of community and the rich traditions have provided her with a newfound sense of belonging and purpose.

“I was initially driven by political reasons, but what I found in Ecuador was a vibrant culture and a community that welcomed me with open arms. The affordability allowed me to live comfortably and focus on what truly matters in life.” – Cindy, now thriving in Ecuador

Read Cindy’s Full Story…

Steven: From Teaching in the Classroom to Learning from the World

At 60, Steven had spent decades as a grade school teacher, shaping young minds in Arizona. While he loved his career, the predictability of his daily routine left him dreaming of adventure and new experiences.

As retirement approached, he began to wonder if there was more to life beyond his small corner of Arizona. He was also hesitant about traveling alone, unsure of how he would adjust to a completely different way of life.

Embracing the concept of slow travel, Steven has transformed his life into a continuous journey of discovery.

After moving to Cuenca, Ecuador, he met Louise, a fellow traveler who shared his passion for exploring new cultures. Together, they’ve embarked on an adventure that has taken them to breathtaking destinations across the globe.

By immersing himself in diverse cultures and taking the time to truly experience each destination, Steven has found a sense of freedom and excitement that has redefined his retirement.

“After wrapping up my life in Arizona, moving to Cuenca, Ecuador, and embracing slow travel, I’ve experienced an amazing journey better than anything I could have imagined. Meeting Louise has made it even more special—we’re seeing the world together, one destination at a time.” – Steven, now exploring the world with his new travel companion

Read Steven’s Full Story…

The Bowen Family: From Overstressed to Rejuvenated in Ecuador

The Bowens were growing increasingly dismayed by the pressures put on their kids in modern American society and the consequential effects on both mental and physical health.

The pressures of their stressful lifestyle left them dreaming for a change that would allow them to reconnect and prioritize what truly mattered.

Since relocating to Ecuador, the Bowen family has discovered a renewed sense of togetherness. Embracing the country’s vibrant culture and slower pace, they’ve found more quality time to spend with each other. The welcoming community and enriched experiences have provided them with a life they once only dreamed of.

“Moving to Ecuador was the best decision for our family. We’ve embraced a new culture, formed lasting friendships, and enjoy a quality of life we never thought possible.” – The Bowen Family, now flourishing in Ecuador

Read the Bowens’ Full Story…

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Making the decision to move abroad can feel overwhelming, especially with common fears and misconceptions holding you back.

The good news is that these limiting beliefs can be reframed, allowing you to see that moving abroad is not only possible, but can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Here are a few common limiting beliefs that we hear from our community and how you might reframe them:

“You Must Be Rich”

One of the biggest misconceptions about moving abroad is that you need to be wealthy to do it.

In reality, many of the countries we recommend offer a comfortable lifestyle for far less than most people spend in the U.S.

In many places, a single person can live well on less than $1,200 per month, while a couple can live comfortably on less than $2,000 per month. We even know couples who live abroad on less than $1,000 per month.

If you have a budget of $2,000 per month for a single or $3,000 per month for a couple, you can live like royalty.

Buying a home in some countries can be more affordable than purchasing a car in the U.S. or Canada.

You will need to cover the costs of moving abroad, and you’ll need income to support yourself while living abroad (and to qualify for a residency visa), but you certainly don’t need to be rich.

“It’s Too Risky”

Risk is a valid concern, but in many ways, moving abroad can be less risky than staying put.

If safety is your concern, many countries are statistically safer than the U.S. If healthcare is a concern, you’ll find that numerous countries offer high-quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost.

In today’s uncertain world, being flexible and mobile can actually provide greater security than being tied to one place.

And the best part? If things don’t work out, you can always move back home—or explore another destination until you find the right fit.

“I’ll Be Too Far from Family and Friends”

Leaving family and friends behind is a major concern for many, but how often do you see your family and friends now, or spend quality time together?

You may find that you actually visit your families more intentionally. And they may decide to visit you abroad, which would allow you to spend some real high-quality time together free of the distractions from busy lives back home.

Thanks to modern technology, staying connected is easier than ever with video calls via Zoom, WhatsApp, Messenger, and other apps.

And who knows? Your decision to move abroad might even inspire them to consider a higher quality of life for themselves outside the borders.

Overcoming Obstacles

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it’s not without challenges.

Many people hesitate to take the leap because they feel overwhelmed by the process or fear the unknown.

These concerns are completely natural, but with the right mindset, preparation, and support, you can successfully navigate the transition and create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Obstacle #1: Feeling Overwhelmed

There are a lot of steps involved with moving abroad, and winding down your old life back home can feel daunting.

The logistics of an international move are complex, and setting up your new life abroad can be confusing.

Our Move Abroad Checklist contains over 100 tasks, some of which are simple, while others take weeks or even months to complete.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you don’t have a guide to keep you focused or a support system to keep you motivated. If you’re feeling this way, we can help.

Obstacle #2: Fear of the Unknown

We understand fear because we had many of the same concerns when we first started our journey.

We were afraid we wouldn’t like our new country. We worried we wouldn’t fit in or be able to make friends. We even feared we wouldn’t have access to quality healthcare.

Fear is a powerful emotion, and moving abroad can be scary. But remember, it doesn’t have to be forever. If you don’t like it, you can go someplace else or even go back home. You have options.

Regardless of the outcome, you’ll gain incredible life experiences, great stories to tell, and a vastly expanded worldview.

Your Journey Starts Here

The success stories you read above are proof that moving abroad isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or the fearless—it’s for anyone who dares to take the leap.

The Bowen family, Cindy, and Steven were once where you are now, facing the same doubts and obstacles (even WE were there once).

But with determination, planning, and the right support, they transformed their lives into something they once only dreamed of.

And you can do the same.

Whether you’re looking for a lower cost of living, a more fulfilling lifestyle, or simply the adventure of a lifetime, the opportunity to move abroad is within your reach. All it takes is that first step.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a life filled with adventure, financial freedom, and personal fulfillment, moving abroad might be exactly what you’re looking for.

But where do you start?

That’s where our Move Abroad EXPRESS eCourse can help. It’s a step-by-step guide with over 60 lessons and videos that walk you through the entire process so you’ll be confident instead of questioning every decision.

See how the Move Abroad EXPRESS eCourse can help you →