The 22 best books about living abroad
Are you thinking of living abroad? If so, you’re in luck! There are countless books out there that can help prepare you for the experience. Living in a foreign country can be an amazing adventure, but it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. In this blog post, we will share 22 of the best books when you live abroad. These books offer valuable advice and tips from people who have been in your shoes before. So, whether you’re just starting to think about moving abroad or you’re already packing your bags, these books are sure to come in handy!
Books are a great way to learn about the world around us. They help us understand different cultures so we won’t experience culture shock, languages, and customs. Living abroad can be scary and exciting at the same time. Books can help you prepare for your own life and make the transition easier.
Key Takeaways
- The best books about living abroad will help you understand the culture, customs, and language of your new home.
- Living abroad can help you learn new skills and become more culturally aware.
Why Read Books about Living Abroad?
There are many reasons why you should read books about living abroad. For example, they can help you learn more about the country where you want to go and the culture of the people there. They can also help you understand some of the challenges that you will face when moving overseas.
A good book about living abroad will give you a glimpse into life in another country. It will allow you to experience it through the eyes of someone who has lived there for a long time, or someone who has just arrived.
In addition, reading books about living abroad can also help you understand how important it is for ex-pats to adapt to their new surroundings. This means learning about their language, customs, and traditions. Books about living abroad can help with this process by providing information on how to adjust to life in your new home country.
Another reason why reading books about living abroad is beneficial is that it allows ex-pats to get support from other people who have gone through similar situations as them before. In a sense, when they read about the experiences of others, they are informed that what they are about to experience or are experiencing were also happening to other people.
Top 20 Books About Living Abroad
1. The 4-Hour Workweek
In The 4-Hour Workweek, Tim Ferriss explains how to live a life of freedom, fulfillment, and income. He shows you how to escape the rat race by using outsourcing and automation to get more done in less time.
This book is not just about making money—it’s about changing your life. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can live and work wherever (and whenever) you want. It’s about creating a life of massive impact and significance instead of spending your years feeling trapped by your job.
2. Vagabonding
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a complete novice, Vagabonding is an excellent read. In it, author Rolf Potts outlines his philosophy on travel — that it should be a way of life. His book provides readers with tips and strategies for how to make the most of their time spent abroad.
Although there are plenty of books that cover the basics of traveling, Vagabonding can help you create a deeper understanding of why you’re traveling and what you want out of your time away.
3. Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child
Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child is a book that is written by Julia Simens and looks at how to build emotional resilience in children who are living abroad. It talks about how parents can help their children deal with the changes that come with moving abroad, including their feelings, friendships, and their homesickness.
4. I Wonder as I Wander
The book “I Wonder as I Wander” by Langston Hughes and Arnold Rampersad is a memoir about the life of Langston Hughes. In his memoir, he talks about how his life has changed, how he grew up, and what he did during his life. The book also includes some very important events that happened in American history during the 20th century.
This book is not just a historical document, but it also gives you an insight into what it was like to live during this period. It lets you explore the lives of others who were involved in these historical events so that you can see what they were going through at that time.
5. How To Move Abroad And Why It’s The Best Thing You’ll Do
The book “How To Move Abroad And Why It’s The Best Thing You’ll Do” by Jessica Drucker is an inspiring guide to help you move abroad and live life to the fullest.
This book is a step-by-step guide that will help you plan your move abroad. It also provides tips on how to get started and where to go.
The author shares her experiences as an ex-pat and a traveler and shows you how she did it. She also advises on how to choose the right place for you, which is very important when moving abroad.
More importantly, the book helps readers understand what it takes to make a big change in their lives, but also gives them confidence that they can do it too!
6. Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish
Margarita Madrigal’s “Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish” is a comprehensive guide for learning Spanish. It covers all the basics, from pronunciation and grammar to vocabulary and verb conjugation. The book is organized by lessons, with each lesson containing a brief explanation of what you will learn, followed by exercises to help you practice your skills.
This book is also very affordable! This makes it easy for anyone on a budget to have access to this amazing resource.
7. The Big Guide To Living And Working Overseas
If you are looking for a book that can help you find a job overseas, then The Big Guide To Living And Working Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey is the best book for you. This book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to work overseas. It advises on how to find jobs and live in different countries around the world, as well as how to make money while abroad.
If you want to learn more about living and working in foreign countries, this book will give you all of the information that you need to make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
8. The Expert Expat: Your Guide to Successful Relocation Abroad
This book is a great resource for anyone who is considering moving to another country. The Expert Expat: Your Guide to Successful Relocation Abroad by Melissa Brayer Hess is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from finding the best lifestyle options for your needs, to dealing with the paperwork and legalities of moving abroad.
The author explains why it’s important for ex-pats to seek out support from other ex-pats, and how this can help you get settled in your new home faster. She also offers advice on how to make friends with local people and integrate into the culture of your host country.
9. Once Upon An Expat
Once Upon An Expat: An Anthology is a collection of short stories and essays about the experiences of ex-pats around the world. The book was edited by Lisa Webb and was written by 9 authors including Lisa. The stories are written from a variety of perspectives. Additionally, the book is organized into sections based on the authors’ experiences in their host countries and includes a variety of topics, such as family life, school life, work life, and relationships.
The stories are interesting and entertaining, but what sets this book apart from other anthologies is how relatable it is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider in a new country.
10. Retirement Without Borders: How to Retire Abroad
This book is for anyone who is planning on retiring abroad or has already decided to do so. The author discusses how to retire without borders in a very practical way. He has written this book specifically for those people who want to retire in foreign countries but do not know where to start. This book will help you narrow down your options by providing information on where retirees go and what they like about those places.
Then it goes on to discuss taxes, immigration, real estate, and other major issues when living abroad. Other considerations involved when deciding where you would like to spend your retirement years are also included.
The author writes and talks about based on experience rather than just theory which makes this book more credible than many others out there today.
11. U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans
U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans is the only book on the market that focuses exclusively on the tax implications of living and working abroad. The authors, Olive Wagner and Gregory Diehl are both experts in international tax law and have extensive experience helping Americans living overseas navigate their taxes.
U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans is an essential resource for anyone who lives or works outside of the United States—American citizens in particular. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you move abroad or what’s required of you when doing business overseas, this book will help clear up any confusion and make sure you stay compliant with U.S. tax law no matter where life takes you!
12. Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life
This book is a guide to living a meaningful life in a minimalist way. It doesn’t focus on how to declutter your home, or how to reduce your possessions, but instead focuses on how to cut down on the things that don’t serve you to make room for the things that do.
In this book, Millburn and Nicodemus explain what minimalism is and isn’t, why they believe it’s important, and how it can change your life. They also offer tips on how to get started with minimalism, as well as some common questions about minimalism and answers about their own experiences with it.
The authors believe that minimalism isn’t just about having less stuff—it’s about living more deliberately by focusing more on what matters most and creating space for those things in your life.
13. Club Expat: A Teenager’s Guide to Moving Overseas
Club Expat: A Teenager’s Guide to Moving Overseas is a book for teenagers who are considering moving overseas. The authors, Aniket Shah and Akash Shah have written the book from their own experiences as teenagers who lived as an expatriate in Europe and Asia for many years.
The book covers topics like how to prepare for your move, what it’s like to adjust culturally, and how to make friends with people from other countries.
Overall, this is a great book for teens who are considering moving overseas. It gives them advice on how to prepare mentally and emotionally for this lifestyle change, as well as practical tips on how to make friends with people from other countries.
14. Expat Women: Confessions
Andrea Martins, Victoria Hepworth, and Robin Pascoe are three ex-pat women who have lived in different countries all over the world. They’ve been through the ups and downs of living abroad, as well as the challenges that come with it.
In this book, they answer 50 questions that ex-pats have asked them throughout their time abroad. From how to deal with homesickness to how to make friends while living abroad, how to have a work-life balance, and raise a bilingual child, these three women offer their advice and experience on all things related to being an ex-pat.
15. How to Retire Overseas
If you’re thinking about retiring overseas, there’s no better place to start than with this book.
Written by Kathleen Peddicord, an expert in the field, it covers everything you need to know about retirement abroad. It will help you decide whether or not this is a good option for you, and if so, how to go about it.
It covers topics such as what countries are best for retirement, how to get there and stay there safely, taxes, avoiding common mistakes, and how to have healthcare insurance and medical care that is needed when moving abroad plus much more!
16. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More than 60 Countries
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More than 60 Countries by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway is a book that can help you navigate the complex world of global business.
The authors have written this book to help businesspeople learn about and understand other nations’ customs and cultural norms. The book includes information on how to greet people from different cultures, how to eat with them, how to dress appropriately for events, and more. This book will help you understand what behaviors are acceptable in each country so that you can avoid embarrassing yourself or offending others during your travels around the globe.
17. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
In Should I Stay or Go?, Lundy Bancroft and JAC Patrissi explore the many factors that determine whether a relationship is worth saving. They examine the pitfalls of leaving a relationship, as well as the benefits of staying.
The book is written in an easy-to-understand, conversational tone that makes it accessible to anyone interested in understanding whether their relationship is likely to improve over time or whether it’s better to end things.
18. Lonely Planet Healthy Travel: Central & South America
Lonely Planet Healthy Travel – Central & South America by Lonely Planet is a book that gives you advice about immunizations and medical kits. It also gives information on how to stay healthy while traveling.
It is important to be prepared when traveling. This book will help you understand what common travel illnesses you need to avoid, what equipment to pack and what medicines to take with you on your trip. As well as some of the creatures that you must avoid such as piranhas, tarantulas, and leeches.
19. GenXpat: The Young Professional’s Guide to Making a Successful Life Abroad
GenXpats are young professionals who are not only willing to accept an overseas assignment but want one. They want the opportunity to learn about other cultures, explore new places and develop their careers in a way that is uniquely suited to them. But they also want to hold on to the personal fulfillment they need to succeed in their international careers.
That’s what the book “GenXpat: The Young Professional’s Guide to Making a Successful Life Abroad“ by Margaret Malewski is designed to help GenXpats do. It helps them embrace the opportunities and challenges of an overseas assignment while still holding on to the personal fulfillment they need to succeed in their international careers.
20. Culture Hacks: Deciphering Differences in American, Chinese, and Japanese Thinking
Culture Hacks is a book that will help you understand the differences between American, Chinese, and Japanese thinking. You’ll learn how to recognize these differences, what they mean in your daily life, and how to use them to your advantage.
The book starts by introducing the concept of culture hacks and showing how they can be used to improve your life. It goes on to explain how American, Chinese, and Japanese cultures differ from one another. The author uses examples from his own experience with each culture as well as stories from other people to illustrate these differences.
The author also discusses the importance of understanding cultural differences when working with others from different countries. Richard Conrad also emphasizes that it’s important not only for business purposes but also for personal relationships such as friendships and family relationships.
21. Chickens, Mules, and Two Old Fools
There’s been an uptick of people picking up and leaving for parts unknown to pursue their dreams. They don’t expect that they’ll become chicken farmers or end up with the most dangerous cockerel in Spain. If you’re thinking about making a similar move, read Chickens, Mules, and Two Old Fools for a comical look at what life could be like.
Vicky and Joe’s story is chock-full of humor, animals, eccentric characters, and sunshine. In other words: it will make you laugh (and maybe provide some helpful tips). It’s impossible to know for sure, but after reading about their adventures, you might just find yourself packing your bags for a tiny mountain village of your own.
22. Living the Dream: in the Algarve, Portugal
If you’re debating a move overseas, Living the Dream is a must-read. The Sheldrakes recount their adventure with levity and honesty, offering useful observations into what it’s like to leave your home country and begin anew in another. If you want an enjoyable but instructive book on this topic, look no further than Living the Dream.
Best Books About Living Abroad FAQs
What is the hardest thing about living abroad?
The hardest thing about living abroad is the people. If you’re not careful, you can get stuck in a rut of cliques and social groups that are hard to break into. It’s so easy to feel like you don’t belong, or like you have no one to talk to. When things get bad enough, it can even feel like the rest of the world is out to get you—that everyone around you has some kind of personal vendetta against you.
And if you’re thinking of moving to Thailand, and asking yourself “is it safe in Thailand?”, make sure to read this article.
Is it worth living abroad?
In a word, yes. Living abroad is an experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. There is no other place where you can meet people from different cultures and backgrounds and learn about new ways of life, as well as your own culture. You will also learn how to adapt to different situations, which will help you in future careers.
Is living abroad so difficult?
Living abroad can be quite a challenge, especially if you aren’t used to the culture and customs of the country. However, there are some things that you can do to make your experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
If you have any doubts about whether or not it’s right for you, then it’s best to wait until you feel more confident about doing so. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re miserable because living abroad isn’t what you expected it would be like.
Is 35 too old to move abroad?
It’s possible to move abroad at any age. However, it’s important, to be honest with yourself about your capabilities and limitations. You should also consider what kind of life you want to lead abroad.
Does living abroad change you?
Living abroad can change you in a variety of ways. You may find that you have more confidence and independence, or maybe you’ll discover that you are less afraid to try new things. It could also impact your relationship with friends and family, as well as your self-image. It depends on the situation, but overall, living abroad can be one of the most transformative experiences you will ever have.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about living abroad, or are currently living abroad, these 22 books will inspire and help you make the most of your experience. They cover a wide range of topics from language learning to cultural differences to tales of ex-pat life. So whether you need some tips on how to get started or just want a good laugh, one (or all) of these books is sure to give you what you’re looking for.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the best information about living in Thailand or reach out to us with any questions. Happy reading!
