EXODUS SUMMIT 2024 - MOVING AND LIVING ABROAD

I recently had the privilege of attending the ExodUS Summit 2024.All I can say is WOW. Talk about an educational and insightful experience. The summit, hosted and organized by two brilliant women of color provided black attendees with a wealth of knowledge regarding moving and living abroad. 

With over 25 phenomenal subject matter experts (SMEs) providing guidance, direction and sage advice, you have all you need to take your dream to the next level.

 Speaker areas of interest included:

1. Your exit strategy for leaving your current country

2. Money matters

3. Language considerations

4. Dating a country first

5. Health, medical and prescription discussion

6. House sitting as an option

7. The Art of the Ask – taking leave from your current career

8. School and your children abroad

9. Pitfalls to avoid

10. Fleeing a dictatorship country

11. Dealing with aging parents

12. Co-living: aging in Community

13. Residency opportunities

14. Working remotely

15. House or apartment hunting

16. AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

As I reflect over the last 10 years or so, when we decided to live abroad permanently, there was no summit to attend, but there were still plenty of resources available if you took some time and conducted your research.  We researched approximately 2 years before we made our move and found that it was the best decision we have ever made.

Honestly speaking, we decided not to share with our family or friends that we were thinking about relocating until it was a done deal. People mean well, but often allow their fears to lead their decisions. They speak of all the terrible things they have heard of; or share someone else’s negative story that they read about. The sad thing about it is that they have never traveled to the country you are thinking about exploring, so therefore, their information is not accurate.  I say this simply because it is important you make your decisions based on your own research and comfort level. Frankly, if we listen to all the naysayers with disinformation and misinformation, we will never go or experience anything in life.  

So whether you attend a summit (which I certainly encourage you to do) or do you own due diligence, research the areas of importance for you, read blogs, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and reach out to those that are already living the life you want to live abroad. Finally, do not be afraid to go for it.  If you decide you do not like it, then lesson learned.  But if you absolutely love it, I promise you, all you will say is “why didn’t I do this sooner.”