Everyone Thinks Moving Abroad Is Hard—They’re Wrong

When most people think about moving abroad, their first reaction is usually: “That sounds impossible.” They imagine endless visa paperwork, the struggle of finding a job, and the stress of securing housing in a foreign country. The truth? Moving abroad is far simpler than most people think.

The Misconceptions About Moving Abroad

The biggest fears I hear from people sound like this:

• “Getting a visa is too complicated.”
• “I’ll never find a job.”
• “Housing will take forever to figure out.”

These fears are common—but they’re also exaggerated. In reality, most people discover that once they start taking steps, the process is more straightforward than they expected.

Why Moving Abroad Is Simpler Than You Think

1. Visas Aren’t Impossible

Many countries have visas designed specifically for Americans and other foreigners. Some can be applied for online with only a few documents. In fact, several European countries offer easy-to-access digital nomad or work visas.

(For more details: see episode 50 – 10 Easiest Visas to Get in Europe.)

2. Jobs Are More Accessible Than You Think

Finding work abroad doesn’t mean you need to be fluent in another language. Many international companies and English-speaking roles exist, especially in Europe. And if you already work remotely, relocating is even simpler.

(Related episode: 49 – Can I Get a Job Abroad If I Only Speak English?)

3. Housing Isn’t as Scary as It Seems

Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and even Airbnb make it possible to find both short-term and long-term housing options. Many expats start with temporary rentals and then transition into more permanent housing once they’re on the ground.

4. Step-by-Step Planning Works

When you break the process down, moving abroad is just a series of steps:

1. Choose the country.
2. Secure the visa.
3. Find housing.
4. Find a job (if needed).
5. Make the move.

With this structure, the “impossible” suddenly looks achievable.

5. You’re Not Alone

Expat groups, online communities, and local networks make moving abroad far less isolating than it once was. Today, you’ll find support almost everywhere you go.

A Personal Story

When I first moved abroad, I thought it would be overwhelming. I worried about visas, housing, and whether I’d make friends. The reality? Once I took the first step, each following step became easier. And I quickly realized that the hardest part wasn’t the logistics—it was simply getting started.

One of my clients, Storm, had the same experience. At first, moving abroad felt impossible. But once he created a simple plan, the move happened much faster than expected.

Tips to Make Moving Abroad Even Easier

• Use checklists and timelines to stay organized.
• Start your research early to reduce surprises.
• Connect with expats or locals before you arrive.
• Consider a trial stay before committing long-term.

The Mindset Shift

Moving abroad isn’t an impossible dream—it’s a real option. When you stop seeing it as a huge, complicated process and instead view it as a series of steps, it becomes doable.

If you’ve been dreaming of living abroad, start small. Research a visa. Join an expat Facebook group. Talk to someone who’s done it. Each step will make the next one easier.

Take Action

This week, take one step toward your move abroad. Even a small action—like looking up visa options or connecting with an expat online—can make the dream feel closer.

Ready for a step-by-step plan?
If you want a detailed roadmap for your move abroad, check out 80: How to Move to Another Country From America (A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Europe). It breaks the process into clear, actionable steps so you can confidently take the leap.