Relief vs. Freedom: Building a Life Abroad That Actually Lasts

Moving abroad can feel like freedom, but often what we're experiencing first is relief: from burnout, from a place that no longer feels right, or from a version of ourselves we're ready to outgrow. And relief is real, but it isn't the same as freedom. Drawing on six years of oral history research with Black women living across 50+ countries, this session explores what happens after the initial high of moving abroad fades. We'll look at the difference between landing and belonging, why community is essential infrastructure, what separates expats who thrive from those who struggle or return, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable life abroad. This isn't about visas, cost of living, or choosing a country. It's about building a life, not just a location, abroad.