Your Votes, Our Vision: How We’re Building the Best Guide to Living Abroad 🏡
Let’s start with some honesty. For months, this newsletter was on life support — no growth, no momentum, just us shouting into the void. But January arrived, and guess what? The needle is finally moving! We’ve welcomed 30 new subscribers since the start of the year. 🎉
It might not be a tidal wave, but it’s a solid ripple — and it’s proof that connecting with you in a real, meaningful way is worth every second.
The Sunday Poll Experiment
We decided to start asking you one simple question each week about your life abroad (or your plans to get there) and then chat about it throughout the week. It’s a way for us all to connect, share, and spark new ideas.
But let’s be real — we didn’t exactly break the internet with votes. The numbers are small, but the insights are BIG. And if you haven’t voted yet? Now’s your chance to make your voice heard.
Poll #1: What’s Your Living Abroad Style?
🌍 Living Abroad — Fully settled: 25%
🏠 Still at Home — Making plans: 75%
📖 Living Through Stories — Curious: 0%
✈️ Hybrid Life — Split time abroad: 0%
(Votes: 4 — hey, it’s quality over quantity, right?)
Takeaway: Most of you are planners, dreaming and scheming about your big move. Whether you’re knee-deep in research or just toying with the idea, we’ve got your back. Missed this one? Vote now!
Poll #2: Would You Move Abroad If Nothing Stood in Your Way?
🌍 YES — Pack my bags, I’m ready!: 67%
✈️ MAYBE — It has its appeal...: 17%
🏡 NO — Livin' my best here!: 0%
🙏 I’m already abroad!: 17%
(Votes: 6 — baby steps, people!)
Takeaway: The dream of living abroad is alive and well. Popular spots in the comments included France, Spain, Croatia, and Thailand. We loved hearing your dream destinations — keep them coming. If you missed your chance, the poll’s still open!
Notes Highlights: The Real Talk on Living Abroad
We’ve been combing through Notes, and your stories about life abroad have been inspiring, funny, and so relatable. Here are a few highlights:
Emily Ann Hill: “The culture shock hits harder when I’m back in the U.S.” Can we talk about reverse culture shock? It’s like being a tourist in your own country — eye-opening, awkward, and occasionally hilarious.
Cassandra Tresl is finding her way in Italy, raising a third-culture kid and navigating the quirks of daily life. From unexpected parenting lessons to decoding 100 pasta shapes, she’s living the dream with a side of chaos.
Christine Job is writing a book exploring migration, Blackness, and wellness. It’s a powerful reminder that moving abroad is as much about identity and personal growth as it is about logistics.
What’s Next for Girls’ Guide to Living Abroad?
Here’s the plan: I’m ramping up the public posts (so expect more stories and behind-the-scenes musings), while Mitra — my blog partner and total rockstar — is focusing on getting to know you. We’re asking the big questions, cutting the fluff, and zeroing in on what you need from this space.
2024 Goal: Hit 500 subscribers by the end of Q1. If you’ve been loving this journey, share the newsletter, tell a friend, or drop your own Substack below — we’ll subscribe back!
PSA: The Next Sunday Survey is Coming!
We’re cooking up a new question for this weekend’s poll, and trust us — you’re going to want to weigh in. Keep an eye on your inbox and Notes feed, because this one’s guaranteed to spark some serious conversation.
Until next Friday,
Kaila & Mitra ✨