Moving abroad is a daunting prospect under any circumstances but going solo? Who does that?
In truth, more people than you might think.
Not having a partner for support can seem like a deal-breaker but please don’t let it be. Making a move on your own is not only possible but it can bring benefits. After all, you only have to handle your own situation, paperwork, logistics, etc., rather than having to take care of everything for two.
Our advice is to count yourself lucky that you’re in a position to go where you please. Don’t even consider letting the fact that it’s “just” you hold you back. There’s a world of adventure and opportunity out there that’s yours to enjoy.
Here’s what you need to know as you set off to embrace it…
Safety
No one wants to be a victim of crime, but a woman moving to another country on her own should put this concern at the top of her list when considering where to move.
Unfortunately, women, especially single women, can be easier targets for crime than men. This can be the case no matter where in the world women go, as true in the United States as in Costa Rica or Greece.
Cost Of Living
Being single is more expensive than being in a relationship. You have to foot every bill yourself, rather than sharing it with another person. Again, this applies no matter where in the world you’re living—the United States or anywhere else.
The good news is that many attractive destinations overseas offer the opportunity to start out at proportionately lower monthly costs of living. Life’s necessities—rent, utilities, groceries—can cost significantly less in certain countries, allowing you to allocate more funds to discretionary spending on things that make you happy.
Moving Overseas As A Single: Finding Your Tribe
Another concern for singles considering an overseas move is whether they’ll find like-minded friends, a welcoming community, and in some cases love.
One of the most unexpected and welcome surprises for many senior expats is the discovery that in their adopted country their age earns them a level of respect not found back home.
Western culture places a higher value on youth than most other cultures. The overall trend in elderly care in the United States has most older folks removed from society at a certain point. This is not how things operate elsewhere.
Other cultures, particularly in Asia, have traditions of treating older people with more consideration. Seniors are recognized for the unique contributions they can make to society at this stage.
Some countries, such as Panama and Portugal, have retirement programs and laws whereby seniors can avail of discounts on a range of services—including bus, metro, and train tickets, hotels, concerts, and restaurants.
As an older woman living overseas, you might find yourself on the receiving end of acts of chivalry such as having the door held open for you. This can be viewed as a form of sexism by some in the United States, but in many cultures it’s a sincere form of courtesy and respect. We encourage you to accept the gesture and others like it in that spirit.
The family is still the center of society across many Latin American, Asian, and European cultures, and older people are visible participants in that society.
Communities across Portugal provide programs for seniors at schools, libraries, plazas, churches, and civic centers.
In Spain, it’s common to see groups of elegantly dressed elderly ladies socializing over drinks in the town plaza. And in Vietnam you’ll see groups of seniors gathering for exercise and dance classes in local parks. Such activities are a great way for seniors, especially single seniors, to make connections.
Indeed, this is where single people have another advantage. They tend to be more proactive about getting involved and meeting new people because they haven’t moved with someone they can fall back on for company. Couples tend to be more insular. Each person in the pair can become the other’s crutch for social interaction. Single people integrate into new communities faster.
Language Matters
If building a wide social circle will be key to your happiness overseas then the language barrier becomes an even more important filter when choosing where to go. Not being able to strike up a conversation with the cashier at the grocery store, your neighbor, or anyone else you might casually come into contact with is a unique form of loneliness. If you’re not keen on learning a new language, then use that criteria to inform your search.
In Belize, formerly a British colony, the official language is English. It’s the only English-language-official country in Central America. Leases and legal contracts are in English, English-speaking staff are available at clinics, and media and the news are delivered in English. The average person you come into contact with, whether a cashier or a government official, speaks English.
In Europe, Malta—another former British colony—has two official languages: English and Maltese. About 88% of the population is fluent in English, and laws are enacted in both languages. You shouldn’t have trouble being understood or understanding the locals.
In Southeast Asia, the Philippines, a U.S. colony from 1898 to 1946, is recognized as one of the world’s largest English-speaking nations. English is the language of business and law, and more than half the country’s population of 120 million people speak it.
You could also consider Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, and France, where you’ll find large numbers of English-speaking locals, areas with big expat populations and healthy tourism trades, or combinations of both, meaning getting by in English poses no problem.
In Mexico, Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, Puerto del Carmen, Cancun, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and beyond can work for those who only speak English, and the same is true for Panama’s expat havens of Boquete and Coronado.
Looking For Love
And then there are the affairs of the heart…
For some, finding love is the last thing on their minds while others are actively seeking companions in their new lives overseas. Most large expat communities worldwide are home to singles of both sexes, so you should have no problem finding someone to spend time with if you want to. And if you speak the language, you could find love with a local.
Integrating with your new community is key. Join clubs, social groups, and meet-ups, check out volunteering options, and get to know the spots where the locals and expats hang out. Put yourself out there and you’ll make connections.
A word of caution, particularly for single males overseas. Romance scams are not uncommon. In addition, be aware of differing cultural norms when it comes to dating and courtship. In some countries, you may be seen as the provider not only for your new partner but for her family, too. Some prospective partners may be more interested in obtaining a passport than in your personality.
Should a date with model-looks consider you the wittiest person alive you might want to pump the brakes and ask yourself if there could be more in play than your charm.
You don’t want to become cynical and think everyone is out to do a number on you, but it’s important to keep your wits about you and play it safe. Let friends know where you’re going and who you’re meeting, meet up in areas you’re familiar with, and take your time getting to know new people.
After all, you can’t hurry love.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
