Find a Community of Like-Minded Expats No Matter Where in the World You Go

In my early teenage years, my family moved a few times. With each relocation, I’d lament the loss of my old friends and worry I wouldn’t make friends in my new home town. As adults, that apprehension doesn’t go away. It’s natural to worry if you’ll be able to integrate into your new home overseas. And it’s a concern that goes largely unspoken among would-be expats.

But I’m here to tell you: It’s easier than you think. There’s never been a better time in history to try it—because you have more and better options today for good-value living overseas than ever before. We bring you stories from some of the friendliest spots in this issue—places where getting to know locals and expats is easy (and fun).

Costa Rica’s Central Valley is one of them. IL Editor Jessica Ramesch recently checked out the town of San Ramon and discovered a lively expat community. “Do you long to be more involved in your community? If so, that’s a powerful reason to put San Ramon on your shortlist,” Jessica says. She found expats whose days are filled with charity fundraisers, cooking and painting classes, expat gatherings, and more.

Over in Portugal, Terry Coles and her husband Clyde are no strangers to expat life. They spent five years living in tropical Panama until, a couple of years ago, they fell in love with the idea of living in Europe. “Last year we visited Portugal for the first time…We were sold,” Terry says. The top-notch healthcare, easy residence visa, and breathtaking scenery drew the Coles to Portugal, and they are settling well in their new home. “The Portuguese people are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people we’ve met anywhere in the world,” she says. “And we have made friends with some other North Americans and are living our new life here.”

IL Chiang Mai Correspondent Rachel Devlin discovered her new home overseas when her mother Pam moved there first. By the time Rachel moved to Thailand, Pam already had a busy social schedule. Says Rachel of her mother’s integration into the community: “The thriving Expat Club was a great place to make new friends, she found a fantastic art scene, and she loved all the Thai festivals.”

Welcoming and active expats communities exist all around the globe…read on to explore some of the best…