YOU CAN BUILD A SUCCESSFUL EXPAT LIFE
As an expat family who founded Glad Global Connections, we are proud and happy to continue encouraging others to pursue the lifestyle we have found so rewarding — challenges and all.
We did. This is our story.
OUR STORY
Before 2020 — before the pandemic changed the world — we were living a usual American life in California, raising our two children and doing what most families do: working hard, planning for the future, and wondering if there might be another way to achieve a better life balance.
In 2020, we made a decision that would change everything. And we're not looking back!
6+
8
Countries
Years abroad
Our Journey So Far
We left the United States for Granada, Spain, and our adult children came with us. What began as a temporary move quickly became a life-changing journey. From that moment on, the adventure truly began.
Over the years, we have lived and experienced life in:
Granada, Spain
Durrës and Shkodër, Albania
Antalya and Konya, Türkiye
Mandalay, Myanmar
Hua Hin, Thailand
Penang, Malaysia
Panama City, Panama
Pereira, Colombia
What We've Learned
Each country taught us something different — not just about the cost of living, healthcare, housing, or visas — but about family, community, culture, and what truly matters in life.
We also learned that despite the differences, we all share commonalities and goals across all walks of life. Living abroad showed us the importance of togetherness, both within our own family and within the communities we became part of.
Community life abroad is profoundly different from life in the United States. Neighbors talk to one another. People slow down. Relationships matter. In many places, the stress level is dramatically lower. Greater emphasis was on the quality of life everywhere we went.
Our Biggest Surprise
Along the way, we formed lifelong friendships with people from all over the world, including many Americans who had already been living abroad for years. Through them, and through our own experience, we discovered something surprising:
Living abroad can be accomplished on a modest budget!
The Benefits of Living Abroad
We've met Americans living comfortably on Social Security or pensions. Some supplemented their income by teaching English online. Others used savings strategically or combined a few income sources.
Most have experienced a simplified lifestyle along with enhanced contentment, lower stress, safety, and access to excellent healthcare in most countries. What's more, as Americans (Black), we have been welcomed and accepted in each country we've lived.
For these reasons, we created GLAD Global Connections, THE ONLY PLATFORM offering consultations with an entire team of expats around the world. We want everyone to "Go Live and Discover" just like we did!
You Can Become an Expat, Too
We want people to know that living abroad is not just a dream — and it’s not a scam, or a social media fantasy, or an influencer highlight reel. It is a real, achievable lifestyle, even on a fixed or modest income, when done with the right knowledge and mindset.
We have lived it.
We have experienced:
The good
The bad
And the ugly realities that no one talks about
How We Can Help You
If you need to speak to someone who did it first, then talk to us.
Our global team of experienced expat consultants are standing by, ready to help you:
Avoid costly pitfalls
See past common misconceptions
Understand what daily life is really like
Learn the fundamentals of living abroad successfully
Who Our Expat Consulting Services Are For
If you want to:
Travel abroad
Learn the culture and basic language skills
Adapt to a different way of life
Keep an open mind
Pursue a calm, more intentional lifestyle
We and our consultation partners would love to help you.
Whether you are single, a couple, a young family, or older adults, we can assist you. Living abroad is possible, no matter your age or social status!
Get Real Answers From Real Expats
We offer 30 or 60 minute private consultations where we share honest, experience-based guidance to help you decide if this path is right for you.
No pressure.
Talk to us first to determine which country or lifestyle is the best fit for you. We recognize that one size does NOT fit all, and that is something to be respected.
Just real facts from real-life experiences NOW!
Have specific questions? Can't find the answers? Book a consult below.
No hype.
At GLAD Global Connections, we are realists. We don't want you to venture into the world with unrealistic expectations.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, contact us and schedule a consultation.
Get Ready to be GLAD.
"Go, Live, and Discover!"
Book a Consultation With Any of Our Experienced Expat Consultants Today
Click the button below to navigate to our team page and select the team member who best matches your needs and interests.
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