Insights from an Expat Coach: Master Your Move Abroad
Relocating abroad is about more than just logistics it’s about identity, purpose, and designing a life that truly works for you. On this episode of Passport to Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, talks with Deborah Dahab, a globally experienced expat coach and intercultural psychologist who has lived across six countries on three continents. Her insights flip the traditional relocation narrative on its head.
Why a Visa Isn’t the Goal, Your Life Abroad Is
Too often, aspiring expats fixate on the move itself, documents, checklists, and timelines, while overlooking the emotional and lifestyle transition that follows. According to Deborah, that’s a mistake.
She explains that every stage of life whether you’re moving as a student, a parent, or a retiree demands a different type of preparation, and what you’re moving toward matters more than what you’re moving away from.
Avoiding the “Checklist Trap”
Many would‑be expats believe if they’ve filled out the right forms and packed the right bags, they’re ready. But Deborah challenges this thinking by emphasizing that having clarity on destination and daily life is essential.
She likens relocation to assembling a puzzle: first you need the picture on the box. Only then do you start placing pieces like where to live, what to pack, how to integrate your family, all guided by your personal must‑haves.
The Criteria Funnel: A Better Way to Choose Where to Live
Deborah guides clients through her “criteria funnel,” a step‑by‑step method for making location decisions grounded in clarity and self‑awareness:
- Start with your current likes and dislikes about your present location.
- List your future wishes for where you move.
- Narrow those to must‑haves.
- Identify your non‑negotiables.
Once you’ve got these, you can evaluate potential destinations (and neighborhoods) by what matters most to you so you don’t waste time chasing what looks great online but doesn’t fit your life.
Defining Your Own Success Abroad
Success as an expat isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. For some, it’s adventure. For others, it’s stability. Deborah emphasizes that you need to define success before you can achieve it.
She shares how her own move to Portugal, though perfect on paper, failed because it didn’t align with her career goals. That misalignment, not paperwork or visa issues, led to burnout.
“If your life goals don’t align with your relocation plan, success is nearly impossible.”
Visualize your daily life abroad how you’ll spend time, what communities you’ll build, how your family will feel and then design your move to support that vision.
How to Actually Decide if You Should Move
For those unsure if moving abroad is right, Deborah offers a practical exercise: the Pro‑Pro / Con‑Con List.
Instead of the usual pros and cons of moving, break it into four lists:
- Pros of moving
- Cons of moving
- Pros of staying
- Cons of staying
This forces richer reflection and helps you see more clearly what’s worth trading and what isn’t.
From Data to Decision: Overcoming Information Overload
In today’s information‑rich environment, many feel overwhelmed by options. Deborah provides structured tools: matrices, filters, and funnels to help convert data (costs, housing, language, networks) into actionable decisions.
Relocating is a life project. Like any major project, it requires clarity, structure, and mindful choices.
Before you connect with Deborah, remember: it’s not just about the move it is also about the life you build after landing.
Connect with Our Guest
Deborah Dahab is an expat coach and intercultural psychologist who has called six countries across three continents home. Through her Expat Journey Program, she supports aspiring and current expats with workshops, coaching, and an active online community. Connect with her via Deborah’s Website or on LinkedIn.
More About Our Author
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is the host of Passport to Wealth™ and a cross‑border financial planner specializing in helping U.S. expats and globally mobile professionals navigate complicated tax, investment, and relocation landscapes.
FAQs: Expat Relocation Coaching & Life Abroad
What does an expat coach do?
An expat coach supports individuals through the emotional, logistical, and cultural complexities of moving and living abroad.
Is relocation coaching only for new expats?
No. It’s helpful for both aspiring expats and those already abroad who want to improve their experience or plan a new move.
How do I know if moving abroad is right for me?
Begin with evaluating both what you’re leaving and what you’re going toward. Tools like the Pro‑Pro / Con‑Con List help clarify your true motivation.
Why do some expat moves fail?
The most common reason is misalignment between life goals and the reality of the move. Without clear purpose, transitions often unravel.
What’s the first step in preparing to move abroad?
Define what a successful life abroad looks like to you before diving into logistics.