Tips for Finding LPN Jobs Abroad With Travel Opportunities

Dreaming of nursing overseas? Here's how licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can find jobs abroad — plus what to watch out for before you go.

Let’s be honest: The dream of working abroad isn’t just for tech bro digital nomads with a laptop and a hammock. If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you may have a serious case of wanderlust — and a skillset the world genuinely needs.

Maybe you’ve always imagined yourself helping underserved communities in rural clinics. Maybe you want a taste of life in a totally different healthcare system. Either way, the good news is this: Gone are the days when nurses were expected to spend their entire career in one hospital corridor. Today, opportunities to live and work abroad are growing — and they’re not just for RNs.

So, how do you land one of these gigs? Start here. 

What to Know About LPN Jobs Abroad

Before you pack your stethoscope and passport, it’s worth noting that every country has its own rules and red tape. Some of it’s navigable. Some of it’s…less so. Either way, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:

• Licensing. Many countries require you to complete local training, pass an exam, or jump through a few bureaucratic hoops before you’re cleared to work. This can take time — so plan ahead.

• Languages. Not every hospital abroad operates in English. (Shocking, I know.) But some hospitals offer language support or cultural onboarding. It’s worth asking.

• Visas. Just because someone wants to hire you doesn’t mean you’ll get a visa. International politics can make things tricky — so always double-check the latest entry requirements for healthcare workers.

• Cultural adaptation. Working abroad isn’t just about a change of scenery; it’s a whole new way of life. From patient expectations to hierarchy and hours, the differences can be monumental. Try to connect with other nurses who’ve worked in your target country. Nothing beats firsthand insight.

Where to Look for LPN Jobs Abroad

Let’s talk logistics: Where do you actually find these jobs? Below are some of the best avenues for finding LPN jobs with a side of adventure.

1. Travel agencies for nurses

Yes, they exist. But before diving headfirst into agency life, we recommend starting with a broad search for travel nursing jobs on a platform like Jooble. It’s a great way to get a lay of the land: what’s out there, which countries are hiring, and what the job descriptions actually look like.

Once you have a clearer sense of your options, consider reaching out to travel nursing agencies. When comparing agencies, don’t forget to ask about:

• Salary and benefits. Make sure you’re covered — literally. That includes health insurance, housing stipends, travel expenses and any relocation support.

• Assignments offered. Some agencies specialize in urban hospitals. Others focus on rural or humanitarian work. Pick your adventure wisely.

• Reputation. Read reviews, join nursing forums and ask tough questions. A flashy website doesn’t guarantee reliable support once you’re overseas.

2. Hospital websites abroad

Many hospitals recruit directly, especially in countries facing nursing shortages. Some top destinations for international LPNs include:

• The United Kingdom. The NHS (National Health Service) is actively recruiting from abroad and offers solid benefits and onboarding support. If you’re considering the UK, check out this guide to the best neighborhoods in London to find the right place to live and work as a nurse abroad.

• The UAE and Saudi Arabia. These Middle East countries offer high pay, tax-free income and accommodations — but be sure to research cultural norms before you go.

• Ireland. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, Ireland has been expanding its recruitment efforts for international nurses.

If a particular country intrigues you, search for major hospital websites and check their careers page. Bonus points if you reach out directly — they may have openings that aren’t widely posted.

3. Professional nursing organizations

These aren’t just for continuing education credits or annual dues. They can also be powerful tools for international job hunting. Look to:

1. ICN (International Council of Nurses). Active in over 130 countries, this organization offers job listings, policy info, and resources on nursing rights worldwide.

2. The American Nurses Association (ANA). If you’re U.S.-based, ANA is a great hub for networking, certification guidance and career resources.

3. NMC (The Nursing and Midwifery Council) in the UK. If you’re eyeing Britain, this is your official go-to.

Most countries have a version of these organizations. Find yours, and see if they have a global or outreach division.

4. Online job boards

Don’t sleep on the classics. Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn often list international nursing jobs. While they may not all cater specifically to LPNs, many roles are labeled more broadly as “nurses” or “practical nurses.” Use multiple boards, track your applications carefully, and don’t be afraid to follow up.

Pro tip: Set up alerts for keywords like “LPN abroad,” “international nurse” or “travel nurse” plus the country name to stay ahead of new postings.

Get Ready to Move!

You’re already in one of the most respected and needed professions on the planet. Why not take those talents global?

Whether you’re hoping to work in a bustling London hospital, a remote health outpost in Nepal, or a sleek clinic in the Emirates, your nursing license could be your ticket to a whole new life. Just do your homework, check your credentials, and trust that the right opportunity is out there.

It’s not about escaping your current life — it’s about expanding it. It could be just what the doctor ordered. –Dmytro Leiba

New Horizons: How Living Abroad Will Challenge and Change You

Discover how living abroad shatters old perspectives, immerses you in vibrant cultures, and enriches your life in ways you never imagined.

Packing your bags and leaving behind the comforts of home for a foreign land is a journey of courage and discovery. The first time you wander into a grocery store abroad and realize you can’t decipher half the labels, you’ll feel it. The moment you attempt to order a coffee and inadvertently insult someone’s grandmother in their native tongue, it hits you again. Living abroad doesn’t just transform your worldview; it flips it upside down, shakes out the loose change, and hands it back to you a little more wrinkled but infinitely richer.

This isn’t a vacation. It’s real life, lived through the lens of another culture, and it will challenge every “normal” you’ve ever known. Whether you’re discovering the joy of a two-hour siesta or enduring the agony of a midnight call to your bank back home, the journey forces you to adapt, learn and grow in ways you didn’t know you needed. And, spoiler alert: You might not even recognize the person you’ve become by the end of it.

“Living abroad is about collecting moments that transform you, piece by piece, into a more resourceful, curious and confident version of yourself.”

Living abroad isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those brave enough to take the leap, the rewards — personal growth, cultural immersion and an entirely new perspective — are worth every awkward interaction and misplaced piece of luggage.

Understanding the Decision: The Moment You Choose Adventure Over Comfort

Deciding to uproot your life and move abroad is rarely a spur-of-the-moment decision (unless you’re running from something — and that’s a different article entirely). For most, it begins with a whisper: a curiosity about what life could look like beyond the borders you’ve always known. Maybe it’s a chance to study abroad, a late-night Google search about expat life in Paris or a conversation with a friend who couldn’t stop raving about their year in Tokyo. Slowly, the whisper grows louder, turning into a call for adventure.

But let’s be honest — this isn’t just about chasing sunsets and Instagrammable skylines. The decision to move abroad means stepping away from the familiar. It’s about weighing the excitement of discovering new cultures, foods and friendships against the inevitable challenges: learning to navigate a bureaucracy in a foreign language, figuring out how to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius without melting your brain, or realizing you’ll have to start from scratch to find “your” coffeeshop.

For some, the tipping point comes when the allure of growth outweighs the comfort of routine. You recognize that the risks — getting lost, feeling out of place, battling homesickness — are part of the reward. After all, what’s life without a little discomfort? It’s in those awkward, uncertain moments that transformation begins.

And here’s the best part: You don’t need to have it all figured out before you go. Sure, research helps (read: do not move abroad without understanding visa requirements), but the decision to move is more about courage than preparation. The logistics will follow. What matters is that first step — the one where you decide to trade the known for the unknown and see what kind of person you’ll become when the world opens its arms to you.

Overcoming Initial Challenges: The Beautiful Chaos of Starting Over

Moving abroad is exhilarating — until you try to buy toothpaste and accidentally grab denture cream because you didn’t understand the label. The honeymoon phase of living abroad fades quickly when you’re grappling with language barriers, societal norms that seem to make no sense, and the gnawing ache of homesickness. But here’s the truth: Every misstep is a building block in your transformation.

Partnering with a professional international mover can take the edge off the chaos of relocating, letting you save your energy for the real adventure — settling in and making your new home feel like yours.

Because, of course, there’s plenty to deal with when you move abroad, starting with the language barrier. If you thought a quick Duolingo streak would make you fluent, welcome to reality. Whether it’s fumbling through a dinner order or mispronouncing the name of your own street, language barriers can be humbling. But they’re also hilarious and oddly unifying. Smiling, pointing and a little humility go a long way. Bonus tip: Learn the phrase for “I’m sorry” immediately — it will be your best friend.

Then there’s the culture shock. Maybe you’re thrown by the fact that people in Spain eat dinner at 10 p.m., or you’re wondering why no one in Germany jaywalks even when the street is empty. The trick? Lean in. Observe. Adapt. It’s less about becoming a local overnight and more about showing respect for the way things are done while finding your own rhythm.

And yes, homesickness is real, even if you swore you wouldn’t miss your cousin’s weekly game nights. But you’ll survive. Create a support network early — join expat groups, take a class, or become a regular at a local café where someone eventually remembers your name (or at least your coffee order).

The secret to overcoming challenges abroad isn’t perfection — it’s perseverance. Every wrong turn, awkward moment and unexpected obstacle is a chance to build resilience. The struggles don’t just toughen you up; they make the victories — like successfully navigating a foreign pharmacy — feel like winning the lottery. Keep going. The chaos is part of the beauty.

Building Relationships Across Borders: Turning Strangers Into Your Global Family

When you move abroad, relationships become your lifeline. The good news? Living in a new country is like speed-dating for friendships — your shared adventures (and misadventures) with locals and fellow expats form bonds that run deep and fast. The bad news? Building these relationships takes effort, patience and a willingness to embrace awkward moments.

Start with the locals. Whether it’s your neighbor who politely chuckles at your botched pronunciation or the barista who teaches you how to order coffee properly, these small connections are the seeds of something bigger. Pro tip: Show genuine interest in their culture. Ask about traditions, learn a few key phrases in their language, and, for the love of everything holy, never compare their country unfavorably to your own. You’re here to connect, not critique.

Then there’s the expat community — a band of misfits just as lost as you are. These are the people who will help you figure out how to open a local bank account or commiserate over your craving for peanut butter (if you’re lucky, one of them smuggled some in their suitcase). Expats may not always share your cultural background, but they’ll share your journey, creating a uniquely diverse support system.

Building relationships abroad is about growth. Every interaction teaches you something new — about others, about yourself and about the world. You’ll learn to navigate cultural differences, appreciate new perspectives, and, most importantly, laugh at yourself when you inevitably make mistakes.

These connections often become your global family — people who will send you postcards from their next adventure and crash on your couch when they’re passing through. They’ll remind you that home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. And that feeling? It grows stronger with every relationship you build across borders.

Cultural Immersion: A New Lens on Life

Cultural immersion isn’t just about snapping selfies at festivals or trying the local delicacies (though both are highly encouraged). It’s about stepping into the rhythm of a place, seeing the world through its people’s eyes, and letting their traditions reshape your own understanding of life. Spoiler alert: It’s going to be messy, humbling — and utterly transformative.

The first step? Leave your tourist mindset at the airport. Cultural immersion means going beyond the guidebook highlights and diving headfirst into the quirks and nuances of daily life. Learn to love the things that feel strange at first — whether it’s eating soup for breakfast in Vietnam or navigating the labyrinth of Italian bureaucracy with more patience than you thought humanly possible.

The key to immersion is curiosity. Ask questions about traditions, try your hand at local customs and don’t be afraid to mess up. Attempting to master a salsa step at a neighborhood party or fumbling through a traditional toast at a wedding might make you feel foolish in the moment, but those experiences are where the magic happens.

And let’s not forget the food. If you’re not exploring a country’s culture through its cuisine, you’re missing half the story. That doesn’t mean you have to love everything you try (I’m looking at you, pickled herring), but tasting unfamiliar dishes opens a window into the heart of a culture.

True cultural immersion happens in the little things: chatting with the street vendor who sells your morning coffee, celebrating a local holiday with your coworkers, or simply watching life unfold from a park bench. It’s in these moments that you begin to see the world not as a collection of “others,” but as a vibrant, interconnected tapestry.

By the time you’ve fully embraced the culture, something remarkable happens — your perspective shifts. You stop seeing your host country as “different” and start seeing it as a part of you. That new lens? It stays with you, coloring every experience long after you’ve packed your bags.

How Living Abroad Can Transform Your Worldview: A Lesson in Seeing Differently

Living abroad doesn’t just expand your horizons; it dismantles them entirely. It challenges the very foundations of what you once believed to be universal truths — like the “right” way to line up for something, what’s considered a delicacy, or how loud is too loud on public transport. If you’re living abroad in China, for example, you’ll have to give up Facebook for the time being.

You’ll learn that there is no universal truth, only cultural preferences. And once you learn to let go of your assumptions, the transformation begins.

It’s about seeing the world — and yourself — with new eyes. You’ll learn to navigate not just unfamiliar streets but unfamiliar perspectives, realizing that what you once thought was “weird” is simply different.

Take stereotypes, for example. Living abroad forces you to confront them head-on. Spend enough time immersed in another culture, and you’ll start noticing the nuances that stereotypes miss. You might be surprised to have your ideas of gender norms challenged, like how the masculine ideal in Bali is wearing a skirt and putting a flower behind your ear. 

The “reserved” Brit might just be hilariously witty after their second pint, and the “effortlessly chic” Parisian has likely perfected the art of looking fabulous while walking a barking dog and juggling a baguette. 

Everyday moments become lessons in humility and curiosity. Whether it’s figuring out how to recycle in a country with six different bins (and none of them labeled in your language) or experiencing a holiday you’ve never heard of, living abroad teaches you to question, adapt and appreciate. These moments strip away arrogance and replace it with empathy.

Perhaps the most profound change is how you begin to see your own culture. Stepping outside it allows you to notice the unspoken rules, the traditions, and even the contradictions you once took for granted. You’ll find yourself defending some aspects and cringing at others, but always with a deeper understanding of where you come from.

In the end, the greatest gift of living abroad is perspective. You’ll learn to see the world as a mosaic of cultures, each with its own beauty, challenges and wisdom. And maybe — just maybe — you’ll find yourself a little less certain of your own answers and a lot more curious about everyone else’s.

Personal Growth Through New Experiences: Trial, Error and Triumph

Living abroad has a way of turning the mundane into the extraordinary — or at least the unexpected. You thought you’d just be buying groceries, but now you’re in an intense pantomime with a shopkeeper trying to explain that you need baking soda, not powdered sugar. Each small victory, each tiny failure, becomes part of your growth story.

Adapting to a new culture tests you in ways you never saw coming. That first attempt to navigate public transit? It might end with you on the wrong side of town, hungry and clutching a map like a relic from a bygone era. But by the second or third attempt, you’re navigating like a local — or at least blending in enough to fake it.

The real magic of these experiences lies in what they teach you. Forget the classroom; this is real-world problem-solving at its finest. Need to pay a utility bill but can’t read the instructions? You’ll learn to ask for help, overcome language barriers and maybe even laugh at your own ineptitude. These moments of trial and error sharpen your adaptability and build a quiet confidence that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

And then there’s the joy of trying something new just because you can. Taking a pottery class in Kyoto, attempting flamenco lessons in Seville, or trying street food that looks like it might fight back — these experiences push you beyond your comfort zone, sometimes literally. Each one stretches your perspective and shows you how capable you really are.

The beauty of personal growth abroad is that it doesn’t stop when you move somewhere else. The resilience you develop while figuring out life in another country sticks with you. It shapes how you handle challenges, interact with others and view the world. By the time you’ve returned home — or moved on to your next adventure — you’re no longer the same person who stepped off that plane.

Living abroad is about collecting moments that transform you, piece by piece, into a more resourceful, curious and confident version of yourself.

Professional Opportunities in a Globalized World: More Than Just a Fancy Line on Your Résumé

Living abroad csn also supercharge your career in ways you probably didn’t anticipate. Sure, it’s a killer talking point in interviews, but the professional benefits of an international stint go far beyond a polished anecdote about that time you negotiated a deal in a foreign language.

First, there’s the adaptability factor. Employers love a candidate who can roll with the punches, and nothing says “I can handle pressure” like navigating a workplace where meetings happen over three-hour lunches, deadlines are “suggestions,” or office etiquette includes kissing your boss on both cheeks. 

Then there’s cross-cultural communication. Working abroad teaches you to find common ground with people who may not share your language, background or sense of humor. Whether it’s collaborating with a diverse team or working with a client from a culture entirely different from your own, these skills are invaluable in today’s interconnected job market. And let’s not forget: Being able to mediate between the office tea enthusiasts and the coffee loyalists is a skill in itself.

Exposure to different work environments also gives you a fresh perspective on problem-solving and innovation. Maybe your time in Japan taught you the value of precision, or your stint in Brazil showed you how to embrace flexibility. These lessons don’t just make you a better employee — they make you a more thoughtful and resourceful one.

And the professional growth doesn’t stop at soft skills. Many industries actively seek out candidates with international experience, particularly if they’ve picked up a second (or third) language along the way. Companies operating in a global market value employees who can navigate cultural complexities with ease — and who understand that mañana doesn’t always mean tomorrow.

Living abroad also broadens your network. The connections you make — colleagues, mentors and even that woman from HR who always knew the best lunch spots — can open doors to opportunities you never imagined. These relationships often transcend borders, becoming valuable assets as your career evolves.

Ultimately, professional growth abroad complements personal growth, creating a well-rounded, globally minded individual. Employers notice that. And while living abroad might begin as an adventure, it often ends with a career advantage that lasts a lifetime.

The Journey Home: Seeing the Familiar Through Fresh Eyes

Coming home after living abroad isn’t as simple as unpacking your suitcase and falling back into old routines. It’s a full-circle moment that challenges you in unexpected ways. You’ve changed. Your worldview is broader, your patience (hopefully) longer, and your stories far more entertaining. But the place you once called home? That hasn’t changed nearly as much, and that’s where the real adjustment begins.

At first, you may feel like a stranger in your own life. The roads are the same, but they somehow look smaller. The conversations feel familiar, but you’re itching to share stories of that café in Rome where the barista knew your name, or how you mastered the art of haggling in a bustling Moroccan souk. Don’t be surprised if your enthusiasm is met with glazed-over eyes — reverse culture shock is real, and not everyone will understand the depth of your transformation.

But it’s not all disconnection. Distance gives you perspective, and perspective brings clarity. You’ll notice the beauty in things you once overlooked — like the smell of a family dinner or the comfort of hearing everyone around you speak the same language. You’ll also see cracks you didn’t notice before, whether it’s outdated customs or societal blind spots that now stand out against the broader cultural tapestry you’ve experienced. Maybe, after living abroad in Qatar, where booze is monitored and hard to get, you find yourself less of a lush.

Coming home is also an opportunity. It’s a chance to blend the best of both worlds: the traditions and values of your home country with the lessons and habits you’ve picked up abroad. Maybe you’ll bring home a love for siestas or a newfound commitment to public transport. Maybe you’ll start cooking dishes from your host country, turning dinnertime into a celebration of your journey.

And the reintegration process might inspire more than nostalgia — it might spark change. Living abroad doesn’t just transform how you see the world; it changes how you want to interact with it. You may find yourself advocating for more diversity in your community, traveling more consciously, or simply encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones.

In the end, the journey home is just as transformative as the one that took you abroad. It’s a chance to reflect on who you were, who you’ve become and who you want to be. And while home may feel different, that’s the point — it is different, because now, so are you.

Embracing the Transformation: Living Abroad as a Catalyst for Change

Living abroad rewires how you see the world, your place in it and even yourself. It’s not always easy, and it’s rarely picture-perfect. You’ll stumble over unfamiliar words, question your decisions and find yourself longing for the comforts of home. But those very challenges are what make the experience so profound.

Every misstep teaches you resilience. Every cultural exchange broadens your perspective. And every new connection reminds you that humanity, in all its diversity, is more interconnected than you ever imagined. 

The transformation doesn’t happen all at once; it sneaks up on you in moments — like when you suddenly realize you’re navigating your new life with confidence or when your old assumptions feel too narrow to contain your new worldview. It teaches you that stepping out of your comfort zone is where the real magic happens.

Whether you’re chasing personal growth, professional opportunities or simply an adventure, living abroad is a testament to the transformative power of saying yes to the unknown. So pack your bags, take the leap and embrace the world — not just as a traveler, but as someone ready to be changed by it. –Ramona Lucia

15 Best Articles of 2017

Our top blog posts cover the Paris Catacombs, India’s transsexual hijras, jinns, vintage Halloween, Fès hammans and more.

Duke and I tend to be drawn to the bizarre. We’re fans of the strange (chambers lined with skulls and bones, creepy vintage Halloween postcards and photos). We like to meet those who are societal outsiders (like India’s legal third sex, the hijra). We’re obsessed with the supernatural (jinns, gypsy love spells). But we also appreciate a good pampering (at a Fès hamman, say) and architectural beauties (such as the Milan Duomo).

Seems like you do, too. Here are the top 15 blog posts from last year. What was your favorite? –Wally

1. GRUESOME FACTS (AND HELPFUL TIPS) ABOUT THE PARIS CATACOMBS

No bones about it: If you think piles of skulls and hallways formed of bones are pretty effin’ cool (like us), then the Catacombs of Paris are for you.

2. SECRETS OF THE HIJRA: INDIA’S LITTLE-KNOWN TRANSSEXUALS

Prostitution, curses and dangerous sex change operations are a way of life for this marginalized community.

3. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM JINNS AND BLACK MAGIC

Black magic in Islam is a serious concern — and the holy writings offer numerous ways to negate magic jinn.

4. THE BEST PLACE TO MAKE OUT IN PUBLIC IN DELHI

Not a typical tourist stop, the Garden of Five Senses is a whimsical sculpture park worth visiting. It’s also popular with local couples escaping societal judgment against PDA.

5. 24 VINTAGE HALLOWEEN CARDS THAT ARE NOSTALGIC — BUT A BIT CREEPY, TOO

Halloween greetings from the past featured common Halloween symbols: the witch, black cat, jack-o’-lantern, ghost, devil — and one that has been forgotten.

6. 21 VINTAGE HALLOWEEN PHOTOS THAT ARE SO CREEPY THEY'LL GIVE YOU NIGHTMARES

Halloween costumes of the past were scary as hell.

7. WHAT’S THE BEST HAMMAM SPA EXPERIENCE IN FES, MOROCCO?

Reinvigorate yourself at the luxury hammam Les Bains Amani.

8. 7 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MILAN CATHEDRAL

What to do in Milan, Italy? Visit the gorgeous Duomo di Milano, covered with statues of saints and gargoyles — and don’t miss the amazing view from the rooftop.

9. LOVE SPELLS FROM THE GYPSIES

How to cast a love spell to make someone fall in love with you — or fall out of love with you. Plus, secrets from the Roma that will reveal your future spouse!

10. THE PISHTACO OF PERU

Why one of the world’s creepiest vampire legends lingers to this day.

11. WAT RONG SUEA TEN, THE BLUE TEMPLE

No day trip to Chiang Rai is complete without a visit to this breathtaking wat, between the White Temple and Black Museum.

12. THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF LIVING IN QATAR

What’s it like living in a Muslim country that fasts for an entire month and limits the sale of booze? What do Qataris think of Americans? And how the heck do you pronounce Qatar?

13. THE INDIAN CASTE SYSTEM EXPLAINED

Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, untouchable: How did the caste system get started, what is the difference between castes — and how does this shameful practice persist to this day?

14. HOW ST. NICHOLAS BECAME SANTA CLAUS

The surprising origins of jolly old St. Nick include a tie to prostitution, kids chopped into pieces, a devil named Krampus and a racist tradition around his helper Zwarte Pieter, or Black Peter.

15. THE BEST SHOP FOR BLUE POTTERY IN THE ENTIRE FEZ MEDINA

If you’re shopping in Fès, just off of Place Seffarine is a small shop with a friendly owner and great deals.

The Best and Worst Parts of Living in Qatar

Porto Arabia, Doha, Qatar, as seen from Donovan and Kate’s apartment

What’s it like living in a Muslim country that fasts for an entire month and limits the sale of booze? What do Qataris think of Americans? And how the heck do you pronounce Qatar?

They’re young. They don’t have kids. They figured, why not?

Deciding to pick up and move from the U.S. to Qatar a couple of years ago, Donovan and Kate are inspirations. Don’t we all dream of embarking on such a journey? After all, you only live once (unless the Hindus and New Agers happen to be right about reincarnation).

“Fasting is the real deal. No food, no water, not even gum or Advil until sundown. Even if you’re not fasting, you’re not supposed to do any of those things in public, not even in your car. ”

Of course they did pick a Muslim country in the middle of a desert to move to. That comes with its highs and lows.

“If we get kicked out of the country for any of these answers, we’re moving in with you,” Donovan threatened. “Warn Duke.”

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Kate and Donovan tied the knot in Mykonos, Greece. Wedding photos by Shaun Menary Photography

What’s the best part about Qatar?

Qatar’s 90% expat, so every day you interact with people from a ton of different cultures and backgrounds. It creates pretty tight bonds between unlikely people, since there’s a sense that we’re all in this together (being away from home in a sometimes strange country).

We once went out on a Friday night with some casual friends and, several drinks later, all ended up booking a trip to Lebanon together. The next weekend. And it was a blast. And you need that kind of support. 

Back to that Lebanon trip: One of the best things about living in Qatar is its proximity to so many interesting places. It takes three hours to fly to Cairo, four hours to Kathmandu, five hours to Kenya, seven hours to Saigon — it turns out it’s easier (and cheaper!) to get to cool places when you don’t have to cross an ocean.  

What’s the worst part about Qatar?

The place changes so quickly that it surprises you, whether you’ve been here for five months or five years! Three days ago, Kate was on her way to work and discovered that, unannounced, the road to get there had closed, and no one bothered to put up any signs to redirect traffic.

That’s the other worst thing: traffic. More or less everyone drives like a lunatic, with no regard for laws, other cars, pedestrians, light posts, etc. It’s every Land Cruiser for himself out there.

What surprised you about Qatar?

How normal it can feel. We’re half a world away from home and hear the call to prayer five times a day, but every Sunday during the fall we still drink a few beers and watch football. Donovan still buys his standard-issue White Guy Clothes at the Banana Republic at the mall. We’re still up-to-date on Game of Thrones and Orange Is the New Black. We go to bars less often, but we drink just as much (possibly more!).

It’s a nice mix of a “cultural experience” with a bubble you can retreat into when you just want to unwind with a glass of wine and Scandal. If it weren’t for the call to prayer, you’d swear you were back home — though good luck getting a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza out here.

What is Ramadan really like? 

Ah, Ramadan. We’re currently right in the middle of the holy month, which for those of us who don’t fast is actually kind of nice. Work hours are shorter, there’s a lot less traffic, and everybody’s generally more laid-back (possibly from lack of energy). The pace of life is a lot slower, since basically everything is closed until sundown.

There are tents set up around town for iftar (the evening meal to break the fast) with giant buffets and entertainment. There are similarities to Christmas in the U.S.: Everything’s lit up at night, people get together with family for meals, and the stores all have sales.

For Muslims it’s a time of reflection and increased spirituality, which fasting is supposed to emphasize. And fasting is the real deal. No food, no water, not even any gum or Advil until sundown. Even if you’re not fasting, you’re not supposed to do any of those things in public, not even in your car. Which is a drag when you go to a matinee and they’re not selling popcorn, even though the whole theater smells like it.

What about Muslim culture overall?

Asking about Muslim culture is sort of like asking about “European culture” or “American culture.” The range of experiences is just so broad. On one extreme, you have Saudi Arabia, where women can’t drive and can’t go out in public without a male relative. On the other hand, you have Bahrain, which is connected to Saudi by a causeway and yet is full of Muslim men drinking beer and playing pool in bars.

Qatar is somewhere in between, but certainly leans conservative. Islam is the state religion (hence the short work days during Ramadan, hooray!), so alcohol and pork are restricted but available to non-Muslims. The aforementioned calls to prayer are ubiquitous, but it’s not like people drop everything at that moment to go pray.

It’s been interesting to hear certain orange-hued people in the U.S. [that’s a Trump dig, in case you missed it] claim that Islam is incompatible with modern life, given that every day in Doha hundreds of thousands of Muslims put on their abayas and thobes, grab Starbucks on the way to work and eagerly await the next Star Wars movie.

What’s the Qatari view of Americans?

Qataris are pro-America, Trump aside. We’ve both worked at U.S.-based universities over here, and we’ve seen that Qatari students embrace the Western college experience — dorms, sports, study abroad — that doesn’t really exist here otherwise.

One of the great moments we’ve experienced was hearing the brass band at the Georgetown graduation play Pharrell’s “Happy” when the Father Emir — basically Qatar’s George Washington — greeted students.

It’s always an enjoyable thing to see Qataris wrestling their Louis Vuitton shopping bags onto the plane when coming back from a jaunt to Los Angeles or New York.

What’s an interesting local custom?

Sharing of food is a major part of the culture here. At Qatari weddings, they’ll have a tent with multiple massive platters of rice with a whole lamb on top of each. Family-style eating is very popular, and our Arab colleagues frequently bring lunch for everyone.

Shisha, the local version of the hookah, is also a big part of restaurant meals, similar to an after-dinner drink when you want to hang out just a little while longer.

Most useful phrases for a traveler?

You can get by in Qatar on English alone, but if you want to go local:

Shukran (shoo-kran): thank you

Insha’allah: literally “God willing.” Used to mean “hopefully,” or, in a business setting, “don’t count on it.” For example, “I will get it to you Tuesday, insha’allah” means “I will not get it to you Tuesday.” 

A salaam alaikum: Means “peace be unto you.” Polite greeting to any Muslim, who will respond, “Alaikum salaam.” 

Khalas: “Enough” or “that’s it.” Useful when bargaining.

Yalla!: “Let’s go!”

How do you pronounce Qatar?

Khalas, Wally. Khalas.

That last answer is because Donovan and I would get into friendly arguments at work about how to pronounce the country’s name. He insisted it was “Ka-tahr,” as most Americans do. But I had heard it pronounced “Cutter” on NPR, and I figured that was a reliable source.

Donovan refused to believe me — until he moved to Qatar. Turns out I was right. Though I’m hardly one to brag.

For the record, though: It’s “Cutter.” –Wally

The Truth About Living in China

Crazy crowded Chinese New Year celebration downtown

Fashion on the Beijing subway

Parents sit in the park advertising for husbands or wives for their kids

You can get anything on the black market — including an American Girl doll!

Shanghai street art

Angie, Steve, their two daughters and a friend at the Temple of Heaven

Ice skating in Shunyi

Censorship, crazy drivers and hidden hotspots are all part of teaching in Beijing.

Angie and Steve were having a going-away party. But I had no idea where they were going away to.

Right as we said our goodbyes, I hugged Angie and asked, "By the way, where are you guys moving?"

“Everything here is censored.
This is definitely not the place for you if you can’t live without Facebook!”

"Lima, Peru" she replied.

"Oh my god! I want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu so bad!"

"We're planning a trip. You should come!"

"I will!" I declared.

And I did.

And we've followed Angie and Steve around the world, planning trips with them, including the Ankor Wat complex in Cambodia, when they were living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Now they're teaching in Beijing, China, so I decided to see what it's like to be an American expat there. Here’s what Angie had to say. –Wally

What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?

I love the expat community we live in. Living in Beijing can be tough, but we live and work with some really great people.

The facilities at the school we work at are also really amazing, so it's easy to do all you need to do before you go home at the end of the day.

Least favorite thing?

Chinese drivers. We aren't allowed to drive a car, which puts us at the mercy of everyone.

I have a little tuk-tuk I drive the five minutes to work every day, and the subway is about a 10-minute drive away, so it's usually okay.

What’s the craziest thing the Chinese do?

In general, I find Chinese people to be oblivious. They walk into the street without looking and will run you over if they are lucky enough to have a car.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve eaten there?

I'm not a very adventurous eater, so this isn't really the best question for me. We tend to eat mostly at home or at a few of the Western restaurants that are around.

Have you experienced any instances of censorship or authoritarian government?

Everything here is censored.

Through my job and the really expensive direct line internet they pay for, I have access to almost anything. But outside of that, you're really limited. I can't even get Google Maps without using a VPN, and that’s hit or miss, depending on the day.

It seems to get worse depending on what is going on. Any special holiday or celebration, and everything will be locked down tight.

This is definitely not the place for you if you can't live without Facebook!

Most useful Mandarin phrase?

Duōshǎo qián? How much is that?

If you know that and your numbers, you can at least go shopping!

What do the Chinese think about Americans?

I've found my interactions with Chinese people to be mostly positive. The language is a big barrier, but if you can get past that, they're open and friendly.

Best secret spot in Beijing?

The hutongs: hidden areas of old Beijing, where you might find a tiny Korean taco fusion joint next door to an old Chinese family doing laundry.