Hard to believe sometimes, but I’ve been living in Ecuador for over 18 months now, and I’ve been a legal resident for a year (gasp)! Moving to Ecuador was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I took a big risk with a one-way ticket and an unknown future, and I’m happy to report […]
Category: Moving Abroad
How Moving Abroad Will Change Your Way of Thinking
For most of us, moving abroad was a lifelong dream. It was something we always thought about as being a normal part of life. Whether it was for the travel, the language, the culture, or the professional opportunities, we all knew it was something we had to do. The moment it actually happens, however, it […]
The Culture Shock of Living Abroad
You’ve made the big decision: I am going to move abroad… I am going to sell my house, quit my job, carry on with heartfelt goodbyes to all your friends and family. You get on the plane and turn away from everything and everyone you know. Excited, nervous. You’re so excited about the big move, […]
The 10 Greatest Lessons I Learned By Moving Abroad
I bought a one-way ticket to Ecuador and life changed drastically. Here are some of the greatest lessons I learned in moving abroad. 1. Less is more. You will very quickly realize how much junk you have, and how much it is cluttering your life physically and mentally. Moving abroad forces you to put your […]
Reflection of the Day
It is crazy how life moves you forward. Standing where I am today it is so wonderful to think about the path that guided me to this moment. I think about the family, friends, professors, hometown folk that had such an impact on my life and who I am as a person. Never forget who […]
What’s a Cedula and How Do I Get One?
If you’ve followed the steps to get a professional visa (or another type of visa), you are now cleared for residency in Ecuador. Now, you will be required to take additional steps to register your visa and receive your national identification card, your cedula. In your final appointment at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores in Azogues, […]
How to Apply for a Professional (9-V) Visa in Cuenca, Ecuador
The professional visa is a residency visa that allows you to live and work in Ecuador. It is a life-long visa that does not expire. The professional visa is appropriate for those who have received a university degree and would like to live and work in Ecuador. It is not required that you work for […]
Finding Sisterhood Abroad
Friendships take a new form for young travelers. You meet so many amazing people passing by. You meet individuals that are traveling for weeks, months, or even years. You meet people who are grounded in one place for a short 6 months or a year, people who are on an adventure trying something new, just […]
Thinking thoughts, An American in Ecuador
I have now been in Ecuador for over 6 months. I successfully applied for the Professional Visa, attained my residency, and received my cedula, the Ecuadorian identification card. It was a big decision and took a lot of work and patience to get to this point, but it feels so right. I feel a sense […]
An Update in Life
Time surely does fly. It is hard to believe that I have been living here in Cuenca for 5 months. In some ways I feel like I have been here for forever, in other aspects I feel like I am still so new to this life abroad. Reflecting on my time here makes me realize […]