Here is a list of my favourite books about expats and international life and career. They are written by people who are living or lived abroad so they all have a first-hand experience. If you’re thinking about moving abroad, looking for motivation or want to create more fulfilment in your international life you’ll find this selection helpful.
I had the honour to interview almost all the authors mentioned here so you’ll find links to audio and video interviews, too.
1. Moving Without Shaking: The Guide to Expat Life Success (from women to women) by Yelena Mackay
I would love to read this book before I started my international journey. It is full of suggestions, and steps to craft your international career. Yelena shares her own experience and practical guidance that is of value for someone who is just moving or is a seasoned expat. It will help you to overcome the challenges of moving, adapt to a new country, build your network, and secure a dream job position abroad.
Listen to the interview with Yelena Mackay
2. The Culture Key Between Asia and the West by Dr Zsuzsanna Tungli
In this book, you’ll explore what does it mean to be cross-culturally competent and communicate effectively across cultures while building your business or developing your career. You’ll also discover the main differences between both the Western and the Asian groups. You’ll find The Culture Key helpful if you want successfully manage international teams or elaborate your international strategy to build successful relationships in your business or career.
Listen to the interview with Dr Zsuzsanna Tungli
3. A Career in Your Suitcase – A Practical Guide to Creating Meaningful Work… Anywhere by Jo Parfitt, Colleen Reichrath-Smith
A classic and a must-read if you’re thinking about creating a portable career and working from anywhere. You’ll find exercises that will support you in your exploration so you can craft your career based on your passions and skills. You will discover how to build your brand, network successfully and get visible online and offline. If you want to have a career you can take with you this book is for you. It helpt me a lot in my international and entrepreneurial journey.
Listen to the interview with Colleen Reichrath-Smith
4. China Blond by Nicole Webb
A story of a former newsreader with Sky News Australia turned expat, writer, and mum in Hong Kong, before heading to deepest, darkest China. Nicole is sharing her expat journey, challenges, and directions on how to adapt to completely different cultures and build meaningful friendships while you live abroad. You will find insights on how to find your purpose and passions. You’ll feel inspired and motivated. I felt like that.
Listen to the interview with Nicole Webb
5. #LivingTheDream: Expat Life Stripped Bare by Carrie Frais
A powerful compilation of stories written by 10 women about the challenging aspects of life away from home. You’ll learn about expat life challenges, struggles, ups and downs, and emotional stories of women who moved abroad. You’ll discover the reality of #LivingTheDream.
Listen to the interview with Carrie Frais
6. Just A Diplomatic Spouse by Alexandra Paucescu
When you think about a diplomatic life you imagine a glamorous life abroad full of travels and international meetings. Well, it’s not only like that. Alexandra is sharing with us a true story of her life as a diplomatic spouse, her challenges, and how she left her 10 years of career in sales, married a diplomat, and started a completely different life, as a diplomatic trailing spouse.
Listen to the interview with Alexandra Paucescu
7. Expat Wife, Happy Life! The Journey of a Serial Expat by Florence Reisch-Gentinetta
After reading this book I felt energized, motivated, and happy. Florence is describing her nomadic life and how you can find happiness while living abroad. It is a story of a serial expat. At the end of every chapter, you will find questions to help you map out your international journey. It is like having a conversation with a friend. You’ll explore all your possibilities and opportunities to make the right choices.
Listen to the interview with Florence Reisch-Gentinetta
8. Living Abroad Successfully: What, When, Where, How by Rachel Smets
A must-read if you want to have the best of your international experience. You will find tips and resources to plan and prepare for your journey abroad and adapt to your new host country. This book provides you with a step-by-step guide to make your transition smooth and easy.
Listen to the interview with Rachel Smets
Now, I want to hear from you. What is your favourite book for expats and everyone who is thinking about living abroad? Share in the comments.
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Currently, she is enjoying a laptop lifestyle while travelling across Europe.
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