Lost and Found Abroad: A Guide to Finding Your Way When Life Takes You Far From Home in a new country

by Yan Z

When the excitement of moving to a new country fades, what remains? For many international students, working professionals, and solo travellers, it's a complex mix of loneliness, cultural confusion, and unexpected self-discovery.

In this thoughtful collection of reflections and poetry, Yan shares wisdom gathered from his own international journey and the experiences of countless others who've walked similar paths. His writings on these universal challenges have resonated with millions online, where readers have found both comfort and practical strategies for navigating life in unfamiliar territory.

This guide

Finding your footing in foreign educational systems and workplacesBuilding meaningful connections when starting from zeroDiscovering strength in vulnerability and uncertaintyTransforming cultural barriers into bridgesCreating a sense of home wherever you land"you learn more about yourself in one week of being completely lost abroad than in years of knowing exactly where you're going at home"

Whether studying abroad, accepting an international position, or travelling solo through new countries, these insights transcend geographical boundaries. Even those who've moved just a short distance away will find resonance in these poetic reflections and honest observations.

Part memoir, part poetry collection, part guidebook, "Lost and Found Abroad" speaks to anyone who has ever felt like a stranger in a strange land—and offers a roadmap to not just surviving, but thriving in your new reality.

167 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2025

Reviews

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lost and Found Abroad. It was heartfelt, honest, and incredibly relatable. Yan Zeng captures the emotional complexity of living between cultures so beautifully — the loneliness, growth, identity shifts, and unexpected moments of connection that come with building a life abroad. So many moments had me thinking, “Yes, exactly that.”

This book is about so much more than travel or living overseas — it’s about belonging, self-discovery, and figuring out who you are when everything familiar changes. A beautiful read.

[Aniruddha Nag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simpler lines that actually grounds you back to reality. A book definitely worth re-reading especially when times get hard around, and you’re questioning every choice of moving abroad.