Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life

by Jim Santos

"LIVING ABROAD is a useful, honest, laugh-out-loud funny guide for anyone who’s considering a move from the United States to a new country. The author's years of experience both as an expat and as a writer make for a book that is truthful, realistic, funny, and sensitive. Even though I’m not currently planning to move overseas (although now I’d seriously consider it!), .... truly a pleasure to read. " Elizabeth P., Elite Editor.Although good numbers are hard to calculate, reliable sources estimate that more than 3 million Americans each year decide to try living in another country. Most of them are not making a political statement; some move abroad for economic reasons, some to start a new life or “re-invent” themselves, and some are just seeking new experiences. In the wake of COVID-19 and contentious politics, that number is likely to increase. With over 200 published articles in the international travel/retirement field, three books about travel, and a dozen presentations at international retirement conferences on his resumé, the author is uniquely qualified to bring you an unvarnished look at the challenges, pitfalls, and possible rewards of expat life. This is not a how-to book, or even a why-to. Instead it is an honest look at some of the questions and myths about living overseas, using entertaining and informative real-life examples to illustrate what is true and what is not so true. The goal is to provide the reader with the good and the bad – not to persuade you to become an expat or not – but to give you enough insight to decide what might be best for you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2021

About the author

Jim Santos is a freelance writer and voice over artist, currently based in east Tennessee after 6 years of living in Salinas, Ecuador on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, exploring that country and three others in South America. He has written and published almost 200 articles about living in Ecuador and travel to other locations around the world for the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and various International Living magazines, e-newsletters, and web site content.

In addition to the just released "Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life", "Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" and "The Galápagos Islands:On Your Own and On a Budget" he is the author of "Ecuador Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide: An International Living Report" and has edited/updated IL's "Escape to Ecuador" book every year from 2017-2019. He has been a popular speaker on various aspects of life in Ecuador at six expat conferences held in Ecuador and the USA. His blog site (http://jimsantosblog.com) recently passed the 100,000 readers mark, and he is the host of the popular podcast “The International Living Podcast” which is available at (http://www.buzzsprout.com/2086182) and all major podcast platforms.

Prior to that he has worked in a wild variety of occupations; a radio DJ, a cook, a bellman, a driver, an in-home day care provider, a teacher, and as a computer/network engineer assigned to support the US Senate to name just a few. Born in 1958 and now semi-retired, he was married to his first wife, Carolyn, for just 22 days short of 25 years. She died of complications arising from cancer in December of 2008. They have two children, a boy and a girl, now adults with children of their own.

He was 50 when she died, morbidly obese, and pretty much ready to run out the clock by himself - but much to his surprise he met and fell in love with another wonderful woman, Rita. Even more surprising, she decided she would like to marry him. He still doesn’t completely understand that.

With Carolyn he had travelled to France and Hawaii, and several other places around the USA. Once Rita and Jim were together, they indulged in a mutual love of travel to see more of the world. He is currently working on three more book projects, including a "satiric cook book/diet plan" and a sci-fi novel.

Jim and Rita plan to continue to indulge in their love of travel and look forward to launching a “roving retirement” lifestyle, spending 2-3 months each exploring as many countries as they can, stopping back in the States a few times a year to visit family (four children and nine grandchildren between them) and friends.

Of course, life has not always been wonderful, and over time Mr. Santos plans to publish more about the good, the bad, and the ugly – as well as the adventure and excitement of living in different countries, and exploring new places.

Reviews

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid concise, no-nonsense guide questioning various aspects of American Expat life - both the positives and the negatives. While I initially was disappointed that so much of the book was based on the anecdotal experience of the author in Ecuador (as I wanted a more universal approach), I did find his stories made the points he was making more personal. A quick read with a lot of great info.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to the author for providing this book that I (and others) was able to win via a GoodReads giveaway. Now on to the book itself -

Basically, it seems like a cross between travelogue and advice column. Jim Santos - who admittedly writes articles for International Living magazines - has put together a checklist regarding living abroad. Translation - not in the country you have been living in for most of your life - predominately for Americans in reality.

He lived in Ecuador for six years and experienced the expat life - not as a tourist but as someone who was willing to explore the city, village, region that he now called home. He gives lots of positives ranging from fresh fruit, veggies and meat from a nearby mercado to the lower cost of medical care, transportation, contracted work and more. He also gives the not so positive sides which in many cases depends on the attitude of the individual.

His advice - travelling to the country and finding a spot that you and your family are happy with as well as spending some time there. Not at a hotel. Rent a condo and LIVE THERE before taking the massive step of requesting visas, arranging for transporting your personal property, selling your current home - or arranging for it to be used as a rental income property. Looking into whether your health insurance will cover you for medical expenses in your new home or not. Is it worth the trouble signing up for local insurance or even required? What about a driver's license - will your American one transfer? Auto insurance? Lots and lots of things to think about and Santos tries to prepare the prospective expat for at least some of them.

Admittedly, he does also say that some people are not good candidates for living outside the U.S. especially if they only congregate with their fellow expats and complain about the fact that the natives won't learn English (and spend an equal amount of time, complaining about immigrates to the U.S. that have not learned English - sort of hypocritical of them, yes?)

Anyway, if you're thinking about living elsewhere, take a read through and think about the advice Mr. Santos gives and maybe let experience speak rather than wistful dreams.

2021-071

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I have no desire to become an expat. We were given an opportunity to move to England, but after much research decided it would not work well for us. I was thrilled to move from one state to another instead. I won this book on Goodreads. I entered as I have a niece living in Ecuador. Her dad is thinking of moving there. His daughter-in-law is from there and lives in the US. Kind of an exchange program. I appreciated the honesty about the people, natives and expats, and living conditions. Interesting and often humorous insights. A good book for anyone considering moving to another country.

[Abhinav Bhatnagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expat Realities

"Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life" by Jim Santos is a delightful passport to the world of expat living, a journey through the ups, downs, and unexpected twists of life in a foreign land. Santos doesn't just dip his toes into the waters of expatriation; he takes a full dive, sharing his own experiences with humour, honesty, and a touch of wanderlust.
Santos reminds us that "just because you can do something doesn't mean you should," offering a refreshing dose of realism in an era of romanticized travel tales. His candid exploration of the expat lifestyle is as insightful as it is engaging. He doesn't aim to persuade or dissuade but rather to equip readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
The book captivates from the start, drawing readers into Santos's journey with his witty anecdotes and vivid descriptions. He chronicles his love for travel and how it led him and his wife to the enchanting shores of Ecuador. With warmth and wisdom, he systematically dismantles the myths surrounding expat life, providing a reality check that's both enlightening and entertaining.
As someone who's lived and worked abroad, Santos's insights resonated with me. He aptly describes the highs and lows of the expat experience, highlighting the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture. His advice on language learning and the cultural adjustment process is invaluable.
"Living Abroad" isn't just a guidebook; it's a friendly companion for anyone contemplating the expat lifestyle. Santos's book invites readers to explore the world with open eyes and a dash of humour. For those considering the leap into expat life, this book is not just a resource, it's a reassuring and enlightening friend, ready to accompany you on your transformative journey.

[Luz Alonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Santos, with his extensive experience as both an expatriate and a skilled writer, offers readers a candid, realistic, and often sidesplitting funny guide to the trials and tribulations of expat life. Even as someone who wasn't actively planning an international move (although now I'm seriously tempted!), I found this book to be an absolute delight to read.

In a world where an increasing number of Americans are exploring the idea of living abroad, particularly in the wake of events like COVID-19 and divisive politics, Jim Santos's insights couldn't be more relevant. His impressive background qualifies him to provide an unfiltered look at the challenges, pitfalls, and potential rewards of expatriate life.

What sets this book apart is its refreshing approach. It's not a typical "how-to" guide or an attempt to persuade you to take the plunge. Instead, it's an honest examination of the questions and misconceptions surrounding living overseas. Jim skillfully employs entertaining and informative real-life anecdotes to separate fact from fiction. His goal is not to convince you one way or the other, but to equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about your own journey.

One of the aspects that made this book truly captivating is Jim's personal touch. He shares his own experiences in a way that is truly engaging. He even includes images he captured himself and weaves entertaining stories behind them, providing readers with a vivid and authentic window into his own expat adventure. This personal touch not only adds depth to the narrative but also makes the book immensely relatable to anyone going through similar experiences.

Whether you're on the verge of packing your bags or simply curious about the expat lifestyle, this book is an invaluable resource that will leave you both informed and thoroughly entertained. Highly recommended!

[Adam E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a guidebook to help people decide if they want to be expats and experience living in a foreign country.  The author does warn that the expat lifestyle may not be for everyone because many of the modern conveniences that we have as American citizens are not always available abroad.  An interesting statistic at the beginning of the book states that an estimated 3 million people in the United States try to live in other countries each year.
     In 2013, Santos and his wife Rita fell in love with Ecuador and bought 2 condos there and decided to make it their permanent residence.  The author writes how living in another country will change your perspective as you adapt to a new culture and experiences. Nice pictures of Ecuador accompany the book. 
     He writes about the four stages of living in another country starting with the honeymoon stage when everything is exciting and new.  Next is the frustration stage when people realize that some things are more challenging in other countries such as communication, transportation and getting your electricity turned on. Then there is the adjustment stage when people learn the language and layout of their surroundings.  Finally, there is the acceptance stage when the frustration diminishes and people can enjoy their new life and the changes.  Santos writes about the benefits of learning the local language.  He believes it is the best way to learn about the culture and customs of a country.
     This book was very interesting and fun to read.  Santos adds a good sense of humor to the chapters.  This guidebook is helpful for anyone who is considering living in another country, but is not sure if they should.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading redemption stories to revive the desire to live your best life is my kind of story. Hearing about the loss of Jim’s wife, being overweight, and suffering from type-2 diabetes, and turning that into a positive by meeting his new wife Rita, embarking on a journey to Ecuador with his cat and puppies, and writing travel and culture articles, he turned a negative to a positive.

I was intrigued throughout the entire book by Jim’s redemption journey. It was a bold move to move to Ecuador, but as we hear in various forms, YOLO (You Only Live Once). It was also interesting to read when someone travels abroad and eats their cuisine (ethnic foods), they tend to lose weight because of the “crap” food we have here in the U.S. After I read this statement, I was in awe of how different, natural, and healthier other ethnic foods are. I applaud Jim for taking the risk of moving to Ecuador and improving his life.

My heart and mind were invested throughout the whole book. I found nothing to dislike. The writing style, structure, and imagery were brilliantly interweaved in each chapter. The book inspires all people, bringing hope for redemption and living their best life. For these reasons, I rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVING ABROAD: CHALLENGING THE MYTHS OF EXPAT LIFE is a personable guide or perhaps cautionary tale on what it takes to successfully live outside of the United States. I found it refreshing that Mr. Santos makes it known, and gives the very real reasons why, living abroad is not for everyone. As a man who's done it, he can speak to his subject with authority and a lot of humor. From his time in Ecuador to his visits to other foreign lands, he writes about how to make this potential dream come true successfully and why so many people feel. There's plenty of laughs to be had in the way he delivers his themes.

I found it fascinating that so many people from America attempt to live in another country each year. I also found it refreshing how real Mr. Santos is in his observances. This book is for anyone who longs to live abroad OR who enjoys a well-organized book that is super entertaining. I LOVED IT, and I don't have plans to live abroad. It's not for me. But, I lived vicariously through him, and it was wonderful!!!!

Also, don't be an "Ugly American"...he teaches this section well.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book immediately drew me in; it is engaging, funny, and a breeze to read. The author jumps right in introducing himself and his wife and their love of travel and how they became intrigued with the expat lifestyle. He then chronicles their journey to moving to Educator. The purpose of the book is not to encourage or discourage others from making the same kind of move they did; instead, he uses his own experiences to break down the myths with a reality check about what moving abroad is really like.

As someone who has lived and worked abroad myself, I can vouch that everything he points out is full of wisdom and truth! While there is so much to appreciate and gain from such an experience, he writes, “You will be cut off from many of the things you take for granted now, and in many cases the simplest tasks will become arduous challenges.” How true is that?! He goes on to give testimony and advice about preparation, costs, health care issues, culture shock, the advantages of learning the language, and other things you might come up against.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about living the expat lifestyle!

[Laurie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Abroad

Enjoyed this inspiring story about a brief part of this author's life. He shares the honest, personal, and introspective details of his life. We all have stories about the way our life expands and changes. His was an interesting read into how little changes in parts of your life can lead to a fulfilling life. His traveling perspective is also honest interesting and helpful. All of the questions and details that you have when you are thinking about traveling or moving abroad he tackles head-on and succinctly. From the language barriers to the mental capacity to healthcare and relationships. Americans are traveling abroad easily these days and see the options other countries offer. It doesn't make them any less American or mean that they hate their home country. Instead, it shows a greater love for all of our differences and the ability to get along with all people. This book is not just a resource to find out about living abroad it is an honest story of experiences and change. As I prepare to travel, I keep looking back at his thoughts to keep in my mind as I plan. Can't wait to explore!

[Haleigh Rucinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What truly sets this book apart is the humor in the writing. Author Jim Santos can take any moment from his lived experience from the truly bright and happy to the dark and sad to the mundane and infuse it with a clever turn of phrase that makes his story all the more vivid and compelling. As a reader, you are drawn in by this charm in the writing.

But while you might come for the entertaining stories, you will stay for the wealth of information provided. Santos shares the stories of his life as an expat in Ecuador and manages to fill these stories full of the details one must consider before becoming an expat. He does not attempt to persuade one way or the other, nor does he spare the less glamorous or unpleasant details. When talking about his experience with health care, for instance, he details both the personalized care a doctor gave his visiting grandchild and the slog that getting health coverage can be. This combination makes you feel like you are getting the truth of expat life, that you are learning the actual considerations you must make, and not just reading the story of someone's life. It informs and entertains, and that will keep you in the story till the end.

[Kas Avallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read If You Think You Want To

Raves and accolades for Jim Santos, I love his writing and the way he tells his story. As he talks about the way people may see their past choices, he relates, “it is only looking back through the milky lens of memory that we imagine we see a pattern.” Imaginative and real, the book answers the questions you don’t even know you have yet and it does it in a way that makes casual reading a joy – not a chore.

Authentic and honest, Santos spins a web of experience into a useful guide. It gave me the courage to begin planning! The first chapter is titled ‘Anyone Can Do It,’ and this writing makes that believable. Cautions are made clear as culture shock, uprooting your life, and what it is to actually live in a foreign country are all explored. Delightful, interesting, and emotional personal accounts step the reader into what one must be prepared for. The book is neither persuasive or evasive. It simply lays out the truths and leaves the reader to consider the options.

“Living Abroad: Challenging The Myths of Expat Life,” gets my votes!

I only wish there were more than five stars.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are considering taking the leap to living abroad in a foreign country, you should definitely read this book first. “Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life” is both a travel guide and a memoir of Jim Santos, a travel writer. In it, he details his decision to move to Ecuador and, ultimately, his reason for returning to the US.

Santos’ writing is very easy to read – his language and narrative flow from chapter to chapter and before you know it, you’re halfway through the book and you’ve lost time. I had trouble putting the book down – and I’m not even considering a move!

While Santos’ experience may be specific to his chosen town in Ecuador, much of the advice for prospective expats found in this book is highly transferrable. He covers everything from getting a residency visa to choosing healthcare and evacuation insurance. And he is not at all shy to say that the expat life isn’t for everyone.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever considered moving abroad for an extended period.

[Madison Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Jim’s other book Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu before this one. Jim is an excellent writer and has this incredible ability to be completely real with his readers. There is no sparse detail spared when it comes to his writing abilities. He is funny, bright, and ready to be completely clear to set realistic expectations on doing anything, including moving to the gorgeous shores of Ecuador.

He discusses the challenges that come with living far from family, being clear and honest about those difficulties. Homesickness is inherently real. I only moved three states away from home and experience it regularly, I couldn’t begin to fathom another country.

He also brings up the topic of culture shock which I also had to deal with being someone who moved from the land of healthy to the land of everything must be bigger. It was stressful and Jim is relative and connected with his reality plus many others.

Thank you Jim for once again making such an incredible read and opening the door for people on the thought of doing such an exemplary task and putting the pen to paper.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book about how the author decided to live abroad. While that may be the focus, it's really a book about life and taking chances. The author has written a well balanced book covering both good and bad and readily admits it is not for everyone. What started out one way, turned into another and his life became so much richer than before. He lost his first wife, yet met a new love. In choosing to move to Ecuador, his health improved and he learned a new language by living with the people. Not being the ugly American or the expats who look down on others. He met wonderful new friends, discovered new foods and loves. It was a fascinating look into what the couple experienced and how they travel and view life. Many excellent common sense tips are included. I was sad to come to the end. I definitely want to travel and visit new places. This book is also available on audio, narrated by the author himself. I highly recommend it.

[Justin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always thought about living abroad, having once applied to teach English in another country many years back but ultimately chickened out from fear and uncertainty. I've always been curious about people who live outside of the US and what it's like and the expectations one should have. I've personally not traveled nearly enough in my life and enjoy hearing other people's impressions on the matter. Jim Santos's book about living in Ecuador for six years is a fascinating and very informative memoir and guide. I found Jim's story to be really interesting, but most of all honest. He shares the ups, downs, and things he learned from taking such a leap. I appreciated how he went into what made him decide to do this and the discussions of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and acclimating to the new environment. This book is a very good read for anyone who's interested in the process and what to expect when navigating a new life in a new country.

[Eric Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve considered moving to Germany if I ever got the money to do it. I don’t know what to do about it, and first have to get the money to travel and live on another continent. While the book addresses Ecuador, the same things are always true: Living in a foreign country would always be different and a big change in life. I still have the idea of living in Germany, having been stationed there once. Anyway, the book highlights a lot of things that a person should consider when deciding to be an expat. Expats abound and that’s fine, you don’t always have to live in your birth country, whether it’s due to politics, or you just simply have been to the country and you liked what you saw. In any case, it opened my eyes to the things that would be expected, and what to deal with when moving permanently to another country. It was informative and also refreshing to know that it wouldn’t be as bad as some may think, and this book helped with a lot of those questions.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book looks into the questions and myths of what it’s like to live abroad, using examples to demonstrate the truth. The book provides enough insight to allow readers to decide for themselves whether they’d like to move out of their home country. A range of factors are covered when looking to live abroad. Such factors include dealing with culture shock, learning a second language, lifestyle changes, health care, understanding freedom, and why returning is not a failure. The book opens up as a memoir, informing readers of family life and the moment the decision was made to leave home and go to a different continent.

This is not a guide or a book that wholeheartedly encourages people to make the decision to live abroad. Therefore, this is comprehensive and the book makes it clear the mental changes readers need to live abroad. For example, it’s important to not treat the move as a long holiday. This is a quick read with a good structure to help readers pinpoint specific parts of the book that will help them make a decision.

The audience outreach is limited, focusing on American citizens who are considering the chance to move to a different country or continent and need to weigh up their options. There is also a missed opportunity to provide solid case studies instead of brief examples such as a holiday reference to France. There is a missed opportunity to reach a wide range of people. Nonetheless, the structure is navigable, the writing is engaging, and the content is upfront.


I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.

[Tripti Kandari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life is an all-inclusive guide for folks considering settling abroad.

It thoroughly answers every question that an anxious individual contemplating shifting from his native country to an alien state may have.

What to expect, what to do, and what not to do in an unfamiliar land are the queries that Jim Santos has tried to relieve the readers off by using his own example as an expat.

Jim Santos recounts his experiences moving to a foreign land from an individual who was unfamiliar with the language and social habits of his new home to adapting to them adroitly. He has also narrated his various experiences as a tourist in new places and again reiterated dos and don’ts for the prospective tourists... (https://thezest4read.site/challenging...)👈 You can read the full review here

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an American planning to move to France in the next year, so when this book came across my recommended feed, it felt like fate had dropped it into my hands. It was almost a “Frequently Asked Questions” book but with amazing details and personal experiences. Jim Santos answered questions I didn’t even know I had! He covers topics from culture shock, to reasons to move (or not!), money matters, misconceptions about being an “expat,” and the best ways to go about assimilating with your new culture.

I think some of the best advice he gave was: “The country is not going to change for you; you will have to change for the country,” and “If you are not in love with the idea of a new life in a new land, don’t do it.”

I highly recommend this book if you are even considering moving out of the US in your future, whether it’s soon or 40 years down the road.

[Melissa Yost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased the Kindle version of this book and found it to be a refreshingly honest account of the expat life. I appreciated that the author made it clear that he was just sharing his views and information and had no personal benefit in whether the reader became an expat or not. I also appreciated the humor added throughout; it made it very relatable. It was an easy and interesting read ̶ learning about his experiences and some of the myths that people usually have about the expat life. It was also nice having links throughout that take you to some of his other books and also other resources. Jim provides a lot of examples of challenges and things that you don’t think about (health insurance, for example) as well as offering ways to overcome them or avoid them altogether.

[Elsa Klingensmith-Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”

In this clearly written and engaging book, Jim Santos describes the steps that led to him and his wife, Rita, moving to Ecuador and living as expats. He’s written several books on the topic, but in this book he lays out what someone might expect when thinking about moving abroad. The thing that I was most intrigued by was that he spent so much time explaining why living abroad wasn’t something everyone should aspire to do, and why so many people fail at it. Anyone can live abroad (given appropriate finances), but not everyone should. This book lays out the difficulties as well as the appeals to moving to another country, and Santos does an excellent job of helping the reader approach this decision with clarity and insight.

[Michael Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not what I expected, and it’s all the better for it. The book covers the author, Jim Santos’, experiences of the Expat lifestyle, and his time living in Ecuador (and visiting plenty of other places.) Unlike other guides though, this one is full of personality, and a great dose of comedy! Each chapter is split into a selection of stories that deal with moving to a foreign country, learning how to act and interact with the people there, and the kind of mindset someone living, or looking to live that kind of lifestyle should keep in mind. Even as someone with only a moderate interest in travel, I couldn’t put the book down, and am just a bit more convinced to travel out of my own comfort zone. A resourceful and very entertaining read!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving the US for life in a foreign country can be a tempting notion, but it’s only a good idea if the country you move to is where you genuinely want to live, this experienced author advises. Just wanting to escape problems at home will likely result in dissatisfaction. That said, there are many positive reasons to experience life in another country, says the author, an expat who moved to Ecuador with his wife for several years. This is particularly true for those who are open-minded about different cultures and learning new languages. The author includes many engaging, often humorous, stories and anecdotes that illustrate the phases you will likely experience after your move: a “honeymoon,” frustrations, adjustment, and finally a happy acceptance.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life" by Jim Santos is a must-read if you're thinking of living abroad or already doing so. Santos shares his own experiences and those of other expats to debunk common myths about living in a foreign country. He writes in a friendly and easy-to-read style, and I found his insights on the challenges and rewards of expat life both informative and relatable. He talks about things like culture shock, language barriers, and making friends in a foreign country. I loved how honest he was about the realities of expat life, including how it affects your family and relationships. If you're looking for guidance on adapting to life in a new country, "Living Abroad" is an awesome resource to check out.

[Elizabeth L · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Living Abroad,” Jim Santos tells years of stories from his time in Ecuador. But more than that, he opens a frank and forthright discussion on the things Americans need to know about life in a foreign country. While everybody’s situation is unique, the guiding principles of the book are universal: if you keep an open mind, make local friends, and don’t treat the experience like a tourist visit, you may be more equipped to live abroad than you expect.

From these broad principles to more specific pointers (like exploring local markets instead of chain stores), Santos goes into depth on how to make the most of creating a home in another country.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re thinking about moving to a new country, this book is for you. Jim Santos offers a fantastic overview of the good, bad, ugly, and hilarious about moving to a new country. He’s got an inspirational story to share and is encouraging to those who have aspirations to strike out on an exciting adventure, but he’s also realistic enough to say this isn’t for everybody. He’s sure to tell you about the drawbacks in addition to the surprising benefits (dropping weight due to healthy food? Bonus!). This book is about living in Ecuador, but many of his tips could be translated to other countries, too. Bon voyage!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I found this an interesting read and thought the author did a good job of pros & cons. Best tip was just saying being an expat is not for everyone and don’t expect perfection (nothing is perfect in life and changing where you live doesn’t wave a magic wand). And if you don’t deal well with the stress factors of a lot of change in your life, stop and think it over. At 70 I think my days of wondering what it would be like to live in another country are pretty diminished, but you never know. I won this Kindle edition through Good Reads.

[C. Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No matter how hard you try, the country is not going to change for you. You will have to change and adapt to a new culture.” I feel that Santos wrote this book for me since I had just moved to a new country and still in the adjustment phase. The book is really engaging to read, and it discussed well the pros and cons of living in another country. After finishing the book, it made me realize that life really is full of endless possibilities for us to go after. We just need to keep an open mind and heart.

[Rony Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This highly engaging book details the author’s experience of living as an expat in Ecuador. He shares many practical tips that would be helpful to those who are considering moving to live in a foreign country or simply planning a trip to this country. The narrative has a mix of anecdotes and factual elements that makes the book a combination of good reference material and a perfect light hearted reading.