7 Big Tips for Living Abroad as a Person of Color

1. Ask for first-hand accounts before you arrive

We know this, but every country’s flavor of discrimination is different. Some places are more outwardly racist, especially if you have phenotypic features. 

A culture can also skew on the ignorance side as opposed to hate. That means more microaggressions in your day-to-day life. 

Microaggressions also occur in places where your race is the majority. For example, if you're a black person raised in Europe or black American, expect a lot of questions about your identity if you move to Africa. Culture is a huge factor in xenophobia when you go abroad. (I studied abroad in Mozambique, so I know!)

In some cultures, your nationality is a bigger issue than your outward appearance. (Classic xenophobia.)

And then there are countries where you're an object of genuine fascination, which can feel intimidating. For example, in Southeast Asian countries, I’ve heard of black people being pointed at and unsolicited photos being taken of them. 

What bothers you the most will depend on you (we’ll talk about that in tip 7), but you won’t get the real scoop without hearing from your community on the ground. 

If there aren’t many first-hand accounts out there, look for:

• Expat groups on Facebook
• Forums on Reddit
• People within your network
• Study abroad groups and organizations

Note: Everyone’s experience is different. Just because one person is treated differently, based on their skin color, does not mean you’ll have the same experience. However, repeated instances can tell you a lot. Look for patterns in people’s stories and decide what’s best for you.

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2. Choose a country with a robust legal system against discrimination

When I was a teenager, I was verbally abused by a neighbor in my sleepy village in Portugal. My mother and I went to the police station thinking it was unlikely they’d take my complaint seriously. 

We were wrong. They sent a police car to my neighbor’s house within the hour and issued a verbal warning. I was never bothered again. 

Incidents sadly happen, so it’s vital that the authorities where you live support your rights to a peaceful life unperturbed by bigots. 

A “robust legal system to protect against discrimination” is highly subjective. Heck, how many of us have that in our own home countries? 

It comes down to two questions: 

• If you suffer from a racial or discriminatory incident, who do you call?
• Can you trust those authorities to act in your best interests?

Again, first-hand accounts are everything here.  

3. Consider moving to a cosmopolitan area

Once you have a vague idea about the racial and cultural dynamics of the population, it’s time to choose a specific town or city. 

Studies show that larger, more diverse cities have fewer bigoted people, though it also depends on how segregated the city is. If you’ve never lived abroad before, and you want a smooth transition for you and your family, a city or large town with a diverse mix of people may make you feel more comfortable. 

What if you want a quiet life in the country? Though rural places tend to skew more sheltered and nationalist, you can find some unexpected gems. For example, the small town of Gort, just outside of Galway in Ireland, has a vibrant Brazilian community of all shades. This is a popular choice for students wanting to study abroad.

Regardless of the path you choose, you won’t truly know without trying it out. Let’s talk about that. 

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4. Do a trial period in your chosen country and city

My mother and I had never stepped foot in Portugal before moving there. Not even on holiday. Yet, we landed, bought a house, and let chaos ensue. Though I clearly still have a big affinity for living in Portugal, I do not recommend this method to any expats today—particularly expats of color who feel anxious about their choice. 

If you want to make your dreams of living abroad come true, start with a small, yet meaningful, trial period. 3-4 months is ideal, but any amount of time longer than a couple of weeks will suffice. 

Then, use this trial period to live like a local. You could:

• Visit cafés and restaurants 
• Find your favorite supermarket
• Attend local community meetups, festivals, and rituals
• Hunt for places to rent or buy
• Learn a few words in the local language
• Read about the history and culture
• Chat with the butcher, baker, and candlestick maker

You get the gist. Play house before it becomes your reality. Your nervous system will alert you if you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unwelcome at any point. Trust your gut. 

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5. Find your people 

Once you’ve made the move, don’t delay finding your community. 

I recommend searching for local POC expat groups to start making connections with people who get you. 

So how do you find them?

Start with these:

• Facebook groups
• Student associations
• Local black or POC organizations

As an example, the community of black folks in Portugal is vibrant and well-connected with plenty of clubs and activities in the major cities (Lisbon and Porto). 

But what if you’re outside of a major city or there are painfully few people of color in your destination?

The internet is your friend. Use it to connect with others or build a cross-country community with people of your race.

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6. …but don’t stay in the expat bubble forever

This is a controversial take, perhaps, but one I stand by. 

The expat bubble is not the reality of truly living in a place. 

In the beginning, it’s a great way to make your first friends and unite. That kinship is unparalleled.

But unless you want to feel like an outsider for as long as you live there, it’s time to make some local friends. 

To do this, I recommend:

• Taking language lessons if you don’t speak the local language 
• Participating in hobbies with locals
• Engaging in small conversation with your neighbors
• Hosting your own gatherings
• Arranging playdates for your kids with local families (if applicable)

Tip: If you’re not ready to leave the expat bubble yet, seek out mixed spaces. For example, I’m part of a black hiking club here in Porto that has a balance of expats and Portuguese people. That connection to the black community has enriched my time abroad.

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7. Don’t go beyond your comfort zone

Quick storytime:

In 2023, I visited Toledo, Spain for the first time. Weary old me parked up in the city center and walked along the bridge to take photos. 

As I did so, an old man, perhaps in his 70s, approached me. He formed his varicose fingers into a cross and screamed “bruja” (witch). 

The staring and disdain from the white people passing the scene did not make me feel safe, but I laughed it off and rebranded this story as The Baddest Bruja in Toledo for my blog. 

Now, to some, this would be a scarring experience that would make you want to run home immediately. While this did affect me, it wasn’t enough to turn me off traveling in Spain or living in other parts of Europe.

On the other hand, I really dislike people staring and I've never been called the N word in Europe.

My point is, your mileage may vary and self awareness is key. If you want as few brushes with racism and xenophobia as possible, choose destinations that are more friendly to people of color, or at least have good legal repercussions for such actions. (I list a few in the next section.) 

If the attitudes of local people are too detrimental to your well being, be kind to yourself and consider another place.

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Top 7 places to live abroad as a person of color

Here are some popular places that black expats and other expats of color rave about as relatively safe and welcoming places to live:

• Costa Rica: Great climate and a vibrant, diverse expat community 
• Canada: Local friendliness and good legal recourse for racially motivated crimes
• Thailand: Diverse mix of digital nomads and friendly locals
• Portugal: Few instances of crime for Europe and increasingly diverse cities
• Ghana: Open arms to particularly black expats wanting a new life
• Australia: Culturally and racially diverse cities with good legal support for hate crimes
• The UK: Good legal processes against discrimination and highly diverse, cosmopolitan main cities

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Final Thoughts: Navigating living abroad as a BIPOC 

I’ve told a few personal stories throughout this article that may have given you pause. 

While it’s important to be cautious and take stock of your own boundaries, I don’t want these stories to deter you from living your dreams.

I have freedom, money, and community here in Portugal, and traveling abroad is a huge part of my identity. 

My philosophy is this: living fearlessly and taking up the space we want in the world is the sweetest rebellion.

So go for it! Where will your adventurous spirit take you?