Blog & Journal

Real stories, interviews, personal journeys, and practical tips to make life abroad feel more like home.

A Free Journaling Workbook to help expat women navigate life abroad

Discover Maria’s free journaling workbook for expat women + listen to Episode 3 of the Almost Local podcast about the 5 big dilemmas of expat life.

by Maria Barciela • May 5, 2025May 5, 2025

20 Tips for expats Building Community Abroad (That Actually Work)

Moving abroad and feeling isolated? Discover 20 honest, practical tips for building community and making real friends in a new country—without the awkward small talk.

by Maria Barciela • April 23, 2025April 23, 2025

The Expat Dilemma: 5 Biggest Challenges of Life Abroad

Everyone’s experience abroad is different, but these are five dilemmas I’ve personally faced as a woman navigating expat life—challenges I know many others have experienced, too. And they’re exactly the ...

by Maria Barciela • April 3, 2025May 5, 2025

Why I Created Almost Local: The Expat Dilemma

When does a place stop feeling temporary? When do you stop calling it ‘this city’ and start saying ‘home’? I’ll never forget the first time I gave someone directions in ...

by Maria Barciela • April 1, 2025May 5, 2025

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We created it from years of living abroad — filled with honest reflections, practical tips, and journaling prompts to help you feel more grounded, connected, and in charge of your experience.

I’m Maria, the voice behind Almost Local, and I’d love for you to join me.

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