life abroad Archives - Helene in Between

2 Years Abroad

September has always been a month of renewal. A new school year, a large, life-altering event, or a move abroad. I'm always curious to see what September will bring. This one feels a bit different. It's my last September abroad. I sat writing this in a hotel room bathroom at 5 am in the morning in Croatia. Michael is still sleeping but I got the urge to get up and write. Something not uncommon, ... Read the Post

How I’m Traveling the World Without Quitting My Job

Last week the German Foreigner's Office gave us approval to live in Germany another year. This process isn't easy, but definitely worth it. I've been abroad for nearly two years now and away from my house for three. I didn't do this by going into debt or quitting my job. Instead, I forged a different path. Maybe it was a bit harder in the beginning, but it ensured a more stable path in the long ... Read the Post

You Can Sleep When You’re Dead

Remember that time I fell skiing and tore my ACL, let it heal for approximately three weeks, then traveled to more countries than most people do in a year during a one-month span? I have extreme FOMO, y’all. There’s just so much to do and see in this world, I can’t help it. In the last month, I’ve been to Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, The Netherlands, back to Germany, England, ... Read the Post

Want to Move Abroad? These 15 Surprising Things Will Happen

My "y'all" has never felt more prevalent than when talking to our German landlord, asking for recommendations on nearby restaurants. My move abroad has brought on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I wanted to share 15 things that happen when you move abroad- some really might surprise you. Many involve cheese. As a native Texan, I never thought I'd live anywhere else. The food is good, the ... Read the Post

What It’s Like to Have Surgery Abroad

When I started this blog, I mean really started it, I had just fallen 20 feet rock climbing. Unable to move, I spent my time writing. I wrote about a lot of the things that I had going on in my life, and of course, my recovery process with my broken ankle. I never dreamed that I'd be put in the same situation in Europe. I wanted to share what it's like to have surgery abroad because it is so ... Read the Post

10 German Phrases You Need to Know When Visiting

The German language isn't the most romantic language, but it's straightforward in it's construction and they mean to get to the point. Just like many Germans! For example the word for "gloves" in German is "Handschuhe" which literally means hand shoes. Who needs words like mittens or gloves when you're just talking about your hand covers?! When visiting a country it's nice to have a handle on the ... Read the Post