Armchair Expat - a Bargain Homes Abroad Production10 Jun 2025

Renovating Life: An American Family’s Move to Portugal

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language learning, the pursuit of citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of expat life, particularly for families, and offers valuable insights for those considering a similar move. In this conversation, Allison shares her experiences and insights about moving to Portugal, including navigating healthcare, creating resources for newcomers, and the importance of personal growth. She discusses her projects aimed at helping others settle in Portugal, the challenges of finding housing, and the emotional journey of relocating abroad. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, reliable resources, and the transformative power of embracing change.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Allison's Journey

01:11 The Decision to Move Abroad

03:09 Researching the Move to Portugal

05:01 Planning the Move and Choosing a Location

08:29 Moving with Children: Challenges and Advice

11:45 Choosing the Right School for Kids

13:38 Building Community in a New Country

16:47 Personal Challenges of Living Abroad

19:08 Pursuing Citizenship in Portugal

21:03 Navigating American Identity Abroad

22:41 Daily Life in Portugal: A New Routine

27:25 Navigating Trust in Healthcare and Services

28:41 Creating Resources for Moving to Portugal

32:10 Connecting People with Reliable Resources

33:29 Hands-On Support for New Arrivals

35:02 Understanding Visa Requirements and Housing

37:22 Tips for Finding a Place to Live

42:10 Personal Growth and Renovating Life

50:11 Embracing Change and Moving Abroad

CONNECT WITH ALLISON

Instagram

Website

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

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