Untold Secrets of Living Overseas

Shawna Lum
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Untold Secrets of Living Overseas is your go-to podcast for all things related to moving abroad, remote working, and a digital nomad lifestyle. Join us every week as we interview entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote workers, uncovering their best-kept insider tips and tricks for a successful and happy life overseas. Hosted by Shawna Lum, a digital who left the US to explore vibrant Spanish culture and now she helps others live their dream lives abroad. Get inspired by her journey at https://moveoverseasnow.com/ Follow her on IG @shawnalumm: https://www.instagram.com/shawnalumm/

  1. 1d ago

    Retiring in Italy at 74: How Jan Moved to Florence on the Elective Residency Visa

    Is 74 too late to pack up your life and start over in Italy? For Jan Weber, the answer was simple: “If not now, when?” In this episode of Untold Secrets of Living Overseas, Shawna sits down with Jan, a retired mortgage broker who left Bainbridge Island, Washington, and moved across the world to start a new chapter in Florence, Italy. At 74 years old. On her own. 🇮🇹 Jan had built a good life in the U.S. But she was healthy, had some savings, lived within her means, and felt like she still had one more adventure in her. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, she decided to take the leap. In this episode, Jan shares what the process of retiring in Italy and applying for the Italian Elective Residency Visa actually looked like, from choosing Florence and preparing for her consulate appointment to finding an apartment, learning Italian, making friends, and adjusting to everyday life abroad. We talk about: Why Jan chose Italy over Spain, Portugal, and other destinationsWhat inspired her to move abroad in her 70sHow she organized and prepared for her Elective Residency VisaHer experience trying to secure an appointment with the Italian ConsulateThe documents and apostille process she navigated before applyingWhy having a step-by-step roadmap made such a differenceFinding a long-term apartment in FlorenceWhat everyday life in Florence actually looks likeLearning Italian in her 70s and immersing herself in the local cultureMoving abroad alone and dealing with the fear of lonelinessWhy she believes there’s never going to be a perfect time to move abroadJan’s story is a powerful reminder that moving overseas doesn’t have an expiration date. You don’t have to be 25. You don’t have to have everything perfectly figured out. And you don’t have to wait until you feel completely ready. Sometimes you just need the courage to decide that the next chapter of your life is worth pursuing. If you’ve been dreaming about retiring in Italy, moving to Florence, or starting a new life abroad later in life, this episode is for you. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠⁠⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠⁠⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

    Retiring in Italy at 74: How Jan Moved to Florence on the Elective Residency Visa

  2. Aug 31

    How to Move to Mexico: Temporary Residency Visa + Real Expat Story

    In this episode of Untold Secrets of Living Overseas, Shawna sits down with Ashley and Jeff, Move Overseas Now Academy members who left Portland, Oregon and made their dream of living abroad a reality in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. For years, living overseas had been on their minds. But after experiencing major life changes, gaining more flexibility through remote work, and realizing that tomorrow isn't guaranteed, they decided it was time to stop waiting. They initially had their sights set on Spain. But after looking at their lifestyle, two senior dogs, aging family members, work situation, and desire to stay relatively close to the U.S., Mexico became the perfect first move abroad. And instead of paying someone thousands to handle everything for them, they navigated much of the process themselves—with the Move Overseas Now Academy helping them understand the steps along the way. In this episode, we talk about: Why they chose Mexico over moving directly to EuropeHow they applied for Temporary Residency in MexicoThe financial requirements they encountered during their applicationWhy they decided to drive from the U.S. to Mexico with their dogsHow they approached temporary housing and finding a long-term rental in Puerto VallartaWhat happened at their Mexican Consulate appointment in PortlandThe residency step they almost missed after arriving in MexicoUnexpected fees and paperwork they encountered along the wayWhat it's like continuing to work remotely while living in MexicoHow their daily routine has already changed since leaving Oregon Ashley and Jeff also get into something many Americans worry about: Is Mexico actually safe to live in? They share how their experience compares with the fears and warnings they heard before leaving the U.S. Their biggest lesson? You don't need to have the next 20 years figured out. Sometimes you just need to choose your first destination, understand your visa options, get your paperwork together, and start moving forward one step at a time. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

    How to Move to Mexico: Temporary Residency Visa + Real Expat Story

  3. Aug 31

    How to Find Remote and Local Jobs When You Move Abroad with Vanessa Wachtmeister

    Want to move abroad but keep getting stuck on one BIG question: “How am I actually going to find a job? In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Wachtmeister, a travel tech professional, angel investor, and the founder of NearFar and Wander Onwards. Originally from Los Angeles, Vanessa is a proud Chicana who has spent the last 13 years living abroad across countries including China, the UK, Turkey, and Germany. Now, she's preparing for her next international chapter in Beijing. Her story is a powerful reminder that moving overseas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your career or starting from scratch. Vanessa has repeatedly navigated the international job market herself, and now she's helping other people figure out how to build careers that give them the freedom to live abroad. We talk about: How Americans can actually find jobs in EuropeHow to search for opportunities offering visa sponsorshipWhy your European CV should look different and why a "boring" CV can actually perform betterHow applicant tracking systems (ATS) can reject your CV before a human ever sees itHow to optimize your CV and LinkedIn for international opportunitiesWhat a realistic timeline for finding a job abroad looks likeThe benefits of working under European labor lawsVanessa also gives us a look inside Nearfar (https://worknearfar.com/), her new job-tech platform designed to make finding work abroad easier. It brings together 100,000+ fresh monthly job opportunities and helps users identify English-speaking roles, visa sponsorship opportunities, remote jobs, and personalized matches based on their experience and preferred countries. If finding work is the one thing holding you back from moving abroad, this episode is for you. 🎁 SPECIAL OFFER: Get 20% OFF all Nearfar packages with code MOVEOVERSEASNOW at checkout. Connect with Vanessa: https://www.instagram.com/wanderonwards/ https://wanderonwards.co/ ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

    How to Find Remote and Local Jobs When You Move Abroad with Vanessa Wachtmeister

  4. Aug 31

    Spain Student Visa Explained: How to Move to Spain Without a Digital Nomad Visa

    Thinking about moving to Spain but don't qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa? This episode might completely change how you think about your move abroad. In this episode of Untold Secrets of Living Overseas, Shawna sits down with Marc Pairó, immigration attorney, partner at ILEI Immigration, and a Barcelona native who has helped thousands of international clients successfully navigate Spain's immigration system. Together, they break down one of the most overlooked pathways to Spain: the Student Visa. Whether you're looking to learn Spanish, complete a master's degree, or simply create a long-term path to residency in Spain, Marc explains why the Student Visa has become one of the most accessible options for Americans who don't meet the financial requirements for other visas. In this episode, you'll learn: Why so many Americans are choosing Spain right nowHow the Spain Student Visa really worksThe financial requirements and why they're often lower than other visa optionsHow you can apply while already in SpainThe truth about working while on a Student VisaHow to transition from a Student Visa to a work permit, self-employed visa (Autónomo), or Job Seeker VisaThe biggest mistakes people make when choosing study programsWhy patience and adapting to Spanish culture are essential for successMarc also shares valuable insider insights on Spain's immigration system, recent legal changes, and why Americans often struggle with Spain's slower pace and bureaucratic processes. His advice is simple but powerful: slow down, trust the process, and take things one step at a time. If you've been dreaming about living in Spain but thought visas were out of reach, this episode will show you practical pathways that could make your move possible much sooner than you think. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

    Spain Student Visa Explained: How to Move to Spain Without a Digital Nomad Visa

  5. Aug 31

    Retired at 63… and Moved to Spain in 6 Months: Tim Rowe’s Digital Nomad Visa Story

    What if moving abroad didn’t cost $15,000… and you could actually enjoy the process? Today I sit down with Tim Rowe — a 63-year-old entrepreneur from Virginia who made the move to Málaga, Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa in under 6 months after joining the Move Overseas Now Academy. But here’s the twist: Tim didn’t rely on expensive “white glove” relocation services. Instead, he followed a DIY (but guided) approach — saving between $10,000 and $15,000 in the process. We dive into: - How Tim navigated the Digital Nomad Visa step-by-step - The exact documentation process (and how to simplify it) - Why taking one step at a time (one document per week) made everything manageable - How to avoid overspending on lawyers and relocation agencies - Cultural adjustments, language barriers, and real life in Southern Spain - What living in Málaga & Torremolinos is actually like We also go behind the scenes and talk about how Tim’s experience is helping shape the future of the Move Overseas Now Academy — including new ideas like automated checklists and smarter systems to make moving abroad even easier. If you’ve been overwhelmed by the process, worried about the cost, or thinking “I don’t know where to start”… this episode will show you a simpler, smarter way. Because moving abroad doesn’t have to be complicated — or expensive. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

    Retired at 63… and Moved to Spain in 6 Months: Tim Rowe’s Digital Nomad Visa Story

  6. Aug 25

    Christian Assal Currencies Direct - My Recommended Transfer Company

    In this episode, I’m joined by Christian Assal from Currencies Direct, my recommended international money transfer company, to talk about what you need to know when moving money overseas. We discuss how exchange rates and transfer fees can impact the amount you ultimately receive, why using a currency specialist may be different from transferring money through a traditional bank, and how Currencies Direct can help with everything from everyday transfers to larger transactions like moving savings or purchasing property abroad. Christian also shares helpful tips on timing your transfers, planning ahead, and avoiding some of the common mistakes people make when exchanging money internationally. If you’re preparing for a move abroad or know you’ll need to transfer money between countries, this episode will help you better understand your options. 🌍 Get started with Currencies Direct here:http://www.currenciesdirect.com/en/?afflno=0201110000923551&assetid=0000108 ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

  7. Jun 12

    Apostille Explained: How to Get Your Documents Ready for Your Visa Application

    One missing document can delay your visa application, derail your timeline, and create unnecessary stress during your move abroad. In this episode we sit down with Bernice Williams, founder of BWilliams Notary and the trusted apostille expert helping Move Overseas Now clients prepare their documents for Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and beyond. Bernice has over 20 years of experience as a notary and has helped countless Americans navigate the often-confusing world of apostilles, FBI background checks, notarizations, and document authentication. In this episode, you'll learn: 📋 What an apostille is and why it's required for many visa applications ⚖️ The difference between federal and state apostilles 🚀 How Bernice helps clients get FBI background checks apostilled in as little as 10 business days 🌎 How to get documents notarized even when you're already living abroad 📄 Which documents commonly require notarization and apostilles for visas 💡 Common mistakes that can delay your application process ✈️ How proper document preparation can save time, money, and stress during your move abroad I also shares real stories from my own move abroad journey and explain why having the right support can make the difference between a smooth visa process and months of frustration. If you're planning to move to Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, or another country that requires apostilled documents, this episode is essential listening. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/

    Apostille Explained: How to Get Your Documents Ready for Your Visa Application

  8. May 19

    From the U.S. to the Netherlands: A Family’s DAFT Visa Plan + Scouting Trip Insights

    What does it really look like to move your entire family to Europe? In this episode, I sit down with David & Lisa — members of the Move Overseas Now Academy — who are preparing to relocate from Georgia, USA to the Netherlands with their 3-year-old son. They just returned from a scouting trip, and what they learned might save you months of trial and error. We dive into: - Why they chose the Netherlands (and why it surprised them) - What they learned from their scouting trip — neighborhoods, lifestyle, costs - How Lisa is transitioning from sex therapist → Sex Coach under the DAFT Visa - David’s path as a research engineer and how it fits into their move - Moving abroad with a young child — what to expect - How the DAFT Visa works and why it’s one of the best options for Americans This episode is packed with real, honest insights from a family who is actively in the process — not just dreaming, but doing. If you're thinking about relocating with a partner, changing careers abroad, or building a life in Europe as a family… this episode will give you a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes. Connect with Lisa: Lisa Jo Therapy: https://www.lisajotherapy.com/ Substack: https://pillowtalkpro.substack.com/ Lisa's sexual wellness store (Adults only): https://lisajosspot.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaJosSpot/ ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad? If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes. 🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/⁠ 🙋‍♀️ Still Have Questions About Moving Abroad? If you’re thinking about moving to Europe or Latin America but keep getting stuck on visas, money, healthcare, housing, or where you should even go, join Shawna’s LIVE & FREE Move Abroad Q&A. Bring your questions and get real answers so you can start figuring out what your next step could actually look like. 🎟 Join the FREE Q&A:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-qa/⁠ 🧭 Ready to Get Serious About Your Move Abroad? If moving abroad is no longer a “someday” idea and you’re ready to figure out how to make it happen for your specific situation, book a personalized Relocation Roadmap strategy session with a relocation advisor on Shawna’s team. You’ll talk through your goals, timeline, finances, and potential relocation pathways. 📅 Book your session:⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/move-overseas-now-action-plan-calls-6/⁠

    From the U.S. to the Netherlands: A Family’s DAFT Visa Plan + Scouting Trip Insights
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About

The Untold Secrets of Living Overseas is your go-to podcast for all things related to moving abroad, remote working, and a digital nomad lifestyle. Join us every week as we interview entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote workers, uncovering their best-kept insider tips and tricks for a successful and happy life overseas. Hosted by Shawna Lum, a digital who left the US to explore vibrant Spanish culture and now she helps others live their dream lives abroad. Get inspired by her journey at https://moveoverseasnow.com/ Follow her on IG @shawnalumm: https://www.instagram.com/shawnalumm/

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