She Hit Refresh | For Women Who Want to Move Abroad After 30

This special episode of the She Hit Refresh podcast dives into the world of home swapping. Host Cepee is an avid HomeExchange user with over 60 home swaps, from Madrid to Mexico!Cepee is joined by Clémence Craig, Head of Growth for North America at HomeExchange, who provides an insider's look at how the platform works, its community-driven model, and answers to frequently asked questions. You'll also hear from two experienced Home Exchange members: Maria Nicholas, an American living in Malaga, and Shannon Acton, founder of Bargain Homes Abroad and the Armchair Expat podcast. They share their real-life experiences, favorite swap experiences, and essential tips for first-time home exchangers.We hope you enjoy this episode! if you're ready to give home swapping a try, head to SheHitRefresh.com/homeexchange, and you'll get some free GuestPoints. See y'all back here next season!IN THIS VIDEO:The benefits of HomeExchange compared to platforms like Airbnb Debunking common misconceptions and misgivings about home swappingThe different types of exchanges, including simultaneous, non-simultaneous, and guest pointsReal-life stories and memorable swaps from experienced HomeExchange membersWatch episode 75 on YouTubeABOUT OUR GUESTSClémence Cragan leads North American growth at HomeExchange, making home exchange more accessible and better known across the U.S. and Canada. Originally from France, Clémence has spent the past 10 years in the United States. She’s also a mom of two young children, plus a dog and a horse! Her family uses HomeExchange for their travels, which has completely transformed the way they vacation. Clémence is a strong believer in the magic of home exchange, both personally and professionally.Maria is an American living in Spain for 14 years, blending her love for travel with remote work. She coaches purpose-driven women seeking deeper fulfillment in life and relationships, drawing from her background as a teacher, voiceover artist, and former Hollywood actress. As a speaker, she shares insights from her unconventional path, empowering audiences to embrace their differences as a compass for life's direction. Maria's mission is to inspire others—entrepreneurs, educators, and women in transition—to trust themselves, claim their space, and pursue life with courage and intention.Shannon is the creator of Bargain Homes Abroad, a multimedia platform that sits at the intersection of affordable European real estate and the dream of moving overseas. Through her website, podcast, newsletter, membership community, and popular Instagram account, she helps North Americans see that international living is more accessible than they think. Focused on homes with character, slow travel, and creative paths to life abroad, Shannon is planning her own move to Europe. For now, she lives in Southern California with her husband and rescue pup, Nellie.Where to find Shannon:Website:bargainhomesabroad.coInstagram: @bargainhomesabroadTHANKS TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR, HomeExchange!HomeExchange is the global leader in home exchange vacations, offering authentic, sustainable, and affordable vacation opportunities for everyone. With over 220,000 members across more than 155 countries, HomeExchange makes vacations on a budget possible with a nominal annual membership fee, no hidden costs or cancellation fees, and 24/7 assistance. In 2021, HomeExchange Collection was created, an exclusive community for like-minded travelers to meet, share, and exchange their luxury homes.HomeExchange is a Certified B Corporation, part of a global community of businesses that meet and commit to high standards of social and environmental impact. With teams in France, Croatia, Spain, and the United States, travelers can browse their entire collection of homes and schedule their home exchange at homeexchange.com

For the past three and a half years, Marla (53) has called Valencia, Spain, her home. In this episode, Marla gives us an in-depth look at how a rare cancer diagnosis a few months after moving to Spain changed the direction that she thought her “refresh” would take.Along with immersing herself in Spanish culture, Marla is working on her memoir about overcoming adversity with grace and humor. She’s traveled to 40 countries and lived in various parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She has been a professional fundraiser, event planner, freelance writer, and teacher of English as a Second Language. Marla has been a part of the She Hit Refresh community since 2018. She first appeared on the podcast in 2022 and shared how she's navigated some of the many curveballs thrown her way. In this episode:Marla's experience receiving a rare cancer diagnosis just months after moving to SpainNavigating the Spanish public healthcare system with a chronic illnessParallels between facing a health crisis and moving abroadHow living in Spain has impacted her healthAdvice for women considering moving abroad, especially those with a chronic illnessListen to our previous episode with Marla: Finding Opportunity in Adversity with Marla Stein | Ep 41 ⁠Watch episode 73 on YouTube⁠Thank you to our season sponsor, ⁠International Living⁠!

Jacinda Fuller is an international educator and aspiring freelancer who’s passionate about living life abroad. After spending three lovely years in Spain, she knew that living abroad was meant for her. Now based in Guatemala, Jacinda is enjoying the warm hospitality and Latin American culture. Cepee catches up with Jacinda, who speaks about why she left Spain, her temporary return to the US, and the teaching opportunity that led her to Central America.This conversation isn't just about changing countries; it's about Jacinda's journey of resilience, adapting to bureaucracy and cultural differences, and her plans to keep evolving her career as a long-term expat.In this episode:Why Jacinda returned to the US after three years as a language assistant in SpainHow Jacinda found a teaching job at an international school in GuatemalaHer favorite things about Spain and her new home of GuatemalaAdvice on overcoming challenges and fears when moving abroadAbout Jacinda:In her free time, she enjoys baking, exploring nature, and spending time with friends. Still figuring things out, always open to new experiences, and excited for whatever comes next.Connect with Jacinda on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jacinda.fuller.9Mentioned in this episode: Creating the Change You Want to See in Your Life with Jacinda Fuller | Ep 46 Amisa (American International Schools in the Americas)Watch episode 71 on YouTubeThank you to our sponsor, INTERNATIONAL LIVING!

A favorite guest, Lori L. Tharps, returns for her third appearance on the podcast. Lori is an award-winning author, journalist, and founder of the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary. She updates us four years after her move from the U.S. to Spain. She talks about her life as an expat in Malaga, how her children have adjusted to life and school in Spain, and how her career has evolved.Lori shares the joys and challenges of building a life abroad, including manifesting her dream creative career, and needing to support her aging parents from afar. Lori initially joined us nine days before her move (Ep39, re-released this season) and again six months later (Ep40). In this episode:Lori’s life and academic career in the US before moving to SpainLori's biggest surprises about living in SpainPractical reasons behind Lori's decision to move to Spain with her familyHow Lori's two children have adjusted to life and schooling in Spain and EuropeOngoing challenges of supporting aging parents from abroadHow Lori manifested her dream creative lifeAbout Lori:A prolific author, journalist, and award-winning podcast host, Lori L. Tharps is the founder of Reed, Write, & Create, which supports and celebrates BIPoC stories and storytellers. Lori works with clients as a writing coach, literary activist, and consultant on book-related projects, book tours, and literary events.Before moving to Europe in 2021, Lori spent nearly 15 years as a tenured professor at Temple University teaching journalism, creative writing, magazine writing, and editing, as well as classes on race and the media.Where to find Lori:ReedWriteandCreate.com YouTube: youtube.com/@LiteraryLoriInstagram: @reedwriteandcre8/Reed, Write and Create podcastListen to previous episodes with Lori:From Philly To Malaga: One Woman's Pre-Move Adventure of Relocating a Family of 4 to Spain (REPOST of Part 1)From Philly To Malaga: One Woman's Pre-Move Adventure of Relocating a Family of 4 to Spain (Part 2)Watch episode 69 on YouTubeThank you to our season sponsor, INTERNATIONAL LIVING.

Cheryl is a seasoned entrepreneur who built a multi-million dollar business over 32 years. Meanwhile, she traveled to seven continents and over 40 countries. In 2023, she made her dream of living abroad a reality, relocating to Tirana, Albania, after selling and donating most of her belongings. Currently on sabbatical, Cheryl is embracing this next chapter with curiosity and joy.Learn what surprised her most about Albanian culture, and how she’s building community in her new home city. If you feel that moving abroad is too expensive, too complicated, or that you've waited too long, Cheryl's story will give you hope! In this episode:Cheryl’s “good enough” life before making the move abroadHer method of downsizing and the emotional challenges of moving abroadSome of the pros and cons of living in AlbaniaWhat Cheryl loves most about living in TiranaWhy taking a scouting trip to Albania is an essential stepWatch episode 67 on YouTubeThank you to our sponsor, International Living

At 51, Patricia Brooks traded her corporate paycheck for life in a small town in southern France. A seasoned problem-solver with many years of experience as project manager and a certified coach, Patricia started a business, The Courage Catalyst. Passionate about instilling confidence and courage in others, Patricia now empowers women to confidently pursue their dreams of living abroad.Patricia discusses pathways for long-term stays and entrepreneurship in France. And she confirms that knowing your core motivation ("your why") is essential for navigating the challenges that come with moving abroad. Her story and expert guidance offer real encouragement for anyone dreaming of an international adventure, proving it's not too late to create a life you love in a new country.In this episode:Patricia's unexpected desire to learn French and decision to move to FranceAnxieties around leaving a corporate paycheck and the importance of running the numbersFrance’s long-stay visitor visa and the profession libérale (freelancer) visaCreating her business, The Courage Catalyst, to help other women move abroadThe importance of knowing your "why" for moving abroadWhere to find Patricia:TheCourageCatalyst.comYouTube: @PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalystInstagram: @thecouragecatalyst⁠Facebook: The Courage CatalystResources:France’s Long Stay VisaFrance’s profession libérale visaWatch episode 65 on YouTubeThank you to our sponsor, International Living.

This episode from the archive features author and She Hit Refresh member Lori Tharps just before her 2021 move from the U.S. to Spain with her husband and two children. At that time, Lori was just 9 days away from hopping on a plane and making her life abroad dream with her family a reality! Lori gives us an insight into those final days of closing up shop on your life in one country and prepping for a big move with your family to another continent. And we’ll be posting an episode this season where we’ll catch up with Lori to see how it’s going now that she’s settled into her life in Spain.In this episode:How Lori's love affair with Spain startedWhy she’s moving to Spain at age 49Why she left her tenured faculty positionHow her kids feel about moving abroadHow Lori and her husband will support themselves abroadHer experience as a Black woman in SpainWhat the last 9 days of her life in the U.S. were likeAbout LoriLori L. Tharps is an author, journalist, educator, and podcast host who uses her words to spark conversation and change around issues of race and diversity. She is the author of the book, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America and a memoir, Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain, and she has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Essence, and Glamour. Lori is the mother of three, can say “I love you” in seven languages, and considers any independent bookstore her happy place. Connect with Lori:Website: My American Melting Pot Reed, Write, and Create podcast Instagram: @loriltharpsThank you to our season sponsor, ⁠⁠International Living⁠⁠!

Cepee speaks with Denise, who moved from the US to the Netherlands in her 50s on the DAFT visa. A certified project manager and Prosci-certified change manager, Denise is launching her management consulting business, Pastel Fire Business Consulting, while navigating life in her new home. Denise's story will inspire you to pursue your dreams, no matter your age!In this episode:How divorce and tech layoffs led to a turning pointThe fear, excitement, and uncertainty of preparing for a move abroadDAFT visa requirements, benefits, and limitationsFinding housing in the Netherlands’ competitive rental marketDenise's advice for women in their 50s who want to move abroadWhere to find Denise:Pastel Fire Business ConsultingYouTube: @TrippingtheBrightFantasticMentioned in this episode:I want to take care of me: Why more American women are moving abroad for a better life (USA Today)Watch episode 61 on YouTubeThank you to our season sponsor, International Living!

Michelle Coulson is CEO and founder of Remote Rebellion, a company that teaches people how to get remote work and design their lives with freedom and flexibility. In this episode, Michelle shares actionable tips on how to get a remote job, common mistakes to avoid, and the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle. Originally from the UK, Michelle worked as a recruiter for seven years. During lockdown, she was required to work remotely, so she took advantage and moved from London to Bali.Then in 2021, when the dreaded “return to office” call came, she said NO. She quit her job and set up Remote Rebellion. Since then, she’s empowered hundreds of people to get remote jobs that align with their values. In this episode:Michelle's path from a traditional job in London to working remotely in BaliWhy Michelle founded Remote RebellionDebunking misconceptions about remote workCommon mistakes job seekers make Tips for landing remote rolesStrategies to stand out in the competitive remote job marketWhy taking breaks and prioritizing self-care is crucial in the job search processConnect with Michelle:remoterebellion.com LinkedIn: Remote RebellionInstagram: @remote_rebellionWatch episode 59 on YouTubeLooking to move to Europe?Get your copy of ⁠"I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe"⁠ at https://shehitrefresh.com/visaguide. Join our ⁠She Hit Refresh Facebook group⁠, get more tips and advice on how to hit refresh at ⁠⁠shehitrefresh.com⁠⁠, and follow us on Instagram at ⁠@shehitrefresh⁠⁠.The Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass is a four-day live training covering the essential steps to moving abroad, from visa options to mindset work. Join the waitlist at http://shehitrefresh.com/masterclassThank you to our season sponsor, International Living!

Nicole is a 44-year-old American who moved from California to Portugal, sight unseen, with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Before moving, Nicole was successful in convincing her employer to let her work remotely from overseas. Three years later, she’s happily living in Porto, learning the language, building a community, and sharing her immigrant journey on Instagram. She has no regrets about her decision to move and enjoys the slower pace of life, affordability, and safety in her new home country. In this episode:Why Nicole and her husband chose Portugal over other optionsDifferences between Portugal’s D7 visa and digital nomad visaHow Nicole made a strong case to her employer that enabled her to work remotelyUsing an EOR (employer of record) company to handle taxes and complianceHow she found her apartment in PortoChallenges of making local friends and the importance of expat communitiesEOR (Employer of Record) Companies:DealNative Teams RemoteWhere to find Nicole:Nicole shares her immigrant journey, and insights into what life is like in Portugal as a foreigner, on Instagram at @NicoleinPortugal.Watch episode 57 on YouTubeThank you to our season sponsor, ⁠ International Living⁠!Looking to move to Europe?Get your copy of I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe. Join our She Hit Refresh Facebook group, get more tips and advice on how to hit refresh at ⁠shehitrefresh.com⁠, and follow us on Instagram at @shehitrefresh⁠.Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass: A four-day live training covering the essential steps to moving abroad, from visa options to mindset work. Join the waitlist at shehitrefresh.com/masterclass.

Masha is an American marketing executive from New York City. After nearly 15 years of working in advertising as a public relations specialist, community manager, social media expert and strategist, Masha decided to take a sabbatical abroad for a year with her husband and cat Trudy. Masha and her husband now live in Valencia, Spain, where they spend their days immersed in the culture, reading, creating art, and living life without the Sunday scaries. Masha believes that everyone should have the opportunity to take time off beyond a 2-week vacation or a work-sponsored sabbatical.In this EpisodeLife challenges that inspired Masha and her husband to pivotTheir planning process for moving abroadWhy Masha and her husband chose Valencia, SpainThe benefits of taking a break from work in your 30sTips on building community and meaningful relationships Where to find Masha:TikTok: @mashadanielleInstagram: @mashadanielleWatch episode 55 on YouTubeAbout CepeeCepee Tabibian, Founder of She Hit Refresh and a citizen of the world, was born and raised in the U.S. by a Colombian mother and Iranian father. While Houston, Texas, will always be home, she relocated to her favorite country in the world, Spain, in 2015 at 35 years young and hasn’t looked back. Her mission is simple: to inspire women to take bold steps toward the life they’ve always wanted abroad—because you're never too old and it’s never too late to hit refresh.Looking to move to Europe?Get your copy of “I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe.” Join our She Hit Refresh Facebook group, get more tips and advice on how to hit refresh at shehitrefresh.com, and follow us on Instagram at @shehitrefresh.This episode is sponsored by International Living.

Welcome to Season 4 of the She Hit Refresh podcast. A podcast for women age 30 and up who want to break free from routine and start a life of travel. Specifically women who want to move abroad or travel the world long-term. I sit down with women who have made their refresh dreams come true and discuss how and why they moved abroad or hit the road to travel. In this episode I speak with Siobhan Farr who is 65 years young! In early 2020, right before the pandemic, she was embarking on her solo adventure of ‘6 Countries x 6 Months’ in her 60s! She had planned to spend 3 weeks in Ecuador but due to the pandemic that turned into 13 months! She became an unIntentional Digital Nomad which led her to start Digital Nomads Beyond 50; an online community for people in their late 40s+ who are currently travel/working, planning to, or just curious. What we discuss How and why she embarked on her 6 countries in 6 months at 60 What it was like to get be in Ecuador for 13 months during the pandemic How she became an unintentional nomad How she makes a living as a digital nomad Her advice for women 50+ who feel like it's too late to change their life Her community Digital Nomads Beyond 50 and much more! About Siobhan In 2019 she started selling off 30 years of her Dallas, Texas life to begin her nomad years on 4 March 2020. Siobhan was looking forward to adding new countries to the 34 she had already visited. However, the pandemic locked her in the first destination of her ‘6 Countries x 6 Months’ 2020 itinerary. Those initial three weeks in Ecuador stretched to 13 months! As a result, Siobhan pivoted her plans to market and manage her business full-time remotely; she became an Unintentional Digital Nomad. In search of others who are older Location Independents, her personal experience growing a meet-up to 1300 members led her to become the Spark Originator of Digital Nomads Beyond 50. DNB50 is an online community for people in their late 40s+ who currently travel/work, plan to, or are just curious about this life. She turned to her previous profession in corporate Learning & Development to organize the DNB50 Virtual Summit June 2021, 30+ topics presented by 28 experts. This June in Medellin, Colombia she’ll host the first Digital Nomad CoLiveWork specifically designed for older nomads! Siobhan is truly a home-free Digital Nomad. She has no permanent base; her home is wherever I lay my head on the pillow that night. September - December she's back in Dallas to work in-person Medicare and ObamaCare Annual Enrollment. The other eight months of the year, from various global locations, she serves her clients via internet. As a multi-income steam entrepreneur, she publishes the travel blog Bronze Abroad Nomad and, via Amazon, The Ultimate Digital Nomad Travel Planner + Journal series. As a solo Digital Nomad in her 60s, and a woman of color, Siobhan want to inspire others to banish the belief that it's too late to reinvent themselves. Flip the page, the future is still unwritten! Connect with Siobhan on her website Digital Nomads Beyond 50 and join her Facebook group. Looking to move to Europe? Get your copy of I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe.  Join our She Hit Refresh Facebook Group, get more tips and advice on how to hit refresh on our blog and follow us on on Instagram and Twitter. 

Welcome to Season 4 of the She Hit Refresh podcast.  A podcast for women age 30 and up who want to break free from routine and start a life of travel. Specifically women who want to move abroad or travel the world long-term. I sit down with women who have made their refresh dreams come true and discuss how and why they moved abroad or hit the road to travel. In this episode I speak with Christine Job, 35 years young, originally from Atlanta but after experiencing a severe bout of "burnout" she took the leap abroad and landed in Spain where she has been flourishing ever since. Listen in to hear about her journey and how she's been able to create a beautiful life and sustainable business abroad. What we discuss How burnout led her to move abroad The life affirming experience of walking the Camino de Santiago How she went from teaching English in Spain to Entrepreneurship How she helps Black women & WOC create sustainable businesses How living abroad can be a pathway to wellness Creating a life on your own terms and the work that comes with it Why we should listen to the little nudges and ideas that come to us Why it's important to stay curious, get clarity, and be honest with ourselves About Christine Christine Job is a Business Strategist & Host of the "Flourish in the Foreign" podcast which elevates & affirms the voices & stories of Black women living & thriving abroad. Her podcast also explores living abroad as a pathway to wellness. As a Business Strategist, she helps Black women & WOC leverage their talents & expertise into viable & sustainable online businesses. She believes that you can be both professionally fulfilled and financially abundant while you pursue a thriving life abroad. She is originally from Atlanta, but after experiencing a severe bout of "burnout" she took the leap abroad and landed in Spain where she has been flourishing ever since. Connect with Christine on her website Flourish in the Foreign, Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Looking to move to Europe? Get your copy of I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe.  Join our She Hit Refresh Facebook Group, get more tips and advice on how to hit refresh on our blog and follow us on on Instagram and Twitter. Check out our Forbes feature: How Americans Can Move To Europe (It’s Easier Than You Think)!