Flourish In The Foreign | Black Women Living & Thriving Abroad

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Zamzam Khalfani, a Bahamian educator now in Maputo, Mozambique, shares how leaving Nassau at 20 shaped her identity, faith, and wellbeing. Raised in one of the Bahamas’ first Muslim families, she sought a larger Muslim community and connection to African roots, moving to Senegal to study French and later earning a master’s degree. For professional development and financial fre...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, historian and writer Dr. Richelle Clark describes living abroad for over 20 years and now residing in Oahu, Hawaii. She pursued journalism, landed a Stars and Stripes job in Germany, and deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo. She lived in Brazil, and later, Portugal became her “happy place” and home.

This Episode Covers:

• First Overseas Reporting in Germany
• Landing the Stars and Strip...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Courtney Bowden shares her transformative journey from burnout and grief in the U.S. to finding peace and purpose in Mexico. After the tragic loss of a close friend and feeling disillusioned with the American Dream, Courtney takes a leap of faith to move abroad. She discusses her childhood in a sundown town in Michigan, and the various factors that led her to settle in Mexico’s Yuca...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Meka Walters shares her extraordinary journey of living and working across various countries, from Japan to Burkina Faso to Bhutan. She discusses significant challenges such as losing her job and contracting malaria. She delves into her teaching experiences, spiritual growth through yoga, and her current work with the Bhutan Wine Company.

This Episode Covers:

• Early Adventures Abroad: Ja...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Itiah Thomas returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. Itiah delves into her life abroad in Brisbane, from obtaining Australian citizenship to navigating professional evolution. She also shares her thoughts on aging abroad, retirement, and the wellness practices that keep her healthy and happy abroad.

This Episode Covers:

• Major Life Chang...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Niana returns to share her thoughts on "Aging Abroad". Niana's first episode of the show was the very first episode of Flourish in the Foreign. This episode is being released on the 6th anniversary of the show. Celebrate and show your support through Buy Me A Coffee or by becoming a paid Substack subscriber.

Niana has been living in the Netherlands for eight years (abroad 13 total). She sh...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Dr. Tiffany Lashelle Smith returns to share what she has been up to since our last conversation. She discusses the impact of pursuing her PhD and the evolution of her identity as a Black American woman living internationally. Tiffany reflects on aging, family relationships, and the concept of migration as a form of liberation. She delves into her personal experiences, highlighting ho...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Roxana Bangura shares her extensive experiences navigating Black identity through her life and travels. Growing up in the Bronx to West African immigrants, Roxana reflects on her family’s immigrant journey, her education in journalism and international relations, and her travels across Europe, West Africa, and Mexico. She explores the complexities of Blackness in different cultural ...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Keturah Kendrick shares her experiences of living abroad in Rwanda, China, and now Portugal. She discusses her upbringing in New Orleans, her education, and how those experiences foreshadowed her life of international living. Keturah details her thoughts on community building, the importance of having a support system, and offers advice for Black women considering living abroad. She also ...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Candace Smith returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. Seeking a calmer environment, Candace strategically relocated from Istanbul to Málaga, where the favorable weather, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility to resources for her daughter provided the stability they needed. Candace reflects on the importance of self-care, community suppor...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Sienna J. Brown shares her 12-year journey of living abroad, recounting her transition from New York to Murcia and Jávea, Spain. She discusses her struggle with cultural identity, experiences of personal growth, founding a business, and overcoming the challenges of life abroad, including losing her hair to alopecia. She reflects on significant moments, including building a community, rede...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Reva Watson shares her experiences of living abroad, from studying in China to settling in Trinidad. Reva discusses the unexpected obstacles she faced as a new mother in a new country, her academic journey, and how her professional and personal life evolved over 10 years.

This Episode Covers:

• Living and Studying in China
• Transition to Life in Trinidad
• First Year in Trinidad: Challenges an...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Tiandra Burns returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation.

She reflects on residing in Montevideo for seven years, recounts her transformative experiences of living abroad, being laid off, and finding her identity after a significant relationship ended. She highlights her journey through mental health struggles, therapy, and self-discovery. Tia...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Candace Stephens, a 35-year-old Black American who has lived in Denmark for over eight years, shares her journey from growing up in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to studying abroad in Newcastle, Australia, for six months and au pairing outside Paris for over a year. Candace discusses navigating early adjustment in Denmark, learning Danish amid widespread English fluency, and bui...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Khephra White shares what she has been up to in Madrid since our last conversation. She reflects on her career in theater, the transition from teaching to copywriting, and overcoming significant personal losses. Khephra speaks on finding a supportive community in Madrid, engaging in local activism, and her ongoing journey towards health and wellness.

This Episode Covers:

• Theater and Sta...

Support for today’s episode comes from the Center for US Voters Abroad Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization that helps Americans living outside the U.S. vote via absentee ballot. Request your absentee ballot today using their tool here: https://usvotersabroad.org/podcast

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Ayoka B. delves into her experiences of moving to the Caribbean coast...

In this episode, Dr. Rachel V. Brown returns to the show to share her experiences living and working abroad since our last conversation. She reflects on her transition through different countries like Jamaica, the US, Kenya, and Spain before settling in Ghana. Rachel reveals struggles with cultural integration and belonging in Ghana, despite an ancestral connection. She delves into her personal evolution, sharing insights on h...

Support for today’s episode comes from the Center for US Voters Abroad Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization that helps Americans living outside the U.S. vote via absentee ballot. Request your absentee ballot today using their tool here: https://usvotersabroad.org/podcast

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Dione Peart reflects on her journey to living in Mozambique. She shares how her chil...

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Dr. Tayler Ava Friar returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation (S5 Ep 11). She also shares her reflections on living between France and Mexico, the importance of community and sisterhood, and how she plans to age well abroad.

This Episode Covers:

• Living Abroad: A Journey Through Continents
• Reflections on Home and Identity
• Perspectives on Aging an...