Connect with American Expats Worldwide

According to the US State Department, around 9 million Americans live abroad, and popular destinations for American expats include Mexico and Germany. But what’s the experience of living abroad as an American really like?

It’s common to feel a mix of emotions: excitement about discovering a new culture and way of life, but also homesickness at the same time. You’ll most likely bond with other American expats over what you miss from home: favorite foods like ranch dressing, peanut butter, and mac and cheese from the box, or traditions like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

How to Meet Other American Expats

As you embark on the adventure of living in a new country, it can be very helpful to find others going through similar experiences. That’s why getting to know fellow American expats is so important when you move abroad. Established in 2007, InterNations is the largest expat network with over 4 million members. It’s a trusted community offering a range of experiences that bring global minds together, and Americans are one of the largest nationalities!

Attending InterNations events is a great way to connect with other Americans abroad. You’ll find varied networking opportunities and activities tailored to your hobbies and interests, available both online and in person. The events have a laid-back vibe where you can exchange tips about expat life in your destination and make new friends.

A Few Facts about American Expats

InterNations conducts an annual survey of expats worldwide called Expat Insider, looking at questions like why they moved abroad, how long they plan to stay, and how happy they are.

Here’s what American expats shared about their experiences:

Most American expats move abroad for love: the top reason for relocating was to live in a partner’s home country.

• 75% of American expats feel at home in their destination, compared to the global average of 67%.

• 82% of American expats were satisfied with life abroad, compared to the global average of 76%.

• 43% of American expats say they intend to stay abroad “possibly forever”, compared to the global average of 33%.