The Abroad Edit| Life Abroad, Migration& Expat Stories

Introduction Not everyone who struggles in Europe is struggling because the system is against them. Sometimes the real challenge comes from something deeper — the decisions people make after arriving, and the mindset they carry with them. These are patterns I’ve seen through real conversations, personal experiences, and stories shared by other migrants. And the truth is not always easy to accept. Survival vs. Structure Many people arrive in Europe with one mission: survive . Escape hardship. Make money quickly. Change their life immediately. But Europe does not operate on survival thinking. It operates on structure . Documents matter Legal status matters Consistency matters Long‑term planning matters Without structure, survival becomes unstable — and eventually, exhausting. The Cycle That Keeps Repeating Some migrants unknowingly fall into a repeating cycle: They arrive in one country → it feels difficult They move to another → the same challenges appear They move again → still no stab...

Introduction On my way to the dentist in Slovenia, I met three African men walking along the road. One was a Nigerian from the East, and the other two were from Sierra Leone. They stopped me to ask for directions — they wanted to know how to get to the Italian border using trains or buses. At first, I thought they were just regular travellers. But as the conversation continued, I realized what they were really trying to do: cross borders, moving from one country to another in search of better opportunities. The Question That Changed Everything They asked me one simple question: “Will there be police on the way?” That question immediately changed the tone of the conversation. I explained that trains often have police checks, while buses might avoid some checks — but border control still exists. Their Journey So Far I asked where they were coming from and how long they had been in Europe. The Nigerian man told me he had been in Europe since 2019, moving through Bosnia and Greece. Now he ...

Introduction: Finding a job in Slovenia as a foreigner is possible — but it is not always simple. There are systems, requirements, and expectations you must understand before applying. From my experience, here is what actually works. Legal Status Comes First In Slovenia, most employers require you to already have: A valid residence permit A tax number (Davčna številka) A registered address Work eligibility Without these documents, most applications will not move forward — even if you are highly skilled. Employers must follow strict labour and tax regulations, so documentation is the first thing they check. Documents Matter More Than Experience at First Many foreigners are surprised when their CV is ignored despite strong qualifications. The truth is simple: If your legal status is not clear, companies cannot hire you. Once your documents are in order, your experience and skills finally start to matter. You Will Need a Bank Account When you get a job, you must provide bank details for: ...

Introduction In January 2024, I experienced something I wasn’t prepared for at all. Over five banks rejected my attempt to open a bank account in Slovenia—simply because I am Nigerian. What You Need to Open a Bank Account in Slovenia T o open a bank account in Slovenia, you typically need: • A valid residence permit • A Slovenian tax number • A registered address • Either a job contract or a registered business On paper, it sounds simple. In reality, it wasn’t. Revolut Was Not Enough I already had an account with Revolut, but I quickly realized it was not always accepted for salary payments by most employers in Slovenia. Many companies still require a traditional bank account with a physical presence. So I needed a local bank account. The First Rejection After getting a job, I went to my first bank to open an account. Everything was fine—until they saw my passport. Then I was told I could not open an account because Nigeria is on a flagged list. I was shocked. Five Bank...

When I left Lagos for Slovenia, I wasn’t just changing countries—I was changing the rhythm of my entire life. Lagos raised me with noise, colour, community, and chaos. Slovenia welcomed me with silence, mountains, and a pace so slow it felt like time had stretched itself out just for me. I didn’t know it then, but this move would become the beginning of my soft life. 🇸🇮✨A New World: From Lagos Energy to Ljubljana Calm Slovenia shocked me at first. Not because it was strange, but because it was quiet . No honking. No street vendors calling out. No neighbours blasting Afrobeats on a Saturday morning. Instead, I found: postcard‑perfect mountains clean, walkable streets fresh food from local markets and silence—real silence At first, I missed the noise. But slowly, I realised peace is also a kind of music. Slovenia taught me that slow doesn’t mean boring. Slow can mean beautiful 🧕🏾Standing Out: Being a Black Woman in a Small European Country Let’s be honest—I stand out here. Sometimes ...

 Introduction This €50 in my hand might not seem like much — but its meaning changes depending on the system around it. Recently, I received an official email from the tax office confirming I am entitled to approximately €1,500 in tax refunds for 2025. The process is structured, transparent, and the payment is scheduled directly into my account in May 2026. That moment made me reflect deeply — not just on money, but on systems, accountability, and what citizens receive in return for what they contribute . Understanding the Value of €50 in a Functional System In many European systems, €50 may cover a few days of essentials like food, transportation, or basic living costs depending on lifestyle and location. But beyond the monetary value, what stands out is the structure behind it: Clear tax records Predictable refund systems Social safety nets Institutional accountability Support mechanisms in times of unemployment or hardship These systems don’t eliminate struggle — but they pr...

Introvert–Extrovert Blend I’m a mix of quiet and wild — one moment craving solitude, the next ready for spontaneous adventures. It’s a full‑time party in my head, and both sides always show up. Fashion Rebel I rarely buy clothes. My wardrobe is so outdated I could pass for a stylish time traveler. But hey, vintage never dies, and I’m saving money while keeping thrift stores alive   Heel Addict Shoes — especially heels — are my weakness. They turn me into a glamorous, slightly wobbly supermodel. If you see someone wobbling with confidence, that’s me living my best elevated life. Luxury Essentials Lover Heels, bags, and perfumes are my holy trinity. If you’re looking for my most expensive items, that’s exactly where you’ll find them. I don’t care much for makeup, and if “slaying for the gram” were a full‑time job, I’d be fired on day one — the stress alone would finish me. But when it comes to parties, I’m the life of it. No makeup needed, just vibes. Lessons in Chaos Life throws ch...

Moving to Slovenia was never part of my original life plan—but life has a way of surprising you. In October, I packed my bags and relocated to Slovenia to join my partner, who is Slovenian. It was a huge step into the unknown: a new country, a new culture, and a completely different system to navigate. But I kept asking myself one question: What happens if I don’t take this chance? Why I Decided to Move to Slovenia The decision wasn’t easy. Leaving behind familiarity, comfort, and routine is never simple. But sometimes, growth requires stepping outside of everything you’ve ever known. For me, it was about love, curiosity, and the desire to experience life from a completely new perspective. 👉 Have you ever made a big life decision that completely changed your path? My First Impressions of Slovenia Slovenia is peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly calm. The landscapes are stunning, and there’s a quiet rhythm to life here that feels very different from what I was used to. But adjusting h...