The Great Escape: An Expatriate's Mindset Shift

I’m not sure when it happened. I’m not sure where I was. I’m not even sure who I was with. But a few years ago, I made the decision: I was not going to remain in the UK. Shortly after my epiphany, I began speaking openly about my five-year plan - and two years later, my husband and I were offered teaching roles in Kuwait. We were out!

Since then, I’ve been reading about the increasing number of Britons seeking a better quality of life abroad. Currently the data shows that there are 5.4-5.6 million UK-born people living abroad. I wasn't surprised; last year, international surveys listed England among the least content countries globally. Not just in Europe - the world. People leave for all sorts of reasons, but what drove us? Here were our four:

1. I wanted to have a broader world view. I am passionate about making positive contributions to the world around me. 'So why Kuwait?' I hear you ask. The Middle East seems to be redefining the conversation around education, and we were eager to witness it firsthand - not just to be part of regional change, but to learn in ways that could inform and benefit communities globally. For me, it wasn’t just about relocation. It was about taking what I learn and using it to help create better outcomes wherever I’m able to contribute.

   
   

2. School inspections felt inconsistent, often focusing more on subjective interpretation than on real outcomes. At times I felt that there was a lack of awareness about the challenges many children face, and priorities seemed increasingly driven by their own agendas rather than what young people actually needed. That was one of the reasons I chose to move abroad - I didn’t move abroad to escape those truths, but to create impact without constantly having to justify my presence. I wanted to work in a system where children are the focus and where I could teach without being undermined by distractions and misplaced priorities.

   
   

3. Though some have argued that systemic barriers are a thing of the past, there is much data that shows that institutionalised racism still exists. The riots that occurred in 2024 in the UK were testament to the fact that we still have a lot of work to do in this world. Moving abroad was therefore about choosing an environment where possibility didn’t feel like resistance, and leadership didn’t demand the exhaustion of proving your worth. I left not just for better air, but for space to breathe.

   
   

4. The pursuit of a better quality of life. I had the opportunity to visit my friend a few years ago where she currently works in Dubai. On my fourth visit, the seed that had been planted on my first visit started to take root. What am I doing in the UK? I started to long for warmth, no tax and a safe environment where I could raise future children. Somewhere where the quality of life is better. 

   
   

It’s now been a year since we relocated - and we haven’t looked back. But the experience of living abroad goes far beyond escaping familiar frustrations. It’s about perspective. When you work, connect, and share space with people from around the world, your mindset shifts. You begin adjusting to cultural differences, honouring new ways of thinking, and expanding your sense of self. Even if it’s not a permanent move, I’d recommend the experience to anyone - for the exposure alone.

It has allowed me to see the world from a different perspective and travel to places I never thought I would. Living as an expatriate, has not always been easy - in fact it is a huge transition, but the experiences that I have had - it has definitely been worth it!

Where I’ll be in five years? I’m not sure. But I know this: the journey doesn’t end with geography - it starts with intention.