A Life Abroad in Brazil, Portugal, and Germany with Richelle Clark
SEASON 7 EPISODE 20 |Flourish in the Foreign - Black Women Living & Thriving Abroad
Historian and writer Dr. Richelle Clark describes living abroad for over 20 years.
Meet Richelle
Dr. Richelle Larice Clark is a Historian, writer, and artist who has lived abroad for 20 years. She lived in Portugal, Germany, and Brazil. She believes continual metamorphosis helps women embrace their calling and life’s work.
Connect with Richelle
Website:richellelclark.com
What resources (books, blogs, services, apps) did you utilize to help you go abroad & thrive abroad?
There is a WhatsApp group called Black in Portugal; Culture Shock! Books on various countries, travel books like Rick Steve’s Europe, Lonely Planet, and Eyewitness Travel. Find an expat group and join it ASAP!
What's something you wish people would ask you about your life abroad?
Why was my time abroad more substantive than living in America? Why living abroad unshackled me from the expectations, roles, and perceptions some people have about Black women in America? Can you feel true freedom, joy, and peace living in a foreign country?
What wellness practices/mindset shifts have you adopted to support your wellness, sustainability, and longevity abroad?
I started running half marathons when I moved to Portugal. Running was my meditation and time to connect with God and examine thoughts and expectations. I also began walking near the sea, long beach strolls a few times a week. The sea air and walks inspired me to write poetry and gave me peace and calmness that I didn’t know I needed. I also felt closer to God. The peace I found walking helped me to start painting again. And painting helped me come to terms with and heal from some lingering wounds.
What is the motto (affirmation, prayer, poem, song lyrics, etc.) that you live by?
You are worthy of all the good things life and love have to offer; All things work together for good for them that love God, who are called according to his purpose (no time is wasted, and we can learn from and use it all!)
This Episode Covers:
First Overseas Reporting in Germany
Landing the Stars and Stripes Job
Covering Kosovo as a Black Woman
Brazil Move and Language School
Moving to Portugal
Integrating Family and Starting a PhD
Portuguese Academic Culture Lessons
Portugal as Home and Identity Reset
Blackness Abroad vs America
Migration as Freedom Mindset
Episode Credits:
Christine Job-Creator & Host
Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
Subscribe to the Substack:https://christinejob.substack.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these next:
40 Years of Pursuing Passions and Finding Wellness in Mallorca with Michele McCain
Longevity Abroad with Eleanor Mayrhofer in Munich, Germany
Be Sure to Follow Flourish in the Foreign on Social Media