I Moved Abroad Alone—And I’ve Never Felt More Safe as a Woman
Feature Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash
You’d think the scariest part about moving abroad alone as a woman would be, well… the being alone part. The warnings, the what-ifs, the pepper spray keychains. But the real shocker? I’ve felt safer abroad than I ever did living in the U.S.
And I’m not the only one saying it.
Let’s Talk Numbers (Because the Math Doesn’t Lie)
According to the Global Peace Index, the United States ranks 131 out of 163 countries in terms of safety. That’s below countries like Cuba, Serbia, and Laos.
Meanwhile, countries like Portugal, Japan, Slovenia, and Costa Rica all consistently score higher for peacefulness, personal safety, and low crime rates. Walkability, fewer guns, stronger public transit, and supportive communities make a difference—and women feel it.
Source: Global Peace Index 2024
In the U.S., Hypervigilance Is a Reflex
Walking with keys in hand. Avoiding eye contact. Pretending to be on the phone. These behaviors become second nature. And we don’t even question them until they suddenly… stop.
Living in a smaller European or Southeast Asian town, I realized I wasn’t scanning every alley or holding my breath at gas stations at night. That mental load dropped. And that is the kind of safety no app or alarm system back home ever gave me.
I Expected Loneliness. I Got Community
You think moving solo means you’ll always eat alone. But women abroad build community fast—and it’s often stronger than what we had at home.
From women-led expat groups to WhatsApp threads for local safety tips, there’s an unspoken network of support. I felt protected because I was surrounded by other women who had also made bold, solo choices—and we looked out for each other.
The Freedom Feels… Radical
Going out alone at night? Normal. Wearing what I want? No comments. Saying no? Respected. In places where harassment is less culturally tolerated, it’s wild how quickly your nervous system relaxes.
I’ve been catcalled less in two years abroad than in one month walking around my American college town.
Final Thought
Moving abroad alone didn’t just give me a new address. It gave me peace. And for the first time, I understand what it means to feel safe—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
And that’s not some luxury fantasy. It should be the baseline.
