The American Who Felt Pulled by South East Asia

The American Who Felt Pulled by South East Asia

I’m living in:

Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

A bit about me:

My name is Stephanie. I am an American expat living, teaching, and playing in Southeast Asia. I have an affinity for leading a life of service, collecting and sharing stories, documenting as much of life as I can, and getting lost. Coffee helps.

How long have you lived there?

I have lived in Southeast Asia since November 2013, but have lived in Yangon since February 2015. Before I relocated to Myanmar, I lived in Thailand for a year where I, also, served as a teacher!

Why did you move?

I fell in love with the culture, the people, the rawness, and the gritty, jarring beauty of it all during a visit to Yangon and Bagan in April 2014. My work, also, brought me here. It’s such a fascinating time for Myanmar. The country is experiencing such a shift and transition. I felt pulled, like I was supposed to be here, so here I am!

Why I like living here?

Life in Myanmar is hard, raw, beautiful, and unapologetic. Life happens every day, in so many unexpected ways and I can’t get enough of it. I’m relentlessly challenged, shaped, transformed, and humbled. I love it. The local people are so wonderful, the expat community is eclectic, the food is yummy, and there is a lot to look at and so, so many stories to collect.

Accommodation options:

The majority of people live in apartments/flats. On average accommodation is quite basic, but I think still very comfortable. Western-style toilets and heated water is available in many places in Yangon!

What do you enjoy doing with your time?

Myanmar is rich in culture and history. There is so much to take in from stunning temples to breathtaking landscapes. I, also, just enjoy spending time with friends, going to the gym, trekking the Yangon streets, snapping photos, and exploring as much as I can. There is a great social scene here in Yangon. Lots of fun bars, great restaurants, fascinating people, film festivals, art galleries, and dancing. There is something in Myanmar for everyone!

What top tips do you have for anyone considering a move?

For anyone considering a move abroad, in general, I definitely recommend just exploring your reasons for wanting to go first, do it for the right reasons, do it for you. Don’t have expectations; go with an open mind and heart. Have a financial safety net if at all possible! For anyone considering a move to Myanmar, know that this place will make your head spin in both good and not so good ways. Come. Magic exists here.

What do you wish you’d known before you moved?

I wish I had known more logistics per accommodation. I was unaware that a year’s worth of rent would be expected up front when I found myself unexpectedly seeking a new place to live. The Internet connectivity is quite poor, so if you’re able to establish a hot spot on your phone I recommend trying to do that!

What’s the best thing about being an expat?

For me, it’s the people you meet along the way. Cliché, but true! There’s something about being an expat that allows you to connect with humanity and the world in such a unique way. I treasure the stories and people I have collected, the chance encounters with strangers that have held deep purpose, the indescribable moments where I’ve felt so alive and thankful.

How do you keep a little bit of home with you as an expat?

Maintaining a connection to home is extremely vital for me. Photos, letters, my grandmother’s blouse, a small vial of my mother’s perfume. Things like this keep home with me in a tangible way.