Our Story

Together, we’ve explored Costa Rica, Jamaica, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, and plenty of places across the U.S. Some trips were pure luxury (shoutout to family vacations with my dad), others were budget-friendly adventures, but every single one was unforgettable.

Victoria

Growing up, adventure was in my DNA. My dad has a deep love for exploring new places, and that curiosity was passed straight down to me. Summers were often spent on the North Carolina coast with his side of the family, where I fell in love with the idea of discovering new places, meeting new people, and soaking in different ways of life. That love for exploration has never left me.

I originally earned my degree in education, but when my dad passed away in 2021, my passion for teaching faded. Since then, I’ve bounced between different careers–ones that felt right at first, until they weren’t. But after having our daughter, that love for teaching reignited, and now I’m blending it with my love for travel and culture in a way that finally feels right.

Zach

Before meeting Victoria, my travel experience was mostly limited to Ohio and the surrounding states. But all it took was our first trip together to light a spark–suddenly, adventure was our thing. Now, I’m just as eager to explore as she is, especially when history and hiking are involved. If there’s an old castle, ancient ruin, or museum nearby, you can bet I’m dragging us there.

I’ve spent years in management roles, often feeling stuck in a career path that didn’t inspire me. Our move abroad is my chance to hit reset. I’m taking on the role of stay-at-home dad, creating an incredible bond with our daughter while finishing my degree online and exploring new interests along the way.

Aelin

Meet Aelin, or as we like to call her—Bean. At almost 2 years old, she’s a curious little adventurer who loves snacking (blueberries and watermelon are her faves), walking everywhere, and discovering new places. While she’s going to miss her family and friends back home, she’s more than ready to dive into this big, exciting adventure abroad.

We can’t wait to see how she grows in this new chapter.

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About the Blog

Expat Eley is our way of documenting the highs, lows, and hilariously awkward moments of moving abroad as a family. This blog isn’t just about travel—it’s about embracing change, navigating new cultures, and figuring out how to raise a tiny human in a foreign country (without completely losing our minds). We want to inspire, inform, and entertain anyone who’s ever dreamed of living somewhere new—whether you’re actively planning your move or just living vicariously through others.

Here, you’ll find a mix of:

• Travel Adventures – The places we go, the things we learn, and the occasional travel mishap.
• Parenting Abroad – Raising a toddler in a new country, cultural differences in parenting, and the chaos that comes with it.
• ESL Teaching – Victoria’s experiences teaching abroad, tips for fellow educators, and the realities of classroom life.
• Daily Life Antics – The everyday wins, challenges, and funny moments of adjusting to expat life.

Who This Blog is For

If you’re a parent, teacher, traveler, expat, or someone dreaming of moving abroad, you’re in the right place (we accept all others welcoming though!). Whether you’re looking for practical tips, relatable stories, or just a good laugh at our expense—we’ve got you covered.

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Connection to China

So, why China? For us, it was a mix of adventure, opportunity, and the thrill of stepping into the unknown. We wanted a place that felt completely different from what we were used to—somewhere that would challenge us, excite us, and push us to grow. But beyond that, China offered something that we couldn’t ignore: safety, community, and a deep cultural richness that we can’t wait to immerse ourselves in. Another honorable mention is the low cost of living.

As we’re preparing for the move, we’re starting to make connections on Xiaohongshu (RedNote), a social platform that has helped us connect with locals, fellow expats, and people who have been incredibly welcoming. This sense of community is making the transition feel less daunting and more like an adventure waiting to unfold.

As we settle in, we’re excited to explore, learn, and share our experiences—both the smooth moments and the hilarious lost-in-translation ones.

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Follow Our Journey

We’re just getting started on this wild adventure, and we’d love for you to come along for the ride! From travel updates to parenting wins (and fails), we’ll be sharing it all.

You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Coming Soon: Expat Eley Newsletter

Once we’re settled, we’ll be launching a newsletter packed with travel tips, expat insights, and behind-the-scenes stories. Stay tuned!

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Collaborate With Us

We may be new to the expat blogging world, but we’re excited to connect! Whether you’re a fellow traveler, a brand that aligns with our journey, or someone with a great idea for collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.

Opportunities could include:

• Brand partnerships – Travel, parenting, education, and expat life are our focus.
• Guest features – Have a unique expat story or travel experience to share? Let’s chat!
• Sponsored content – We’re open to working with brands that fit our lifestyle and audience.

Got an idea? Reach out! Let’s explore how we can work together.