About This Blog

Through My Eyes: Life in Europe as a Black African Woman

By Folasade

Hi, and welcome to my blog! 🌍

I started this space to share what living in Europe as a Black African woman is like. Moving to a new country can be exciting; it’s a chance to grow, learn, and start fresh. But for some of us, that excitement is quickly mixed with challenges. When we land, we feel that we stand out and are different.

In this post, I’ll share my life in Europe, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. These stories are not just mine; they’re ours. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, I hope you’ll find a piece of yourself here, connecting with our shared experiences.

Living Abroad Through a Different Lens

I’ve lived in Europe for more than twenty years now. It’s been a journey full of surprises, some fun, some tough, but all part of my story.

When people from backgrounds like mine think about moving abroad, we often search online for what to expect. But most of the stories we find are written by people who blend in more easily. They may share the local culture or look like most people in the country. Still, their experiences are often very different from ours.

For those of us who are Black and African, we are often seen as “different” right away because of our skin, our accent, or the way we dress. This changes how people treat us and how we feel in a new place.

Let’s be real: moving to a new country is hard for anyone. There’s culture shock, that confusing feeling when everything around you is unfamiliar. There’s also paperwork, loneliness, and the challenge of making friends. But when you also face racism, stereotypes, and people making unfair assumptions, it can feel even harder.

These topics don’t always appear in expat blogs or travel videos, not because they don’t happen, but because many people haven’t lived them.

Why I Created This Blog

I created this blog to tell the stories that are often left out.

Stories that I couldn’t find in the usual expat spaces. Most relocation blogs don’t talk about navigating microaggressions, cultural assumptions, or the subtle loneliness that comes when you’re constantly misunderstood. I want to fill that gap with honesty, warmth, and practical reflection that can help others feel seen and supported.

This space is for people who don’t always feel seen, those who move abroad and don’t find their experience in the usual guidebooks. It’s for Black women, Africans, and people who know what it’s like to stand out, not blend in.

Whether you’re just dreaming of moving or already living abroad, I hope this blog helps you feel connected and supported.

What I’ll Be Sharing

I live in Denmark — a country full of calm beauty, deep traditions, and quiet challenges. Here, I’ve worn many hats: student, worker, wife, mom, and woman, figuring it all out one day at a time.

On this blog, I’ll talk about:

• Studying and working in Denmark
• Starting over and finding my way in a new culture
• Being seen (or sometimes not seen) because of who I am
• Raising kids in a home with more than one language and culture
• What I’ve learned in classrooms, offices, parks, and kitchens
• Honest talks about race, strength, and becoming the real me

This blog is not a highlight reel. It reflects real life—the ups, the downs, and the lessons in between. I hope it helps you feel understood and less alone in your journey.

🧭 Helpful Resources for the Journey

You’re not alone if you’re a Black African woman living abroad. Here are some excellent podcasts, books, and communities that have been invaluable to me and might be to you, too:

🎧 Podcasts:

• The Black Expat – Real stories from Black people living worldwide.
• Flourish in the Foreign – Focused on wellness and joy for Black women abroad.
• The Global Chatter – Honest chats about culture, identity, and life away from home.

📚 Books:

• African Europeans: An Untold History by Olivette Otele – A powerful look at European Black history.
• Beyond the Shores by Tamara J. Walker – Stories of African Americans who moved overseas.

💌 Let’s Take This Journey Together

If you’ve ever felt out of place or wondered where you belong, this space is for you. Let’s talk honestly. Let’s laugh, cry, and grow together. 💬