How Do You Know If You’re Called to Move Abroad?

How do you know whether you are genuinely called to move abroad?And what happens when the place you thought you were visiting begins to feel like home?In this episode of UnCultured: Work + Relocation, Shauna K. sits down with Nairobi-based cultural travel strategist, creative brand consultant, author, photographer, and founder of See Life Different, Zaakirah Nayyar Muhammad.Zaakirah shares how a planned three-month experience in Kenya became a new way of life for her and her mother. Together, they discuss the spiritual breadcrumbs that can lead someone toward a particular country, the cultural humility required to live abroad well, and the practical realities of building work, relationships, and community in a new environment.They also explore how relocation can reveal parts of your identity that were harder to access at home, why moving overseas does not automatically eliminate financial or emotional challenges, and why the American mindset must sometimes be unlearned before a new life can fully emerge.In this episode:How to know whether a country is calling youMoving from the United States to KenyaTesting relocation through a sabbaticalWork and entrepreneurship abroadCultural respect and ethical tourismBuilding community in a new countryRelocation with aging parentsIdentity, ancestry, and belongingUnlearning Western business cultureCreating a five-year relocation planBlack expat communities in AfricaBuilding a life that supports creativity and purposeIf you have been considering living outside the United States, this conversation will help you move beyond fantasy and begin thinking about relocation as a thoughtful, practical, and deeply personal lifestyle-design decision.Welcome to the Uncultured Show's Work and Relocation Mini-Series, featuring guest speaker Zaakirah Muhammad! Tune in next week for our next guest speaker and episode. Zaakirah Nayyar Muhammad is a formerly Nairobi-based, globally-rooted cultural travel strategist and creative brand consultant. As a childhood eye cancer survivor, she founded See Life Different—a multimedia platform and podcast dedicated to helping underrepresented voices reclaim their stories and shine.Her work blends branding, photography, and holistic coaching to guide clients through clarity, confidence, and purpose. Zaakirah is the author of Seeing Life Through a Different Lens, a TEDx speaker, and a trusted voice in inclusive entrepreneurship. Whether speaking publicly, hosting retreats in East Africa or empowering clients online, she centers joy, spirituality, and cultural pride in all she does. Born in the U.S. Zaakirah has traveled across the U.S., the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. She now bridges the gap between soulful storytelling and ethical tourism. With over 10 years of experience in photography, media, and wellness, Zaakirah doesn’t just guide journeys. She designs them for legacy, reflection, and communityHer Nairobi-based operations connect travelers to authentic Kenyan experiences—highlighting local artisans, food, faith, and Black heritage—while also consulting with international travel brands who want to create more inclusive, sensory-aware, and culturally respectful offerings.After the death of her aunt and uncle, she is back in the U.S. and her mother now lives in Ghana.Please visit my website for more information: https://www.shaunahenson.com▶️Learn more about the show: https://www.shaunahenson.com/show