The Thriving Abroad Circle

A trusted community for internationals who want to thrive—not just survive—abroad.

Once a month, we come together online to pause, reflect and have meaningful conversations about life, work and everything in between. No pressure. No presentations. No networking agenda. Just honest conversations & a monthly rhythm of connection and reflection with people who understand what it's like to build a life across cultures.

Hosted by Natália Leal

Coach, trainer and facilitator, passionate about helping internationals build fulfilling lives and careers abroad.

Become a Founding Member

We believe that thriving abroad isn't something we achieve alone.

Every international journey is unique, yet many of the questions we carry are surprisingly similar. Sometimes what we need most isn't another expert or another strategy. It's a trusted circle of people who listen without judgement, share honestly and remind us that we're not navigating this journey on our own.

That's why this community exists.

Why this Circle?

Living abroad can be exciting, rewarding... and sometimes surprisingly lonely.

Even after years abroad, many internationals still wish they had a place where they could speak openly, exchange experiences and reflect with people who genuinely understand their journey.

The Thriving Abroad Circle was created to be that place.

Not because anyone has all the answers.

But because we all grow when we have space to think, listen and learn together.

What makes this different?

This isn't another webinar.

It isn't networking.

It isn't group coaching.

It isn't therapy.

Instead, it's a carefully facilitated monthly rhythm of connection and reflection where every member contributes to the experience.

Everyone arrives with different stories.

Everyone leaves with new perspectives.

What happens each month?

Every Circle follows a simple and familiar rhythm, designed to create depth without pressure.

We meet online on the last Thursday of each month for a 60-minute facilitated conversation.

Each session includes:

  • a short check-in to arrive and connect

  • a light theme or reflection prompt introduced by the facilitator

  • an open conversation where members can share experiences and reflections

  • a closing moment to take away one insight or intention into the month ahead

No preparation is required. You are always welcome to join in whatever way feels right for you on the day — whether actively participating or simply listening.

Between sessions, the Circle continues gently through a short monthly reflection email prompt. This offers a simple question or idea to reflect on in your own time, if and when it feels useful. There is no expectation to respond or take action — it simply helps maintain a light thread of reflection between meetings.

This rhythm keeps the Circle grounded, consistent and easy to integrate into everyday life while living abroad.

How it works

The Thriving Abroad Circle follows a simple monthly rhythm that keeps things light, consistent and meaningful — without becoming time-consuming.

1. Monthly Circle (live session)

We meet online on the last Thursday of each month for a 60-minute facilitated conversation.

Each session includes:

  • a short check-in

  • a light theme or reflection prompt

  • an open conversation

  • a closing reflection

No preparation is required.

You can join fully or simply listen.

2. Between sessions (light reflection)

Between meetings, the Circle continues in a very light way.

Once a month, you receive a short reflection prompt by email — something to pause with in your own time, if and when it feels useful.

There is no pressure to respond or participate. It simply keeps the thread of reflection alive.

3. Seasonal rhythm

The Circle runs across the year with natural pauses.

There are typically 10–12 live sessions annually, aligned with a monthly rhythm, with space to slow down during holiday periods.

This creates a sustainable pace that supports reflection rather than constant activity.

Why this matters

This rhythm keeps the Circle:

  • light, not demanding

  • consistent, not fragmented

  • meaningful, not noisy

  • easy to integrate into real life abroad

Our Community Agreement

The Circle works because every member helps create a space where people feel safe to be themselves.

By joining, we all agree to:

  • Keep conversations confidential.

  • Listen with curiosity and respect.

  • Speak from our own experience rather than giving unsolicited advice.

  • Respect different backgrounds, opinions and life choices.

  • Contribute to a welcoming atmosphere where everyone has space to participate.

  • Remember that progress often begins with reflection, not with having all the answers.

The role of the host

I, Natália Leal, host and guide each session, introduce the monthly theme and help create a thoughtful and welcoming atmosphere.

Sometimes I'll bring coaching questions, practical tools or evidence-based insights.

Most importantly, I'll help ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and that conversations remain respectful, engaging and valuable for everyone.

The Circle is intentionally built around collective learning rather than individual coaching.

Who is this for?

The Thriving Abroad Circle is for internationals who want to continue growing personally and professionally while building meaningful connections with others on a similar journey.

Many of our members are:

  • alumni of the Expat Lighthouse Programme,

  • former coaching clients,

  • professionals living internationally,

  • invited guests who share our values.

This is intentionally a curated community rather than an open public forum.

Founding Membership

During this founding phase, membership is available by invitation only.

Founding Members receive:

  • monthly live Circle sessions

  • access to this growing community

  • the opportunity to help shape the future of the Circle

Founding Member fee

€19.99 per month

or

€199.99 per year

As the community grows, standard membership will become available at a different, higher rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to speak?

Not at all.

Many members choose simply to listen during some sessions.

You're welcome exactly as you are.

Are sessions recorded?

No.

To encourage openness and confidentiality, sessions are never recorded.

Is this coaching?

No.

While I facilitate the conversations, the value comes from the collective wisdom, experiences and reflections of the group.

Can I invite someone?

Possibly.

During this founding stage, membership is by invitation or personal recommendation.

If you know someone who would genuinely contribute to the community, feel free to let me know.

👉 Join us

If you're looking for a thoughtful community where you can pause, reflect and continue growing alongside other internationals, I'd love to welcome you.

Become a Founding Member