What if your next life chapter started with one bold decision, a passport, and a dream?

Shayna Greene has spent years building a career, a lifestyle, and a sense of self across China, Taiwan, Japan, Ecuador, Germany, and more—and she breaks down exactly how she did it.

Here I sit down with Shayna for a raw, practical, and inspiring conversation about living abroad, teaching overseas, and turning travel into a full way of life.

From Trinidad to the US to Asia and now Europe, Shayna shares how anime sparked her fascination with Japan, how a sister’s move to China opened the first door, and how she kept saying yes to new countries, new contracts, and new versions of herself.

You’ll discover:

How to get started teaching abroad with a TEFL or CELTA

What it actually takes to work in China, including the documents, passport requirements, and recruiter process

Why salary, benefits, housing, and cost of living matter just as much as the country itself

How solo female travel in Asia really feels, from safety to community to confidence

Why she moved from China to Germany, and what it means to pivot after years in one path

Shayna also gets specific about the realities most people skip: passport bias in recruiting, negotiating your value, choosing between schools and recruiters, and how to spot the difference between a dream destination and a place that fits your real goals.

If you’ve ever wondered whether teaching abroad is still worth it, how to make long-term travel sustainable, or what it looks like to build a life overseas without losing your identity, this episode gives you the roadmap.

This one is especially for dreamers, teachers, solo travelers, and anyone who knows they want more from life but isn’t sure how to begin.

Shayna’s story proves that you do not need to have it all figured out to start moving. Sometimes the first step is just being brave enough to go.

Connect with Shaya at @shayna_smiley on IG

In this episode of the Village Voices podcast, host Don-Juan Acosta reflects on his transformative journey over the past year, transitioning from living in Thailand to starting a new chapter in Qatar. He shares his emotional experiences, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that led him to make significant life decisions. Don-Juan discusses the importance of self-reflection, the feeling of stagnation in his job, and the courage it took to embrace change. He emphasizes the role of faith and surrendering to a higher power in guiding his decisions, ultimately leading to a fulfilling opportunity in Qatar Throughout the episode, Don-Juan recounts his experiences living abroad for nearly eight years across four countries, highlighting the highs and lows of his journey. He reflects on the comfort and peace he found in Thailand, the struggles with self-doubt, and the excitement of new beginnings.If you’re thinking about living abroad, teaching overseas, or making a bold career or life change, this episode offers real insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom from lived experience.

If you’re from the Caribbean or anywhere in the world and thinking about teaching, working, or living in Southeast Asia, my book Unlocking Southeast Asia is a practical, experience-based guide to help you get started.

Inside the book, I share:

How to prepare before moving abroad

What life is really like in Southeast Asia

Teaching and work opportunities

Cultural insights, mistakes to avoid, and real lessons learned

Practical advice especially helpful for first-time expats

👉 Get your copy here:https://nas.io/the-global-village/products/pdkg

This book is for anyone ready to stop dreaming and start building a life abroad.

In this episode, I sit down with my brother, Aaron Acosta, a talented chef whose culinary journey has taken him across the Caribbean. Growing up in Trinidad, Aaron discovered a passion for food that led him to Guyana, where he became head chef at the iconic Hard Rock Café.

His journey didn’t stop there, he later moved to St. Kitts to open and lead another Hard Rock Café, taking on new challenges and opportunities along the way.

Aaron shares the ups and downs of life as a traveling chef, from culture shocks to career breakthroughs, and how he built his reputation across three vibrant islands.

This conversation is packed with stories, insights, and inspiration for anyone passionate about food, travel, and chasing big dreams.

In this powerful episode of Village Voices, meet Adana Phillip , a Caribbean woman living boldly beyond borders. Originally from Trinidad, Adana launched her global journey in Dubai, building a career in luxury hospitality. After getting married, life took her to the Cayman Islands, then to Italy, where she now lives and thrives.Adana didn’t stop at relocating, she traveled to Thailand to complete her TEFL certification and now balances remote work, entrepreneurship, and family life. Today, she is the proud owner of Adalina Luxury Suite, a stunning boutique escape in southern Italy and she’s currently embracing a new chapter as an expecting mother.This episode dives into her transformation, the lessons learned through culture, love, and building a business from the ground up — all while staying rooted in her Caribbean identity.✨ Want to stay connected or book a stay?🌐 Website: ⁠https://adalinaluxurysuite.com⁠🏨 ⁠Adalina on Booking.com⁠: www.booking.com/hotel/it/adalina-luxury-suite.html?activeTab=main📸 Instagram: ⁠@danz._.p⁠📘 Facebook: Adana Phillip🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories from Caribbean expats changing their lives across the globe.#VillageVoicesPodcast #TrinidadToItaly #CaribbeanExpats #BlackWomenAbroad #ExpectingMom #DigitalNomadLife #TEFLAbroad #ItalyLiving #AdalinaLuxurySuite #DiasporaStories

In the inaugural episode of the Village Voices podcast, host DJ shares his personal journey from Trinidad to living abroad in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. He reflects on the challenges he faced, including the loss of his father, the responsibilities that followed, and the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a life of travel and teaching. Through his experiences, DJ emphasizes the importance of resilience, seizing opportunities, and learning from adversity, aiming to inspire others to carve their own paths.

Key Takeaways

The journey of migration often begins with a personal story.

Facing loss can lead to unexpected responsibilities and growth.

Traveling abroad can be a transformative experience.

Opportunities for teaching abroad are often underexplored in the Caribbean.

Resilience is key in overcoming life's challenges.

It's important to seek out information and resources when planning to travel.

Every challenge can lead to a valuable lesson or opportunity.

In this special first episode of Village Voices, the mic flips as DJ, host of the podcast and seasoned Trinidadian expat, is interviewed by Adana Philip about his new guidebook, Unlocking Southeast Asia.

From the decision to leave Trinidad and Tobago to the highs, lows, and lessons of living across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, DJ opens up about what it truly means to start over in a foreign land. This isn’t just a book about travel. It’s a story of transformation, cultural connection, and boldly stepping into the unknown.

Tune in as DJ opens up about:

Whether you’re thinking of moving abroad, chasing a dream, or just curious about life outside the norm, this episode is your invitation to explore.