After leaving England in 1996, Suzanne turned her lifelong passion for sport, fitness and travel into an extraordinary international career. She worked across 10 countries and spent more than nine years aboard The World, the only private residential ship of its kind, before returning to the UK in 2023. She shares the adventures, sacrifices and lessons of building a life around the world. To learn more, connect with Suzanne Costello on LinkedIn or follow her journey on YouTube.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
From being a teenager I wanted to use my job to travel the world. I also wanted to work in fitness as I have been involved in sport since I was young. My thinking was to work in fitness and sport and travel the world; with my job as my hobby, I’d enjoy every minute. I left England in 1996 and didn’t return until 2023, after working in 10 countries and spending over 9 years on The World, the only resident vessel in the world. I retired and returned to the UK in 2023. I reflect and still cannot believe what an amazing experience and adventure it was. I’m just a kid from Yorkshire who had a dream to travel. I feel super blessed for an amazing journey.
What challenges did you face during the move?
I think leaving your family and friends is always a difficult thing to do. My parents visited me a lot and were totally on my journey which really helped. They were with me every step of the way. I actually loved moving all of the time. It was really exciting and I always used an agency so they make the move very easy.Â
I love meeting people and in hospitality it is so easy as you instantly have colleagues who tend to live close to you. Hospitality is long hours so you spend a lot of time at work which in a way makes it easier. I always became friends with our members, residents, visitors, etc. My job became my life in a really positive way, affording me an amazing opportunity in experiencing the world and its cultures. I truly believe the world is mostly full of beautiful people.
What do you enjoy most about life in your new country?
I loved every minute of it all. It was the best lesson in adapting to many beautiful cultures. I felt I learnt a lot from this. I met my husband who is from Liverpool in Dubai in 2002. We married there which was unbelievable. I loved it all. I still cannot believe how it all worked out. I just started with a dream of seeing the world. Unbelievable. Travelling to all of the places and countries is much more than I could have ever dreamt of.
What is the hardest part of expat life for you / your family?
I missed so many celebrations/events at home whilst I was away. Being away from your family and friends never got any easier, I just had to accept it.
What is your relationship like with locals and other expats?
Absolutely loved integrating with locals and expats. I have kept in touch with so many of my friends; many are also friends of my family which is so special. My jobs gave me access to meet super interesting people who I could learn and develop from.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of making a similar move?
Do it. Give yourself 3 months to settle in. At first it may be difficult, but everything is hard before it is easy. Expats stick together because everyone is away from their families. Asking for help is a sign of strength; reach out.