I Left Russia for Vietnam — I've Never Felt Safer or Happier

#USA I Left Russia for Vietnam — I've Never Felt Safer or Happier What happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a country you've never even visited before? In this episode of Relocated, we meet Paulina, a 28-year-old teacher from Siberia, Russia, who left behind a life that felt stagnant, stressful, and unfulfilling to build a new life in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Living on approximately $1,700 a month, she shares what daily life is really like in Vietnam—from renting an apartment with a skyline view and teaching English in local schools to making friends from around the world, traveling across Asia, and discovering a version of herself she never knew existed. Paulina opens up about the anxiety and depression she struggled with back home, the loneliness of moving abroad alone, and how Vietnam helped her become more confident, social, and fulfilled. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Why she left Russia for Vietnam ✅ Her complete monthly cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City ✅ What it's like teaching in Vietnamese schools ✅ The biggest culture shocks she experienced ✅ Why she feels safer in Vietnam than she ever did back home ✅ How moving abroad improved her mental health ✅ The reality of building a new life alone in another country ✅ The pros and cons of living in Vietnam as a foreigner ✅ Advice for anyone considering relocating overseas Chapters: 00:00 Why I Left Russia for Vietnam 00:53 Meet Paulina: Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,700 a Month 01:30 My Monthly Cost of Living in Vietnam 02:34 Apartment Tour in Ho Chi Minh City 04:44 The Breakup That Changed Everything 05:22 Why I Decided to Move Abroad 06:03 Anxiety, Burnout, and Feeling Stuck in Russia 07:25 My First Impressions of Vietnam 07:51 What Surprised Me Most About Vietnam 08:27 Teaching English in Vietnamese Schools 09:50 The Reality of Working as a Foreign Teacher 11:49 How Running Helped Me Through Loneliness 12:51 Building a New Life Through Hobbies and Friendship 14:01 Why I Avoid the Expat Bubble 14:51 How Vietnam Made Me More Social 15:39 How Moving Abroad Changed My Personality 16:39 My Advice for Anyone Thinking About Relocating 17:19 How My Life Improved After Moving to Vietnam 18:04 Finding the Best Version of Myself Abroad 18:35 Why I Never Regret Leaving Russia for Vietnam Whether you're interested in moving abroad, teaching English overseas, becoming a digital nomad, retiring abroad, or simply looking for a different way of life, this story offers an honest look at what it takes to leave your comfort zone and start over. Executive Producer & Co-Director: Jordy “Comes Alive” Trachtenberg Director : Captain Hayford Production: 1Circle Production Cinematography :Thuong Nguyen Color Grading : Relocated Special Thanks to : Aaron Subscribe to Relocated :    / @relocatedd   About Relocated Relocated is a documentary series that follows the emotional, financial, and cultural journeys of people who leave their home countries to build new lives abroad. Each episode explores why they left, where they went, how they adapted, and what life really looks like after the move—from housing and cost of living to identity, safety, family, and personal freedom. Through real apartment tours, day-in-the-life storytelling, and honest conversations, Relocated goes beyond the highlight reel to show the truth behind starting over in a new country. The series documents expats, creatives, families, and solo movers navigating unfamiliar systems, new cultures, and the trade-offs that come with choosing a different life. Relocated isn’t about escaping—it’s about redefining success, regaining control, and discovering what “home” means when you choose it for yourself. #relocated #usa #livingabroad #costofliving #vietnam #motivation #inspiration #life #retirement #us #costofliving #Vietnam #CostOfLiving #FamilyOfSix #LivingAbroad #ExpatLife #Relocated #WebnationAfrica