Ashley Horstmeier

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Originally from a small town in Idaho, she now calls Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) home

Q + A with Ashley

WHERE ARE YOU FROM IN THE USA?
Born and raised in Kuna, Idaho (small town outside Boise)
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WHERE  ARE YOU CURRENTLY BASED? WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE? 
Currently in Abu Dhabi, UAE. My husband accepted a job offer March 2016 as a defence contractor working on and maintaining helicopters. I followed him in June 2016.    I have a Bachelors of Health Science in Health Education and Promotion from Boise State University and currently working on a certificate in Digital Marking from Shaw Academy. I was seeking employment in Abu Dhabi, but found out I was pregnant with our son- due August 2017. I recently launched The Expatic Life - a blog about my life as an American Expat living in Abu Dhabi. I want to share my experiences and what I’ve learned while living abroad and traveling the world.  

WHAT BROUGHT YOU OVERSEAS?
My husband Nate and I both love to travel and explore new places. Since we’ve met in 2011, we’ve managed to visit a new country every year. We were both born and raised in Idaho and knew we would regret not living abroad at least once in our lives. We knew whether our move here was good or bad, we wouldn’t regret at least trying it and learning from it. Abu Dhabi is a wonderful place for us to start, because it puts us in closer proximity to places we’ve always wanted to visit. We are excited for our son to join us on our adventure living abroad and traveling the world, we plan to include him in our every future adventure.    
 
DID YOU STUDY ABROAD IN THE PAST (OR PRESENT)?
IF SO WHAT PROGRAM AND WHERE? 
I’ve never studied abroad, but I am working on a certificate in digital marketing through Shaw Academy at the moment.
 
ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR FUTURE YOUNG AMERICANS?
Don’t dream, make plans. If you’re passionate about traveling and exploring the world- then make plans and do it! I have always believed you WILL regret not venturing out and doing the things you aspire to do. You will NEVER regret actually making the effort and seeing the world. It may not be easy, but there is always a way. Life is meant to be lived, so live it.
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FOLLOW ASHLEY AS SHE DOCUMENTS HER LIFE IN THE UAE! 
 
http://www.expaticlife.com/
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Visit The Expatic Life Website

Check out other Young American abroad stories from The Middle East