LiveAbroad.com was originally founded by Ruth Halcomb, who began the project with a simple but compelling idea—to bring together people who wanted to live abroad.
Around 1989, while living in a centrally located suburb of Los Angeles, Ruth thought it would be fun to connect with others interested in living outside the United States. She penned a notice that read, “Want to live abroad? Let’s form a network!” and included her phone number. The LA Times picked it up and featured it in their events column—before she knew it, she had a couple of dozen strangers gathered in her home. They turned out to be some of the most fascinating people she’d met in years, and the group decided to keep meeting.
From a Small Gathering to a Thriving Network
As interest grew, the gatherings quickly outgrew private homes and patios. Ruth began organising meetings in various ethnic restaurants, inviting speakers who could share insights about different countries. Being a writer, she also launched a modest newsletter from her computer, called Network for Living Abroad. The group continued to expand, as did the newsletter. A press release she sent to major newspapers led to a mention in The Washington Post, and soon she had subscribers all across the United States.
It was a thrilling time. At the time, the only comparable platform was International Living, which had entirely different aims. Ruth never expected the project to grow so large, but now she had both the inspiration and the means to travel—across the Atlantic, to Mexico, and throughout Latin America—all inspired by a desire to live abroad.
The print version of the newsletter was published from the early 1990s until 2002. In the late 1990s, Ruth secured the domain liveabroad.com, and by 1999, the website was live. She uploaded articles from past newsletters and introduced a message board to foster community interaction.
Though she never moved overseas herself, Ruth relocated with her partner and son to Santa Fe in 1998, embracing a new chapter of life.
In April 2015, the LiveAbroad.com domain and website were acquired by HelpStay Ltd.
Today, under HelpStay’s stewardship, the original spirit of the platform lives on. It continues to encourage people to live abroad, explore the world, and contribute meaningfully through cultural exchange and volunteering. The site now features a curated selection of the latest volunteering opportunities from the HelpStay community—perfect for those who dream of discovering new places and ways of life.
HelpStay Blog Posts
- How to Escape the Rat Race and Become a Digital Nomad
- Get a Paid Writing Gig with HelpStay
- My Experience Volunteering in Spain with a Spanish Family
- Are You Too Old to Travel?
- A Beginner’s Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Spain
Live Abroad Guides
Live Abroad Exchanges
- Animals & Environment
- Backpacker Hostels & Hospitality
- Building & Restoration Projects
- Farming & Homesteads
- Community Betterment
- Teaching & Language
- Yoga Travel Jobs