Meet Angela Blair Cadet, a 35-year-old American expatriate creating change in Belgrade, Serbia. Cadet, who is based in New York, is a native of Massachusetts. Having spent the last eleven years living abroad, she now intends to make this exciting city her long-term home. Her distinctive background and wide-ranging international experience should be a great asset. Now, as a very accomplished relocation consultant, she guides other people through the confusing world of moving to Serbia.
Cadet’s journey began when she was a child. The star was driven by a profound passion for stories and an insatiable lust for life. Books piled all around her, exploding her world of possibility. She had always dreamed of a life outside of the United States. On a high school study abroad trip, she had the chance to travel to Greece, Italy, and France. This experience helped make her dreams seem more real and possible. This experience transformed her resolve to pursue a life abundant with exploration and cultural diversity.
After finishing her undergraduate studies, Cadet experienced a transcendent summer in Quebec, Canada. She went on to get a master’s degree in Israel, which deepened and broadened her perspective and sensibilities even more. Upon finishing her degree, she went on an amazing 16 country excursion through Asia. She has lived and worked in more homogeneous countries including China, Thailand, and Kazakhstan. She is no stranger to displacement, having moved between eight different countries over the years, from Turkey to the U.S. and now France.
It was only in 2022 that Cadet took the leap and moved his base of operations to Belgrade, Serbia. Since then, she’s integrated into the local culture and lifestyle on her journey to creating a thriving business. As a relocation consultant, she primarily assists clients from the U.S. and the United Kingdom who wish to settle in Serbia. During that journey, her work has helped her to understand the challenges and opportunities found on the path of those looking to move abroad.
Cadet usually makes between $1,000-$2,000 per month. Her basic living expenses in Belgrade total around $930 a month, with $583 going to rent. Additionally, the cost of living in Serbia is roughly 47% lower than the average in the States. That’s how she’s able to maintain a prosperous life, all while spending her time and energy helping more people with enthusiasm.
Even with her settled life in Belgrade, Cadet isn’t closing the door on the adventures to come. She aspires to establish international creative residencies. This includes second visits to Thailand and Kazakhstan, as well as big ideas to take her plans to the African continent.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to live abroad. I wanted to have a big, beautiful, amazing life.” – Angela Blair Cadet
Cadet’s experiences have opened her eyes to the many different communities that make up Serbia. She reflects on how so many people are always asking her where she’s come from.
“Since then, I’ve been planning an exit to live abroad. I didn’t know where, but I knew to have this life that I wanted…was going to be outside of the U.S.” – Angela Blair Cadet
She appreciates the warmth and kindness of the people she encounters, emphasizing how it contributes to her sense of belonging.
“I do have aspirations to have residencies in other countries.” – Angela Blair Cadet
These sentiments ring true to her as she maximizes life on the ground in Belgrade. She knows that she is safe and respected in people’s homes and in her community at large.
“But here, I hope Belgrade [will] be my home base.” – Angela Blair Cadet
Looking towards the future, as with most things in life as an expatriate, Cadet understands the unknowns. Her journey has taken her to some surprising places — including Serbia.
“A lot of people are really, really friendly. Many people come up to me…asking like, ‘Where are you from?’” – Angela Blair Cadet
Her determination to return home to Belgrade and make it her own is clear.
“It’s so nice to exist in a place where I’m an American first, I’m a woman and then I just so happen to be Black.” – Angela Blair Cadet
Angela Blair Cadet is lawyer with over fifteen years of advocacy experience and a fierce commitment to ensuring newcomers adapt to their new lives in Serbia. This is what she says that makes her the expat life superwoman. Her story has other people thinking about going to trade school. Perhaps unintentionally, it casts a much broader light on the tremendous personal and professional enrichment that comes from living abroad.
“I feel very safe, I feel very comfortable … it’s really the people that are really kind and friendly that see me as a human being first.” – Angela Blair Cadet
Looking ahead, Cadet acknowledges the unpredictability of life as an expatriate. Her journey has led her to unexpected places, including Serbia.
“The future is really unpredictable, I have to say. Eleven years living abroad, I did not imagine myself living in Serbia — but here I am.” – Angela Blair Cadet
Despite this uncertainty, her commitment to making Belgrade her home remains steadfast.
“I do hope to make this a home permanently.” – Angela Blair Cadet
With her extensive experience and dedication to helping others settle into their new lives in Serbia, Angela Blair Cadet exemplifies what it means to embrace the expat lifestyle. Her story serves as an inspiration for those considering similar paths while shedding light on the enriching experiences that come from living abroad.