When you're researching a country to move to, safety is usually one of the first things you look into.
You check crime rates, neighborhoods, healthcare, political stability and whether other foreigners feel safe living there.
But what happens when you've already moved, you're settled into your new life, and protests or civil unrest begin happening around you?
That's something I've been dealing with recently here in Tirana, Albania.
There have been demonstrations over political, economic and social issues, and some have escalated into confrontations between protesters and police. We've seen fires, vandalism and a significant police presence in certain parts of the city.
I've walked through neighborhoods like Blloku, Komuna e Parisit and Myslym Shyri during this period. I've been able to go about my day, but I've also been paying attention to where demonstrations are happening and how quickly things can change.
And I think that's an important part of living abroad that doesn't get discussed enough.
You can do all the research before moving somewhere, but you can't predict everything that will happen once you're living there.
Understand Why People Are Protesting
Before making assumptions about a country because you've seen footage of protests, find out what's actually happening.
In Albania, people have been raising concerns about issues that affect their everyday lives, including economic conditions, education, corruption and government accountability.
These are real concerns for the people who live here.
I also think it's important to distinguish between peaceful protesters and people who use demonstrations as an opportunity to cause damage or provoke confrontations.
Not everyone attending a protest is throwing objects, starting fires or vandalizing property.
And a video showing violence on one street doesn't mean an entire city is experiencing the same thing.
I've seen how easily that distinction gets lost when footage starts circulating online.
Read local news, check more than one source and, if you have Albanian friends or neighbors, listen to what they're saying.
You don't have to become involved in the country's politics to understand why people are frustrated.
Know Where the Demonstrations Are Happening
This is one of the first things I've been doing.
If I know there's a demonstration scheduled near a government building or in a particular neighborhood, I take that into consideration before heading out.
That might mean changing my walking route, avoiding an area altogether or deciding to stay home.
Even peaceful demonstrations can become unpredictable, especially when large crowds and police are involved.
I wouldn't recommend going to a protest out of curiosity just to see what's happening.
And if you unexpectedly find yourself near a confrontation, don't stand around filming it. Move away from the area if you can do so safely.
It's also worth knowing alternative routes home in case streets are closed or public transportation is disrupted.
Something as ordinary as getting home from lunch or an appointment can become complicated when demonstrations are happening nearby.
Follow Local News and Embassy Alerts
If you're American, I recommend enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
It's free, and you can receive safety alerts from the U.S. embassy in the country where you're living.
You should also check the State Department's travel advisories, particularly when conditions are changing.
But I wouldn't rely entirely on American news coverage or embassy alerts.
Local news outlets often have more immediate information about road closures, scheduled demonstrations and transportation disruptions.
I've also found that conversations with people who live here can be helpful, although I still try to verify what I'm hearing.
And be careful about sharing videos or reports without checking when and where they were recorded. Old footage can easily start circulating again during a new demonstration.
Have an Emergency Plan
I'm not suggesting you should pack your bags every time there's a protest.
But if you're living in another country, you should have a basic plan for what you'd do if conditions became more serious.
I would make sure you have:
Your passport, residency card and other important documents somewhere accessible, with secure digital copies.
Some emergency cash and access to money through more than one payment method.
A charged phone, backup power source and important contacts saved.
Enough essential medication for a possible short-term disruption.
Local emergency numbers and contact information for your embassy or consulate.
An alternative place to stay if your neighborhood becomes unsafe.
I'd also think about how you'd leave your city or the country if you genuinely needed to.
That doesn't mean booking a flight because you've seen a protest on television. It means knowing what your options are before you're in a situation where you have to make a quick decision.
And remember that the U.S. embassy cannot guarantee evacuation or transportation during an emergency.
I'd rather have these things figured out before something happens.
Let Your Family Know You're Safe
This is another part of living abroad that people don't always think about.
Your family and friends back in the United States may see news footage of demonstrations before you've even heard about them.
They see police, fires or crowds and understandably start worrying.
But what they're seeing on television may be happening several neighborhoods away from where you live.
I've had to explain that I'm safe and still going about my normal routine, even though there are demonstrations taking place in Tirana.
A quick message can save everyone a lot of unnecessary worry.
You don't have to pretend nothing is happening. Just tell them what you're experiencing, where you are and whether you're taking any precautions.
I'd also recommend having at least one person who knows how to reach you and what to do if they can't get in contact with you.
Remember That Local People Are Living Through This Too
This is something I feel strongly about.
When you're an American living abroad, it's easy to look at a situation primarily through how it affects you.
Are the streets safe? Will the protests disrupt your plans? Should you leave?
Those are reasonable concerns, and I'm certainly paying attention to my own safety.
But I also think about the Albanians who live here.
For many of them, the issues behind these demonstrations aren't temporary inconveniences. They're problems involving jobs, education, affordability and what kind of future they can build in their own country.
As foreigners, some of us have options that local residents may not have. We might be able to work remotely, temporarily relocate or return to our home countries if circumstances become difficult.
Not everyone has that choice.
I think it's important to remember that before complaining about how protests are affecting our routines.
And while there's nothing wrong with documenting what you're seeing, I'd be mindful about how you share images or videos of people involved in demonstrations.
These are real events affecting real people's lives, not something happening for our entertainment.
Does Civil Unrest Mean You Made a Mistake Moving Abroad?
I don't think so.
The United States has certainly experienced its share of protests, political disagreements and civil unrest.
So I wouldn't assume that another country is suddenly a bad place to live because people are demonstrating.
What I would pay attention to is whether the situation is escalating, how authorities are responding and whether it's beginning to affect daily life beyond the immediate protest areas.
There's a difference between a demonstration outside a government building and sustained violence affecting multiple neighborhoods, public transportation or essential services.
If conditions become dangerous, take the warnings seriously. Follow local emergency instructions, stay away from affected areas and be prepared to change your plans.
I enjoy living in Albania, but I'm not going to ignore what's happening around me.
And I wouldn't make a decision to leave based on one alarming headline either.
I'd want to understand what's happening and make that decision based on the actual circumstances.
Living Abroad Means Dealing With the Country as It Is
I chose Albania for several reasons, including its affordability, lifestyle and the opportunity to build a different kind of life.
Those reasons haven't disappeared because the country is experiencing protests.
But living here also means understanding that Albania has its own challenges.
I'm not here on vacation. This is where I live.
I have my routines, places I enjoy visiting, people I care about and a business I'm building.
And just like I would in the United States, I have to pay attention when something is happening that could affect my safety or everyday life.
If you're considering moving abroad, I wouldn't tell you to avoid every country that's experienced political protests.
But I would encourage you to research more than the weather, cost of living, visa requirements and beautiful places you see online.
Look into the country's political and economic environment. Understand how emergencies are handled. Pay attention to what local residents are saying.
And have a plan in case circumstances change.
I still enjoy living in Albania. The protests haven't changed that. But I'm paying attention, staying informed and making adjustments when I need to.
I didn't expect Albania to be a country without problems.
I don't think any such country exists.
Helpful Resources
Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience living abroad and is for general informational purposes. Civil unrest and safety conditions can change quickly. Follow local emergency instructions, check official travel advisories and consult your embassy or consulate for guidance relevant to your circumstances.
