In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph Huebner sits down with Sou Aras – the 2024 Nomad Summit scholarship winner. From growing up between Canada and Algeria to tango dancing in Belgrade, Sou’s path into nomadism has been anything but ordinary. Her story highlights the courage, discipline, and creativity needed to design a sustainable location-independent lifestyle.
A Childhood Between Borders Sparked the Nomadic Spirit
Sou’s nomadic roots started early. Moving between Algeria and Canada as a child – and later between neighborhoods in Montreal – meant she never felt anchored in one place. That constant change became the foundation of her adaptability and desire for exploration.
Remote Work Opened the Door to Nomadism
While working for Canada’s Ministry of Education, Sou realized that remote work could mean more than just logging in from Montreal. A short experiment in Mexico proved that the VPN worked fine – and with that, her digital nomad journey began. “There’s no way I could do it any other way,” she says.
Why Tango Dancing Led Her to Serbia
Among the 27 countries she’s now visited, Serbia holds a special place. Sou deliberately chose Belgrade to immerse herself in the city’s world-famous tango scene. For three months she lived there, dancing, building friendships, and experimenting with photography and videography as the next chapter of her career.
Financial Discipline Keeps the Dream Alive
Sou is quick to point out that she isn’t a “trust fund babe.” Instead, she relies on careful savings, occasional freelance gigs, and a meticulous finance sheet to balance her lifestyle. By tracking every expense and planning months ahead, she has been able to keep traveling while also investing in her creative projects.
The Nomad Summit Scholarship as a Turning Point
Winning the Nomad Summit scholarship in Chiang Mai was a major push. Beyond free access and mentoring, it connected her to a supportive community of nomads who encouraged her to pursue independence full-time. Attending events like Bansko Nomad Fest further deepened those connections and showed her the value of community in sustaining this lifestyle.
Looking Ahead: Algeria, Travel Content, and Tours
Sou is now dreaming about creating group trips in Algeria and developing her work as a photographer and travel content creator. With her energy, organization, and commitment, she’s carving out a unique path that blends creativity, culture, and community.
Key Takeaways from Sou’s Journey
- Nomadic resilience often begins in childhood experiences of change and adaptation
- Remote work can be the gateway to exploring new lifestyles
- Passion projects, like tango dancing, can become anchors for new adventures
- Careful budgeting and tracking are essential for long-term sustainability
- Community events such as the Nomad Summit provide the encouragement to take bold steps
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