Hi everybody! I'm an American woman and avid traveler. Back in March I spent 2 weeks in Morocco and it captivated me like no other destination ever has. I had an amazing experience and I'm seriously considering going back long-term. I can't get it off my mind.

I don't want to make a rash decision, so I'm trying to plan and prepare as slowly and conscientiously as possible. I'm considering leaving in mid-2020. My professional background is in writing--I spent 6 years as an agency copywriter and now work in-house with a company in the Los Angeles metro. I also do some freelance work and bring in about $1,000 a month that way. By this time next year, I should have around $20K saved up. I have no debt except for a car payment. I assume I'd sell the car before the move.

I made a couple of friends in Morocco and have been helping them do online marketing for their own businesses (a guided trekking company and a surf school, respectively). They have both offered to help with housing and networking should I decide to make the move.

I have no idea where or how to start the process. I looked into TEFL, but seems like going that route in Morocco has very mixed reviews. I would be open to freelancing and doing the digital nomad thing--I've heard that $1K US/month is a pretty decent living out there. But the visa paperwork seems overwhelming for a freelancer as opposed to someone with a permanent position. I speak some French and pretty much no Arabic, so finding a traditional job would be a challenge at best.

Anyone else headed to Morocco or other parts of North Africa? Insights on the visa process (border run every 90 days? apply for residency?) would be especially appreciated, since I can barely tolerate bureaucracy in the US, let alone a foreign country.