A Spanish professor struggled to save money in the US. Moving abroad helped him reach Lean FI at 47.

He moved from the US to teach in Brazil and then China, and the much lower living costs let him save about 70% of his income and reach "Lean FI" while still working and traveling.
He lives very cheaply (about $200/month subsidized rent in China; $3–$10 meals in Brazil), relies on public transit, and uses the extra savings to travel more.
He follows a four-way "permanent portfolio," wrote Financial Freedom on a Teacher's Salary, and says FI should fit your life—moving abroad worked for him, but it’s not the only path.