Summary:

Delicia shares her experience of living in Switzerland after travelling through Europe. She talks about her initial trip to Europe and how she fell in love with Switzerland. Delicia then discusses her decision to move back to Switzerland and the challenges she faced in finding work and obtaining a permit. She also shares her experiences of living and working on a farm and dealing with homesickness and health issues. In this conversation, Delicia discusses her healing journey and the impact of his time in Switzerland. She shares how his experiences in Switzerland, including working on a farm and dealing with homesickness, shaped his perspective on life. Delicia emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in different cultures while travelling and the power of personal experiences in understanding history and appreciating people's resilience. She also mentions her book, 'Kissing Asphalt,' and provides information on where to find them.

Sound Bites:

"This is the kind of prelude to your traveling. It's all the things you needed to do before you moved."

"I met so many people. I remember my friend Nadine, who I'm also still friends with. Um, she, she had told me before I left, you know, you have so many friends and I'm like, yeah, but you have a lot of friends too."

"I made enough in like, I don't know, a couple of weeks to go back to take the flight home."

"My healing journey and all the things that I've learned and kind of why I have Crohn's to begin with"

"The most depressed I think I've ever been in my life"

"It's the kind of accumulation of all those small things which make you think just seek something that's familiar"

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:10 Preparing for the Trip and Traveling through Europe

10:02 First Experience in Bern and Building Connections

20:24 Moving Back to Switzerland and Challenges

22:20 Living and Working on a Farm in Switzerland

23:47 Dealing with Homesickness and Health Issues

25:13 The Healing Journey: Lessons Learned in Switzerland

27:10 Dealing with Homesickness and Cultural Differences

29:05 The Impact of Small Things and Familiarity

31:22 Embracing Different Cultures and TV Shows

33:43 Advice to Younger Self: Patience and Research

39:37 Appreciating the Resilience of People

45:21 Personal Experiences: Understanding History

46:45 The Beauty of Traveling and Sharing Experiences

49:08 Discover 'Kissing Asphalt'

Summary

Stephen, a writer who lived in Bangkok, shares his favourite place, food, traditions, and things about living abroad. He also discusses homesickness, the challenges of living abroad, and making new friends. He highlights the best things to do in Bangkok and offers a life hack for expats: learn the language.

Takeaways:

• Living abroad can be an amazing experience, especially during the honeymoon period.
• Thai food, particularly larb, is a favorite international cuisine.
• The Thai tradition of the wai, a respectful greeting, is charming.
• The constant amazement and learning of living abroad is a major highlight.
• Missing certain foods and the freedom to speak out can be challenging.
• The impermanence of living abroad and the lack of reliance on the rule of law can be difficult.
• Learning the language of the country you're living in can greatly enhance your experience.
• Engaging in conversation and finding common interests are great ways to make new friends.
• Bangkok offers a vibrant music and comedy scene.
• The best way to experience a place is to immerse yourself in its culture and language.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/

• X: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/

Subscribe, Rate, and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:04 Chapter 2: Favorite Food - Thai Larb

03:22 Chapter 4: Favorite Thing About Living Abroad - Constant Amazement

04:43 Chapter 5: Homesickness Remedy - Missing Certain Foods and Freedom of Speech

06:33 Chapter 6: Challenges of Living Abroad - Impermanence and Lack of Rule of Law

08:52 Chapter 7: Best Phrase Learned - Mai Ben Rai

09:44 Chapter 8: Making New Friends - Finding Common Interests

11:11 Chapter 9: Best Thing to Do in Bangkok - Live Music and Comedy

12:39 Chapter 10: Expat Life Hack - Learn the Language

13:32 Conclusion

Summary

Stephen, an American expat, shares his experience of living in Thailand for four years. He initially chose Thailand over the Philippines due to the difficulties of living in the latter. Stephen highlights the ease of living in Thailand, the friendly people, and the diverse expat community. He also discusses the importance of understanding visa requirements and finding a reliable way to manage finances while abroad. Stephen emphasizes the value of learning the local language and immersing oneself in the culture. He found joy in joining writing groups, attending meditation classes, and exploring the vibrant food and entertainment scene in Bangkok. Ultimately, Stephen's strong political beliefs led him to return to the United States. In this conversation, Stephen reflects on his time living in Thailand and discusses the reasons for his move, his involvement in politics, and the cultural differences he experienced. He also shares advice for those considering moving abroad and highlights the affordability and opportunities in Thailand.

Takeaways:

• Living in Thailand offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle for expats.
• Understanding visa requirements and finding reliable financial solutions are crucial for long-term stays abroad.
• Learning the local language and immersing oneself in the culture can enhance the expat experience.
• Joining expat communities and participating in local activities can help build a social network and make the transition easier.
• Exploring the diverse food and entertainment scene in the host country adds to the overall enjoyment of living abroad.
• Personal beliefs and political leanings can influence the decision to stay or return to one's home country. Living abroad can provide opportunities for personal growth and new experiences.
• It is important to research and understand the culture and cost of living in the country you plan to move to.
• Maintaining connections with friends and family back home is important, and technology can help bridge the distance.
• The political and cultural landscape of a country can change over time, and it is important to be aware of these changes.
• Thailand offers an affordable lifestyle and opportunities for expats.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/

Subscribe, Rate, and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:56 Choosing Thailand as a Destination

06:02 Settling in Bangkok and Exploring Thailand

08:18 Visa Requirements and Financial Management

09:16 Insurance and Healthcare Considerations

10:41 Managing Properties and Belongings

13:02 Preparing for the Move and Informing Contacts

20:05 Language Learning and Embracing the Culture

23:29 Expat Community and Socializing

28:58 Reasons for Staying and Returning Home

29:52 Reflections on Living Abroad in Thailand

30:45 Involvement in Politics and Cultural Differences

32:35 The Affordable Lifestyle in Thailand

34:00 Maintaining Connections with Home

47:03 The Changing Political Landscape

51:43 Advice for Those Considering Moving Abroad

55:28 James Doran's Books on Expat Life in Bangkok

Summary

Natasha, a French person who has lived in both the UK and America, shares her favorite places to live, favorite international food, and favorite international tradition. She also discusses the challenges of living abroad and offers tips for making new friends and dealing with homesickness. Natasha emphasizes the importance of staying curious and reaching out to others for support. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique experiences and perspectives gained from living in different countries.

Takeaways

• Living abroad offers the opportunity to experience different cultures and gain new perspectives.
• Finding local bookstores and exploring botanical gardens are enjoyable activities in a new city.
• Online communities can be a great way to make new friends, no matter where you are.
• Staying connected with loved ones through technology can help alleviate homesickness.
• Doing research before moving abroad is important, but it's also important to be flexible and adaptable.
• Reaching out for support and talking to others about your experiences is completely normal and helpful.

Sound Bites

• "Any opportunity we have together, regardless of our culture, of our beliefs. Do we get to be together and have a good time and go for it?"
• "Being that far away from my parents because the visiting you just don't get on the Eurostar and cross over, you know, or just take a train."
• "Can you hand me the shredded fridge please? Because in my tired brain, fridge sounded closer to fromage."

• 
  

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/

Subscribe, Rate, and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Favorite Places to Live

01:22 Favorite International Food and Tradition

04:11 Making New Friends and Staying Connected

09:07 Finding Joy in a New Hometown

11:31 Tips for a Successful Expat Life

Keywords

living abroad, favorite places, international food, international tradition, challenges, making friends, homesickness, tips

Summary Natasha shares her experiences of moving from France to the UK and then to the US for her studies. In the UK, she pursued a master's degree in digital culture and technology, while in the US, she completed her PhD in humanities. She discusses the application process, language tests, and the cost of education in both countries. Natasha also talks about the cultural differences she encountered and the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. She highlights the importance of socializing and making connections with both international and local students. In this conversation, James and Natasha discuss various aspects of living abroad, including the differences between campus universities and city universities, the process of obtaining residency and citizenship, the challenges of working life in the US, and the experience of being a vegetarian in different countries. They also touch on the importance of finding a balance between exploring new experiences and maintaining familiar hobbies, as well as the differences in political systems between France and the US. Takeaways Moving to a new country for education requires careful planning and preparation, including language tests and visa applications. The cost of education can vary significantly between countries, and it's important to consider scholarships and funding options. Cultural differences can be both exciting and challenging, but making connections with both international and local students can help ease the transition. Living in a university town or city can provide a sheltered experience, and it's important to explore and engage with the local community to get a broader understanding of the country. Socializing and making friends with people from different backgrounds can enrich the overall experience of studying abroad. Choosing a program or job that aligns with your interests and values is important when moving abroad. Feeling homesick is normal and seeking professional help can be beneficial. Maintaining familiar hobbies and interests can provide a sense of comfort and balance in a new environment. The political systems and cultural norms can vary significantly between countries. Being a vegetarian can be easier in some countries compared to others. Finding a balance between exploring new experiences and maintaining familiar routines is key to a successful life abroad. Connect with Us: Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review: If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:15 From France to the UK: Pursuing a Master's Degree in Digital Culture and Technology 11:52 Navigating the Application Process and Language Tests 24:47 Adapting to Cultural Differences and Making Connections 29:59 Exploring Beyond the University: Experiencing the Real America 38:49 Choosing the Right Program or Job Abroad 43:32 Dealing with Homesickness and Seeking Support 49:46 Finding Balance in a New Environment 57:28 Differences in Political Systems 01:00:41 The Experience of Being a Vegetarian Abroad

Summary Megan discusses her favorite place to live, favorite international food, favorite international tradition, favorite thing about living abroad, best homesickness remedy, hardest thing about living abroad, best phrase she's learned, best way of making new friends, best thing to do in her new city, and her best expat life hack. Takeaways Montpellier, France is Megan's favorite place to live because of its size, diversity, and proximity to the Mediterranean. Megan loves Indian food and has enjoyed it in various countries. Her favorite international tradition is the Paraguayan Easter celebration, which involves making a unique cheesy bread called chippa. Speaking a foreign language and discovering who she is in another language is Megan's favorite part of living abroad. Megan's homesickness remedy is making American treats, particularly pumpkin-flavored dishes. The hardest thing about living abroad for Megan is sorting out the unsaid and understanding cultural nuances. Megan has learned meaningful phrases in Spanish and appreciates their unique translations. Dancing, particularly salsa, is Megan's best way of making new friends in a new place. The best thing to do in Montpellier is to explore the pedestrianized downtown area and enjoy the architecture. Megan's expat life hack is working online, which allows her to take her job with her anywhere. Sound Bites "Montpellier in France, where I live now. Since I've been here for almost five years, that would suggest that I really like it." "I love Indian food." "Paraguayans celebrate Easter by making this really unique cheesy bread called chippa." Connect with Us: Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review: If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat. Chapters 00:00 Favorite Place to Live: Montpellier, France 01:33 Favorite International Food: Indian Cuisine 04:17 Favorite Thing About Living Abroad: Speaking a Foreign Language 05:16 Best Homesickness Remedy: Making American Treats 06:12 Hardest Thing About Living Abroad: Sorting Out the Unsaid 07:58 Best Phrase Learned: Cada Loco Con Su Tema 09:21 Best Way of Making New Friends: Dancing 10:17 Best Thing to Do in Montpellier: Explore the Pedestrianized Downtown 11:35 Expat Life Hack: Working Online

Summary

Megan shares her experiences of living in different countries, including Paraguay, Spain, France, and the United States. She discusses her motivations for leaving the US, such as feeling unsafe and a passion for languages and cultures. Megan talks about her journey of learning Spanish and French, studying abroad, and eventually moving to France. She also shares her experiences in the Peace Corps in Paraguay and the challenges of living in a rural area. Megan emphasizes the importance of cultural immersion and finding common interests, such as dancing, to connect with locals. Megan shares her experiences living abroad, including her time in Paraguay with the Peace Corps and her current life in France. She emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and making local connections. Megan also discusses the differences she has noticed between the United States and other countries, such as healthcare accessibility and cultural norms. She offers practical advice for those considering living abroad, including checking visa requirements and learning basic phrases in the local language. Megan concludes by highlighting the enriching nature of travel and the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.

Takeaways

• Living abroad can provide a better quality of life and opportunities for personal growth.
• Learning a new language and immersing oneself in a different culture can be challenging but rewarding.
• Studying abroad and participating in programs like the Peace Corps can provide valuable experiences and connections.
• Finding common interests, such as dancing, can help bridge cultural gaps and connect with locals. Living abroad provides unique opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth.
• Making local connections and immersing oneself in the local culture enhances the experience of living abroad.
• Understanding and respecting different cultural norms and perspectives is essential.
• Practical considerations, such as visa requirements and language learning, are important when moving abroad.
• Traveling and experiencing different cultures fosters empathy and a broader worldview.

• 
  

Sound Bites

• "Living in drastically different places...you start to realize that that's you."
• "Dance is a language...much like a language, a dance has rules that you have to know."
• "I learned about environmental law rather than about Spanish culture."
• "The richest experiences are when you make local connections."
• "The biggest culture shocks for me are economic ones."
• "The French are notoriously direct in their language and speaking style."

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/

Subscribe, Rate, and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

17:08 First Impressions and Immersion in Different Cultures

32:30 Preparing for and Living in Paraguay

38:20 The Power of Cultural Exchange and Local Connections

42:57 Navigating Differences in Healthcare and Cultural Norms

53:49 Practical Tips for Living Abroad

01:09:43 The Enriching Nature of Travel and Understanding Different Perspectives

Summary In this Quickfire Questions episode, James Doran asks Lee Lee about her favorite place she's ever lived, her favorite international food, her favorite international tradition, her favorite thing about living abroad, her best homesickness remedy, the hardest thing about living abroad, the best phrase she's learned while living abroad, the best way she's made new friends, the best thing to do in her new hometown, and her best expat life advice. Takeaways Living in Japan provides a serene and safe environment, with beautiful hiking opportunities. Nabe, a hot pot dish, is Lee Lee's favorite international food. The Daruma burning ceremony in Japan is Lili's favorite international tradition. The ability to embrace change and gain different perspectives is Lee Lee's favorite thing about living abroad. Having pictures and staying connected with loved ones helps with homesickness. Getting used to the discomfort of unfamiliar situations is the hardest thing about living abroad. Doing things you enjoy is the best way to make new friends. Exploring and taking different routes in your new hometown is recommended. Embracing the struggle and finding strength in it is important for living your best ex-pat life. Sound Bites "Surrounded by a lot of people but feeling calm and safe" "Nabe: A comforting soup that brings back memories" Connect with Us: Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review: If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat. Chapters 00:00 Quickfire Questions: A Trailer to Living Abroad 01:31 Nabe: A Comforting International Food 03:29 Embracing Change and Gaining Perspectives 04:50 Staying Connected and Finding Comfort in Familiarity 06:46 Getting Used to the Discomfort of the Unknown 08:14 Mantras for Living Abroad: Kisarasa, Seila-vi, and Shogunai 09:10 Making Friends by Doing What You Enjoy 10:05 Exploring and Discovering in Your New Hometown 11:03 Embracing the Struggle and Finding Strength