Expat Insights

Summary Desiree de Wit shares her extensive experience living and moving across 14 countries, exploring the art of living abroad, trusting your instincts, and finding purpose in new environments. This episode offers practical tips and inspiring insights for expats seeking to create meaningful connections and discover their passion abroad. Key Topics Trusting your instincts when choosing a home or...

Summary Elizabeth Sawyer, an education consultant with a wealth of experience in international education and relocation, shares practical insights on how families can navigate the challenges of moving abroad with children. This episode covers choosing the right school, maintaining language skills, and planning for repatriation to ensure a smooth educational journey. Key Topics Differences between...

Summary Simona Pappalardo shares her journey from engineer to global leader and coach, exploring how cultural differences influence leadership, authenticity, and adaptation while living abroad. This episode offers insights into navigating multicultural environments and leading with authenticity. Key Topics Cultural differences in leadership styles Balancing authenticity and adaptation while living...

Summary In this episode, Sam Frearson-Tubito shares her journey as a third culture kid, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the meaning of home. She discusses her childhood, the impact of moving across countries, and her new book 'Beneath a Borrowed Sky' that reflects on these experiences. Key Topics Impact of childhood moves on identity The concept of borrowed cultures and belonging The...

Summary In this episode, Cristina Pires shares insights on how home environment impacts expats' adjustment abroad, emphasizing the importance of home therapy, intentional packing, and cultural integration. Key topics Impact of home environment on expat adjustment Home therapy and emotional well-being Tips for packing and unpacking during relocation Cultural integration through home decor The impor...

Summary In this episode, Audra Phelps shares her transformative journey of leaving a strict Mormon upbringing, navigating identity shifts, and embracing a new life abroad. Discover practical frameworks like the raft model to manage major life transitions and find your authentic self. Key topics Leaving a high-demand religion The raft model for life transitions The impact of living abroad on identi...

Summary In this episode, Annette Jall shares her unique journey of living abroad without children, exploring the challenges and opportunities of redefining identity, building community, and embracing new roles in different countries. Key Topics Challenges of living abroad without children Building community and belonging Reinventing personal identity in different cultures Guest Annette Jall https:...

Summary In this episode, leadership coach Tanya Gamburgo shares insights on the complex journey of expatriate adaptation, exploring the J-curve model, the importance of perception, and practical strategies for companies and individuals to navigate cultural transitions effectively. Key Topics The J-curve model of cultural adaptation The impact of perception and identity on expat experiences Practic...

Summary Explore the challenges and solutions for raising healthy third culture kids (TCKs) with expert Tanya Crossman. Discover research-backed strategies to support emotional well-being, build community, and foster resilience in international families. Keywords Third Culture Kids, TCK, international families, emotional well-being, parenting, research, community, resilience, expatriates, cross-cul...

Summary Kristin and Thiemo share their inspiring journey of international relocation, cultural adaptation, and maintaining love across borders. Discover insights on language learning, cultural differences, and building a new life in Germany and the US. Key Topics Cultural differences between Germany and the US Language learning experiences of Kristin and Thiemo Impact of relocation on family and r...

Summary Wendy Zeilstra shares her journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child, highlighting the importance of awareness, diagnosis, and support systems. This episode offers valuable insights for parents living abroad and dealing with similar challenges. Key Topics Journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child Importance of early diagnosis and support Challenges of...

Summary In this conversation, Samar Karam shares her insights on navigating relationships as an expat in the UAE. She discusses the cultural nuances, challenges of multicultural marriages, and the importance of communication and emotional support. Samar emphasizes the need for kindness and understanding in relationships, especially in a new environment where traditions and identities may clash. Th...

Discover practical insights from Bernd Scharbert’s extensive experience leading global teams and navigating intercultural environments. In this episode, Bernd shares how small actions and cultural awareness forge trust and belonging across borders, providing actionable principles for leaders and expatriates alike. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for leaders, expatriates, and...

Gaia shares her rich multicultural journey, insights on friendship formation, cultural differences, and maintaining meaningful relationships across borders. Discover practical tips for expats and intercultural friendships, and learn how shared experiences forge lifelong bonds. Takeaways - Friendship formation hours: 40-60 casual, 200+ close - Cultural differences in greeting and social norms - Str...

Summary In this conversation, Elizabeth Thomas shares her experiences as an accompanying spouse navigating the challenges of expatriation. She discusses the often-overlooked struggles of partners who relocate for their spouse's career, the complexities of job searching in a new country, and the importance of building confidence and a support network. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for a flexibl...

Summary In this episode, we explore the complexities of global mobility from both HR and expat perspectives. Christian Ter-Nedden shares insights on the importance of communication, project management, and understanding the human experience in relocation. He emphasizes the need for companies to prepare adequately for relocations, manage expectations, and ensure that both employees and their famili...

Living abroad is more than a job assignment—it’s a life experience that reshapes identity, relationships, and family dynamics. Expat Insights  is a podcast for expats, partners, and global mobility professionals who want to understand what life abroad  really  looks like—beyond the glossy version and relocation checklists. Hosted by  Annegret Bertsch , Certified Solution Focused Coach and long-ter...

Summary In this conversation, Angela Vitiello shares her insights on raising children in multicultural families, drawing from her extensive experience as an expat. The discussion covers the complexities of navigating different cultures, the importance of curiosity and communication in relationships, and practical advice for building community and supporting children’s identity in a multicultural e...

Summary In this conversation, Marie Suazo shares her experiences growing up as a third culture kid, navigating the complexities of her diplomatic upbringing across various countries. She reflects on the cultural expectations imposed by her family, the challenges of communication, and the importance of creating boundaries for personal growth. Marie discusses her teenage years, the significance of c...

Summary In this episode, Annegret Bertsch and Andrea Zahrte discuss the complexities of repatriation and reverse culture shock. They explore the emotional challenges faced by individuals returning to their home country after living abroad, including feelings of grief, isolation, and the struggle to readjust. Andrea shares her personal experiences and insights as a coach for repatriates, offering p...

Summary In this episode of Expat Insights, host Annegret Bertsch speaks with career mentor Tina Stavemann about the intricacies of navigating international careers in Germany. Tina shares her journey from working in HR and marketing to mentoring internationals, particularly in the STEM fields. The conversation covers the unique advantages that international talent brings to German companies, the c...

Summary When Michael Seidl left his job in Germany to follow his wife on an international assignment to the U.S., he stepped into a role few men talk about—the accompanying spouse. What began as an exciting adventure quickly became a test of identity, communication, and resilience as the pandemic hit and life abroad unfolded differently than expected. In this honest and moving conversation, Michae...

Summary In this episode, Annegret Bertsch and Megan Nicholls explore the multifaceted journey of language learning, emphasizing the importance of confidence, cultural connections, and the mindset required to embrace new languages. They discuss the challenges faced by learners, the role of culture in language acquisition, and practical tips for overcoming obstacles. The conversation highlights the...

Summary In this episode, Annegret Bertsch and Chris Moyer discuss the experiences of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), exploring the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Chris shares his personal journey as a TCK, the importance of emotional support for children, and practical advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising TCKs. The conversation highlights the significance of being i...

Summary In this episode of Expat Insights, host Annegret and guest Julie M. Marx explore the multifaceted experience of expat life in China, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by expat spouses. They discuss the rapid pace of life in China, the importance of learning Mandarin, and the emotional complexities of living abroad, including feelings of guilt and homesi...