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Expat Focus

101 EpisodesProduced by Expat Focus: For Anyone Moving Or Living AbroadWebsite

Expat experiences, information and advice for anyone moving or living abroad. Visit Expat Focus at expatfocus.com for more.

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Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

Challenges Faced By 'Stuck' Expat Parents Due To International Child Custody Disputes

March 25th, 2024

36:01

Did you know that if you move abroad with children, or have them while living in a foreign country and then split from your partner, you may not be able to bring your kids back home? You may also find yourself ‘stuck’ …

Returning To Study And Buying A Home As An Expat In Scotland

February 22nd, 2024

25:16

Some pretty big life events happened around the time Australian expat Rachael Kowald turned 30. She moved from London to Glasgow for the lower cost …

Where To Find Remote Work In 2024 To Achieve Location Independence

January 26th, 2024

27:20

What does it take to become truly location independent? Do you have the qualities needed to thrive working remotely? And what boring-but-important …

Winning The Green Card Lottery And Having A Baby In The USA

November 24th, 2023

47:34

I have a returning guest today - it’s Mia Stewart, who joins me to talk about winning the US Green Card Lottery. Also known as the DV Lottery, or the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.

If you’ve listened to my first …

Building An Expat Career In China

October 30th, 2023

52:05

Gabor Holch’s relationship with China began two decades ago, on what he thought was simply a two-year sabbatical. As an Intercultural Leadership …

Expat Careers In Denmark

September 26th, 2023

34:43

How easy is it for a foreigner to find a job in Denmark, if they haven’t been fortunate enough to line up something for when they arrive? What sectors are they most likely to find work in, and what are some …

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico

August 15th, 2023

29:56

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were …

Life As An Expat Family In Taiwan

July 27th, 2023

49:54

I first spoke to Max Lee just over a year ago on the show, and he was preparing to move his young family from North America to Taiwan. It was a move abroad that they’d been planning for many years, and Max intended to …

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia

July 27th, 2023

37:42

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And …

How To Get A French Driver's License

June 23rd, 2023

28:40

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a …

Understanding Health Insurance In The USA With Cigna Healthcare

May 15th, 2023

31:56

Click here to get a quote from Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in the USA.

When you're moving abroad, one of the things at the top of your …

Starting A Cohousing Community In Greece

May 10th, 2023

42:00

Finding or creating a sense of community can be a real challenge when you live abroad. Greek American Pare Gerou is building hers from the ground up in the form of a cohousing community in southern Greece. So what is …

Moving Abroad After 30

April 21st, 2023

34:57

It’s one thing to dream about living life in another country, but it can be quite daunting to make that dream a reality. Especially if you’re, say, a …

Moving To The Netherlands On The DAFT Visa

April 19th, 2023

52:17

The Covid pandemic has been a catalyst for change for so many of us. How are you living your life differently to before the year 2020? Husband and wife, Alex and Michelle, actually had a big move abroad in mind before …

Building A Food And Beverage Business In China

March 24th, 2023

53:59

Today’s guest built a successful business - and brand - around her passport country’s most popular food - pierogi. And she did it in the bustling …

Making A Career Change Abroad

January 27th, 2023

29:47

Welcome to another year of Expat Focus podcasts. We’re kicking off 2023 with an episode about life and career change, which tends to go hand-in-hand with a decision to move abroad.

It’s certainly true for me. …

Christmastime In South Korea And Spain

December 20th, 2022

32:01

Hey there, it’s Carlie with the Expat Focus Podcast. 

It’s another festive themed episode! We’re discussing Christmastime in South Korea and Spain with American expat and English teacher, Jesse Sweed. We talk about …

Festive Traditions In Japan

December 15th, 2022

31:19

Did you know that fried chicken is a Christmas tradition in Japan? And that the festive season is more about romance and gift giving between couples than arranging presents for the kids? Former expat and current …

Expat Life In Croatia

November 25th, 2022

44:06

When American Sara Dyson moved to Croatia in 2012, she couldn’t find any local resources in English to help her. So as she figured things out - like …

Living And Working In Rwanda

November 25th, 2022

44:07

The continent of Africa is our destination today. We’re going to be talking about living and working in Rwanda with Italian expat, Giulia, who …

Finding A Better Work-Life Balance In Berlin

October 26th, 2022

52:15

Have you ever visited a city in a foreign country, and just felt immediately at home? That was Laurel Wright’s experience whilst on a solo European …

The Realities Of Life In Rural France

September 7th, 2022

44:55

Do you have your eye on a rundown old property in the French countryside? Are you planning to leave your big city life behind for a simpler one? Do …

Living And Thriving As A Black Woman In Spain

July 15th, 2022

53:41

Joining me today is award-winning podcaster and Business Strategist, Christine Job. She has spent the past five years living in Valencia in Spain, and her podcast, Flourish in the Foreign, celebrates the voices and …

Moving Home After A Decade Abroad

May 24th, 2022

21:25
Breathwork Academy Creator Artur Paulins first left Latvia to study in Denmark knowing zero Danish. He later moved on to London with no connections …

4 Ways To Take Care Of Your Health And Wellbeing When Living Abroad

May 17th, 2022

21:19

Whether you’re doing it solo or as a family, a lot of energy goes into planning an international move and getting settled in a new location. And it …

Moving Your Family To Taiwan

April 25th, 2022

28:08
Recently on the show, we heard from a couple who made the decision to move to Oman, and were off within a matter of weeks. Today’s guest has been planning his family’s move abroad for many years.

In the summer of this …

5 Things to Know Before Moving to Sweden

April 22nd, 2022

34:01

My guest today moved to Sweden from the UK, for love. But she felt a connection to the country long before meeting her partner. Katy Hetherington has …

Expat Life In Oman

March 24th, 2022

54:14

Are you dreaming of just packing up your life for an adventure abroad? In this episode, you’ll hear from a couple that did just that. They made the decision to move from the UK to Oman, and in just a few weeks, they …

An American Tour Guide In Germany

March 21st, 2022

33:57

Before the pandemic hit, American Jake Doherty was running two very successful tour guide services in Bavaria. When Covid-19 completely decimated the …

Travelling Internationally During A Global Pandemic

February 24th, 2022

48:38
Is it ok to travel for pleasure during a global pandemic? How do you weigh up the “risk” versus “reward”? And as the world currently deals with the Omicron wave of COVID, what measures can you take to make your travel …

Meet The Expat Helping Women To Grow And Flourish Abroad

January 28th, 2022

31:07

Finding your tribe, family, community, whatever you like to call it, is so important when you move to a new place. Expats Angelina and Bonny know …

Should Kiwis And Aussies Still Move To The UK?

January 20th, 2022

32:07

Following Brexit and amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is living and working in the United Kingdom as attractive as it used to be?

In the past two …

What Expats Should Know About Parcel Fees And Charges In The UK And EU

November 23rd, 2021

28:53

If you live in the UK or in the EU, you’ve no doubt noticed an unwelcome trend in added fees and charges when receiving parcels from online shopping. Even parcels sent from family and friends abroad are turning up with …

The Pension Problem For Australian And French Expats

November 16th, 2021

29:19

Do you know if there’s a pension agreement between your home country, and the one you’re living in now? Do you know what you’ll be entitled to come retirement age, if you decide to stay living abroad? The lack of an …

Finding Your Confidence When Learning A Foreign Language

September 24th, 2021

43:43

My guest today is Alex, a language coach with a YouTube channel called ‘French In Plain Sight’.

Now, as the name suggests, he coaches French learners, and I'm one of those, but a lot about his approach is relevant to …

Applying For Dutch Citizenship As A Third Country National

September 24th, 2021

26:38

Today’s guest is sharing her experience of applying for Dutch citizenship. For Akanksha Pathania, it was a big decision, not least because becoming a citizen of the Netherlands required her to renounce her Indian …

How Are Expat Health Insurers Responding To Covid-19 – A Conversation With Cigna Europe

June 24th, 2021

32:27

This past year has really put our health and wellbeing in the spotlight – whether it’s been dealing with a Covid-19 diagnosis ourselves, supporting loved ones, or dealing with the mental and physical health impacts of …

Staying Healthy As An Expat In Hong Kong

June 17th, 2021

23:07

We are chatting to one of our regular columnists today, Ben Zabulis, who I’ve interviewed in the past about his decision to retire to Hong Kong. Now, …

How The International Jobs Market Is Changing

June 11th, 2021

34:46

So many workplaces have had to make drastic changes over the past year, which has affected how we do our jobs and, in some cases, if we even still have one. Whether you’re already abroad or looking to move …

Finding A Place To Rent In The UK

May 24th, 2021

26:45

Expat entrepreneurs Mayank Marthur and Octavian Pop are the founders of Avasa AI. They met when Mayank was searching for a property to rent in London, and they realised there was a gap in the market for a complete home …

Expat Life In India During The Covid-19 Second Wave

May 19th, 2021

22:37

You’ve no doubt heard about the devastating second wave of Covid-19 that India’s currently experiencing, and how it has overwhelmed the local health system. Many foreigners have decided to leave while they still can, as …

Dealing With Deafness And Hearing Loss Abroad

April 26th, 2021

36:50

Our listener Susan recently got in touch and asked if we could do an episode on deafness and hearing loss, and the challenges these conditions can …

UK And EU Pension Rights After Brexit

March 25th, 2021

17:05

Tax expert Oliver Heslop from Global Expatriate Tax Services is back today, and he’s going to give us an update on UK and EU pension rights after Brexit. It’s very good news for the million plus Brits living in EU …

Covid-19's Impact On Expat Students And International Education

March 18th, 2021

31:53

Today's guest is Rebecca Grappo, the founder of RNG International Educational Consultants. Rebecca has been working with expat families for decades, …

Repatriating During A Global Pandemic – A Conversation With Denee Savoia

February 10th, 2021

24:34

Deciding to pack up your life abroad and head back to your home country can be difficult enough, but doing it during the Covid-19 pandemic brings all …

How Expats Benefit From Recent UAE Law Changes

January 5th, 2021

17:00

Recent updates and changes to the United Arab Emirates’ legal system are set to benefit the millions of expats that call the country home. Law …

New Time Caps On Brits With Second Homes In The EU

December 11th, 2020

17:54

The end of 2020 marks the end of the Brexit transition period, and one of the big changes for UK nationals is how long they can spend at second homes in the EU. Up until now, British nationals have been able to spend up …

Key Issues For British Expats As Brexit Deadline Looms

November 20th, 2020

23:28

The dreaded C-word has really dominated the year, but now we’re reaching the end of 2020, and it’s the B-word that a lot of British expats in …

Key Issues For American Expats

November 3rd, 2020

39:42

How much do you keep up with the news and issues back in your ‘home’ country? Where do you go for updates on subjects that affect you, like new law …

How To Move To Vietnam

October 1st, 2020

42:58

Today we’re exploring some of the need-to-knows if you’re planning a move to Vietnam. My guest is Creighton Wong, an American who owns a digital …

When Covid-19 Puts Your Expat Life On Hold

September 30th, 2020

25:23

The current pandemic has left a lot of people around the world in limbo, and Christina Sinn is one of them. A German expat, Christina ‘should’ be in …

How To Move To Australia

September 29th, 2020

34:06

Australia is known for its incredible natural beauty, great quality of life and multicultural society. If you’re planning a move ‘down under’ (for …

How To Raise Multilingual Children

August 24th, 2020

32:55

There’s been a bit of debate online about whether we’ll see a baby boom from the coronavirus lockdown. Is all this forced time at home the perfect opportunity to get pregnant, or, is a pandemic pregnancy the last thing …

How To Move To Poland

August 24th, 2020

31:29

Poland has been rising up the rankings as one of the best countries for expats to live and work in, and we’re going to chat to one such expat today. …

How To Move To Malaysia

August 24th, 2020

34:24

There’s not a huge amount of moving about the world going on at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t research and plan. And if you’ve got a move to Malaysia on your mind, we have the perfect guest to give you …

How To Move To France

June 8th, 2020

36:50

When you’re planning a move to a new country, there’s a lot to get your head around, and understanding how things work locally is key to quickly landing on your feet. Today’s guest is Emma Pearson, Editor of The Local …

Emerging From Lockdown In China

June 1st, 2020

29:48

Just as the world was coming to grips with the seriousness of COVID-19 and countries were locking down, parts of China were getting over the worst of the pandemic and life was beginning to return to normal. This was the …

Lockdown Life On A Caribbean Island

April 30th, 2020

15:56

Where are you spending your coronavirus lockdown? Are you in a densely populated city? A smaller town, where social distancing is made that bit …

How COVID-19 May Impact The Property Market, And Tips For Buying In The USA

April 27th, 2020

33:23

The property market - like so many sectors right now - has slowed down as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants, landlords and homeowners are all feeling the pressure. Governments are being looked to …

Life In Coronavirus Lockdown In Spain

April 2nd, 2020

17:53

Government-mandated isolation has become the new normal for so many of us, as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m in lockdown here in France …

Connecting Communities Through The Help-n-Trade App

April 2nd, 2020

11:34

You might be feeling a bit paralysed by the news at the moment as the Coronavirus pandemic worsens across the world, and governments update their guidance every day. But amid the chaos, are people trying to do some good.

Working As An Expat In Asia

March 26th, 2020

45:24

Today we’re exploring the foreigner’s experience of working in Asia, with a man who has written a book on the subject; Steve McGinnes.

Originally from England, Steve has lived and worked across the Asian continent for …

How One Expat Couple Are Coping With Covid-19 Business Closures In Italy

March 26th, 2020

30:04

The Coronavirus pandemic is forcing cities across the world into lockdown, and in Italy, American business owners Linda and Steve have had to close their Rome hostel, The Beehive, for the first time in 21 years. 

In …

How To Enjoy Expat Life In Malta

March 9th, 2020

41:38

Mario Cacciottolo's move from the UK to Malta was very much a homecoming. He spent the first 12 years of his life in the country, and its booming …

Running A Location-Independent Business Abroad

March 9th, 2020

44:16

A fellow podcaster is our guest on this episode, to give you the lowdown on what it takes to set up and run your business from anywhere in the world. Sundae Bean is an American by birth and the host of the ‘Expat Happy …

Moving Your Business From Australia To New Zealand

February 24th, 2020

23:20

Caitlin Taylor is a style coach, fashion blogger and podcaster who describes her expat life in New Zealand as “same-same but different.” In this chat, you’ll find out about the Kiwi fashion scene; how Caitlin’s …

10 Tips For Integrating Into Life In Norway

January 13th, 2020

37:52

It’s a major “achievement unlocked” as an expat when you start to understand how the locals tick - and how long that takes is different for everyone. American, Chelsea, lives with her Norwegian husband in the town of …

State Pension Entitlements For UK Expats

December 9th, 2019

20:43

It’s all happening in the UK at the moment; at the time of recording this the general election is just one week away, and the outcome could determine …

What You Need To Know Before Investing In Property Abroad

November 11th, 2019

29:49

Has a beachfront holiday home in Mexico taken your fancy? Maybe you’ve spotted a place with a great rental return in Malta. Or perhaps you have your …

Challenges Dual-Career Couples Face And How To Address Them

October 14th, 2019

23:24

The logistics involved in expat life become even more complex when your partner is also a working expat. How do you successfully fuel each other’s …

Five Things To Know Before Moving To Poland

September 9th, 2019

29:28

One of the fastest-growing EU economies, Poland is also rising in the rankings of popular destinations for expats. The country moved from 23rd to …

5 Things To Consider Before Moving To Peru

September 3rd, 2019

34:09

Entrepreneur Alan La Rue is our guest in this episode of the Expat Focus podcast. A language school owner, he’s been living in the country for a …

What You Should Know Before Buying Property In France

August 26th, 2019

56:24

If you’re planning to move to France and become a homeowner, you’re going to love today’s guest. Mark Sayers is the Head of the Pyrénées-Orientales team at Artaxa - a real estate agency in Perpignan. Buying property in …

Becoming An Expat Entrepreneur

July 23rd, 2019

35:22

After her first child was born, and she decided she didn’t want to go back to full time work, British expat Melitta Campbell dived head-first into …

Moving To The USA On An O-1 Visa

July 15th, 2019

40:17

Do you dream of moving to LA to chase your Hollywood ambitions? Today’s guest has done exactly that: Mia Stewart and her husband Dave packed up their …

Raising A Family In Finland

July 8th, 2019

35:11

Welcome to another episode of the Expat Focus Podcast. I’m your host Carlie, and on today’s show we’re shining the spotlight on expat family life in …

Raising Third Culture Kids

July 1st, 2019

32:37

Today on the show, we’re talking about raising children abroad, specifically as Third Culture Kids.

'TCKs' are people raised in a culture different …

Having A Baby Abroad

June 25th, 2019

25:01

On today’s show we’re going to be talking to a Virtual Midwife.   It’s information overload when you’re pregnant, and if you’re having a baby while living in another country, there can be even more layers of complexity …

What Expats Need To Know Before Moving To The Czech Republic

June 17th, 2019

35:30

If you could start your life abroad all over again, what would you do differently? What would you prepare better for, and what mistakes would you …

5 Tips For Expat Job Seekers In Denmark

June 10th, 2019

37:57

When you’re looking for a job in another country, it’s important to know how to make your applications stand out - or in the case of Denmark, fit in. …

What Non-Europeans Should Know About Moving To Spain

June 3rd, 2019

23:39

Cat Gaa was pretty good at Spanish when she was at school in the USA. She first went to Spain on a study abroad program, and soon found her way back …

The Cost Of Living In Thailand

May 20th, 2019

32:42

Our guest today is based in Thailand - a country that is well known for attracting expats wanting good living on the cheap, but just how good, and just how cheap?

Brett Debritz is an Australian freelance journalist, …

How To Integrate Into Life In Switzerland

April 22nd, 2019

29:39

Welcome to another episode of the Expat Focus Podcast!   What challenges have you faced in trying to settle into your new home abroad? Did you find …

US Expat Investor? Here's What You Should Know About New PRIIPS Regulations

April 16th, 2019

26:41

Welcome to another episode of the Expat Focus Podcast. Today’s topic concerns US expat investors who are living in Europe, and new regulations known …

What You Need To Know About Expat Life In Costa Rica

March 19th, 2019

26:29

Costa Rica is well-known as a haven for expat retirees, but what’s it like to move to this tropical paradise in Central America if you’re at not at that stage of life yet?

American Samantha moved to Costa Rica more than …

Elena Remigi - In Limbo Brexit

March 13th, 2019

19:05

In the latest episode of the Expat Focus podcast we’re talking about the way Brexit has altered the lives of EU citizens - including Brits - who have chosen to live in other member states.   Elena Remigi is one of them. …

Getting A Job, Finding A Place To Live, And Learning The Language In Estonia

February 22nd, 2019

28:36

Welcome to another episode of the Expat Focus podcast. Today on the show we’re talking about a country where the expat population is slowly but …

What Expat Families Should Know About The UK School System

January 21st, 2019

25:31

Welcome to another episode of the Expat Focus podcast. Our guest this week is Steve Spriggs - the Head of Education at William Clarence Education. …

How An Amsterdam Workshop Is Providing An Entry Point For Expats

January 18th, 2019

15:46

Moving abroad often means losing that ‘insider’ status that you held in your home country. The advantage of just ‘knowing’ how a system or local …

Renovating And Running A Guest House In France

January 9th, 2019

24:11

Welcome to another episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, I’m your host Carlie, and my guest today is a UK expat, based in beautiful South West France, …

What You Should Know About Applying For An Australian Partner Visa

December 11th, 2018

24:15

Visas can be an unwelcome, overwhelming necessity when you fall in love with someone from another country. This was the case for Australian Emma O’Neill-Sandham and her English partner Rich, when they decided they …

How One Glaswegian Café Is Supporting Refugee And Migrant Women

December 5th, 2018

20:04

If you’re a member of one of the Expat Focus forums or Facebook groups, or in any international community group for that matter, you’ve likely seen a discussion around the term ‘expat’ and how it’s used.   What makes …

How The Danish Healthcare System Works

December 3rd, 2018

27:13

We’re diving into the Danish healthcare system today with a returning guest – expat blogger and expert, Melanie Haynes of Dejlige Days.    She gave us some great insights into the Danish way of life in our first chat – …

Choosing The Right French Visa For You

November 19th, 2018

39:47

Is your dream to live, or continue living, in France? It is possible as a non-EU citizen, without needing to get married or become a student to make it happen.   American Allison Lounes lives in France. She runs the …

6 Things To Know About Having A Baby In The Netherlands

November 7th, 2018

28:17

Bec Holmes moved to a village in the Austrian mountains, where she fell in love with a Dutchman and relocated to the Netherlands. After a few years, …

3 Common Legal Challenges For British Expats

November 1st, 2018

26:22

Did you know that the country you choose to divorce in can directly impact what assets you’re left with? Or that being an unmarried expat couple is a legal issue in some countries? Do you know how the laws of the …

What You Should Know About UK And EU Citizens’ Rights After Brexit

October 25th, 2018

20:40

If you’re a Brit in Europe, or a European citizen living in the UK, the issue of Brexit will be high on your radar. At the time of recording this, there are just six months to go until the UK leaves the European Union, …

Finding A Job In Luxembourg

October 17th, 2018

22:03

When it comes to taking your career to Luxembourg – where do you begin? What are the main industries for expat workers in the country and, what sort of salaries can you expect? Do you need to speak one of the key …

How To Set Up Your Own Business In Germany

September 26th, 2018

19:26

Going it alone as self employed and setting up your own business is always a big step – and it’s an even bigger one to take, when you’re doing it in a foreign country.    British expat Michelle Purse Sweeney did it in …

7 Things Expats Need To Know Before Moving To Portugal

August 29th, 2018

23:14

When you move abroad, there are inevitably things you find out that you wish someone had told you about earlier.    In this episode we're joined by …

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