Expat Focus

Barbara Boyle joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss her move from a high-flying advertising career in the US to a tranquil life in Monforte d’Alba, a small town in Italy’s Piedmont region. Barbara shares what it was like to renovate a 300-year-old stone barn with zero Italian, embrace the local slow food culture, and become part of a tight-knit rural community. She also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and why she returned to the US for treatment, and reflects on the joys and challenges of expat life. Her new memoir, 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse', captures the essence of her Italian adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy, this one’s for you. 📘 Order Barbara’s memoir: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/ [https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/] 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring expat stories 🌍 Explore more at https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com] #ExpatLife #Italy #SlowLiving #PinchMe #FarmhouseRenovation #MovingToItaly 00:00 Introducing Barbara Boyle 00:51 Barbara's Writing Journey 03:26 Barbara's Advertising Career 06:25 Falling in Love with Montfort 09:06 The Slow Food Movement 11:39 Renovating the Barn 14:26 Challenges and Community Support 17:35 Learning Italian and Cultural Integration 20:56 Adjusting to a Slower Pace of Life 21:17 Nostalgia and Simplicity of Life in Silicon Valley 21:53 Adjusting to a Slower Pace in Italy 22:26 Balancing Busyness and Retirement 23:38 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey 28:52 Comparing Healthcare Systems: Italy vs. USA  32:07 Building Community and Friendships in Italy 34:42 Joining Local Activities and Clubs 38:54 Advice for Aspiring Expats 40:41 The Perfect Italian Dish 41:36 Final Thoughts

Sigga Hansen joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share honest insights about learning Danish as an expat. As founder of Lingua Danica and one of Denmark's most experienced Danish teachers, she reveals why Danish is trickier than expected - and why it's essential for truly experiencing Danish life. Key Insights: * Why Germans learn Danish faster than Swedes (surprising but true!) * The pronunciation challenges that trip up most learners * Why Copenhageners immediately switch to English * The "hidden Denmark" you'll miss if you only speak English * Real language learning strategies that work beyond apps Sigga brings unique perspective from teaching thousands of international students and living abroad herself. Whether you're moving to Denmark for work or love, this episode helps set realistic expectations while finding motivation to push through the challenging early stages. #LearnDanish #Denmark #ExpatLife #LanguageLearning #DanishLanguage #MovingToDenmark 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Meet Sigga Hansen: Danish Language Teacher 00:54 Sigga's Journey to Teaching Danish 02:40 Challenges and Rewards of Learning Danish 03:34 Typical Students and Their Motivations 04:18 The Role of English in Denmark 05:29 Language Similarities and Learning Advantages 07:04 High-Profile Danish Speakers 09:38 Danish Pronunciation and Patience 12:00 Teaching Danish: Joys and Methods 14:31 The Importance of Learning Danish in Denmark 17:18 Staying Motivated and Measuring Progress 18:26 Where to Find Sigga Hansen 18:59 Conclusion and Additional Resources Find Sigga Hansen on Instagram: @LinguaDanica More Denmark episodes: 🎧 Expat Careers In Denmark 🎧 How The Danish Healthcare System Works Subscribe for more expat insights! 📧 Newsletter: expatfocus.com/newsletter

Ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world. Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. You'll hear about the French approach to prenatal appointments, midwife care, and what really happens in French hospitals (spoiler: they actually encouraged her to eat a burger before delivery!). Whether you're planning a move abroad, expecting a baby, or just curious about healthcare differences around the world, Sarah's story offers both practical advice and emotional insights into one of life's biggest adventures... in a foreign language! #expatlife #moveabroad #france 00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback 00:20 Meet Sarah: An American in Paris 01:38 Sarah's Journey to France 04:06 Discovering Pregnancy in France 07:33 Navigating Prenatal Care 11:54 Childbirth Classes and Preparation 15:49 Hospital Choices and Birth Plans 18:57 Sarah's Birth Experience 29:04 Quick Birth Experience 30:59 Hospital Stay and Recovery 32:46 Newborn Care and Challenges 34:26 Support from Nursing Staff 38:04 Navigating French Healthcare 42:56 Unique Aspects of French Pregnancy 52:11 Maternity Leave and Benefits 54:26 Final Thoughts and Resources Sarah's blog - https://abuckeyeinparis.com [https://abuckeyeinparis.com] Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis [https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis]

David Andrews, Director of Visa Visa Limited, returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to explain New Zealand's new approach to digital nomads. In this episode, we uncover the truth behind what's been called a "digital nomad visa" (but isn't actually a new visa at all!), exploring how visitors can now legally work remotely while enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer. David shares valuable insights about: * How the visitor visa rules have changed to accommodate digital nomads * Tax implications for remote workers from countries with tax treaties * The current job market and in-demand skills in New Zealand * Investment visa changes making NZ more attractive for high-net-worth individuals * An increase in American professionals (especially doctors) looking to relocate * Practical advice on qualification transfers and finding employment * The best locations for digital nomads, from Auckland to Christchurch * Internet connectivity solutions for remote workers Whether you're considering a short working holiday or testing the waters for a permanent move, this episode provides essential information for anyone interested in experiencing life in New Zealand while maintaining their remote career. #expatlife #digitalnomad #newzealand #moveabroad 00:00 Introduction and Exciting News for Digital Nomads 01:17 Understanding New Zealand's Digital Nomad Visa 01:59 Visa Conditions and Practical Implications 03:57 Extended Stays and Tax Implications 11:18 Job Market and Employment Opportunities 12:42 Investment and Residency Options 19:09 Practical Tips for Digital Nomads in New Zealand 23:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Devra Jacobs joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how to achieve a "happy move" when relocating. Drawing from her experience of 29 moves, including living abroad in Korea, Devra shares practical tips on making the moving process as stress-free as possible. She discusses the importance of pre-move preparation, including what to keep and what to leave behind, how to pack efficiently, and how to handle pets and children during transitions. As the co-author of "A Happy Move," Devra provides insights on working with professional movers vs. DIY moves, the best times to relocate, and crucial post-move considerations that people often overlook. She shares valuable lessons learned from her extensive moving experience, including how to avoid common pitfalls like moving during peak seasons or holidays, and practical advice on documenting your belongings for insurance purposes. Whether you're moving across the country or internationally, this episode offers essential guidance on making your next move a successful one. Learn more about Devra's book at ahappymove.com. #ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatTips #MovingTips #ExpatPodcast #InternationalMove 00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback Request 00:35 Guest Introduction: Devra Jacobs 01:26 Devra's Moving Experiences 03:14 Achieving a Happy Move 05:35 Practical Moving Tips 10:36 Packing and Professional Movers 19:57 Managing Pets and Kids During a Move 25:01 Timing Your Move 31:35 Post-Move Considerations 34:41 Conclusion and Contact Information