Are you considering moving abroad for love? It's a romantic notion, but it's also a decision that comes with its own set of complexities and challenges. Before you pack your bags and embark on this life-changing journey, there are some critical factors you need to consider. From the pressure it can put on your relationship to the practicalities of visas and the potential pitfalls of "passport hunters," there's a lot to think about. And what about your personal circumstances, family consideration...
Aug 18, 2023•15 min•Ep. 308
Europe, a land steeped in history, adorned with breathtaking landscapes, and enriched by diverse cultures, has been a coveted destination for many. The promise of comprehensive healthcare, immaculate streets, and timeless architectural marvels beckons countless souls. But is there more to living in Europe than meets the eye? Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, often paint a dreamy picture of Europe. Those tranquil mornings, charming alleyways, and scenic vistas are undoubtedly real, ...
Aug 11, 2023•14 min•Ep. 307
Living abroad can be a thrilling journey, but it's not without its challenges. How can you navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and the temptation to stick to old habits? How can you truly immerse yourself in a new environment living abroad without losing your sense of self? In my 14 years of expat life and life abroad, I've learned some valuable lessons about flexibility, openness, and the importance of local connections. I've discovered that the key to a successful expat experienc...
Aug 05, 2023•11 min•Ep. 306
In the most recent episode of the Not Your Average Globetrotter podcast, hosted by Rafael Di Furia, we are introduced to the world of Josh and Kalie from @ExpatsEverywhere . This dynamic duo takes us on an intimate journey through their own expat life, sharing their experiences of residing in a variety of countries and the hurdles they've had to overcome while navigating the complexities of different cultures. Josh and Kalie delve into the nitty-gritty of their expatriate life, discussing the in...
Jul 28, 2023•45 min•Ep. 305
Navigating the healthcare system in Portugal as an expat living in Portugal, particularly when expecting a baby, involves understanding the importance of health insurance and the intricacies of local medical practices. For some, cultural nuances, such as the unique naming conventions in Portugal, can be a significant consideration. Living abroad and enjoying expat life for some may even come along with the process of registering a newborn's birth, a unique experience that not all will have to ex...
Jul 21, 2023•36 min
After 14 years of living abroad and enjoying expat life, I wanted to talk a bit about how I see the US now... This week, we'll be taking a look at the USA through an Expat lens... Is the U.S. truly the "leader of the free world", or is that just a perception we've grown accustomed to? One of many topics that are worth thinking about is the education system. Does it really prepare us for life, or is it more about scoring high on tests? What about healthcare access? Is it as straightforward as it ...
Jul 14, 2023•25 min•Ep. 304
Alright, let's dive right into the nitty-gritty of expat life. There's a lot of talk about living abroad, but let's face it, not everything you hear is the gospel truth. So, let's get real for a moment. Before packing those bags, it’s crucial to do some serious research. Know what you’re getting into, because the cost of living isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. It varies, depending on where you’re headed and how you like to live.... On the topic of languages though, don’t assume you can g...
Jul 07, 2023•16 min•Ep. 278
Sometimes the smallest things, like the ease of using your own name, can make a big difference when living abroad. Of course, this is an extreme example, but there are many little things that can pile up throughout your expat experience after moving abroad. Before making a decision to rent or buy property in another country, spending time living there fully embracing expat life to understand the day-to-day realities is crucial. This is because vacationing in a place often doesn’t provide the ful...
Jun 30, 2023•15 min•Ep. 301
Living the digital nomad life or choosing the expat life is a journey filled with excitement, discovery, and challenges. The allure of constantly changing landscapes, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures is undeniable. However, it's not always as glamorous as it seems. The transient nature of relationships, the struggle to find a sense of belonging, and the occasional feelings of loneliness and disconnection are realities that often go unnoticed. On the flip side, choosing to ...
Jun 23, 2023•22 min•Ep. 300
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Portuguese culture as we uncover the intricacies of communication styles and varying levels of openness across different regions. Gain valuable insights into communication styles and levels of openness across different regions of Portugal, perfect for those considering expat life or moving abroad. Special guests Carlos Rodrigues and Sílvia Correia share their own transformative experiences of living and traveling abroad, highlighting the profound impac...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 299
Embarking on a journey abroad can be a thrilling adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations such as the complexities of living abroad, particularly the emotional and practical aspects that often go unnoticed. While there may be moments of doubt or longing for what was left behind, these feelings are often outweighed by the learning experiences gained from living in a different culture. But what is 'home' and how it evolves when one moves abroad? Emotional and ...
Jun 09, 2023•21 min•Ep. 298
Living abroad for 14 years has given me a unique perspective on the country that I come from. Even though I've been far removed from the goings on I've always kept up with what is happening there and have challenged myself on whether expat life is the right life for me, or would moving to the United States be a better choice. I believe it's important to take a look at the financial aspects of life abroad and in this episode, I'll bring up some comparisons specifically in regard to the cost of li...
Jun 02, 2023•21 min•Ep. 297
Embark on your expat life by considering the potential of dual citizenship, a compelling avenue towards living overseas. This journey entails delving into the regulations of your chosen country, focusing on acquiring a second passport. The move abroad is more than just a location shift—it's understanding the potency of your passport and decoding the complexities of work visas. Essential components of this process also include the meticulous collation, certification, and translation of requisite ...
May 26, 2023•22 min•Ep. 296
Let’s take a look at European entrepreneurship from a foreign perspective. This episode is intended for those who may want to work remotely from another country while living in Europe; such as digital nomads, and expats looking to relocate themselves as well as their business. We’ll cover topics from personal connections, societal norms, banking practices and practical tips on what to take into account as well as touching on the tax structures in Europe that you might find if you are looking to ...
May 19, 2023•22 min•Ep. 295
Navigating the complexities of dual citizenship and addressing common misconceptions, this engaging discussion delves into topics like obtaining another citizenship or passport, the challenges of living abroad as an expat, and the true meaning of being a dual citizen. Let's debunk some myths and misunderstandings, take a look at expat life, and examine a couple of different ways to become a dual citizen. Understand your global identity and join the conversation about making the move abroad. In t...
May 06, 2023•19 min•Ep. 293
1 Euro Homes in Italy... Are you curious about the process and potential drawbacks of buying one of these homes? In this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, we'll talk about the bidding process, the requirements set by the municipality, and the possibility of hidden costs and renovations needed. From the beautiful Italian countryside to the bustling cities, we'll discuss the different options for those looking to move to Italy and what to keep in mind when considering a 1 Euro Huse.
Apr 28, 2023•15 min•Ep. 292
Let's jump into an episode exploring expat life in Italy and Portugal, focusing on healthcare, cost of living, local cuisine, and transportation. If you're considering moving to these beautiful countries or just curious about expat experiences, this Q&A episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter will cover topics that may be of interest. We'll quickly touch on some of the differences in medical infrastructure across Italy, from top-notch services in some regions to potential disparities in oth...
Apr 21, 2023•19 min
Living abroad as an expat in Italy and Portugal (as well as other places) has taught me valuable lessons about myself and how to adapt to new environments. Moving to another country offers unique experiences, but it's crucial to find commonalities to be able to build bridges with locals. Expat life can present challenges, so assessing if a location aligns with your values is essential. Embracing an active role in self-improvement and focusing on positive experiences help make the most of moving ...
Apr 14, 2023•18 min•Ep. 290
Let's explore the pros and cons of living in Italy's North, Center, and South regions (including Sicily). Discover the cost of living, job opportunities, and the unique aspects of each area. As an American abroad, learn about the cultural differences and gain insights into the pros and cons of each region. In this expat life in Italy podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, hosted by Rafael Di Furia, let's dive into the diverse experiences of living in Italy. From the bustling cities an...
Apr 07, 2023•22 min•Ep. 289
Whether you move abroad for love or move abroad and love finds you, understanding yourself and the cultural differences between your culture and your significant other can be very important. In this living abroad / expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, I share my experiences with expat dating abroad and discuss the unique challenges faced by those looking for love in another country. As we delve into the importance of understanding cultural expectations and the essential role o...
Mar 24, 2023•23 min•Ep. 287
In this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter I wanted to share my personal experience as an expat in Portugal and discuss common mistakes that people often make when living and working abroad. Whether you're an American or from anywhere else in the world, moving to a new country can be daunting. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls to avoid. First and foremost, it's crucial to consider the cost of living in your new location. Underestimating expenses is a mistake m...
Mar 17, 2023•16 min
When thinking about moving abroad, it is undoubtedly quite important to think ahead, make a plan and do all of the research that you can before making the big move. Living in a foreign country can be challenging, especially when it comes to language barriers and cultural differences but having some knowledge on your side ahead of time can make things that much easier. That's why I always recommend trying to learn more than just basic phrases as well as local customs before you arrive at your des...
Mar 10, 2023•18 min•Ep. 285
If you're considering moving to Portugal or just visiting, you may be interested in the differences between Lisbon and Braga. I recently shared a post on Instagram with a few photos from my trip last weekend to Lisbon. While I was there, I couldn't help but contrast Lisbon and Braga. In conversation with locals, I realized that the conversation style can differ significantly from the north of the country to the south. One major difference is how directly individuals may converse with one another...
Mar 03, 2023•21 min
Portugal is a beautiful country with numerous attractions and CAN offer affordable living for individuals who choose to move to Portugal from abroad. However, to have a successful move to Portugal, I personally believe that expats should have a balanced view of both the positives and negatives of what it is like to live in Portugal. In this living abroad expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, I'll share some of the things that might be challenging for expats to adjust to with wh...
Feb 24, 2023•13 min•Ep. 283
The Portuguese government recently unveiled POSSIBLE new measures to combat the country's housing crisis and high cost of living. The changes include ending the controversial golden visa program, which some argue has driven up housing prices. The government is also considering a ban on short-term rentals such as AirBNBs, which have further contributed to the housing shortage. To incentivize landlords to rent to locals, the government is offering tax breaks to those who convert their properties i...
Feb 17, 2023•14 min
In this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, we'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely from Portugal. The stunning coastline, historic cities, and laid-back lifestyle have made Portugal a popular destination for both expats and digital nomads alike. Whether you're thinking of making a move to this picturesque country or simply curious about what it's like to work remotely from Portugal as a digital nomad temporarily, this episode will share my "boots on the ground p...
Feb 10, 2023•14 min
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Amir Ghannad and found familiarity in his incredible story of moving abroad alone at just 16 years old from Iran to the US. Through his challenges and triumphs, he's built a life as a successful expat and digital nomad, exploring the world and sharing his unique experiences of living as a student, expat, family man, career man and entrepreneur in the USA, Thailand, Germany and now Portugal. This living abroad/expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globet...
Feb 03, 2023•36 min•Ep. 280
Living in Europe as an Italian dual-citizen expat has been quite an interesting experience. Based on what I've seen so far, I wanted to explore the topics around the cultural aspect of what it means to be "Italian" or considered to be Italian... Over the years there has been an evolution of how my perception of what ‘being Italian’ means due to my experiences in Italy and elsewhere. I also wanted to touch on how connecting with Italy has been both heartwarming and eye-opening for me... In this l...
Jan 27, 2023•24 min•Ep. 279
Let’s explore the thought process along with some of the pros and cons of moving abroad to start a new life. I will share my own personal journey and experiences living in different countries and cities, including my current experience as an expat in Portugal. We will also discuss the remote possibilities of other countries to live in, in other parts of the world such as South America or Asia. We’ll also get into the considerations of safety, culture, and lifestyle as I think it's important to w...
Jan 13, 2023•22 min•Ep. 277
Living abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also requires patience and the ability to slow down. One major cultural difference between the USA and other countries is the fast-paced American culture versus the slower pace of life abroad. The pressure to perform and achieve financial success can also be more intense in the USA compared to other countries. Living in a foreign country can be challenging at times, but it also allows for personal growth and development. By learni...
Jan 06, 2023•17 min•Ep. 276
