In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gabriela Encina, a psychologist for expats and internationals, who helps people navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of living abroad.

Gabriela walks us through the 4 chapters of expat life that so many of us quietly experience, and whether you’re in your first year abroad or ten years in, you’ll likely recognize yourself in one of these stages. If you're going through any of these emotions, be sure to know that you're not alone. 💛

If you want to hear more about Gabriela's expat journey, be sure to listen to the Season 1 Episode 31! She shared her journey from Chile 🇨🇱 to Austria 🇦🇹 and now Spain 🇪🇸 and brings fresh insights to help expats name their challenges, embrace change, and move forward with confidence.

🎧 Enjoy :)

⏰ Time Stamps

00:00 Meet Gabriela

02:02 The Honeymoon Phase of Expat Life

06:00 Emotional Preparation for Moving Abroad

09:33 Navigating Cultural Differences at Work

22:27 Is This the Right Country for Me?

32:36 Adapting and Settling In

37:57 Deciding Between Staying or Moving Back

45:35 Final Thoughts and Advice for Expats

✨ Connect with Gabriela ✨

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

🌎 Connect with Lucy 🌎

Website

LinkedIn

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Sara, a purpose-driven leader in data analytics and digital transformation with 20+ years of experience spanning engineering, science, and organizational psychology to the table.

Sara began her career in hydrogeology and has taken her across continents, industries, and roles - from completing her PhD in Hydrogeology/Groundwater transport modelling/Nanoscience and participating in mining projects in Australia, to a metro system in Hanoi and Doha, to her current role in data leadership in Copenhagen.

Born in Iran, Sara shared powerful reflections on leaving her home country, navigating life, and the unplanned path that led her to where she is today. Throughout our conversation, she shared the challenges and beautiful things about starting over, the importance of a supportive partner, and why flexibility over rigidity has become her life mantra.

🎧 Tune in hear Sara's inspiring journey through career pivots, cross-cultural living, and embracing the unknown with curiosity and courage.

⏰ Time stamps

00:00 Meet Sarah: From Hydrogeology to Data Leadership

01:21 Sarah's Early Career and Transition to Engineering

06:45 Sarah's Passion for Science and Engineering

10:12 From Iran to Australia: Sarah's Journey

32:27 Hanoi Metro Project Experience

34:32 Move to Qatar

41:28 Relocation to the UK and Glasgow Life

44:17 Settling in Copenhagen

45:30 The Importance of a Supportive Partner

52:08 Life Mantra: Flexibility and Openness

👉 Sara on LinkedIn

👉 Lucy on LinkedIn

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Balneger, a Dutch expat 🇳🇱 who moved to South Korea 🇰🇷on a whim and ended up building an incredible life there over the past 9 years.

What started as a last-minute university exchange turned into a decade-long adventure!

Since arriving in Seoul, Mark has worn many hats - from working in marketing by day and bartending by night, to starring in over 20 movies and 15 commercials, and even launching his own startup with support from the Korean government. Now, he leads Study in Asia, an EdTech company, connecting international students with opportunities to study across Asia.

It was such a candid and thoughtful conversation about life in South Korea as an expat, growth, grit, and what happens when you lean into the unexpected.

🎧 Listen now to here Mark's journey from the Netherlands to South Korea!

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:34 Mark's Journey to South Korea

02:34 Cultural Shocks and Adjustments

06:11 Dutch Culture vs. Korean Culture

09:45 Living in Seoul vs. Busan

17:00 Starting a Career in Korea

20:38 Current Role at Study in Asia

24:47 Advice for Moving to Korea

27:56 Life Mantra and Stoic Philosophy

👉 Connecting with Mark on LinkedIn

👉 Connecting with Lucy on LinkedIn