Learn how to make a smooth transition when moving abroad with tips from Dr. Nassim Assefi, a global nomad. Topics include finding a sense of belonging, the importance of generous friends, exploring a new place with friends, navigating healthcare challenges, and words of encouragement from experts in reinventing oneself with work.
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Quick takeaways
Finding generous friends in a new country can provide valuable support and connections, making the transition easier.
Learning the local language, even imperfectly, is crucial for integrating into a new culture and developing connections.
Deep dives
Moving to a Foreign Country Due to Job Market Uncertainty
The podcast episode discusses the story of Sarah, who moved to Spain during the 2008 financial crisis due to limited job prospects in the US. Despite initial challenges, Sarah settled in, made friends, and eventually married a Spanish citizen. She then moved to Switzerland with her husband, facing new hurdles such as language barriers and difficulty in making friends.
Finding Generous Friends and Building a Supportive Network
The podcast emphasizes the importance of finding generous friends when moving to a foreign country. These friends, even if from a different country, can provide support, guidance, and connections, making the transition easier. The episode also highlights the significance of giving back and being a generous friend in return.
Overcoming Language Barriers and Embracing Uncertainty
Learning the local language, even imperfectly, is highlighted as crucial for integrating into a new culture and developing connections. The podcast suggests laughing at oneself, embracing failures, and finding humor in embarrassing situations to cope with the loss of control and uncertainty associated with living abroad.
Balancing Identity, Career, and Parenthood as an Expat
The episode explores the challenges expats face in maintaining their sense of identity and managing career aspirations while adjusting to a new country. It offers advice on embracing the adventure of living abroad, managing expectations, and seeking support from local and expat communities.
Have you ever wanted to move to a new country? Picking up and starting over internationally can be rewarding, but also nerve-wracking. Our listener Sara has lived overseas for more than a decade, but she recently moved to Switzerland and is struggling to fit in. On this episode of How To!, founding host Charles Duhigg brings in Dr. Nassim Assefi who, amongst all of her interesting professional accomplishments, is a self-identified “global nomad.” She’s lived in over 10 countries and draws on her extensive personal experience to help Sara—and anyone thinking about moving abroad—make a smooth transition.
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Podcast production by Derek John, Rosemary Belson, Kevin Bendis, and Jabari Butler.
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