We are continuing last week’s discussion about the typical reasons expats end up ending their time abroad and returning home. Contract disputes, family health, desire for a relationship can all be some of the reasons for the curtain to close on an expats’ time abroad. We hope that today’s conversation educates some of our listeners on the realities of living abroad and highlights some of the sacrifices that are often made in the choice to live in another country, thereby often being a cause to head home. Connect with us on our Instagram @suitcase_sagas

We are extending on last week’s conversation about the shock of returning home and discussing many of the typical reasons expats end up ending their time abroad and returning home.  There are some very obvious reasons people leave, and some not-so-often-discussed reasons why expats leave the life abroad to return home.  We hope that today’s conversation educates some of our listeners on the realities of living abroad and highlights some of the sacrifices that are often made in the choice to live in another country, thereby often being a cause to head home.  Connect with us on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

We continue our series on Culture Shock, but in this week’s episode, we are reversing the shock to discuss the common experiences expats endure when they return “home” after living abroad. Many refer to this as ‘reverse culture shock’ and quite honestly it can be even harder than the initial shock of living in a foreign country. It can be painful to be faced with the feeling of being misunderstood or disconnected from the place and people you were once immersed in which can be an isolating experience. So we hope that today’s conversation helps you know you’re not alone in your feelings as you reacclimate to living in your home country. And give you some helpful tips for your readjustment back home. Under 500 characters In this week’s episode, we are reversing the ‘culture shock’ to discuss the common experiences expats endure when they return home after living abroad. It can be even harder than the initial shock of living in a foreign country, and can leave people feeling misunderstood and disconnected from the place they once called home. We hope that today’s conversation gives you some helpful tips for your readjustment back home. Let’s connect! https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

Continuing our Culture Shock series, we discuss some more ways that can help expats through the disoriented feelings that living in a new country can bring about. But culture shock isn’t always something that is experienced at the beginning of someone’s experience abroad. It can actually be experienced years after living in a foreign country. There are many layers rooted in culture, lots of historical contexts that few outside the culture would know or ever understand. And there might be times that your lack of knowledge of these unwritten and not obvious roots can be offensive and unwelcome. So staying aware of the sensitivity that plays into many cultural traditions, modern policies, and the historical context around it all is important as expats navigate their own place within a foreign country. Be sure to connect with us on our Instagram and share your culture shock experiences with our Sagas community.

As we continue our series on Culture Shock, we try to answer a question that many expat newbies seem to have….how can I get over culture shock? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but in today’s episode we discuss a few ideas that can definitely help in overcoming the shock of living in another country. And one idea is sure to please all the foodies out there! There’s no way to tell how long culture shock will last, but as the shock wears on, it’s good to have some techniques to help you endure and minimize the disorienting feeling. Be sure to connect with us on our Instagram and share your culture shock experiences with our Sagas community. https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

This week, we begin a new series about Culture Shock and what exactly it is. Culture shock is one of those things you hear and talk a lot about as an expat. And it’s not always something you only experience when you first arrive somewhere new. It can keep sneaking up years after you have lived in a place. We begin the series by discussing what culture shock is and share some of our personal experiences while living abroad. Thanks for listening and be sure to join in on the conversation on our Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

One of the most common reasons many people choose to move abroad is the opportunity for travel. Some places definitely make traveling easier, more accessible, and enticing, while others require a lot more planning, time, and patience. For some, there can be the occasional headache and heartache in relation to obtaining a visa to visit certain countries with passports that aren’t as flexible as others. In this week’s episode, we talk about the perks of traveling while living abroad, and how it can open up your eyes to things you never imagined. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to connect with us on Instagram! SUITCASE SAGAS INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

Making friendships can be difficult no matter our age and geographic location, but as an expat, it can be even trickier. So many of us are transient, moving around every couple of years or so, and there can be a real fear of connection when you know the ‘loss’ is inevitable. But as Efua and Jessica prove, expat friendships do not have to be temporary! We haven’t lived in the same country since 2017, and in our experience, we have made many friendships beyond our own that are proving to be forever relationships as we intentionally build on them and keep in touch regularly thanks to technology. In this episode, the Saga ladies discuss the sometimes tricky situation of making meaningful friendships while living abroad. And the difficult truths of breaking up while living abroad. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to connect with us on Instagram! SUITCASE SAGAS INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

When you move abroad, you go in knowing that there will be a lot of new things on the horizon- like language, culture, food, and scenery. But some of the experiences come as an unexpected surprise- much like a fly in your drink or finding cash in the dryer. Some good, some not so good. In this episode, we are discussing some of the expected and unexpected surprises that are likely to come in life abroad and the adjustments that expats are forced to make. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to connect with us on Instagram! SUITCASE SAGAS INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/

So many people travel abroad and think to themselves, I could totally live here! But the truth of traveling to a foreign place isn’t always the same as touring that same country. In todays’ episode, we discuss the novelty and fun that travel provides, and how often living abroad can limit a person’s freedom to choose where they live and work, which can definitely change their perspective on living abroad. We also discuss the layers of culture shock that is experienced when you live abroad and how it can be quite different than the shock of when you are traveling somewhere for a limited time. And how the differences in work culture and ethics can add some unexpected hurdles and hilarity to the expat experience. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to connect with us on Instagram! SUITCASE SAGAS INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/suitcase_sagas/