Shows
Expat InsightsTrailer: Expat Insights Season 2Living abroad is more than a job assignment—it’s a life experience that reshapes identity, relationships, and family dynamics.Expat Insights is a podcast for expats, partners, and global mobility professionals who want to understand what life abroad really looks like—beyond the glossy version and relocation checklists.Hosted by Annegret Bertsch, Certified Solution Focused Coach and long-term expat, Season 2 dives deeper into the realities of international living. Episodes explore culture and leadership abroad, supporting children through school transitions and bullying, relationships and divorce in the expat context in the UAE, and the often-overlooked challenges...
2026-02-1801 min
Expat Insights10. Multicultural Parenting - All You Need is CuriositySummaryIn this conversation, Angela Vitiello shares her insights on raising children in multicultural families, drawing from her extensive experience as an expat. The discussion covers the complexities of navigating different cultures, the importance of curiosity and communication in relationships, and practical advice for building community and supporting children’s identity in a multicultural environment. Angela emphasizes the need for intentionality in parenting and the value of understanding and embracing diverse cultural backgrounds.TakeawaysMulticultural families can have diverse roots and traditions.Curiosity is essential for understanding in mu...
2026-02-0451 minExpat Insights09. Silence or Confrontation - Finding Your Voice as a TCKSummaryIn this conversation, Marie Suazo shares her experiences growing up as a third culture kid, navigating the complexities of her diplomatic upbringing across various countries. She reflects on the cultural expectations imposed by her family, the challenges of communication, and the importance of creating boundaries for personal growth. Marie discusses her teenage years, the significance of community connections, and the journey towards healing and self-acceptance. Ultimately, she emphasizes the hope for a future filled with empathy and understanding, both for herself and for others in similar situations.Takeaways
2026-01-2150 minExpat Insights08. Repatriation - The Unexpected Struggle after Expat LifeSummaryIn this episode, Annegret Bertsch and Andrea Zahrte discuss the complexities of repatriation and reverse culture shock. They explore the emotional challenges faced by individuals returning to their home country after living abroad, including feelings of grief, isolation, and the struggle to readjust. Andrea shares her personal experiences and insights as a coach for repatriates, offering practical advice on navigating the transition, supporting children, and finding a sense of belonging again. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief, maintaining connections, and recognizing the hidden gifts that come from the repatriation experience.
2026-01-0743 minExpat Insights07. From STEM to Success - Navigating Your Career in GermanySummaryIn this episode of Expat Insights, host Annegret Bertsch speaks with career mentor Tina Stavemann about the intricacies of navigating international careers in Germany. Tina shares her journey from working in HR and marketing to mentoring internationals, particularly in the STEM fields. The conversation covers the unique advantages that international talent brings to German companies, the challenges faced by newcomers, and practical advice for finding job opportunities. Tina emphasizes the importance of language skills, networking, and cultural understanding while also addressing the bureaucratic hurdles that internationals must overcome. The episode concludes with encouraging insights and practical...
2025-12-2448 minExpat Insights06. Divorce Abroad: His Side of the StorySummaryWhen Michael Seidl left his job in Germany to follow his wife on an international assignment to the U.S., he stepped into a role few men talk about—the accompanying spouse. What began as an exciting adventure quickly became a test of identity, communication, and resilience as the pandemic hit and life abroad unfolded differently than expected.In this honest and moving conversation, Michael shares what it felt like to lose his professional footing, navigate shifting family dynamics, and confront the quiet loneliness that can come with being the “trailing partner.” He also opens...
2025-12-1052 minExpat Insights05. The Power of Language - Finding Your Voice AbroadSummaryIn this episode, Annegret Bertsch and Megan Nicholls explore the multifaceted journey of language learning, emphasizing the importance of confidence, cultural connections, and the mindset required to embrace new languages. They discuss the challenges faced by learners, the role of culture in language acquisition, and practical tips for overcoming obstacles. The conversation highlights the significance of making mistakes, the impact of accents, and how language can reflect different aspects of one's personality. They also touch on the future of language learning in the age of AI, advocating for authentic human connections.
2025-11-2644 minExpat Insights04. A Dad`s Perspective - Raising Third Culture KidsSummaryIn this episode, Annegret Bertsch and Chris Moyer discuss the experiences of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), exploring the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Chris shares his personal journey as a TCK, the importance of emotional support for children, and practical advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising TCKs. The conversation highlights the significance of being intentional with time, understanding emotional processing, and fostering resilience in children as they adapt to multiple cultures.TakeawaysTCKs grow up in a culture different from...
2025-11-1254 minExpat Insights03. Spotlight China - Thriving Abroad as a SpouseSummaryIn this episode of Expat Insights, host Annegret and guest Julie M. Marx explore the multifaceted experience of expat life in China, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by expat spouses. They discuss the rapid pace of life in China, the importance of learning Mandarin, and the emotional complexities of living abroad, including feelings of guilt and homesickness. Julie shares her insights on building community, navigating professional restrictions, and the evolving nature of expat life, emphasizing the need for support and connection in a foreign environment.Takeaways
2025-10-2954 minExpat Insights02. Love Abroad - How Expat Life Shapes RelationshipsSummaryThis conversation explores the complexities of relationships for expats, highlighting the hidden stressors that arise from moving abroad, the impact of career changes, and the importance of communication and support systems. Wiebke Anton, a relationship coach, shares insights on how cultural differences and financial dynamics can complicate relationships, while also emphasizing the need for counseling and the normalization of seeking help. The discussion concludes with hopes for the future of expat couples, focusing on the importance of maintaining healthy relationships amidst the challenges of living abroad.TakeawaysExpat life...
2025-10-1558 minExpat Insights01. Culture Shock and Finding Belonging AbroadSummaryIn this conversation, Annegret and Martyna delve into the complexities of culture shock experienced by expats. They explore the various phases of culture shock, from the initial excitement of the honeymoon phase to the frustrations and doubts that often follow. Martyna shares her personal experiences of living in different countries, highlighting the importance of finding belonging and home in a new environment. They discuss the journey of self-discovery that comes with adapting to a new culture and the challenges of managing expectations from oneself and others. The conversation concludes with practical advice for new expats on...
2025-10-0149 minExpat InsightsTrailer Expat InsightsLiving abroad changes you—sometimes in exhilarating ways, other times in deeply challenging ones. I know, because I’ve been there.I’m Annegret Bertsch, an Erickson Certified Coach, and I created Expat Insights to explore the real experiences of life abroad. In Season One, you’ll hear from experts around the globe as we dive into topics such as:Navigating culture shockRaising Third Culture KidsKeeping relationships strong across bordersLeading effectively abroadRepatriation—and the big question: what does home even mean now?This podcas...
2025-09-2402 min
Quiero un Panino con Cheese - A Podcast for TCKs and Multicultural FamiliesWhen Going Home Gets Tough with Annegret Bertsch, CPCAfter years of living abroad, returning home might seem like the easy part—but for many, it’s the hardest transition of all. In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked phenomenon of reverse culture shock—what it is, why it hits harder than expected, and how to navigate it with more awareness and compassion.We’re thrilled to welcome Annegret Bertsch, a solution-focused coach certified through Erickson International, with a background in Mathematics and English. Annegret has lived in across Europe, America, and Asia, and recently repatriated to Germany after years ab...
2025-07-3033 min
Global People Mobility PodcastEp.26: The Benefits of Expat Coaching with Annegret Bertsch and Stefan RemhofHow to find purpose and thrive as an expat
Summary:
In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, host Stefan Remhof speaks with Annegret Bertsch, an expert expat coach. They discuss the importance of coaching for expats, the challenges faced during international assignments, and the cultural differences encountered when moving between countries. Annegret shares her personal experiences living in the US, China, and Germany, highlighting the significance of finding purpose and adapting to new environments. The conversation also touches on the evolving trends in global mobility, including the impact of AI and the need for companies to focus...
2024-09-1922 min
brunch.brunch with Annegret BertschIn this episode, I speak with Annegret, a German teacher living in a small town in Alabama in the United States. Annegret talks about her time making new friends in the US, her 5 years as an expat in Beijing and then their move back to Alabama. She talks about her career reinvention that she undertook while not being able to work in China and give some amazing advice that she gives trailing spouses in her new role as a coach.
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The Trailing Spouse Co is a network that...
2023-05-3129 min