Shows
Everyday GermanyListener feedback: Nina's revoked Bavarian passport, Shaun's masonry oven, and moreNina and Shaun respond to some listener comments - and talk about their first semi-mean YouTube comment.The other Nürnberg podcasts Harald mentioned: Entbehrliches and Ach! SEND US MESSAGES OR FEEDBACK!Contact us: info@everydaygermany.deSubscribe to our YouTube channel: Everyday Germany on YouTubeMusic + Artwork by Adrian Bran
2023-03-0130 min
The Germany ExperienceHow German are you? (Nina from Germany)The Germany Experience is back with a repost from Shaun's other podcast, Everyday Germany. Nina joins Shaun to see which one of them is more German.Subscribe to Everyday Germany where Shaun and Nina discuss their observations of German life, culture and language: EVERYDAY GERMANYThe book we used as a basis for this episode: Ze Germans: An expat's guide to living in Germany by Fadi GaziriThe Germany Experience podcast episodes featuring Fadi: Apologizing in Germany, sauna surprises, and making friends and Writing a Eurovision song, and traveling to the A...
2023-03-0150 minEveryday GermanyShaun's fire emergency // Voluntary emergency services in GermanyNina and Shaun discuss voluntary emergency services in Germany, and how volunteering could be a good thing for foreigners who want to make friends and connect with the local community. Contact us: info@everydaygermany.deSubscribe to our YouTube channel: Everyday Germany on YouTubeSEND US MESSAGES OR FEEDBACK!Contact us: info@everydaygermany.deSubscribe to our YouTube channel: Everyday Germany on YouTubeMusic + Artwork by Adrian Bran
2023-01-1833 minThe Germany Experience4GEPADFO charity drive update, and when The Germany Experience will be backShaun gives an update on 4GEPADFO (spoiler: we made our 500€ goal!). But you can still donate to this great cause (a hotline providing psychosocial support for Ukrainian children and youths:Donate to krisenchatListen to Shaun's new English podcast with Nina about life in Germany: EVERYDAY GERMANYSupport the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast website: https://thegermanyexperience.deYouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/thegermanyexperienceContact me: info@thegermanyexperience.dePodcast Intro Music by...
2023-01-0404 min
The Germany ExperienceGetting ready to leave Germany (Nicole from The Expat Cast)Nicole joins me this week to discuss some big changes in her life – she's leaving Germany. In this episode, she explains what's happening and why she's making the move.We also talk about our charity drive for 2022 - AND WE NEED YOU TO DONATE!4GEPADFO time: charity drive 2022As we do every year, Nicole of The Expat Cast and I are raising money for a charity - but this time, instead of a competition, we're doing it together! The project we're supporting this year: krisenchat, which provides psychosocial support for young Ukranians.
2022-12-2247 minEveryday GermanyIntroducing Shaun and Nina, and potential potato contentShaun's podcast about life in Germany for foreigners (where Nina is a frequent guest): The Germany ExperienceShaun and Nina's podcast in German: Die deutsche und der AusländerContact us: info@everydaygermany.deSEND US MESSAGES OR FEEDBACK!Contact us: info@everydaygermany.deSubscribe to our YouTube channel: Everyday Germany on YouTubeMusic + Artwork by Adrian Bran
2022-12-2113 min
The Germany ExperienceGerman traditions or superstitions? (Nina from Germany)If you've ever wished a German "Happy birthday" before their actual birthday, you will no doubt have quickly learnt that it's just not done. It's just a tradition based on superstition, but many Germans abide by it. So, is it tradition, or actually superstition? Shaun has his opinion, and he talks with Nina, a German, about it. They also cover the "Eisheilige" belief that you shouldn't sow certain plants before middle of May, drinking traditions, and more. We also cover what the daddy long legs spider is called in German.Show notes: S...
2022-06-0829 min
The Germany ExperienceChoosing a rural life, coming to Germany as a lawyer, and a giant tea cup (Rachel from South Africa)It only took 106 episodes, but Shaun finally has a South African guest on the podcast! Rachel is a lawyer (also a first) who has only been in Germany for a few weeks. She discusses her first impressions of Germany, choosing between a corporate and a startup when she was looking for a job, and why she is leaning towards a more rural life in Germany. She also explains why winter jackets are such foreign things to people from the southern hemisphere and we marvel over her very large tea cup.Rachel on Instagram: @RachInBerlinSome...
2022-02-2345 min
The Germany ExperienceWorking in tech in Germany (Yotzín from Mexico)What's it like working in tech in Germany? What do foreigners need to know about finding a tech job in Germany? Yotzín, from Mexico, joins me to answer these questions and discuss his experiences working in the tech field in Germany. We cover the Blue Card visa, changing tech jobs, and understanding the job market. Yotzin on Instagram: @yotzincortezMy recent guest podcast appearances:The Expat Cast: A South African, a Filipino,& an American Walk into a Bakery... with Shaun & LawinThe Canadian Wants To Know: Chat with a South AfricanSE...
2021-10-2044 min
The Germany ExperienceApologizing in Germany, sauna surprises, and making friends: an expat's guide to living in Germany (Fadi Gaziri from the UK)Fadi Gaziri has written a book about life in Germany for foreigners called, "Ze Germans: An Expat's Guide to Living in Germany", and he joins me to discuss the book and some of his insights from his experiences in the country. We cover apologizing in Germany, sauna surprises, making friends, and why Fadi actually likes it here. Plus, we do the "How German Are You?" quiz from his book to see which one of us is the most Germanized. "Ze Germans: An exapt's guide to living in Germany" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Fadi-Gaziri...
2021-06-0952 min
The Germany ExperienceBeer, digitization, security, and education: our preconceived notions of Europe (Lawin from the Philippines)Before you move to a foreign country, you inevitably have a picture of what it's like in your mind. Maybe you got it from TV and books, or perhaps you've met tourists from that country. Lawin, host of the Pop Your Cultural Cherry podcast, joins me to discuss our preconceived notions of Germany and Europe, and what the reality was for us. Pop Your Cultural Cherry podcast: https://linktr.ee/popyourculturalcherryPop Your Cultural Cherry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popyourculturalcherry/The Germany Experience episode about beer I referenced: https://www.thegermanyexperience.de...
2021-05-1943 min
The Germany ExperiencePlanning a summer trip to the mountains (Ceri from the UK)If things in Germany continue easing up, vacation will again be possible this summer. A very popular tourist destination is the mountainous region of Bavaria. Ceri, originally from the UK, runs a mountain tour and trekking company there called Four Elements. She joins me to discuss how to avoid tourist hot spots in the mountains this summer, how to prepare for a trip, and also how her love for the outdoors has shaped her time in Germany. Ceri's mountain tour company: https://www.4elements.eu/Karwendel, the hiking region she mentioned
2021-05-1240 min
The Germany ExperienceThree key factors for making friends in Germany (Nadja from Germany)Nadja Todt was born and raised in Germany, but spent 11 years abroad. She describes herself as a global citizen, change-maker, international experience expert, community connector and mentor, and a German and English language consultant. Nadja offers a program called "45 Days to Meaningful Friendships and Connections", and so I asked her to come on the podcast and discuss her insights. Her discussion centers around the what she sees as three central topics of making friendships: knowing yourself, being aware of your communication style, and making deeper connections. Nadja's links:
2021-05-0539 min
The Germany ExperienceCost of living in Germany in 2021 (Jen from Simple Germany)What are the standard costs of living you can expect in Germany? Do you really need so much insurance in Germany? And why pay the Rundfunkbeitrag if you don't watch German TV?Jen is from Guatemala and is the co-founder of Simple Germany. She joins me to discuss her story, and the cost of living in Germany. As a basis for our discussion, we use her blog post, The Cost of Living in Germany in 2021 (Real-Life Case Study). We cover everything from rent, mobile phone contracts, insurance, taxes, and much more.But it's not just...
2021-02-011h 25The Germany ExperienceSEGEPADFO charity challenge wrap-up, and when The Germany Experience will be backThe SEGEPADFO charity challenge, where I went up against Nicole of The Expat Cast to see who could raise the most money for a project by Über den Tellerrand, is over. Who won the challenge, and how much we raised, is all in this update episode. Plus: I'll tell you when I'll be back with new episodes. Thank you to everyone who donated! See our video promo outtakes: SEGEPADFO video promo outtakesThe project we were supporting: Portable kitchen for Über den Tellerrand FreiburgSupport the showInstagram: t...
2020-12-2806 minThe Germany ExperienceSEGEPADFO charity challenge update, and the truth about Nicole of The Expat CastDonate in the SEGEPADFO charity challenge: https://www.thegermanyexperience.de/charity2020/I'm going head-to-head with Nicole to see who can raise the most money for Über den Tellerrand - specifically, to help them raise money for a portable kitchen that will enable them to expand and improve their events. And their events are aimed at promoting diversity and acceptance in Germany by bringing together migrants and Germans. More information at the link above. Right now, The Germany Experience is in the lead - but there's still time (until the 24th December) for you t...
2020-12-2107 min
The Germany ExperienceLearning assertiveness from Germans, and growing to love a city (Jenna from Canada)Jenna is from Canada who is living in Düsseldorf. She is the creator of Life in Duesseldorf, has just started the Life in Germany YouTube channel. We discuss why she moved to Germany, her recent bout of COVID-19, and why she loves German barbecue culture.Jenna on Instagram: @lifeindusSEGEPADFO UPDATE:Nicole of The Expat Cast and I are going head-to-head to raise money for Über den Tellerrand - in specific, we're supporting a project of theirs to build a mobile kitchen. To find out more and to donate, visit our SE...
2020-12-1441 min
The Germany ExperienceComing to Germany during a pandemic (Cassie from Australia)Cassie from Australia wanted to continue her music studies in Germany, and her plans were already underway when the pandemic struck. It put her plans on hold, but Cassie was still able to push through and move to Weimar. I discuss with her what it was like to move to Germany during a pandemic, and what her first impressions of Germany are. Cassie on Instagram: @cassie_slaterSEGEPADFO Charity ChallengeNicole of The Expat Cast and I are going head-to-head to raise money for Über den Tellerrand - in specific, we're supporting a...
2020-12-0736 min
The Germany ExperienceSinging soul in Germany, and BLM from a distance (Alicia from the USA)Alicia is a soul and blues singer currently living in Germany. She moved from Texas, USA to Germany complete her studies just over a year ago. I discuss with Alicia what her mindset is after moving countries in such a turbulent year, what her feelings on Germany are, and how she was able to speak out for Black Lives Matter from Germany. Watch Alicia's BLM speech in HannoverVisit Alicia's website to watch videos of her performing and to learn more about her: Alicia Cibola MusicFollow her on Instagram: aliciacibolaAlicia on...
2020-11-3047 minThe Germany ExperienceAdvent Charity Challenge Announcement - SEGEPADFOVisit the official SEGEPADFO page for more information!As we did last year, Nicole of The Expat Cast (my sworn rival) and I will be facing off to see who can raise the most money for charity this Advent. SEGEPADFO stands for "Second Ever Germany Expat Podcasters Advent Donations Face Off".This year, the charity we’ve chosen to support is Über den Tellerrand. Their aim: create opportunities for people of different cultures to meet and get to know each other, based on shared interests. Their diverse act...
2020-11-2900 min
The Germany ExperienceAntoinette Emily from New ZealandYou probably know Antoinette Emily from her YouTube channel. Originally from New Zealand, she moved to Germany to be with her then-boyfriend (now-husband) over 10 years ago. We discuss the story of how she came to Germany, the importance of having international friends in Germany, raising bilingual children, why you probably shouldn't build a house in Germany, and, of course, her YouTube channel. Antoinette's YouTube channel: Antoinette EmilyAntoinette on Instagram: @antoinette_nzGERMAN UNCOVERED COURSE - BLACK FRIDAY DISCOUNT!The German Uncovered language course, plus bonsues, is discounted...
2020-11-2342 min
The Germany Experience"Germany chose me" (Sneha from India)Sneha from India moved to Germany in 2011. A professional Indian classical dancer, she was expecting something similar to New York, where people knew about the artform of Indian classical dance. Instead, she found herself constantly having to explain to Germans that it wasn't Bollywood dancing that she does...Sneha explains how she quickly started establishing herself in her artform in Germany by putting on shows, and then later teaching young girls the art of Bharatanatyam. She also takes us through the story of how, when her personal life began falling apart, Munich showed her love and gave...
2020-11-1650 min
The Germany ExperienceTeenagers' perspective: Life in Germany & traveling with family (Anna & Alex from the USA)Back in May 2020, I had Linda of the Travelteening blog on the podcast to talk about moving to Germany and traveling around with teenagers. Now, I have the teenagers on! Anna and Alex talk about their move to Germany, their lives here, and about traveling with family. OTHER SHOW NOTESLockdown ignored: Munich police shut down child's birthday party with 100+ guestsMy "Warteschlangenungeduldigkeit" post on Instagram Bavarian Infection Protocol Ordinance in German: Infektionsschutzmaßnahmenverordnung GERMAN UNCOVERED STORY-BASED LANGUAGE COURSEGerman Uncovered is a comprehensive German course for beginners, where you learn Ger...
2020-11-0940 min
The Germany ExperienceAsk a German: Bureaucracy, German pillows, standing in line, and recruitment through fruit (Dominik, Jürgen & Philipp from Ach?)You sent in your questions, and I put them to Germans to get the answers. It's Ask A German time!The three German guests are the always funny and entertaining hosts of the German podcast, Ach! They answer the questions that listeners sent in over the past few months, and in the process shed some light on some issues foreigners in Germany know all too well. We even come up with a new crime in Germany: Warteschlangeungeduldigkeit (waiting line impatience). Their website: das-a.chFollow Ach! on Twitter: das_achThe questions...
2020-11-0257 min
The Germany ExperienceLearning about "Mittagsruhe", integrating through a "Kinderladen", and the impact of Brexit (Fiona from the UK)Fiona and her husband are opera singers from the UK who moved to Germany for work. I first met her when she appeared on the episode about Parkrun in Germany, and I wanted to find out more about her path to journey and experiences here...so I invited her back on the show. In our chat, she talks about how she learnt about the "Mittagsruhe" rule in Germany, what a "Kinderladen" is and why it's a help for integrating, the effects or Brexit on her life, and "Geisterfahrers" (wrong-way drivers). Fiona on Instagram: @volbeat_floFiona...
2020-10-2659 min
The Germany ExperienceWurst/arsch/schwein idioms, why “Der/Die/Das” is weird, and sitting down to pee in Germany (Ricardo from Brazil & Ivan from Bulgaria)Ricardo from Brazil and Ivan from Bulgaria are the people behind the Can You German? Instagram account. They met by chance in Germany, where they became friends. Later, when Ivan was stuck in Brazil due to COVID-19, they spent a lot of time together, and it was during this time that Can You German? was born. We discuss their Instagram page, why German is obsessed with idioms that have to do with sausage, ass, and pigs, and the culture shock for men when they learn that sitting down to pee in German is the norm. ...
2020-10-1956 min
The Germany ExperienceThings to know before learning German (Elysse from Elysse Speaks)Elysse is the host of Elysse Speaks, a YouTube channel about her experiences learning multiple languages (including sign language). One of the languages she speaks is German, and I invited her on the podcast to talk about German, what would have been good to know before learning German, and why learning German is like being in a complicated but cool relationship. Elysse's video that we base our discussion on: What I wish I knew BEFORE learning GermanSubscribe to Elysse's YouTube channel: Elysse SpeaksFollow her on Instagram: @elyssespeaksElysse's German learning...
2020-10-1240 min
The Germany ExperienceThe attraction of Munich, the versatility of “Doch!”, and environmentalism in Germany (Sarah from Canada)Sarah from Canada came to Munich 4 years ago to get her Masters degree. At first the plan was to stay two years (which at the time she felt was too long). But soon she fell in love with Munich and found many reasons to stay. Sarah discusses those reasons with me, as well as how she went about learning German, the magic of the word, "Doch", and her observations of environmentalism in Germany.Sarah also hosts a podcast about international life with a focus on relationships called Falling Hard, and she has a blog about environmentalism and...
2020-10-0554 min
The Germany ExperienceGerman youth words of 2020 (Nina from Germany)Every year, the Langenscheidt publishing house searches for the youth word of that year. It's happening again, and Nina from Germany (who previously appeared in the Fasching episode back in February) helps me explain the words and the memes behind them. We also try and figure out if the youth actually uses these words...The words we discuss: Schabernack, Mittwoch, Sauftrag, Wild, Lost, Köftespiess, Digga, Cringe, and Mashallah Some links to things we mention in the discussion: Langenscheidt's search for 2020's youth wordRezo's "Der Zerstörung der CDU" videoPhillip Amthor's reply to RezoIt's Wedn...
2020-09-2836 min
The Germany ExperienceGermany and climate change (Patrick Niedermayer from Germany)For foreigners living in Germany, you might be thinking that you live in a country that is doing a lot to combat global warming. After all, Germany signed the Paris Agreement, and it put together the Klimapaket (climate package). But according to my guest this week, Patrick Niedermayer, Germany isn't doing enough.This episode is a deep dive into what climate change is, what Germany has done (and why it isn't sufficient), and what foreigners living in Germany can do about the situation.Patrick’s blog (German): https://patrick-niedermayer.de/blog...
2020-09-2155 minThe Germany ExperienceBONUS - Recent German history, and escaping East Berlin by pretending to be a swan (Emma from the USA)In this outtake from my interview with Emma from the USA, we discuss recent German history, and how to win freedom by pretending to be a swan.Follow Emma on InstagramJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the official The Germany Experience websiteContact me: info@thegermanyexperience.de Support the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast website: https://thegermanyexperience.deYouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/thegermanyexperienceContact m...
2020-09-1807 min
The Germany ExperienceEmma dances here (Emma from the USA)Emma is a dancer who moved from New York City to Berlin. Even though Berlin is a big city, she still has to adjust to the slower pace of life here. She also discusses why there is more freedom to be adventurous with your career in Germany, why Germany is attractive to performing artists, the Visa that allows her to be here, and what you gain when you open yourself up to learning a new language. Follow Emma on Instagram.The 639 year organ musical composition: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/05/slowly-does-it-chord-changes-in-639-year-long-organ-piece
2020-09-1434 min
The Germany ExperienceEverything changes all the time: finding your place in Germany (Shaked from Israel)Shaked moved from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Germany to take the next step in her dance career: a move to dance management or production. But does she want to leave the actual dancing aspect behind? And how can she adapt when the German city she lives in doesn't necessarily give her the career opportunities she is looking for? Shaked talks us through the crossroads that she finds herself at now. We also discuss having a German partner as a portal into German culture, and how the Israeli culture might be even more direct than the German culture...
2020-09-0749 minThe Germany ExperienceRERUN: Living abroad teaches us the power of connections (Anna from Canada)Originally released on September 4th, 2019 (episode #14).Anna Noakes Schulze from Canada presented a TEDx talk called “Living Abroad Teaches Us the Power of Connections”, and in it she tells her own expat story to demonstrate how those that we make connections with shape our lives and who we are, even if we don't live near them. This will resonate with many expats, and so I invited her to come on the show.In this interview, she expands on the TEDx talk to reveal her wisdom and insights that describe the expat experience. She discusses the ques...
2020-09-0147 minThe Germany ExperienceRERUN: Discussing German stereotypes with Nicole from The Expat CastOriginally released on October 20th, 2019 (episode #20).Are Germans really efficient? Do they like order? Are they as punctual as everyone says they are? Nicole, a US expat living in Germany and the host of The Expat Cast, helps me confirm or bust common stereotypes and cliches about Germans.Find Nicole:The Expat Cast podcastThe Expat Cast on InstagramMail Nicole: theexpatcast@gmail.comJOIN THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the official The Germany Experience website.Mail me: info(at)thegermanyexperience.de
2020-08-2439 minThe Germany ExperienceRERUN: Teaching English, Learning Languages, and Raising Bilingual Children in Germany (Lori from USA)Originally released on July 2nd, 2019 (episode #6).Lori from USA has been teaching English in Germany for almost 40 years, so it’s not surprising that she has a thing or two to say about learning new languages. In fact, her language pedigree goes back to even before she moved to Germany, when she was a German high school teacher in the States. In this interview, Lori’s wisdom and wit shine through as she discusses how she got started teaching in Germany at a Volkshochschule, how speaking a language doesn’t necessarily mean you understand the culture...
2020-08-1733 minThe Germany ExperienceAn update on my hospital visit, and audio logs from my hospital roomI spent two nights in hospital recently, and during my stay, I recorded several audio logs about my experience. You can hear them in this bonus episode.Since I won't be able to edit the podcast while I recover, I will be putting out some 2019 episodes over the next few weeks.Thank you to everyone who has messaged me well-wishes!JOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the official The Germany Experience website.Support the showInstagram: ...
2020-08-1213 minThe Germany ExperienceGerman culture: The top 10 selling musical artists in Germany (Craig from Scotland)In order to better understand the music tastes of Germans, Craig from Scotland joins me to look at the top 10 selling musical artists in Germany. This includes German and international acts who have sold the most albums since the BVMI started certifying albums back in 1975. You can find the list on Wikipedia. To better get to know the German acts on this list, I put together a YouTube and Spotify playlist: Top German acts playlist on YouTubeTop German acts playlist on SpotifyThe bands and artists we discuss: Helene FischerMarius Müller-WesternhagenMadonnaQueenDie Toten HosenRolf Zuc...
2020-08-0347 minThe Germany ExperienceAfrican abroad (Tania from Kenya)Tania was born in Kenya and has lived in five different African countries. After a short time in Thailand, she’s landed up in Germany, and she feels like this is somewhere she can stay for a longer time. Some of the reasons for this include feeling safer in Germany than in Kenya, and having the safety net of social help that is available in Germany. And yet, despite her contentment in Germany, her heart still belongs to Kenya. Talking with Tania, it’s clear that Kenya is still very much a part of her identity. She...
2020-07-2746 minThe Germany ExperienceSandals and socks, making friends with Germans, and "selfishly" staying in Germany (Amy from the USA)Amy always had a dream of living in Germany, and even happened to marry someone who felt the same way. So living here has kind of been a dream come true. And generally, Amy is really happy here -- she admits that she was "right" about wanting to live here. But making friends with Germans is one aspect that has been a challenge. Amy is sociable and outgoing, and has done everything you're supposed to do to integrate yourself: take part in local events, be open, and seek out social situations. Add to this the fact the...
2020-07-2041 minThe Germany ExperienceJust a diplomatic spouse (Alexandra from Romania)Being the spouse of a diplomat comes with a very specific lifestyle: you move around a lot, you don't stay in a country for long, and you never know where you'll be moved to next.Alexandra Paucescu is a Romanian married to a diplomat, and she has been based in Germany for several years. We discuss what a day in her life is like, whether or not she regrets giving up a management career for her current role, how she suffered from mild depression in her early time in Germany, and also gives some advice that doesn't...
2020-07-1346 minThe Germany ExperienceSinging schlager music in Germany, and misogyny in the music industry (Sarah Jane Scott from the USA)Sarah Jane Scott is an American who has had success as a Schlager singer in Germany. But how does an English-speaking "Ausländer" become a Schlager star?Sarah Jane explains her path to Germany and her Schlager success, talks about what it’s like to be a Schlager singer, and about how she is currently evaluating her next steps. We go into the unhealthy record label/artist relationship, and talk about systemic misogyny and exploitation in the music industry.Sarah Jane Scott's Instagram: Sarah Jane ScottSarah Jane Scott's Wikipedia page (German): https://de...
2020-07-0651 minThe Germany ExperienceA southern liberal in Germany, running a coffee shop, and casual German racism (Christy from the USA)Christy is a southern liberal who opened a coffee shop in Germany. Over a Pfälzer Weinschorle, she discusses how she tried to integrate herself the “right” way, how Germany is not the best country for special needs children, not going back to the States for 10 years, and how Germans are racist in a “I didn’t mean anything by it” kind of way. We also talk about her coffee shop. Find Christy on Instagram: ChristyTheExpat and ChristysCoffee.deDurian fruit causes evacuation of a post office: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/smelly-durian-fruit-evacuation-bavarian-post-office
2020-06-2942 minThe Germany ExperienceTrilingualism, switching between languages, and Italian words adopted by German (Carmen from Italy)Carmen is a trilingual Italian living in Munich, Germany. She speaks Italian, German and English fluently, and joins me to discuss her path to becoming trilingual, how she balances three languages, and the effects of learning multiple languages on her native language. We also talk about Italian words that German has adopted - and subsequently used in different ways to the original Italian meanings. Carmen also hosts two podcasts. She has an Italian one called Crucchi o Terroni siamo tutti Fannulloni, and a German one called Farbe der Nation. Farbe der Nation focuses on topics of identity...
2020-06-2252 minThe Germany ExperienceThe 5 phases of culture shock (Beth from the USA)Beth from the USA moved to Germany to be with her husband, and she found that her adjustment period resembled the 5 stages of culture shock very closely. We talk about how she dealt with each stage, and where she is now on the curve. We also talk about how fencing is actually the perfect coronavirus sport. And, her cat makes an appearance. Read the blog post that we reference in the interview: The 5 phases of culture shock and how to go through smoothly Follow Beth on Instagram.Links t...
2020-06-1543 minThe Germany ExperienceBroken systems, turning points, and racism in Germany (Jessica from Germany)Jessica is a German African American who has lived in Germany since she was in kindergarten. She joins me for this episode to discuss the recent events that started with George Floyd, and the racism that she deals with on a regular basis here in Germany. Follow Jessica on Instagram.The Trevor Noah video I mention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4amCfVbA_cLinks to more The Germany Experience episodes, my newsletter, and my social media: thegermanyexperience.de/subscribeJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUP
2020-06-0933 minThe Germany ExperienceOne year anniversary live stream - recorded 29th May 2020Recorded from a Facebook live stream to celebrate one year of The Germany Experience podcast. I answer listener questions, list my top 5 highlights of having a podcast, and talk to previous guests on the show. Dwight's YouTube show: I, Skylab Follow Nina on Instagram. Follow Sisy the Hamster on Instagram. Links to more The Germany Experience episodes, my newsletter, and my social media: thegermanyexperience.de/subscribeJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the official The Germany Experience website.
2020-05-3033 minThe Germany ExperienceYou go me on the cookie! (Dana Newman from Wanted Adventure)Dana Newman from the Wanted Adventure YouTube channel joins me to discuss her book, "You go me on the cookie!". The book (written in German) describes Dana's adventures (and misadventures) learning German, and also highlights the quirks and beauty of the German language. It was written for German native speakers, but it is definitely relatable for anyone who has learnt German at any level. So I got Dana on the podcast to discuss her book, the German language, and her YouTube channel. To see the postcard that Dana refers to in the interview about how German is...
2020-05-2554 minThe Germany ExperienceSeven months as an exchange student in Germany (Montana Showalter from the USA)Montana Showalter was an American high school student who went on an exchange program to Germany (called CBYX). At around the same time, she started a YouTube channel intended to document her experiences in Germany. Little did she know that her channel was about to blow up. In our interview, Montana discusses the differences in culture between the US and Germany, how coronavirus cut her Germany stay short, how Germany changed her, and of course, her YouTube success.Watch her videos: Montana Showalter's YouTube channelTwo of her videos we mention in the interview:"...
2020-05-1838 minThe Germany ExperienceLearning German with apps, and working in the video games industry (Thomas from the UK)Thomas Cartwright is originally from the UK, and landed up in Hamburg working for a video games developer called InnoGames. He explains why a company like InnoGames is a good fit for foreigners looking for opportunities in Germany. He also discusses his path to Germany, learning German through Memrise, and receiving angry letters from German neighbors. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Xing.Look at opportunities at InnoGames: https://www.innogames.com/career/Links to more The Germany Experience episodes, my newsletter, and my social media: thegermanyexperience.de/subscribe
2020-05-1143 minThe Germany ExperienceTraveling with teenagers, and interrupted travel plans (Linda from the USA)Travelteening is a blog that gives travel advice for traveling with teens. The blogger behind it, Linda from the USA, joins me to discuss the value her family sees in traveling, their three-year-plan to give their children the chance to experience travel in Europe, some insights into traveling with teens, and how they're dealing with the loss of travel freedom that the coronavirus has caused.Linda's blog: Travelteening Practical tips for traveling with teens: How to (Nearly) Master Traveling with TeensFollow Linda on Instagram and Facebook.Other notes:Hairdressers...
2020-05-0436 minThe Germany ExperienceGerman culture: The top 10 grossing German movies (Dominik from the Ach! podcast)A good way to explore Germany's culture is through its movies. And what better way to do that than to look at the German movies that have had the most success in Germany?But you'll be surprised at the movies that the Germans have flocked to see at the cinemas! In fact, think of the most famous German movie you know. I can almost guarantee that whatever movie you're thinking of is not in the top 10.Dominik, one of the hosts of the German podcast Ach!, joins me to discuss the list, to explain how...
2020-04-2836 minThe Germany ExperienceHomebrewing beer (Greg & Brigida)The guest in the previous episode, Greg, is a homebrewing enthusiast, and he talks about his adventures and misadventures brewing beer. He also discusses his website, Brew Wizard, that helps you create recipes and gives detailed instructions on how to brew beer.https://www.brew-wizard.com/Connect with Greg on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cainde9Links to more The Germany Experience episodes, my newsletter, and my social media: thegermanyexperience.de/subscribeJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the...
2020-04-2312 minThe Germany ExperienceFrom USA to Germany, California style (Greg from USA and Brigida from Germany)When Greg and Brigida decided to move from California to Germany, they did it with just a small amount of money and two dogs. And they were met with adversity from almost the moment they arrived. This is their story of how they made their time in Germany work. We also talk about life with small kids, what it's like to move to another country when you suffer from anxiety, and German beer. Connect with Greg on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cainde9Greg's brewing recipe site: https://www...
2020-04-2144 minThe Germany ExperienceBONUS - Poetry in Berlin, feminism, and diversity (Deenara from Russia)Deenara from Russia appeared in episode 38, about mental health in Germany. However, her original interview with Berlin-based journalist Daria Sukharchuk also included her talking about her time in Germany. Here is the rest of that interview.Interview recorded and edited by Daria Sukharchuk. Deenara's Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/snumriDaria also has her own podcast: Crafts and People Support the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast website: https://thegermanyexperience.deYouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/thegermanyexperienceContact m...
2020-04-1316 minThe Germany ExperienceSome German idioms (Steph Fuccio from USA)Steph Fuccio, host of the Geopats podcast, is new to Germany and to the German language. So as a new learner, I thought it would be fun to throw some German idioms at her and see if she could figure them out. If you're new to the German language (or even if you are not), it's fun to listen along and see if you can guess them, too. STEPH'S NOTES:Visit Steph's website for all her projects: stephfuccio.comSteph's Podcast Review Day initiative: #PodRevDayThe Geopats episode about Steph queuing outside the Ausländeramt at 1a...
2020-04-0636 minThe Germany ExperienceDealing with depression in Germany (Deenara from Russia)How do you recognize that you are depressed? How do you seek out therapy and other help for depression in Germany? And what if you are from a culture that has a stigma towards mental health issues and therapy? Deenara, who is from Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, is a tech professional and poet living in Berlin. In an interview with journalist Daria Sukharchuk, she gives some insights into these questions and more as she describes her experiences dealing with depression after arriving in Germany. In the second part of the episode, we hear from...
2020-03-3043 minThe Germany ExperienceBeing a TV anchor, online weirdos, and stereotypes about Russian women (Daria from Russia)Daria, originally from Moscow, Russia, is working as a freelance journalist in Germany. She helped me put an upcoming episode about mental health together, and I wanted to introduce her first. We discuss her role as a TV anchor for OstWest TV, online critics, stalker problems, and stereotypes some people have about Russian women.Connect with Daria on Facebook. She is also on Twitter.Links to more The Germany Experience episodes, my newsletter, and my social media: thegermanyexperience.de/subscribeJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUP
2020-03-2339 minThe Germany ExperienceCoronavirus and COVID-19 in Germany (with Nicole from The Expat Cast and Steph from Geopats)Since COVID-19 in Germany got "real" on Friday 13th March, I felt I had to discuss it. And who better than to discuss it with than two other podcasters: Nicole from The Expat Cast and Steph from Geopats.We cover our personal situations, fake news, coping with the heaviness of a pandemic, how people should stay home, and just our general feelings about what is happening. Things are changing pretty fast right now, so this discussion was recorded just before Germany ordered a lot of institutions to shut down. Stay home and wash...
2020-03-1641 minThe Germany ExperienceLeaving Germany after a decade (Natalie from the UK)What is it that makes someone who has lived in Germany for over a decade decide that it's time to go back "home"? Natalie is originally from the UK, and is now making the decision to leave Germany after 11 years. She explains how she got to this point.She also discusses the importance of using meetups to learn German and meet people, the things she won't miss, why people have to give way to the right on the roads here in Germany, and...jousting.Natalie is Prattilicious (!!!) on Instagram and Eat With Your Belly on...
2020-03-0938 minThe Germany ExperienceFinding yourself in a second language: language and identity (Steph from Germany)Steph is from Bavaria, and moved to the UK when she was in her 20s before ending up in Austin, Texas. She learned to speak English at a native-speaker level, and found that it just suited her. Because she's got a fantastic command of both German and English, she has a lot of insights about being bilingual and about expressing one's self in different languages. In my chat with her, we discuss how it's possible to have different personalities in the different languages we speak, how German isn't as harsh as many people think it is, and...
2020-03-0240 minThe Germany ExperienceMoving after 40, sensationalist media, and loneliness in Germany (Klaus from Brazil)Klaus was born in Brazil before spending the first 12 years of his life in Germany. After returning to Brazil, he remained in touch with the German language and the culture. By the time he decided to move back to Germany in his early 40s, he was still fluent in German and understood what made the Germans tick. He thought this would make integration easy, but in fact, it did not. Klaus discusses finding a job in Germany, photoshopping CV photos, losing a job, why you should avoid German sensationalist media, and experiencing loneliness. You can...
2020-02-2334 minThe Germany ExperienceA German experiences the Ausländerbehörde (Nina from Germany)While recording the episode about Carnival in Germany, Nina told a story about the time she had to deal with the same office that foreigners know all too well: the Auslanderbehörde Amt (foreigner's office). SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSupport the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast website: https://thegermanyexperience.deYouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/thegermanyexperienceContact me: info@thegermanyexperience.dePodcast Intro Music by: Adrian Bran
2020-02-2111 minThe Germany ExperienceCarnival/Fasching in Germany: "pomp and splendor" (Nina from Germany)It's the middle of Carnival (also known as Fasching or Fastnacht, depending on where in Germany you are). I am not a big fan of it, and so I got a real live German who IS a fan of it to come on the show and explain to me why she loves it. We brush up on the origins of Carnival, we discuss some of the traditions around it, and Nina tells me of her memories of Carnival. Oh, and I rant about why I hate Carnival so much...You'll also probably want to stick...
2020-02-1733 minThe Germany ExperienceA serial expat in Germany (Amy from Canada)Amy is the host of The Expat Experience podcast. She has landed up in Germany after spending time in Vietnam and China, and in our interview she discusses how she's learning German, what it's like making German friends, and if she regards Germany as her final destination. The Elbphilharmonie building in Hamburg: https://www.elbphilharmonie.de/de/Find Amy on Instagram and Facebook. Visit her website: https://www.theexpatexperience.org/Vlad's Romanian expat podast: DiasporacastJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the official
2020-02-0942 minThe Germany ExperienceMotivated to adapt by painful social moments (Sindy from Hong Kong)(This is the podcast previously known as Expat Life Germany.In the first few years in Germany, things weren't always easy for Sindy from Hong Kong. As is the experience of many foreigners living abroad, she faced painful and difficult moments. And it was exactly these moments that drove her to not only adapt and learn the language, but also to thrive. Sindy's Blog: My Life In GermanyFind her on: FacebookTwitterInstagramJOIN THE THE GERMANY EXPERIENCE FACEBOOK GROUPVisit the official The Germany Experience w...
2020-02-0239 minThe Germany ExperienceAnnouncement: Renaming the show to The Germany Experience from 1 February 2020The podcast will have a new name from 1 February 2020! Not much is going to change other than the name, so it'll still be the same show you subscribed to. Here's the announcement about why I'm renaming, and what the show will be focusing on in the future.Support the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast website: https://thegermanyexperience.deYouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/thegermanyexperienceContact me: info@thegermanyexperience.dePodcast Intro Music by: Adrian Bran
2020-01-2702 minThe Germany ExperienceClassic German movies: Loriot's Pappa Ante PortasYou can learn a lot about a culture by watching its movies, which is why I've decided to start watching some classic German movies. I'll discuss why the movie I have chosen is important to German culture, whether it's a good movie for learning German from, and whether or not it's worth your time.The first movie I am covering is Loriot's Pappa Ante Portas. Loriot was a cartoonist, a sketch comedian, and a movie maker, and he was a giant in German comedy. Show notes:Dominik's history podcast (Deutsch): Ach? The 40 Percent German bl...
2020-01-2024 minThe Germany ExperienceSOFA status, growing a thicker skin, and tracking a stolen phone with the Polizei (Audrey & Zach from USA)Audrey and Zach met while in the USA. When Zach, a cartographer, moved to Germany on a SOFA status (Status of Forces Agreement), they first attempted a long-distance relationship before Audrey joined him later in Germany. Take a listen to their story, which involves cuckoo clocks, a ride in the back of a German police car, and how to watch a TV show together on different continents.We also discuss a blog post that Audrey wrote called "Growing a Thicker Skin", and she opens up about fitting into German culture as a bubbly, open person. ...
2020-01-1259 minThe Germany ExperienceMaking German candy, learning German history, and growing up as a third culture kid in Bavaria (Travis J. Dow)Travis J. Dow is a host of the History of Germany podcast (and several other podcasts, too). Originally from Oregon, USA, he spent his formative years in Bavaria, Germany. Later he moved to Prague, Czech Republic for 10 years, before moving back to USA. He's a third culture kid, history nerd, and has an affinity for Germany. I caught up with him in Hamburg to discuss his plan of learning how to make candy in Germany, as well as what it was like growing up as a third culture kid.Discover all of Travis' podcasts and projects on...
2020-01-051h 01The Germany ExperienceFEGEPADFO Charity Challenge - Final Wrap-UpNicole from The Expat Cast and I went head-to-head in December 2019 to see who could raise the most donations for our chosen charities. Together we raised 350 euros...140 euros went to Nicole's charity of choice, Women's Worth Inc., while 210 euros went to my chosen charity, Lebenshilfe in Bad Windsheim. I'll let you do the math (*cough* I won!) :)Thanks to everyone who donated, and thanks to Nicole for being such a great sport. Let's do it again in December 2020!Support the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast w...
2020-01-0302 minThe Germany ExperienceMissing holiday traditions from home, making new traditions, and fireworks on New Year's EveFor foreigners living in Germany, the holidays are a time that we recreate traditions from our home countries, adopt German traditions, and start new ones. I take a look at how my Christmas experience in Germany has been, and compare it to my summer South African Christmases.Luminaria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LuminariaWherever you might be, and whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, something else, or nothing at all, may your holiday season be peaceful. Thanks for listening in 2019 and stay tuned for more guests and stories in 2020. JOIN...
2019-12-2323 minThe Germany ExperienceUnhappy in Germany (S from India)Donate to my cause in the expat podcasters charity challenge (aka #FEGEPADFO): Donate to Lebenshilfe Bad WindsheimGermany offers a lot of opportunities, but it's also known as a difficult country to integrate into. What happens when the German dream becomes a nightmare? My guest this week (who asked to remain anonymous) is from India, and he has experienced rude government officials, losing a job because he wasn't a native speaker, difficult neighbors, and even blatant racism. Because of these experiences, his views on Germany are not positive. In our interview...
2019-12-1653 minThe Germany ExperienceThe German Freelance Visa (James from LiveWorkGermany.com)Donate to my cause in the expat podcasters charity challenge (aka #FEGEPADFO): Donate to Lebenshilfe Bad WindsheimFor many people who are planning to come to Germany, the Freelance Visa might be the way to go. It allows you to provide freelance services in Germany, and you don't need an official job offer to get it. But how do you get it? And is it suitable for your goals?I am joined by the very knowledgeable James Meads of LiveWorkGermany.com, who explains what the German Freelance Visa is...
2019-12-0836 min
The Germany ExperienceHow Germany changed us (Jibran from Pakistan)Jibran runs the Desi in Wonderland YouTube channel. He's originally from Pakistan and has been living in Germany for 5 years, so we decided to discuss how Germany has changed us. In the process, I learned a lot more than I expected about Pakistani culture. Find Jibran on Instagram and Facebook.Also in this episode: Introducing FEGEPADFO (First Ever German Expat Podcast Advent Donation Face-Off), where I go up against my sworn rival, Nicole from The Expat Cast, in a battle to see who can raise the most money for charity. To see our selected charities and find...
2019-12-0241 min
The Germany ExperienceA Berliner, a Hamburger, a Neapolitan, and a world citizen (Liliana from Italy)Liliana is from Naples, Italy, and has lived in Germany for 7 years. She recently got her citizenship, and discusses how that happened. We also cover her reason for choosing Germany, why she'd struggle to return to Italy, and she compares Hamburg and Berlin with Naples. Subscribe to Liliana's YouTube channel: Lils AroundLiliana on social media: FacebookInstagramDiscuss your opinions on this episode in the Expat Life Germany Facebook group! Visit the official podcast website: Expat Life Germany
2019-11-1942 minThe Germany ExperienceBeing far from family when losing someone, making friends through team sports, and security in Germany (Rafael from Brazil)One of my best friends in Germany, Rafael from Brazil, experienced loss when his father passed away, and talks about how he coped dealing with that being far from his family. He's also a handball player, and he had the chance to make German friends through his love of the sport.We also discuss learning languages, Bulgarian wedding dance traditions, and more.Majestic handball Rafael: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSvnfjflJgR0f4nq-mjwHYcNRVdXQFuVk7MqKA0/?igshid=uouuiaedbbd3World Index tweet: most dangerous countries Bulgarian wedding dance: https://youtu.be/B...
2019-11-0342 minThe Germany ExperienceDiscussing German stereotypes with Nicole from The Expat CastAre Germans really efficient? Do they like order? Are they as punctual as everyone says they are? Nicole Palazzo, a US expat living in Germany and the host of The Expat Cast, helps me confirm or bust common stereotypes and cliches about Germans.Discuss your opinions on these stereotypes in the Expat Life Germany Facebook group! And also: let us know of any we missed, or ones that might be common in your area of Germany.The cult British show that Germans watch every year on New...
2019-10-2041 minThe Germany ExperienceBeing an English-Speaking Writer in Germany, Bringing a Pet to Germany, and "The God Queen" (Mari from USA)Mari is a US expat living in Germany. She's also a writer and an avid pug fan. She discusses what it's like being an English-speaking writer in Germany, her book "The God Queen", and how to bring a dog from USA into Germany. To win a signed copy of "The God Queen", find the episode post on one of the Expat Life Germany social media channels and follow the instructions:Expat Life Germany Facebook (share the episode post and message the Expat Life Germany account to let me know)Expat Life Germany Instragram (tag...
2019-10-1236 minThe Germany ExperienceThe "Why" Has to be Right (Vlad from Romania)Discuss this episode in the Expat Life Germany Facebook group! Vlad from Romania was tired of the political situation in Romania, and made the choice to move to Germany. But, unlike many Romanians who emigrate to western Europe, integration is easier for him since he's highly educated and already knows German. But is integration always a choice? We talk about why Romanians have a bad reputation in Germany and how Germany offers a better life for many eastern Europeans.We also look into the latest Internations Expat Insider Report...
2019-10-0637 minThe Germany ExperienceArticle 116 (Michael from USA)Michael Silberman lives in the USA, but Germany is certainly intertwined with his life over there. His parents left Nazi Germany (and were stripped of their German citizenship) to start a new life in the States, and this heritage led to a fascination with Germany. Michael spent some time in Murnau am Staffelsee and Augsburg back in the 80s, when he studied German at the Goethe Institute. More recently, he became a German when he got his dual citizenship through Article 116, which restores German citizenship to families of those who had their citizenship revoked during the Third Reich.
2019-09-2931 minThe Germany Experienceparkrun GermanyThe parkrun concept is simple: you turn up on a Saturday morning and you walk, jog, or run 5km. The best thing? It's free. Since it started in 2004, it has become a global phenomenon. And it's a great thing for expats, too: get out and exercise, and meet new people!In this episode, I talk to the organizers of the Wöhrder See parkrun in Nürnberg about the concept.The parkrun website: https://www.parkrun.com/The parkrun Germany website (in German): https://www.parkrun.com.de/The Wöhrder See parkrun web...
2019-09-2227 minThe Germany ExperienceDefining "Expat"What exactly is an "expat"? Turns out this question is not as straight forward as Shaun used to think. He goes into some of the problems surrounding the terminology, and also defines his interpretation of it for the podcast. He also reads out Apple Podcast reviews for the show, talks about some blog posts on the Expat Life Germany website (5 Cultural Things to Expect in a German Workplace and Germans Are Weird About Birthdays), and discusses the traditions around the first day of school in Germany.The Schultüte: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schult%C...
2019-09-1526 minThe Germany ExperienceBONUS: Social Media and Expats, Charity Work as an Expat, and Friends Moving OnIn the last episode, Anna Noakes Schulze dropped so many insights about expat life that I had to edit some of it out. Since it'd be a shame for it to go to waste, I decided to put it in a bonus episode. Here is more Anna, and we go into detail about social media, how to help others by first taking care of yourself, and why she is not afraid to make connections with people who might be moving on in the future. Visit Anna's website: https://www.sunflowerux.com/Ask Anna questions...
2019-09-1112 minThe Germany ExperienceLiving Abroad Teaches Us the Power of Connections (Anna from Canada)Anna Noakes Schulze from Canada presented a TEDx talk called “Living Abroad Teaches Us the Power of Connections”, and in it she tells her own expat story to demonstrate how those that we make connections with shape our lives and who we are, even if we don't live near them. This will resonate with many expats, and so I invited her to come on the show. In this interview, she expands on the TEDx talk to reveal her wisdom and insights that describe the expat experience. She discusses the question of identity, learning German too fast, raising spec...
2019-09-0450 minThe Germany ExperienceFinding and Getting a Job In GermanyFor all the links mentioned in the episode (there are a few!), go to the Finding and Getting a Job in Germany blog post.I go through some of the ins and outs of getting a job in Germany. To help me, I got Cheryl Howard of cherylhoward.com to discuss her experiences as a job seeker in Berlin (she's interviewed for dozens of jobs). Then Abi from IamExpat.de joins me to discuss what goes in a German Curriculum Vitae, as well as some general tips for writing the document. I also give you...
2019-08-271h 12
The Germany ExperienceThrough the Eyes of a Newly-Arrived Expat (Sarah From Syria, Canada, et al)I first interviewed Sarah back in July for a bonus episode, because she'd almost been caught by a scam. We had such a great discussion that I wanted to have her back on the show, and here she is. Although Sarah is new in Berlin, she is by no means new to the expat way of life: she has lived in Syria, Canada, Dubai, Malaysia, Japan, and now, Germany. She discusses how her international background has made adapting to new cultures easier, and how she views her identity. She also gives her initial feelings on...
2019-08-1238 min
The Germany ExperienceTim From France - Not So Far From HomeTim Bourguignon is a French citizen who moved to Germany to be with his wife. He describes himself as coming in four flavors: Agile Coach, Chief Learning Officer, Mentoring Advocate, and Public Speaker. He also hosts a podcast called Software Developer’s Journey. After bad experiences learning German in school, Tim picked up German again years later when he actually moved to the country. In our interview, we discuss how his learning was aided by his colleagues, the Volkshochschule (adult education centers in Germany), and...the Wise Guys. We also cover how he handles three languages at hom...
2019-08-0747 minThe Germany ExperienceThe E-Scooterpocalypse & Feeling Dumb in GermanyThere are a lot of people—expats and Germans alike—who are not pleased about the e-scooter situation in big cities since it became legal for them to share bicycle paths and roads. E-scooter riders are apparently fast, reckless, and they just leave them parked anywhere and everywhere. But surely it can't be that bad? I decided to ask around in forums to get a feeling for the zeitgeist at the moment, and it turns out most people are, in fact, annoyed. Very annoyed.I also discuss how communicating in German with Germans can leave you feeling like...
2019-07-3016 minThe Germany ExperienceNatalie from Australia - From the Outback to EuropeWhen learning a new language, it takes a long time before you're able to express yourself and articulate your thoughts, and so it's easy to feel like you're coming across as dumb. This is just one of the topics that Natalie, a stay-at-home mum from Australia, discusses about her time in Germany.She also discusses her approach to her toddler's language learning, who is a child with an Australian mother and an Italian/German father, and who is growing up in German culture. Plus, Natalie has always needed to be creative, and that's something she needs to...
2019-07-2450 min
The Germany ExperienceShannon from USA - Church Bells and BicyclesMeet Shannon from the USA, whose family were expats in Germany from 2009 until 2013. When they returned to the States, they realized their hearts were still in Germany, and so they immediately started making plans to go back. Shannon talks about falling in love with the German way of life, making compromises for the greater good, and getting out of the expat bubble. Follow Shannon on Instagram: @churchbellsandbicyclesIf you're a woman and an expat living abroad, Shannon would love to hear from you! Visit the blog post for this episode: Ep.8...
2019-07-1629 min
The Germany ExperienceArvi From India - Founding a Startup in GermanyArvi is from India and moved to Germany 5 years ago to complete his studies as an engineer. He did this, but instead of returning home, he moved to Berlin and founded a startup with two other entrepreneurs. His company, MyHelpBuddy, puts expats who need a service or who have a problem in contact with "buddies", who are expats or locals who are able to help. Arvi discusses the platform and also how to start a company in Germany. He explains the support available—even for foreigners—from institutions such as startup incubators. In his case, Startup Incubator Berl...
2019-07-0933 min
The Germany ExperienceLori From USA - Teaching English, Learning Languages, and Raising Bilingual Children in GermanyLori from USA has been teaching English in Germany for almost 40 years, so it’s not surprising that she has a thing or two to say about learning new languages. In fact, her language pedigree goes back to even before she moved to Germany, when she was a German high school teacher in the States. In this interview, Lori’s wisdom and wit shine through as she discusses how she got started teaching in Germany at a Volkshochschule, how speaking a language doesn’t necessarily mean you understand the culture, the importance of good pronunciation when learning a secon...
2019-07-0234 minThe Germany ExperienceBONUS: How Sarah Almost Got ScammedIn episode 5, I discussed potential scams aimed at expats. Well, Sarah is a new expat in Berlin who very nearly got caught by an apartment scam. In this bonus episode, she describes her story and explains just how one of these scams is run by the scammers. Support the showInstagram: the.germany.experienceOfficial podcast website: https://thegermanyexperience.deYouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/thegermanyexperienceContact me: info@thegermanyexperience.dePodcast Intro Music by: Adrian Bran
2019-07-0120 minThe Germany ExperienceDon't Get Scammed + IamExpat.de Round-Up With AbiEvery month end, I'll take a look at some of the most interesting topics of the previous month. This time, Abi from IamExpat.de joins me with her pick of stories from June 2019. Also, Shaun runs through the top scams that expats need to be weary of, namely apartment scams, job scams, and financial scams. He also suggests two golden rules to help prevent getting scammed. For the full show notes and other links: Episode 5: Don't Get Scammed + IamExpat.de Round-Up with AbiYou also still have until July 17th to win...
2019-06-2621 min