What does it mean to build a life, a home, and a sense of purpose in Germany as an international?In this episode of “Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals”, we sit down with Luardo (@berlinelsewhere ,  @gutentagpodcast ), a Berlin-based software engineer by day and podcaster by passion. His own show dives into the stories of people navigating identity, belonging, and real purpose in Germany. And this time, he’s on the other side of the mic.

We talk about:

➡️02:55 - His journey to Germany and what has kept him here

➡️06:04 - What “home” means when you live between cultures

➡️09:54 - Navigating identity and belonging as an international

➡️15:25 - How his podcast was born and why these conversations matter

➡️18:20 - Mental health and migration, and how to recognize internal vs external triggers

➡️23:08 - Culture shocks, and how he learned to deal with them

➡️28:32 - His message on integration and the pursuit of a good life in Germany

If you’re an international in Germany, a local curious about these experiences, or someone who has ever questioned where they belong, this conversation is for you.

🧁 New here?

Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals is a podcast about real stories from people living in Germany – the highs, lows, culture shocks, and everything in between.

📌 Listen/Follow us on Substack, LinkedIn, Insta/Facebook, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast streaming platform!

If this episode resonates, leave a comment with your own story of identity, belonging, or culture shock in Germany, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it.

[0:00] Introduction[1:28] Legislative Shift[3:28] Impact on Migrants[5:26] Broader Implications[9:13] Comparison with EU[12:45] ConclusionRachel Stern, an American journalist in Berlin, provides expert analysis on this significant policy change affecting internationals in Germany. Tune in for a concise breakdown of what this means for you and the broader implications for Germany's workforce needs.

Trigger warning: This reel includes discussion of racism and harassment.Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany.

In this episode, co-host Anne Lassé sits down with Pranitha, whose life has unfolded across India, the UK, and now Germany. Pranitha shares a deeply honest reflection on identity, belonging, and what it really means to build a sense of home after multiple cultural transitions.From navigating childhood moves and questions of “where are you from?”, to facing racism as an adult in Germany, Pranitha offers a powerful perspective on resilience, safety, and choosing not to let painful moments define who you are.In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we explore:✅ Growing up between cultures and living with a layered identity✅ Loneliness, belonging, and building new circles as an adult abroad✅ Experiencing racism — and reclaiming a sense of safety and strength✅ Dance as an anchor for identity, expression, and community✅ Seeing life abroad as a space for growth, courage, and reinventionWhether you’re new to Germany, living between cultures, or reflecting on who you’ve become through change, this episode offers comfort, validation, and a reminder that growth often comes through challenge.Connect with Pranitha:https://www.instagram.com/pransdiaryof/ https://www.instagram.com/prarang.dance/https://www.youtube.com/@prarangdance📢 Subscribe for more international stories & reflections from life abroad.🎧 Tune in and feel the power of story, connection, and shared experience.#KaKIGermany #LifeAbroad #Belonging #Identity #InternationalLife #Podcast #StorySharing #Resilience #Reinventing

Season 2 begins with an honest and thoughtful conversation about life, research, and identity across borders.In this episode, we sit down with Roudy, a PhD candidate from Lebanon to talk about what it’s really like to pursue a doctorate in Germany. He shares his journey of transitioning into PhD life, the realities of academic research, and everything that comes with working in a new system and culture.We explore his experiences in research, the cultural barriers he has had to navigate, and how he learned to adapt and embrace change along the way. He also offers practical advice for aspiring PhD students who are considering taking this path abroad.Beyond academia, the conversation turns deeply personal. We talk about homesickness, staying connected to home during times of conflict, and how to cope with global challenges while building a life far from family and familiarity. He reflects on the importance of finding community, creating support systems, and embracing the full experience of living abroad — both the struggles and the growth that come with it.This episode is about resilience, belonging, and the courage it takes to grow in a new place while carrying your roots with you.00:00 Introduction04:56 Transitioning to PhD Life in Germany10:01 Experiences and Challenges in Research14:36 Advice for Aspiring PhD Students19:37 Navigating Cultural Barriers in Academia24:03 Embracing Change and Cultural Integration30:49 Navigating Homesickness and Global Challenges41:08 Finding Community and Support in Difficult Times43:31 Embracing the Full Experience of Life Abroad#phdlife #lifeabroad #kakigermany #internationallife #immigration #germany

In this episode of "Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals," we sit down with Jenna Davis, the inspiring founder of "Life in Germany" and "Life in Düsseldorf." Jenna shares her journey from Canada to Germany, discussing the challenges and triumphs of integrating into a new culture. Discover how she turned her experiences into thriving online platforms that help internationals navigate life in Germany. Don't miss Jenna's insights on cultural integration, family life, and her exciting projects. Check out Jenna's YouTube channels for more: Life in Germany and Life in Düsseldorf.

“We’re not trees. We can move, experiment, and choose again.”

Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany!

Today, cohost Anne Lassé sits down with Chrysa, a Greek podcast manager for human-centered businesses and changemakers, to share her story of starting again in Germany with a newborn, navigating language barriers, and treating life abroad as an experiment rather than a final decision.

In this honest, raw and heartfelt conversation, we explore:
✅ What it’s really like to move countries with a two-month-old baby✅ Culture shocks, weather shifts, and the quiet loneliness of the early years✅ The struggle and importance of learning German to build connection and community✅ Finding support systems, asking for help, and not doing immigration “alone”✅ Seeing immigration as an experiment – and remembering “we’re not trees”✅ Redefining home as something you can build in more than one place

Whether you're new to Germany, living between cultures, or simply love stories of human resilience and growth, this episode will offer insight, comfort, and a sense that what you’re feeling is normal.

👉 Connect with Chrysa and her podcasting work: https://chrysastoiloudi.com/
📢 Subscribe for more international stories & reflections from life abroad.

🎧 Tune in & feel the power of story, connection, and shared experience.

#KaKIGermany #MovingToGermany #LifeAbroad #Integration #Podcast #StorySharing #Belonging #InternationalLife #Germany #ImmigrationJourney #NewMumAbroad #ExperimentNotFailure

In this episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals, Sanchi and Diana explore the challenges and joys of making new friends in a foreign country. Diana shares her personal journey of moving from Romania to Germany, discussing the cultural differences, language barriers, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The conversation delves into the significance of authenticity, the role of international communities, and the evolving nature of friendships.

00:00 Introduction

01:39 Challenges of Moving to a New Country

04:53 Cultural Differences and Language Barriers

06:29 Navigation Friendships and Building Deeper Connections

25:00 Overcoming Fears and Social Anxiety

29:00 Authenticity and Creating Lasting Friendships

48:42 Parting Message

In this episode of "Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals," we talk with Feli, known online as "Feli from Germany," to discuss her unique journey from Munich to Cincinnati, Ohio .

Feli shares insights into cultural differences, her experiences with German heritage in the US., and the nuances of communication between Americans and Germans.

The conversation also delves into her YouTube journey, her relationship with her American husband Ben, and their recent move back to Germany. Join us for an engaging discussion on life, culture, and the adventures of living between two worlds.

“You can say no — and that’s okay.”Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals!

Today, co-host Anne sits down with Sarona, a communication strategist, leadership advisor, and founder of the Hype Woman community and podcast.

Originally from South Africa and now living in Germany, Sarona shares her journey of love, change, identity, and learning to take up space in a new culture.In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we explore:

✅ Moving to Germany for love — and adapting through curiosity and faith

✅ The balance between planning and leaving room for “a little bit of magic”

✅ Building community and belonging one connection at a time

✅ Saying no with kindness and breaking free from the “good girl” pattern

✅ Finding courage to express yourself and your voice abroad

Whether you’re new to Germany, navigating cultural change, or redefining what it means to belong, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and reminded that growth happens one small step at a time.

👉 Connect with Sarona: @hypewomen_thepodcast

📢 Subscribe here for more international stories & reflections from life abroad.

🎧 Tune in and feel the power of story, connection, and shared experience.

#KaKIGermany #MovingToGermany #LifeAbroad #Integration #Podcast #StorySharing #Belonging #InternationalLife #WomenAbroad #Boundaries #PeoplePleasing #HypeWoman

✨ From Short Stay to Life Abroad | Rachel’s Story ✨

When journalist and writer Rachel Stern arrived in Germany, she thought she’d be here for just nine weeks. Thirteen years later, Berlin is home. 🇩🇪

In this episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals, Rachel shares the ups and downs of making a life abroad — from navigating German bureaucracy to carving out a freelance career. She reflects on how learning the language, building a network, and staying open to new experiences shaped her journey.

💬 We talk about:
✅ Cultural differences and adapting to German life
✅ The leap from employment to freelancing as an international
✅ Fast-track citizenship and stories of cultural collaboration
✅ Finding excitement and connection in the everyday

Whether you’re new to Germany or years into your journey abroad, Rachel’s story is an inspiring reminder to stay curious and embrace the unexpected.

🎧 Tune in for honest reflections, practical insights, and the power of storytelling across cultures.

If you want to read some of Rachel's articles, you can find them here:

https://www.thegermanreview.de/