Lucky to Be Here: Building Lives & Careers Abroad

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

What may start as a short adventure to try something different might become the journey of a lifetime, or at least over a decade. That is what happened to our guest in today’s episode, Florencia Colella after she accepted a Fulbright scholarship.

Florencia is a financial facilitator in agri-food systems. She fosters conversations around economic issues among farmers, academics and other public and private organizations. She was also a Fulbright recipient to pursue graduate studies in the US, where she has since lived on and off for over a decade. 

Florencia shares her journey from Argentina to the United States starting as a Fulbright grantee for a two-year program, and navigating cultural differences, immigration challenges, and building a life abroad along the way. Throughout the conversation, we touch on several practical insights for international students and immigrants, including the financial system and the importance of building a credit score, and the role that having built a local community played when sorting out moving back and forth. 

Keywords

international students, immigration, cultural adaptation, US visa process, life abroad, Fulbright scholarship, cultural differences, community support, visa challenges, personal growth, bicultural relationships

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Florencia Colella

02:28 Journey to the US: The Fulbright Experience

04:18 Cultural Adaptation and Belonging

10:58 Navigating Relationships Across Cultures

13:22 The Reality of Migration and Job Offers

17:23 Settling in the US: Challenges and Community Support

26:36 Life in Fremont: Family and Stability

38:01 Reflections and Advice for Future Migrants

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

We may have an idea or goal in mind, but the conditions might not work in our favor. The key? Keep what drives you top of mind and adapt. The barriers may make it hard but you can still thrive. That is at the heart of today’s episode with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah.

Dr. Gertrude Nonterah has a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. She's a scientific communications professional by day and shares post-PhD career insights for those seeking careers outside academia. Gertrude recently published a book called Navigating the P.I.V.O.T., which is a handbook for PhDs and academics looking to pivot to fulfilling careers outside the ivory tower.

Gertrude shares her inspiring journey from international student to successful science communicator, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, strategic networking, and financial planning (and guilt-free ambition!) in building a fulfilling career outside academia. We discuss the importance of being proactive about your career development from the beginning, and how adapting with creativity can still offer a fulfilling career. 

You can find Dr. Gertrude Nonterah and her work, including her book Navigating the P.I.V.O.T. on her website at https://theboldphd.com/.

Keywords

career development, international students, PhD, science communication, networking, financial planning, career pivot, US immigration, personal branding

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gertrude Nortra

04:08 Navigating Career Pivots

06:47 The Reality of Academia

09:53 International Student Challenges

12:46 Finding Stability and Self-Discovery

15:48 The Birth of The Bold PhD

22:07 Navigating the Transition from Academia to Industry

25:10 The Power of Personal Branding

28:17 The Importance of Early Career Development

31:18 Embracing Vulnerability and Community Support

38:44 Advice for Future PhDs: Start Early and Value Money

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Sometimes our immigration journey starts long before we even step foot in a new place. This week, we explore this with Osvaldo Sosa Echanis, who set himself the goal to move from Argentina to France and invested a decade into preparing to achieve it (and then some).

Osvaldo Sosa Echanis is a Project Manager & Business Operations professional with 10+ years of experience in SaaS Solutions, Customer Care, and Business Development. He is originally from Argentina and has since moved to France, where he is now a citizen.

Osvaldo shares about the cultural challenges, language learning, and personal growth he experienced along the way. He discusses the importance of preparation (and the risks of overpreparation), the adjustments required in his career, and the evolution of his identity as he integrates into French culture. Osvaldo emphasizes the significance of values in navigating relationships and adapting to a new environment, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped him into a better version of himself.

You can find Osvaldo Sosa Echanis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sosaechanis/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sosaechanis 

Keywords

cultural adaptation, moving to France, language learning, career transition, personal growth, bicultural relationships, expat experience, French culture, identity transformation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Osvaldo's Journey

06:47 Cultural Curiosity and Language Learning

12:32 Preparing for the Move to France

18:54 Career Adjustments in a New Culture

27:23 Navigating Relationships and Community

35:08 Personal Growth and Identity Transformation

40:03 Values and Mindset Shifts in a New Culture

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Many of us have imagined what it would be like to build a life around the world. This week, Nicole Moreno-Deinzer shares her experience undergoing a project by herself, for herself: spending a full year across the world. 

Nicole Moreno‑Deinzer is a serial entrepreneur, storyteller, and digital nomad from California who earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University and later completed an MBA in Marketing at Mills College. She founded Epifania Culture Magazine™ and co‑founded A La Mode Branding to help BIPOC women build bold personal brands, and her work has been featured on multiple platforms and at events such as the ALT Summit and Romance Writers of America Conference. As she turns 40, Nicole is traveling abroad for a year, continuing to write, work with clients, and inspire others to live with joy, authenticity, and purpose.

Nicole shares her journey as a digital nomad and entrepreneur, discussing her decision to travel abroad for a year. She reflects on her upbringing, the cultural perspectives on travel, and the planning and logistics involved in her journey. She highlights the importance of self-discovery, the challenges of balancing work and travel, and the emotional labor of explaining her choices to family and friends. She offers practical advice for aspiring travelers, encouraging them to pursue their own paths and experiences.

You can find Nicole Moreno-Deinzer and follow the rest of her journey on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/justnicoleco and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@justnicoleco, and learn more about her work at https://justnicoleco.com 

Keywords

travel, digital nomad, personal growth, entrepreneurship, cultural perspectives, year abroad, planning, logistics, work-life balance, self-discovery, Latino culture, emotional labor, travel vlogging

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicole Moreno-Dynecer

07:02 The Journey Begins: Nicole's Story

14:03 The Idea of a Year Abroad

21:57 Planning and Logistics of Travel

29:51 Cultural Perspectives on Travel

36:56 The Itinerary: Countries and Experiences

44:02 Balancing Work and Travel

51:03 Challenges and Surprises

56:02 Advice for Aspiring Travelers

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Kern Mangan-Walker is a 34 year old New Zealander. They are currently studying their masters of Geography of Global Inequalities at Freie Universität Berlin in Berlin, where they moved to 2 years ago. As part of attempting to make enough money to survive there, they have found themselves becoming bartender, assistant mushroom farmer, grant writer, organiser, video podcast editor, and youth worker. They are currently researching how communities respond to these new landscapes of precarity we collectively face. In the past they have been involved with the founding of several social enterprises including turning recycled plastic into furniture using 3D printing in New Zealand and early learning technology in Australia. They have also worked in philanthropy NGO fundraising for 10 years.

In this conversation, Kern shares their journey from New Zealand to Berlin, exploring themes of global inequalities, the circular economy, and the challenges of being an international student. Kern discusses their academic background, the importance of community support, and the realities of navigating life in a new country, including language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles and surprises. They reflect on their experiences with precarity and the motivation to contribute to meaningful change through research and community engagement.

You can find them on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kernmanganwalker/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/circularexplorer. 

Keywords

Global Inequalities, Circular Economy, Language Barriers, Community Support, Student Life, Entrepreneurship, Precarity, Social Change, New Zealand, Berlin

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kern Mangan-Walker

01:11 Journey to Berlin and Circular Economy Exploration

03:19 Academic Background and Shift to Global Inequalities

06:57 Cultural Differences and Language Challenges

12:11 Navigating Life as an International Student

15:02 Challenges of Starting a Business in Germany

19:04 Coping with Setbacks and Finding Support

22:53 Community and Connection in Times of Change

28:00 Reflections on Precarity and Motivation

32:02 The Importance of Asking for Support

34:20 Building Community and Finding Purpose

37:03 Achievements and Future Aspirations

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Francia is an Entertainment Attorney by day and a multi-hyphenate Artist away from the desk: Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Model, TV Host, Voice Actor, Dancer, and Yogi.

Francia discusses his early life, the challenges of immigrating at 14, and how his diverse experiences across various countries shaped his identity and career. He emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and the power of community in overcoming obstacles. He highlights the significance of homecoming, both in terms of his cultural roots and his personal growth through art and self-exploration.

Francia delves into his transformative experiences in Italy and South Africa, where he discovered his passion for music and storytelling. He recounts how a silent meditation retreat led to profound personal revelations, including reconciling with his father and leaving a corporate law job to pursue his artistic dreams. Throughout the conversation, Francia emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner, the value of genuine expression in art, and the power of connection with others. This episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the journey of finding one's true self.

You can learn more about Francia (including his documentary about Magdalena!) on his website, https://franciacanta.com/hola, and on all social media platforms as @FranciaCanta. You can also listen to his latest song, dedicated to Magdalena, at https://empire.ffm.to/magdalena.

Keywords

Francia, immigrant story, homecoming, self-advocacy, art, music, resilience, personal growth, meditation, storytelling, South Africa, biking, Italy, Venezuela

Chapters

01:03 Francia's Journey: From Venezuela to the U.S.

03:40 The Impact of Moving: Escaping Trauma and Finding Home

07:59 Navigating the Education System: Breaking Barriers

12:28 The Power of Advocacy: Shattering Ceilings

17:01 Unexpected Opportunities: Studying in Italy

24:36 Returning to the U.S.: Embracing New Challenges

27:24 Lifelong Learning: The Journey Continues

28:13 The Power of Curiosity and Enoughness

31:45 Navigating Career Milestones and Reflections

35:33 The Catalyst for Change: Meditation and Self-Exploration

39:17 Embracing Creativity During COVID Lockdown

43:27 The Healing Power of Music and Art

46:43 Facing Fear and Embracing Ambition

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

In this week’s episode of Lucky to Be Here, we embark on a journey from Brazil to the United States, back and forth, to dive deeper into the trade-offs we navigate to find and to honor our own voices and stories with Marta Spirk. 

Marta Spirk is a professional singer, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and speaking coach who helps established business owners transform their message into a powerful signature talk. By blending storytelling techniques with strategic coaching, Marta empowers her clients to inspire audiences, amplify their impact, and unlock new income streams through speaking engagements. She does that with her coaching programs, keynotes, podcast, and her award-winning book “The Empowered Woman: The Ultimate Roadmap to Business Success”.

Throughout our conversation, Marta opens up about her life experience, discussing the cultural influences that shaped her desire to live abroad, the challenges she faced during her multiple transitions by herself and with her family, and how her experiences as an immigrant and a mother of triplets have informed her work in empowering others through storytelling and coaching. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Marta to help others articulate their unique stories and find their own voice after succeeding at embracing her own.

You can find Marta Spirk on:

Instagram: Instagram.com/martaspirk

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/marta-spirk

Keywords

Marta Spirk, international journey, cultural transition, entrepreneurship, storytelling, personal growth, motherhood, coaching, language learning, career development, international moves

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marta Spirk

02:12 Marta's Journey from Brazil to the US

07:03 The Influence of American Culture on Marta

13:04 Life-Altering Decisions: Marriage and Moving

18:30 Navigating Challenges of Moving Abroad

21:13 Pursuing Education in a New Country

23:26 Returning to Brazil: New Beginnings

25:28 Cultural Adaptation and Family Dynamics

27:46 Navigating Relationships and Motherhood

29:42 The Challenges of Raising Triplets

33:33 Adjusting to Life in America

35:01 Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset

39:06 Creating a Business from Personal Experience

43:44 The Value of Storytelling in Business

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Elena Hoffer is the co-founder and CEO of Alma.Me, helping PhDs transition from academia to industry. She earned her PhD in Medical Sciences from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and is passionate about empowering early-career researchers in their careers beyond academia. With a LinkedIn community of over 125,000, she shares insights that inspire PhDs to thrive beyond academia.

In this episode, Elena shares more about her journey as a researcher and entrepreneur, detailing her experiences as an international student and PhD candidate. She discusses overcoming language barriers, adjusting to a different culture, learning about careers beyond academia and eventually going from academia into industry as the founder of Alma.me, a platform aimed at helping PhDs navigate their career transitions. Elena emphasizes the value of discomfort and feeling supported along the way to turn her experiences into the growth that she experiences at each new stage. 

You can find Elena Hoffer on social media at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenahoffer_phd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-hoffer-/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PostPhDirections

Keywords

PhD transition, career development, academia to industry, international students, entrepreneurship, language barriers, personal growth, career exploration, mentorship, life sciences

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elena Hoffer and Her Journey

03:44 Cultural Exploration and Language Challenges

10:56 Transitioning to a PhD: The Academic Journey

15:15 Navigating the PhD Application Process

23:02 Understanding the PhD Experience in Sweden vs. the US

24:34 Long-term Planning and Housing Challenges in Stockholm

26:49 Navigating the Housing Market: A Cultural Comparison

33:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Career Exploration During PhD

40:39 Transitioning from Academia: Embracing New Opportunities

44:52 Building Alma.Me: The Birth of a New Venture

51:13 Reflections on Growth: Advice to My Former Self

55:06 Career Development Resources

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

In this advice-packed episode of Lucky to Be Here, we talk to Gisela de la Villa. Gisela is a multi-hyphenate who hails from Argentina, but has become a part of the Wellington fixture. She works in the tech space and is involved not only in that realm, but also performing arts, dogs, and where to get a good hot chocolate. She can speak lots of languages and also laughs at your jokes. She has done a lot of things despite being young (because being under 40 is young), and she's an expert at multitasking with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

During our conversation, Gisela shares her journey from Argentina to New Zealand, detailing the analytical and emotional processes behind her decision to relocate (and offering a fantastic blueprint for your own decision-making and planning). She discusses the challenges of navigating the visa system, the importance of building networks even before you need them, and the adjustments she made to embrace her new life in New Zealand. Gisela reflects on the immigrant experience, the emotional distance from family, and the beauty of her new home. She offers insights and advice for college students and junior professionals, and for those considering a similar move, emphasizing the importance of preparation, flexibility, and genuine connections.

You can connect with Gisela de la Villa and continue following her own journey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/giseladelavilla. 

Keywords

International students and workers, immigration process, New Zealand, relocation, emotional journey, visa process, networking, life abroad, multicultural, personal growth, career development, college, conferences

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gisela de la Villa

01:59 The Decision to Move Abroad

07:01 Emotional Aspects of Relocation

16:37 Preparing for the Move

21:45 Reflections on Future Moves

26:16 Navigating Life Changes and Relocation Decisions

27:26 The Visa Journey: Challenges and Insights

33:25 Job Search Strategies for Immigration

38:28 Building Networks: The Key to Success

45:52 Embracing Life in New Zealand

49:40 Reflections and Advice for Future Migrants

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Dr. Sebastián Vallejo Vera is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at the University of Western Ontario, where he studies gendered and racialized barriers to political spaces. He is also a dear friend and collaborator I have had the pleasure of being classmates and working with for many years now since graduating from University of Maryland, College Park. 

In this conversation, Dr. Sebastián Vallejo Vera shares his journey through academia, sharing the challenges faced by international students, the impact of family decisions on career paths, and we dive into a discussion of the evolving nature of academia as an industry. He reflects on the importance of support systems, the invisible labor within academic institutions, and the need for structural changes to improve the academic landscape. Sebastián emphasizes the value of humility, learning from criticism, and the necessity of bridging gaps in knowledge for international students navigating their careers.

You can learn more about Dr. Sebastián Vallejo Vera and stay up to date with his work visiting his website, www.svallejovera.com. 

Keywords

academia, Fulbright, political science, international students, academic career, challenges, structural changes, insights, reflections, North America, United States, Mexico, Canada, research, social sciences

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sebastián Vallejo Vera

06:24 The Journey of Academia and Family Decisions

12:31 Navigating Financial Realities as an International Student

19:41 Academia as an Industry vs. Institution

26:34 Navigating International Job Markets

28:24 The Invisible Labor in Academia

30:13 The Academic Industry and Its Challenges

35:57 The Balance Between Work and Life in Academia

42:38 Reflections on Academic Trajectories

46:39 Advice for Future Academics

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved.