Americans abroad, moving to Germany, Munich expat life, culture shock, Vietnam War, life in Germany vs America, and what happens when a “temporary move” quietly becomes your entire life. In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I sit down with Larry Schultz, an American from outside Chicago who first moved to Germany in 1980 and never moved back to the United States.What was originally supposed to be a short-term chapter abroad slowly turned into nearly five decades of life in Munich. Larry shares how his path took him from growing up in the American Midwest, to being drafted during the Vietnam War, to eventually building an international life and career in Germany through Motorola.We talk about what Germany was like in the 1980s, Munich before reunification, Oktoberfest decades ago, globalization, healthcare differences between Germany and the U.S., and why so many Americans who move abroad “just stay.” Larry also reflects on identity, belonging, community, and how living outside the United States changes your perspective over time.This is a thoughtful conversation about immigration, reinvention, unexpected life paths, and what it means to quietly build a home somewhere far from where you started.🎙️ In this episode:• Growing up outside Chicago• Being drafted during the Vietnam War• Moving to Germany in 1980• Building a life in Munich through Motorola• Munich before and after German reunification• Oktoberfest decades ago vs today• Why Americans stay in Germany• German vs American healthcare• Globalization and international business• Identity and belonging abroad• Watching America from Europe over time• How temporary moves become permanent lives⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Moving to Germany “temporarily”04:52 – Growing up near Chicago10:31 – Being drafted during the Vietnam War18:42 – Discovering Germany and Europe27:16 – Moving to Munich in 198034:58 – Building an international life abroad42:11 – Germany vs America over the decades49:03 – Why so many Americans stay abroad54:26 – Identity, belonging, and home🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest long-form conversations.👉 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Growing up Mormon in Utah, moving to Germany, culture shock, Americans abroad, Munich expat life, and realizing your upbringing wasn’t “normal.” In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I sit down with Sarah Fife, an American from Salt Lake City who grew up in a deeply Mormon/LDS environment before leaving Utah for Brown University, eventually moving to Munich, Germany, and building an entirely new life abroad.

We talk about what it was really like growing up in Utah, the intense sense of community within Mormon culture, and the moment she realized that her upbringing looked very different from the outside world. Sarah shares how moving from Utah to the East Coast completely shifted her perspective, what it felt like to suddenly be surrounded by people from different cultures and backgrounds, and how that eventually led her to Germany.

This episode also dives into the emotional side of immigration and life abroad: reverse culture shock, missing family, building community overseas, and why so many Americans who move to Germany “just stay.”

From au pair life in Munich to religion, identity, homesickness, and the strange experience of watching America from Europe, this is a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about reinvention, belonging, and what happens when you leave home.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Growing up Mormon in Utah

• What LDS/Mormon culture is actually like

• Leaving Utah for Brown University

• Realizing your upbringing wasn’t “normal”

• American culture shock within the US

• Moving to Germany as an au pair

• Building a life in Munich

• Reverse culture shock in America

• Missing family while living abroad

• Americans connecting abroad

• Why Americans stay in Germany

• Community, identity, and belonging overseas

⏰ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Growing up Mormon in Utah

09:55 – Mormon stereotypes vs reality

17:14 – Leaving Utah for Brown University

24:21 – Learning German and discovering Europe

30:07 – Becoming an au pair in Munich

35:41 – Missing family and life back home

42:35 – Watching America from abroad and finding community

🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD

Howdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.

The Pod Abroad is a podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest long-form conversations.

👉 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.

🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroad

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroad

Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad

Email → [email protected]

🎥 CREW

Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne

Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Why do Germans complain so much? In this episode, we talk about German complaining culture, Deutsche Bahn delays, bureaucracy, construction sites, weather, food prices, and life in Germany as a foreigner (+Tim) living in Munich.After years of living in Germany, we’ve realized that complaining here is almost a social skill. Whether it’s Deutsche Bahn, endless Baustellen, expensive döner, weather, bureaucracy, or people policing each other in public, complaining is deeply woven into everyday German culture.But is it actually negativity… or something else?In this episode, my partner Tim and I unpack the things Germans constantly complain about, how foreigners experience it, and why “not complaining” is basically considered praise in Germany.From passive-aggressive notes to train chaos, shrinking bakery rolls, and the emotional damage of a rainy German summer, this is a funny but honest conversation about daily life in Germany from the perspective of two immigrants living in Munich.🎙️ In this episode:• Why Germans complain so much• Deutsche Bahn delays and train chaos• German bureaucracy and lack of digitalization• Construction sites that never end• Döner and grocery prices in Germany• Germans complaining about other Germans• Weather complaints and seasonal depression• German rule-following culture• Passive-aggressive notes and public policing• Why complaining creates social connection in GermanyIf you’ve ever lived in Germany, traveled here, or wondered why Germans seem to complain about everything, this episode is for you.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Why Germans complain so much05:50 – Ice cream and döner prices14:00 – Grocery prices in Germany16:55 – Deutsche Bahn chaos30:45 – German bureaucracy and digitalization34:23 – Endless construction sites38:26 – Germans complaining about other Germans47:54 – Weather complaints in Germany50:24 – Is complaining becoming toxic?🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest long-form conversations.👉 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

What it feels like to watch American politics from abroad. After nearly 10 years in Germany, I reflect on how distance has changed the way I see the U.S., my upbringing in Texas, and the growing divide that now feels impossible to ignore.I was raised in South Texas, shaped by religion, family, and community. Politics was always there, but it didn’t feel as heavy or all-consuming as it does today. Now, watching from Europe, it feels different. More intense. More personal. And right now, overwhelming.In this episode, I talk about the shift in political identity, the reality of seeing your home country from the outside, and the emotional toll that comes with it. From the changing political landscape in the Rio Grande Valley to conversations with family, to the contrast of living in Germany, this is an honest look at what it means to still feel deeply connected to a place that no longer feels the same.This episode is about sharing my perspective/ lived experience, and trying to make sense of something that feels increasingly complex.🎙️ In this episode, I cover:Growing up in South Texas and early political influencesHow religion and community shape political beliefsThe political shift in the Rio Grande ValleyWhy Latino voting patterns are changingExperiencing U.S. politics from abroadThe emotional toll of distance and constant news cyclesCultural and political differences between the U.S. and GermanyIdentity, belonging, and feeling caught between two placesFamily, division, and difficult conversationsWhy staying engaged still mattersIf you’ve ever left home and started seeing it differently, or if you’re trying to understand the U.S. from the outside looking in, this episode is for you.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Watching U.S. politics from Germany03:00 – Growing up in South Texas and the RGV10:30 – Leaving at 18 and early political exposure18:30 – Moving to Germany and a new perspective30:30 – How living abroad changed my views42:00 – What still feels unresolved🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about moving abroad, cultural differences, identity, and building a life overseas. 👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need it. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Weslaco Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Tex-Mex culture, and living abroad in Germany. As an American in Germany, I share how leaving home changed my identity and what it means to truly belong.In this solo episode, I share my personal story of growing up in Weslaco, a small border town in South Texas, and how moving abroad to Munich changed the way I see where I come from.I left home at 18, convinced I would never go back. But after nearly 10 years of living in Germany, my perspective has completely shifted. This episode is a reflection on identity, culture, and what it really means to call a place “home.”I talk about the things I once overlooked—community, culture, and everyday life in the Rio Grande Valley—and why they now mean more to me than ever.I get into:• What it’s like growing up in a small Texas border town• Why leaving your hometown changes how you see it• Tex-Mex culture, food, and identity in South Texas• Community, family, and growing up in the Rio Grande Valley• Living abroad in Germany and redefining “home”• Why distance creates clarity and appreciationThis episode is deeply personal. It’s about leaving, growing, and realizing that where you’re from never really leaves you.If you’ve ever moved away from home, questioned your identity, or felt caught between two places, this conversation will resonate.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 Growing Up in Weslaco, Texas03:08 Why I Never Wanted to Go Back05:10 Moving Away & What I Missed10:53 Community, Culture & Tex-Mex Life23:03 Food, Identity & Germany vs Texas36:38 How My Perspective ChangedAbout The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for the last 9+ years. The Pod Abroad shares thoughtful, honest conversations about building a life between cultures.From identity to cultural differences, each episode explores what it means to create a home away from home.Weekly episodes feature a mix of solo reflections and conversations with international guests navigating life across borders.👉 If this episode resonates, please like, comment, and share with someone living abroad or thinking about moving✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about life abroad, cultural differences, and identity🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastInstagram → https://instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Making friends in Germany can feel harder than expected. In this episode, I share my personal experience of trying to build friendships with Germans after nearly a decade of living in Munich.From cultural differences to language barriers, I talk honestly about why forming close relationships in Germany can take time, especially for internationals navigating life in a new country. While many German cities are super international, many newcomers still hope to build deeper connections with locals, which can sometimes feel challenging.In this episode, I reflect on how German friendship culture differs from what I was used to growing up in Texas, what helped me better integrate over time, and why consistency, curiosity, and language learning can make a meaningful difference. I also share what surprised me most about social life in Germany and how my perspective has evolved after almost 10 years abroad.We discuss:• Why making German friends can feel difficult at first• Cultural differences in friendship expectations• Why language plays such an important role in integration• International environments vs local social circles• Why consistency and shared activities matter when building friendships• Why quality often matters more than quantity in German friendships• Practical ways to meet Germans through work, volunteering, clubs, and shared interestsWe had an honest conversation about expectations, integration, and what it really takes to build meaningful relationships across cultures.If you are living in Germany, planning to move abroad, or wondering why making local friends can take longer than expected, this episode may help you feel less alone.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 Why making German friends can feel hard03:45 Cultural differences in friendship expectations10:05 Living in international environments14:35 Why language changes everything19:15 German friendship culture explained24:30 Practical ways to meet Germans29:30 Quality vs quantity in friendshipsAbout The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for the last 9 years. The Pod Abroad shares thoughtful, honest conversations about building a life between cultures. From identity to cultural differences, each episode explores what it means to create a home away from home.Weekly episodes feature a mix of solo reflections and conversations with international guests navigating life across borders.👉 If this episode resonates, please like, comment, and share with someone living abroad or considering it✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about cultural differences and life as an American in Germany🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne

Moving abroad for love sounds romantic, but what does it actually take to leave your home country, your career, and your comfort zone for a relationship? In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I speak with Jeremy, who moved from Canada to Germany after a long distance relationship turned into something much bigger.We talk about how they met on a group trip in Canada, how their relationship developed across continents, and the moment he realized he was willing to take the risk of moving abroad for love. Jeremy shares what it was like weighing love vs career, navigating immigration challenges in Germany, learning German, building a new life in Munich, and finding independence in a partner’s home country.We also discuss the realities of long distance relationships, cultural differences between Canada and Germany, and why moving abroad does not automatically solve everything in a relationship. The big move is often just the beginning.If you have ever considered moving abroad for a partner, navigating an international relationship, or starting over in a new country, this episode offers an honest look at what that journey can feel like.Topics include:moving abroad for lovelong distance relationship advicemoving to Germany from Canadalove vs career decisionscultural differences in relationshipsexpat life in Munichbuilding independence abroadChapters0:00 Cold open1:42 How they met on a group trip6:30 Stereotypes about Germany vs reality14:05 When long distance became serious20:15 Choosing love vs career30:05 First impressions of life in Germany39:15 Building independence and community abroad47:30 Advice for moving abroad for a partnerAbout The Pod AbroadThe Pod Abroad is a podcast about living abroad, identity, and building a life between cultures. Through conversations with international guests based in Germany, we explore cultural differences, relationships, career decisions, and what it really means to create a home in another country.New episodes every Tuesday :-)🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastInstagram → / thepod.abroad TikTok → / thepodabroad Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Find your people in Germany with InterNations!

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Making friends in Germany as an expat or immigrant can feel difficult. In this episode, I share how to make friends in Germany, build real friendships abroad, and create community as an American living in Munich.

After nearly 10 years living in Germany, I have had to rebuild my social circle multiple times. From feeling completely alone after finishing my master’s degree to gradually building a strong international community in Munich, in this episode I get into what actually helped me make meaningful friendships abroad.

I speak on why making friends in Germany can feel different than in the US, how to understand what kind of friendships you are actually looking for, and why intentional effort matters more than luck when building a life abroad.

I also share real examples of how I met some of my closest friends in Germany — from a United Nations conference in Bonn, to work connections, to random introductions that turned into lasting friendships. You betta werk!!

If you are living abroad, moving to Germany, or struggling to build a social life in a new country, this episode will help you think more intentionally about how to create genuine connections.

This episode is sponsored by InterNations, a global community helping people meet others abroad through events and groups in over 420 cities. Shoutout to InterNations for being the first ever sponsor of The Pod Abroad, and for having such a special platform to bring people together!

This episode dives into:

• Why making friends in Germany feels challenging at first

• How understanding yourself helps you find the right people

• Surface friendships vs deeper friendships abroad

• Whether to focus on German friends or international friends

• Why friendships abroad require intentional effort

• Real examples of how I built my community in Munich

⏰ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Why making friends in Germany feels difficult

02:30 Friendship abroad requires intention

06:45 What kind of friendships are you looking for?

11:30 How to make friends in adulthood

18:05 Germans vs internationals + types of friendship

22:10 Real examples of friendships in Munich

About The Pod Abroad

Howdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad shares honest conversations about cultural differences, identity, and building a life between countries.

Weekly episodes include solo reflections and conversations with international guests navigating life abroad, immigration, and cultural adaptation.

If this episode resonates, please like, comment, and share with someone living abroad or considering moving to Germany.

Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about life abroad, cultural differences, and being an American in Germany.

🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT

All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Instagram → / thepod.abroad

TikTok → / thepodabroad

Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad

Email → [email protected]

🎥 CREW

Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne

Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Moving to Germany from the U.S. in 1990 changed David’s life. In this episode, we talk about American identity abroad, Germany vs USA cultural differences, and what happens when a temporary move becomes 36 years.David originally came to Germany for a work assignment shortly after the Berlin Wall fell. What was meant to be a limited chapter unexpectedly became a life built across cultures, careers, relationships, and decades of change in both Germany and the United States.We explore how living abroad long term shapes identity, how Germany has evolved since 1990, and what it feels like to build a life in a country that was never meant to be permanent.We discuss:• What Germany felt like in 1990 vs today• Why his move abroad became permanent• American vs German mindset and cultural differences• Identity after 36 years outside the U.S.• What long-term life abroad teaches you about belongingWe had an honest conversation about identity, adaptation, and the ways living abroad changes your perspective over time.If you are thinking about moving to Germany, living abroad long term, or questioning where home really is, this episode will resonate.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 Why he moved to Germany in 199007:12 When temporary became permanent16:40 American vs German mindset27:05 Identity after 36 years abroad38:20 What Germany taught him about homeAbout The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for the last 9 years. The Pod Abroad shares thoughtful, honest conversations about building a life between cultures. From identity to cultural differences, each episode explores what it means to create a home away from home.Weekly episodes feature a mix of solo reflections and conversations with international guests navigating life across borders.👉 If this episode resonates, please like, comment, and share with someone living abroad or considering it✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about cultural differences and life as an American in Germany🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastInstagram → https://instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Texas vs South Africa cultural differences explained. As an American living in Germany, I explore surprising similarities between Texas and the Western Cape — from lifestyle and food culture to safety, space, and social norms.Living abroad changes how you see your own culture. In this episode, I reflect on the unexpected parallels between the place I grew up in South Texas and the Western Cape after returning from my fourth trip to South Africa.From car culture and safety awareness to outdoor lifestyle, friendliness, and food traditions, I began noticing how similar Texas and South Africa can feel — especially compared to life in Munich. At the same time, living in Germany has reshaped how I evaluate infrastructure, social systems, and overall quality of life.I also share more personal context behind my connection to South Africa. My partner Tim grew up there, and this most recent trip was especially meaningful as I officiated his sister’s wedding. Along the way, I reflect on privilege, inequality, and the stark contrasts that exist in South Africa, particularly between townships and the country’s well-known wine regions.We discuss:• Why Texas and South Africa feel culturally similar• Car-dominant societies vs public transport in Munich• Outdoor lifestyle, space, and quality of life• Braai vs Texas BBQ culture• Food culture, spice, and bold flavors• Friendliness, small talk, and communication styles• Safety awareness in Texas and South Africa vs Munich• Inequality and visible contrasts in South Africa• Identity shifts when living abroad long-term• Why Munich still offers a high overall quality of lifeThis episode is a personal reflection on identity, privilege, culture, and how living abroad gives you a completely new lens on where you come from.If you’re interested in cultural comparisons, life abroad, or how different countries shape who we become, this conversation offers a nuanced perspective on what “home” can mean.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 Texas vs South Africa03:20 Inequality in Western Cape08:50 Car Culture & Space15:20 Braai & Food Culture21:30 Friendliness & Social Norms25:20 Safety & Daily Life31:30 Identity & Living AbroadAbout The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina :-) I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad explores cultural differences, identity, and what it really means to build a life in another country. Through solo episodes and conversations with international guests, I share honest insights into navigating life abroad.👉 If this episode resonated with you, like, comment, and share it with someone interested in living abroad✨ New episodes every Tuesday about cultural differences and life as an American in Germany🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadContact → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik