Welcome to Beyond An Ordinary Life! I'm Christina Gerdes, your German host and a seasoned expat who has lived in countries such as the USA, Mexico, Malaysia, and Denmark for over five years. Through my travels, I've become more culturally aware, developed language skills, made international friends, and explored some of the most stunning places on earth.Are you someone who dreams of going abroad and experiencing new cultures? Then this podcast is for you! I aim to help you overcome the common barriers to moving abroad, with informative discussions and tips from my guests who are also experienced expats. From why you should go abroad, to the various options you have, potential challenges you may face, and how to overcome them - I've got you covered.Whether you're planning to move abroad, or just curious about the expat life, this podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice that can help you take the leap. Don't let fear hold you back any longer - it's time to explore the world and all that it has to offer. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @chrigerdes, and start living Beyond An Ordinary Life!
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Cracking the Danish Code: Expert Advice for Internationals living in Denmark - with International Community Odense
dimanche 17 mars 2024 • Durée 47:08
So, let's talk about the rollercoaster ride of moving to Denmark – from the headaches of Danish bureaucracy to battling the dark winter blues. Believe me, I've been there myself and I am still learning about new coping strategies after 5 1/2 years.
Throughout my journey, the International Community Odense has been a great support for me especially with their local events. I have joined multiple events like their International Welcome Day, the Night Watchman Tour and many more before.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of getting some expert insights from Jane and Julie from the International Community Odense, as part of the Odense Kommune. We dived into their everyday experiences helping internationals settle their life in Denmark.
It is a casual conversation where I am also sharing anecdotes from my own experiences, like how it took me 3 years to find out that working overtime was perceived as something negative by my Danish manager.
What did we cover?
The challenges internationals face in Denmark and coping strategies to overcome them.
Why adapting to Danish culture is key, and why it's totally okay to ask Danes for a helping hand.
Navigating cultural differences at Danish workplaces and why working overtime is leaving a negative impression on your manager
A sneak peek into the awesome services offered by the International Community Odense, like their Newcomer Service, services for accompanying partners and social events.
Oh, and we spilled the beans on some upcoming events and networking opportunities in Odense. You won't want to miss out!
Want to learn more about their events? Then sign up for their monthly newsletter or follow them on IG, Facebook or LinkedIn @International Community Odense
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
Bali unzensiert und ohne Filter: Exklusive Einblicke in Julia's 4-monatiges Experiment als Digital Nomad - mit Julia Litzlbauer
mardi 5 mars 2024 • Durée 54:30
Heute sprechen wir offen und ehrlich mit Julia über ihre Erfahrungen als Digitale Nomadin auf Bali. Von den anfänglichen Zweifeln bis zur Selbstständigkeit und dem umstrittenen Reverse Cultural Shock – das wird spannend!
Themen, in die wir tiefer eintauchen:
Julias Trial Round: Social Isolation und die Suche nach Verbindung
Julias 4-monatiger Testlauf allein auf Bali im Angestelltenverhältnis war alles andere als ein Spaziergang. Die größte Sorge? Keine Freunde zu finden. Die erste Woche war von Isolation und Selbstzweifeln geprägt. Doch dann passierte etwas Magisches – ein Moment, der Julia zeigte, dass sie nicht allein ist. Und sie erkannte: "It's not the place, it's the people."
Mindset und Selbstständigkeit: Vom Zweifeln zur Stärke
Trotz anfänglicher Unsicherheiten veränderte sich Julias Mindset. Aus Unsicherheiten wurden Stärken. Der Übergang von der Learning Zone in die Komfortzone war kein Spaziergang, aber nach vier Monaten auf Bali war sie nicht mehr dieselbe Person. Die Möglichkeit, als Freelancer auf Bali zu arbeiten, führte zu einer Lebensänderung.
Rückkehr nach Wien und der Reverse Cultural Shock
Die Rückkehr nach Wien nach 4 Monaten war schwierig – der Reverse Cultural Shock traf hart. Julia erkannte, dass sie das Leben als Digitale Nomadin Vollzeit leben möchte. Die Konsequenz: Kündigung und ein One-Way-Ticket zurück nach Bali im April. Suprise, surprise! Ihr Umfeld kämpft mit ihrer Entscheidung.
What's next? Die Selbstständigkeit auf Bali
Julia entschied sich für die Selbstständigkeit auf Bali, weil es sie glücklich macht. Obwohl der Abschied von Familie und Freunden schwerfällt, steht ihre Entscheidung fest. Sie fliegt zurück im April.
THIS IS A MUST LISTEN für alle, die eine ehrliche Einschätzung zum digitalen Nomadenleben auf Bali hören wollen.
Vergiss nicht, dich zum Webinar zum Thema Freundschaften im Ausland am 9.3.24, um 9 Uhr anzumelden: https://eu.jotform.com/build/240593154025350Ich freue mich, wenn du dabei bist!
Wanderlust Diaries: The Best of Year One - Celebrating 365 Days of Adventures Abroad
Épisode 18
dimanche 14 mai 2023 • Durée 38:23
In this special anniversary episode, join me as we revisit the most insightful moments and memorable highlights from all 17 episodes of the past year. Get ready to listen to the most insightful learnings about life abroad, and thought-provoking quotes that highlight the essence of our journey together. From inspiring stories of those who embarked on life-changing adventures to practical tips for navigating the challenges of moving abroad, this episode is a curated collection of the wisdom gained along the way.
Whether you're a seasoned expat, a curious traveler, or simply seeking inspiration for your own path, this episode will ignite your wanderlust and leave you with valuable takeaways that will resonate long after the episode ends.
Join me as we celebrate this milestone and rediscover the transformative power of embracing the life beyond the ordinary.
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
Solo Travel & Cultural Immersion in Kuala Lumpur: Lessons from a Danish Student's Study Abroad Journey
Épisode 17
dimanche 7 mai 2023 • Durée 01:07:31
In this episode, join Jasan, a Danish student, as he takes us through his exchange semester in Kuala Lumpur. From feeling lost in the process of preparation to the transformative power of solo travel, Jasan shares captivating insights that shaped his time abroad.
Jasan expresses gratitude for the guidance he received during the overwhelming preparation process, emphasizing the value of having someone to navigate through the abundance of information.
Choosing Kuala Lumpur as his study abroad destination, Jasan sought personal growth by challenging himself to break free from the tendency of people from the same nationality to stick together. He embraced the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Solo travel played a pivotal role in Jasan's journey, allowing him to become more open to meeting new people and letting go of the fear of judgment. Inspired by the "American role model," he encourages others not to worry about what people think, as their opinions hold less significance than imagined.
Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Jasan embraced the city's cultural differences and started university, immersing himself in an international educational environment. He found inspiration in the expat culture and co-working spaces, fueling his desire for an international career.
Jasan acknowledges that studying abroad doesn't always go as planned. He highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in facing challenges, which ultimately shaped him into a more flexible and open-minded individual.
Reflecting on his travels in Southeast Asia, Jasan draws fascinating parallels between Danish and South Korean cultures, expanding his cultural understanding.
In closing, Jasan expresses deep gratitude for the life-changing opportunity to live in a different country. He cherishes the friendships formed abroad and encourages others to embrace solo travel for its unique ability to foster personal growth and cultural immersion.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
The Power of asking for help
Small Town Girl to World Traveler: One Woman's Story of Pursuing Her Passions Abroad and Navigating Regrets
Épisode 16
dimanche 26 mars 2023 • Durée 08:14
In this episode, I share my personal experience of leaving my small hometown to pursue a life abroad. I faced resistance from my family, and left behind my friends and a long-term relationship to follow my dreams of exploring the world.
Through my journey, I learned valuable lessons about resilience, cultural openness, and the importance of pursuing one's own goals. I discuss the challenges of leaving loved ones behind and dealing with feelings of guilt, but also the rewards of gaining new experiences, perspectives, and lifelong friendships.
If you're considering moving abroad and feeling unsure about taking the leap, tune in to this episode to hear my inspiring story and why I believe that pursuing a life beyond the ordinary is worth the risks.
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Expat Life in Switzerland: Insights from an Expat Coach Part 2
Épisode 15
dimanche 5 mars 2023 • Durée 34:18
Welcome to part 2 of our interview with Mariana on this episode of the podcast. In this episode, we discuss some practical tips on how to determine where to move and budget your move. Mariana shares her experience of financing life in Switzerland and some money-saving tips when moving abroad.
We also dig into the topic of finding a job in Switzerland and the Swiss application process. Mariana shares her insights into the Swiss work culture and why it's worth trying out new things. She explains why expat advice is always subjective and every expat experience can be different.
We also talk about the challenge zone and how to become a new person through it. Mariana stresses the importance of resilience as a transferrable skill for life and we conclude why keeping a diary when moving abroad can be helpful. She also shares why expat coaching might be for you.
In the wrap-up, Mariana answers some signature questions. Don't miss out on this insightful episode packed with valuable information for anyone planning to move abroad or looking to make a change in their life.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
Learn how to effectively finance your move abroad as an expat, including tips and strategies for budgeting and saving.
Get practical guidance on finding a job in Switzerland, including what you need to know to increase your chances of success.
Discover how to use your expat experience to personally grow and develop, both professionally and personally.
How to build resilience through the ups and downs of expat life and why moving abroad is a confidence booster and helps you develop transferable skills.
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
20:56: ”Moving abroad - no matter how it is, it will always shape us and it will always make us grow because everyone says that you grow outside of your comfort zone, and it is true.
23:36: “That its’ not only about the highs, but it’s also about the lows and how to actually navigate through those.”
24:04: ”I remember someone telling me like pain is a learning opportunity as well. Even when you are in a very dark place or whatever it might be, you’re always going to overcome it and you’re always going to learn from it.”
The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Expat Life in Switzerland: Insights from an Expat Coach Part 1
Épisode 14
dimanche 12 février 2023 • Durée 32:32
Join me as I delve into the inspiring story of Mariana, a brave expat who left Portugal in 2018 for a new life in Edinburgh. Discover the challenges she faced and how she persevered through the struggles of settling down abroad. In this first part of our interview, Mariana shares the lessons she learned along the way and the journey that led her to Geneva, Switzerland.
Whether you're considering a move abroad or are currently navigating the complexities of expat life, this episode is a must-listen. Get an inside look at the difficulties of adjusting to a new country and culture, the impact of language barriers, and what to expect from the Swiss tax system.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips on how to overcome the hardships of moving abroad and take ownership of your own situation. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from Mariana's experience and insights.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
Discover the struggles of moving abroad and why the first weeks and months can be so difficult.
Learn why Mariana made the decision to leave Portugal and move to Edinburgh, Scotland and later to Geneva, Switzerland.
Gain practical tips on how to overcome the hardships of expat life and the importance of taking ownership of your own situation.
Understand the real impact of language barriers and how not to take difficult situations personally.
Get a glimpse into the unique challenges of adjusting to life in Geneva, including things that are hard to get used to in the Swiss culture.
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
04:22 “The thing that I was always telling myself, was, I can always come back, and I don’t know what it's going to be, but I can try, I can go and if I hate it then I’ll come back.”
04:37: “And I remember the night before I went to Edinburgh, I was like crying and my parents were like ‘you don’t have to go’ and I was like ‘no I should. I really want to go and see how it goes and so on’. I ended up going.”
12:39: “I think it’s one of the reasons why I also became an expat coach because at the time I didn’t know anything of what I know right now … sometimes it's so easy to get in that space of overwhelm, that space of ‘OMG, nothing goes right or why is it so hard or why is it me and everyone else seems to have it all figured out and so on.”
Cultural differences and language barriers: The truth about how to find a job in Denmark as a foreigner - Chrysa in Denmark Part 2
Épisode 13
lundi 26 décembre 2022 • Durée 36:27
Today, my guest Chrysa is sharing her journey moving from Greece to Denmark. She uncovers the truth about finding a job as a foreigner and why she thinks it's important to leave your home base to move abroad.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
How to increase your chances of finding a job in Denmark
How to receive unemployment money in Denmark
How the Danish work culture differs from other cultures
How to overcome cultural barriers with the Danes
Why it's so important to move abroad
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
“I decided to leave everything behind. I settled a good life, you know, with everything actually and come here. And again, my family was like, ‘Are you crazy? You’re in a well-paid job, you have your friends, you have your boyfriend, what are you doing?’ But I was like my happiness is above all. So; I just left and came here.”
“It was a struggle for me to meet new people because all the people in my class were only online. And Danes are not that open and extroverted as Greeks. Moving in a different culture with people I never met, because I never met someone from Denmark before, was very difficult for me to start meeting people. I remember we have a group from my Masters. I posted there, ‘Who would like to grab a coffee?’. There are 150 people in the group. No one replied.”
“I believe that the most important thing is not only applications, it's about getting yourself out of the door and try to meet the people, the companies, and to get to know what you want. The better way to do it is to get to know the others, too. So, I went to different events to try to understand the business world here, and that’s how I came across robotics.”
“I’ve seen something that in Greece is not a thing that much. After 4 o’clock or 3.30 you just go home, and you’re with your family and your kids and your employer doesn’t bother you at all. This is something that I saw in my previous employer as well. This is not something that is only in this company. It's in all the Danish companies. There is work-life balance. People respect you, and they don’t feel like they own you. … No matter what is your age. If you have an opinion, and you have arguments about this opinion, they actually let you express it, and they listen to you.”
Overcoming pushback from family and how to survive the first week abroad – Chrysa in Romania and Turkey Part 1
Épisode 12
lundi 26 décembre 2022 • Durée 24:08
Today, my guest Chrysa is sharing her journey abroad with us, leaving Greece to study in Romania. She also shares her experience being paid to doing a European Voluntary Service in Turkey for a few months and how you can do it, too.
This is part 1 of the interview with Chrysa. Make sure to check out part 2 to learn how to land a job in Denmark.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
How to survive the first days when moving abroad and wanting to go back home
How to finance your stay abroad
How to deal with pushback of your family of your dream of moving abroad
Why it's so important to move abroad and travel to break down stereotypes
How to move abroad for free in Europe for a few months program
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
02:37: “I always had a feeling that...You know, Greece was really nice. I grew up in Greece. But there was something missing. I had always the curiosity of how the people outside of my country look like. Because, you know, when you travel for a week or five days, you don’t really see and experience the same thing.”
04:48: “And someone translated that to me, but it was the first time that I realized ‘OMG what am I doing? Where am I going?’”
04:53: “The first days were a struggle. Exactly because I was like maybe I did a mistake or I miss home. Then I was like ‘no - let’s go and make the most out of it’. Because the worst-case scenario is that it's just 5 months and you can just go back. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. But I did struggle a lot in the beginning.”
05:35: “You get to know yourself better. You get to know what your boundaries are and who you really are because you’re kind of forced to be with yourself a lot.”
07:12: ”I started meeting people. I started going around walking in the city and I started to see how beautiful the city was and then I started classes in uni. I was like ‘Try to find good things’ because not everything is bad. Our mind is programmed to see the negative stuff first. But if you start to think about it and start listing and writing down the good things... I think in the end of the day I saw that the good things and what I am learning is more than the bad.”
How traveling can turn your life around: from working as a police social worker to becoming a Reiki & Sound healing teacher - Isabel in India
dimanche 11 décembre 2022 • Durée 51:22
Today, my guest Isabel is sharing her journey going from a police social worker to becoming a Reiki and Sound healing teacher in India. Learn how she was able to find her real passion and purpose in life through traveling in countries like Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
How to overcome the fear of being alone when traveling solo
How to finance traveling through South East Asia at the age of 17
How to overcome the criticism of family and friends and how they become more supportive over time
Why it is hard to come back home after traveling
Why quitting a job is scary but turned out to be the best decision for Isabel
How to find your career passion through travelling
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
6:52: “Am I going to be lots alone, and how is it going to be in a hostel, and is it going to feel naturally to me to talk with lots of people that I actually don’t know? I was so scared for this."
7.35: “Lots of people are traveling alone, and you’ll meet them anywhere.”
13:09: “I came back after my first travel, and it was kinda hard. To be honest, I actually really didn’t like to go back home.”
15:39: “Of course I was kinda scared, because it's so nice to have the safety, but I am even more scared to feel stuck.”
26:23 “This was the best experience ever, really. I was so amazed by how much you can give and how much they were willing to give and there was just so much love to share."
42:28: “In India, as soon as you go outside, everything is a struggle. I kinda like it because it’s an adventure, but I am missing the comfort sometimes.”
48:07: “I think you will go through so many low moments where you will learn so much about yourself, but then the high moments are higher than you could imagine. You’re living, live the fullest.”
If you have more questions about sound healing and Reiki, then reach out to Isabel on IG: @isabel.branderhors
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
Why it's important to embrace cultural diversity and not only stick to people with the same nationality
Why there is a power in solo traveling and how it leads to personal growth
Why studying abroad doesn't go always as planned and why adaptability and resilience are key
Why the Danish and Malaysian educational systems are different and how to embrace these differences
Why making international experiences are life-changing opportunities
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
2:28: “I was totally lost in the process. Especially because there is so much information coming, and it was a lot. I was so helpful with you helping me out with the process.”
06:32: “I wanted to challenge myself In the way to go out meeting people and not be restricted to a small group.”
10:45 “I think that is the best tip I can give is “Don’t worry so much what people think of you because in the end of the day you are probably never going to see them again.”
01:01:19: “You don’t really have this opportunity a lot in your life where you can just like put everything to the side and just live in a completely different country. And I am super grateful to have had that possibility."
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
26:16: ”I think that’s why it’s so nice to move abroad, because even if one day you decide to go back, you’re going to be a completely new version of yourself and you’re going to trust yourself so much more because you know that you can overcome anything.”
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
13:00: “It can be so easy to fall in that trap, but sometimes it's really about: How can I be more in touch about how I feel, how can I be more in touch with things I like? What can I try? So really to try to take steps… to really step out of that hole that sometimes we can dick for ourselves”
Make sure to listen to Part 2 in two weeks to learn:
Learn how to effectively finance your move abroad as an expat, including tips and strategies for budgeting and saving.
Get practical guidance on finding a job in Geneva, including what you need to know to increase your chances of success.
Discover how to use your expat experience to personally grow and develop, both professionally and personally.
Explore why everyone's expat experience is unique and what you can do to create the life that you truly want, regardless of your circumstances.
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
”Being an international, I can tell you: it's not everything easy. It’s very difficult. I’ve been rejected from jobs because I don’t fit culturally into the team as the other person that they interviewed. Because I don’t speak Danish fluently. Because someone has more experience than I do.”
“Yes, because you meet new people and new mindsets and you’re learning. And I think this is the thing: Learning. Because when you’re in one country forever, you’re in your comfort zone. What is the point, if it’s not a challenge, then what is the point? We are not meant to be in our comfort zone as humans, I think.”
“I think I learned to be more resilient and being proactive and persistent on what I want. Not listening to what other people are saying. I try to teach this to myself, because I am coming from a culture where it’s a lot about what the others are going to say. Mainly because of the religion. But I taught myself it doesn’t matter what the others are saying because they are not living your life. And also, everything is possible.”
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
09:54: ”We have a lot of stereotypes in our minds about everybody all over the world. So, we have a lot of negative stereotypes about what other people are and this was also my main motive behind going abroad. I wanted to see whether these stereotypes were actually true and I found that they are not.”
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!
