If you're an American seriously thinking about moving to Europe, this channel exists to save you the hours I spent sorting through overwhelming and outdated information before I figured it out.
I'm Casey Kelly. I moved from Texas to Portugal in 2023. My sons had already left the US, one to the Netherlands and one to Sweden. Between us, we've dealt with visa delays, healthcare paperwork, scouting trips that almost went sideways, and the experience of fitting into a new place.
Each video covers something you'll need to know before you go, like which visa and residency options could work for you, healthcare as an American abroad, taxes, earning a living, moving with kids or pets, and the decisions that trip people up without good information. No hard sells. No steering you toward a specific country because someone's paying for the referral.
When you're ready to build your personalized pathway from the US to Europe, the free We're Moving to Europe community has starter courses, a forum where you can ask questions, and live Q&As. Find us at skool.com/were-moving-to-europe
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What to Do With Your Stuff in the US Before You Move to Europe
Saison 2 · Épisode 5
mercredi 17 juin 2026 • Durée 44:39
I moved from a five-bedroom house on half an acre in Texas to a two-bedroom furnished apartment in Portugal. That's an 80 percent downsize! The hardest part was standing in my house, looking at decades of stuff, and not knowing where to start.
Vivian Najib has done this three times. She's a professional organizer who's moved from New York to Italy, Southeast Asia, and now Portugal. In this conversation, she walks us through her Bucket System. Her framework takes the stress out of downsizing by giving every item a next destination instead of asking "keep or toss."
We cover her buckets, learn why "I love it" is not a destination, and find out how and why to set limits before you start sorting. If your stuff is the thing standing between you and your move, this is the episode.
Work with Vivian: ftbhomeorganizing.com/moveabroad
Join the We're Moving to Europe Community (free): skool.com/were-moving-to-europe
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Moving Abroad 02:21 Personal Experiences with Moving and Downsizing 06:06 Understanding the Emotional Impact of Letting Go 09:24 The Bucket System for Organizing Belongings 13:15 Logistical Challenges of Moving: Fly, Ship, Store 16:50 Financial Considerations in Shipping and Storage 23:28 Setting the Foundation for Downsizing 24:13 Getting the Boat in Motion 26:09 The Simon Cowell Sweep 28:20 Making Thoughtful Decisions 32:51 Clarifying Your New Life 33:59 Approaching a Quick Move 35:49 The Not on My New Album Filter 38:44 Bringing Meaningful Items 42:10 Embracing the Adventure of Downsizing 44:14 Introduction to Moving to Europe 44:16 Practical Steps for Relocation
In this episode, career coach Larry Cornett (ex-Apple, eBay, Yahoo) chats with Casey Kelly about how Americans can start landing European clients before they move.
We cover how to build a global network, where to find hidden opportunities (even outside tech), and the biggest mistakes Americans make with European employers.
If you’re serious about relocating, don’t miss this.
0:00 Moving from the US to Europe: where to start
0:19 Meet Larry Cornett (ex-Apple, eBay, Yahoo)
1:01 From PhD to Silicon Valley career
3:13 Why he left corporate for consulting
4:06 Is freelancing more stable than a job?
5:08 How to start as a consultant
6:00 Getting international clients as a beginner
6:50 Why relationships and referrals matter globally
Moving from the US to the Netherlands with Jana Sanchez and Bethany Quinn
Saison 1 · Épisode 6
mercredi 13 août 2025 • Durée 44:03
The Netherlands feels familiar to people because so many people speak English, and there are a lot of things from American culture that come from Dutch culture – Jana
The real question that everyone needs to ask themselves is, what do you want your life to look like? What kind of a country do you want to live in, and what kind of a country do you want your kids to live in? – Bethany
[0:03] Introduction to the We’re Moving to Europe Community [1:47] Welcome to the Episode [2:18] Meet Bethany and Jana of GTFO Tours [2:40] Their Backgrounds and How They Met [3:52] Why They Chose to Move to the Netherlands [4:52] Starting GTFO Tours and What It Offers [6:20] Early Success and Tour Launch [6:38] Why Americans Are Attracted to the Netherlands [7:37] What Is the DAFT Visa and How It Works [10:27] Income, Freelancing, and Family Considerations [12:13] Entrepreneur Visas vs. DAFT [14:06] Dual Strategy for Spouses and Work Options [15:09] The Housing Challenge in the Netherlands [16:32] Schooling, Taxes, and Administrative Hurdles [17:54] 30% Tax Ruling and Planning Ahead [18:56] The Bureaucracy of Moving and Starting Over [19:25] Keeping US Jobs and Managing Time Zones [21:08] The Reality of the Dutch Housing Market [22:56] Misconceptions About Rent and Pitching Yourself [23:44] Budgeting and the Role of a Makelaar [25:07] How Bethany Found Her Apartment [26:02] Alternatives to Living in Amsterdam [27:35] Picking Cities Based on Lifestyle and Needs [28:53] The Housing Crisis vs. the US Context [30:15] Reasonable Timelines for Moving [31:57] How Complexity Affects Your Timeline [33:07] Downsizing and the Cost of Moving Furniture [34:12] Don't Wait Too Long to Move [35:24] Life Vision and Family Considerations [36:01] Debt, Financial Mindsets, and Cultural Differences [37:23] Building Community in the Netherlands [38:02] How to Make Connections as an Expat [40:24] Surprising Benefits of Living in the Netherlands [41:51] Bethany on Dating and Emotional Balance [42:58] Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Info [43:34] Outro and Credits
Living in the Balkans as an American and Navigating Unexpected Loss Abroad – with Chanoa Inez
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
mercredi 23 juillet 2025 • Durée 36:47
What’s it like starting a new life in the Balkans as an American, and then dealing with sudden tragedy in an unfamiliar place? In this episode, author Chanoa Inez shares her experiences living in Montenegro and Serbia, why she still loves Montenegro, and how she rebuilt her life.
"You can come back from any tragedy. There's always another dream to be had."
[00:26] Introduction to the podcast and host Casey Kelly
[00:57] Guest introduction: Chanoa Inez, author and marketing strategist
[01:21] Chanoa’s move to Montenegro and how it came about
[04:22] A tragic turning point: sudden loss of her partner
[06:17] Why Chanoa chose to stay in Europe and her dual life in Serbia and Montenegro
[07:52] Learning Serbo-Croat and choosing Serbia vs Montenegro
[10:46] Returning to the U.S. and the pull of Los Angeles
[12:24] Realizing the long-term impact of grief and trauma[15:58] The deliberate journey of healing and personal transformation
How to Use Social Media to Research Your Move Without Losing Your Mind – with Dr. Jennifer Weber
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
mercredi 9 juillet 2025 • Durée 33:56
Social media and the web are full of useful information for Americans who are considering a move to Europe. But they’re also full of outdated, incomplete, and outright bad information that can steer you wrong on a life-changing decision.
Behavioral analyst and educator Dr. Jennifer Weber shares her recommendations on how we can examine the information we find online and figure out if we can trust it.
"Anecdotes prompts us to ask questions, data answers these questions."
[02:20] Dr. Webber’s Background in Behavior Analysis
[03:11] Systems Thinking in Education
[04:06] Why She Started Writing on Substack
[04:29] Social Media's Impact on Thinking
[05:29] The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
[06:35] How Social Media Shapes Engagement
Raising a child and running a business in France
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
mercredi 18 juin 2025 • Durée 31:52
Summary Moving to another country is a big challenge, especially if you’re bringing your child and your business to a new culture. Our guest, open source consultant and expert Emily Omier, did both when she moved from Oregon to Paris. She shares her experiences with getting her daughter ready for the move, learning what French public schools provide, and operating her consultancy business in a new bureaucracy.
If you are thinking about leaving the US because you hate the politics in the US, you want to make sure that you actually pay attention to politics in Europe because it's not always better than whatever you don't like about politics in the US. So I think that level of naïveté is sort of frustrating to me sometimes because some people think that Europe is a socialist utopia where everything is wonderful and then they discover that some things are wonderful and some things maybe are not nearly as wonderful as they expected.
Going to College in the Netherlands: An American Perspective
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
mercredi 28 mai 2025 • Durée 35:41
Summary Leiden University undergraduate Fletcher Barton shares how and why he left Texas for college in Europe. He also offers tips on deciding if it fits your goals well, what to expect, and how to get ready.
First, there's the independence, which feels amazing. And this, this depends on, on the personality, of course, but I find the, the independence really exciting. And you get to explore a new country. At my university, there's people from all over the world.
That's, you know, I, I get to learn so much more about the world and I get so many more opportunities to, to try new things like like new cuisines or practicing a lot of different languages.
Time Stamps 00:34 – Introduction to the episode: Topic overview – college in Europe
00:53 – Meet the guest: Fletcher Barton, archaeology student at Leiden University
01:26 – Fletcher shares his study path and plans
02:24 – Regional limitations of certain degrees (e.g., law, medicine)
Scouting Trip Success: Planning to Find a Location You’ll Love
Saison 1 · Épisode 1
mercredi 7 mai 2025 • Durée 41:15
Our guest, Anita Ahiadormey, is an international travel professional who’s lived in and visited many countries around the world. In this episode, she shares her expert recommendations for scouting a location—and explains why treating your scouting trip like a vacation can steer you wrong.
Quote
“When we move, there are real consequences to our actions and our decisions. So take your time and flesh it out as much as you can. You're not gonna know everything, but make sure the major things are covered.”
What does it really take to build a fulfilling life in a new country?
In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Abigail Somma, who has lived and worked across several countries. They explore how mindfulness, gratitude, and strong community connections can help people navigate the emotional and practical challenges of relocating abroad.
Abigail shares her personal journey of creating Gratitude Buddies, a community built around skill-sharing, meaningful connections, and mindful networking. Together, they discuss managing expectations when settling into a new place, coping with the emotional ups and downs of international life, and finding practical ways to build resilience and belonging.
This conversation offers thoughtful insights for anyone moving abroad, adapting to life overseas, or looking to build deeper connections in a new environment.
00:00 Rethinking the Meaning of Home 00:22 Podcast Introduction – Moving from the US to Europe 00:52 Meet Abigail Somma – Living in Spain, Italy, and Austria 01:48 Abigail’s Journey Living Abroad 03:10 From International Relations to Mindfulness and Community 04:22 The Origins of Gratitude Buddies 05:02 Why Gratitude and Community Matter After a Move 06:09 Belonging, Mindfulness, and Building Connection 07:30 Finding Community Through Shared Values 08:09 Managing Expectations When Moving Abroad 09:50 Culture Shock and Everyday Challenges in a New Country 11:29 Emotional Resilience – Humor, Crying, and Self-Compassion 13:33 Resources for Americans Planning a Move to Europe 14:57 The Hidden Mental Load of Living in Another Language 16:12 Beginner’s Mind – Staying Open to New Experiences 19:20 Guided Gratitude Meditation with Abigail Somma 23:44 Resetting Your Mindset with Mindfulness 25:00 Practical Advice for Building Community Abroad 26:07 Accepting Mixed Emotions When Moving Countries 27:02 Redefining Home and Cultivating Belonging 27:48 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Buddies Community 28:28 Outro – Thanks for Listening
How to Build a Successful Freelance Business in Germany as an American
What does it really take to start over in a new country and build a business from scratch in Germany?
In this episode, host Casey Kelly sits down with Eleanor Mayrhofer, who moved from the US to Germany on a whim after a friend invited her to start a business. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, networking, visas, language barriers, and cultural integration.
Eleanor shares the realities of navigating German work permits, understanding local business regulations, and building a professional network without speaking fluent German. She explains how a government support program helped her transition into freelancing, breaks down the German public and private healthcare systems, and highlights the power of the vibrant expat community.
Whether you're dreaming of launching a business abroad or simply curious about life as an entrepreneur in Germany, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest lessons from the front lines.
00:00 Joining expat groups vs integrating long term 01:03 Welcome + show intro (Casey’s move to Portugal) 01:34 Meet Eleanor Mayrhofer (US-born marketer in Germany since 1999) 01:59 How Eleanor ended up in Germany (a “big accident”) 03:14 The beer garden moment: “Let’s start a business” 04:24 Reality check: no network, no German, no plan 05:26 First job lead through networking (and visa stress) 06:08 Getting paid under the table while waiting on permits 06:43 Munich’s early web boom and the hiring wave 07:08 Landing at Sapient and finally getting the paperwork sorted 08:11 How timing and luck played a role (tourist visa extensions) 08:45 From corporate stability to going independent 09:15 Why “network is everything” when you start freelancing 10:29 Government support for founders: Gründerzuschuss explained 11:35 Germany’s healthcare: public vs private (what expats should know) 14:36 Being covered in the US: the $100k hospital story 16:11 Sponsor break: We’re Moving to Europe membership community 17:05 Does Germany really support entrepreneurs? Yes and no 17:19 KSK (artists’ social insurance) + freelancer reality math 18:26 Taxes, cash flow, and admin: the bureaucracy challenge 20:12 Choosing English vs German as your business language 20:32 Scaling, niches, and early business mistakes (printables) 21:46 Avoiding extra complexity: why a US LLC backfired 22:18 German business structures (GmbH/UG) + today’s tools/resources 23:30 Biggest upsides of self-employment: autonomy and flexibility 24:31 Advice for newcomers: side hustles, compliance, and pipeline 26:41 Networking culture in Germany (English-friendly ecosystems) 27:51 Startup scenes, meetups, and where connections happen 29:38 Expat community in Munich: evolving beyond the “bubble” 31:38 There’s never been a better time: creators, groups, accelerators 33:27 Eleanor’s podcast + where to find her (Germany List) 34:31 Wrap-up + credits (Producer/Editor: Magdalena Laas)
17:06 Using study as a pathway to relocate
19:33 Key strategies to grow your network and career
20:10 Building credibility and standing out online
21:42 Why you should share your work publicly
22:29 Using speaking and content to attract clients
23:33 Introverts vs visibility: what works
25:22 Final advice for moving to Europe
25:33 Cultural differences Americans must understand
27:56 Where to find Larry online
Production team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe
Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives
Sound library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
Medication background music - The Orienvibes (https://pixabay.com/users/43208736/)
Extra visuals curated via Canva
Sound Library All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
[17:00] Childhood-rooted limiting beliefs and perfectionism
[19:05] Core message of the book Dream On and who it's for
[22:00] Language learning advice for prospective expats
[24:28] Why integrating with locals matters abroad [25:16] How to prepare for emergencies while living overseas
[26:53] U.S. State Department travel alerts and embassy support [29:03] Life in Montenegro: natural beauty, lifestyle, and international appeal
[32:52] Final message for those facing grief, anxiety, or transition
[34:50] Thank you and where to find Chanoa’s book
[35:27] Closing credits and Substack mention
Sound Library All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
[07:18] How to Check Ourselves Online
[08:12] Why Slowing Down Matters
[09:07] Media Silos & Losing Context
[10:16] Portugal Example & Public Reaction
[10:49] Breaking Out of the Silo Mentality
[12:09] Repetition vs. Evidence
[13:12] Three Critical Questions to Ask
[14:20] Critical Thinking & Mental Comfort
[15:13] Interrupting the Behavior Loop
[16:11] Algorithmic Influence and Personal Responsibility
[17:14] Learning How to Think in a Digital World
[18:28] Decoupling Emotion from Information
[19:05] Understanding the Function of Information
[19:45] Evaluating Data vs. Anecdotes
[21:24] How to Use Anecdotes Constructively
[22:59] Starting with Two Sources
[23:55] Misconceptions Around Sourcing
[24:49] Why Google or ChatGPT Aren’t Enough
[26:00] Teaching Better Research Habits
[27:11] Top Search Results vs. Quality
[28:09] Applying These Skills Across Life
[28:35] Dr. Weber’s Upcoming Course
[30:07] Summary of Key Takeaways
[31:11] Start Small, Build Better Habits
[32:13] Empowerment Through Verification
[32:54] Final Thanks & Closing
[33:27] Outro & Credits
Sound Library All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
1:44
2:55 – Moving to Nicaragua with a toddler
3:41 – Moving to France with a 7-year-old
4:19 – Talking to her daughter about the move
5:26 – Language learning in French schools 6:24 – The social benefits of French integration classes
7:31 – Public vs. private school and enrollment logistics 8:36 – Grade placement & school culture differences
9:01 – Parent-teacher communication norms in France 10:30 – College prep and standardized testing in French schools 11:18 – Evaluation expectations and a hands-off approach 12:11 – Homework in French elementary schools 12:25 – Parenting culture and social integration in France 13:38 – Healthcare logistics for children in France 14:28 – Healthcare system costs & cultural adjustment 16:10 – Visa logistics and dependent rules for minors 17:22 – Visa process and timeline for moving to France 18:43 – The biggest upsides of moving to Paris for her daughter 20:27 – Social and structural support for parents in France 22:59 – Emily’s business background & being self-employed in France 24:18 – Adapting an established business to a new country 25:22 – Cultural nuances in doing business in France 27:29 – Industry vs. national culture: knowing the difference 28:19 – Advice for anyone considering an international move 29:27 – Don’t idealize Europe: do your research 30:44 – Why Emily chose Paris specifically 31:25 – Outro and credits
Sound Library All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
03:18 – How studying abroad impacts long-term career goals
04:33 – When to evaluate the transferability of a European degree to the U.S.
05:12 – Challenges of changing majors in European universities
06:36 – Fields that transfer well between countries vs. those that don’t
07:06 – Comparing educational quality: Leiden vs. top U.S. schools
08:15 – Breakdown of tuition costs at Leiden University
08:38 – Scholarships and financial aid considerations
09:25 – Differences in the admissions process (U.S. vs. Europe)
10:52 – Conditional acceptance and financial proof requirements
13:02 – How Fletcher found Leiden and selected his program
14:00 – Using the “Beyond the States” tool to find English-taught programs
15:29 – What it was like settling into life and school in the Netherlands
16:53 – Bureaucracy, housing, banking, and other logistics
18:50 – Fletcher's experience as an American student abroad
20:07 – The social scene and student life in Europe
21:07 – European universities and the lack of traditional campuses
22:58 – Travel opportunities and transportation around Europe
25:11 – Practical advice for students and families considering this path
27:08 – Researching the right program and country fit
28:19 – Planning academic requirements early (e.g., AP classes)
29:25 – How to prepare between acceptance and arrival
30:03 – Learning the language and getting involved in campus life
31:12 – Working while studying and work permit limitations
32:26 – Cultural adjustment and food differences
34:22 – Final thoughts and wrap-up
Sound library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
01:56
Anita shares where she has lived
03:16
Anita’s travel history
05:37
More about her travel agency
06:45
Scouting trip vs. vacation
08:22
Importance of being honest about your reason for moving across borders
09:25
Practical tips when deciding to relocate — which things do you need to consider?
13:52
Cultural integration, understanding nuances, and learning the language
20:34
Stay focused on the reason for your trip — it's scouting for relocation, not a vacation. Perform typical daily tasks (e.g., transport, supermarket, safety in the neighborhood, doctors/medical centers, banking, internet, schools, etc.)
27:25
Become familiar with the difference between the healthcare system in the new country and at home
30:05
Possibly different religious beliefs — show respect
33:30
Find out about local festivals, celebrations, and customs
36:36
Summary of advice
37:59
Give thought to getting older, or what to do in case of death, and funerals
39:27
Final thoughts
Sound library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton. Medication background music - The Orienvibes (https://pixabay.com/users/43208736/)
