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thinking about moving to Europe, this channel exists to save you the hours I spent sorting through overwhelming and outdated information before I figured it out.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
Season 2 · Episode 5
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • Duration 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
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)
Portugal Taxes for Americans: Digital Nomads, Pensions & Avoiding Double Tax
Moving to Portugal as a US citizen? Your biggest surprise might not be the visa, it’s the taxes. From double taxation myths to retirement income traps, this episode explains what Americans really need to know.
In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Pedro Gaudêncio, a chartered accountant and CEO of Portugal Taxes, to break down how the Portuguese tax system works for US expats living in Portugal.
They unpack common misconceptions that often circulate online, explain how the Portugal–US double taxation agreement actually works in practice, and why many Americans misunderstand their tax obligations after moving abroad. Pedro also explains how different types of income are treated, including US retirement income, and what digital nomads and remote workers need to be aware of when becoming tax resident in Portugal.
The conversation also explores tax benefits and incentives for younger expats, why early planning matters, and why working with qualified tax professionals is essential for staying compliant with both US and Portuguese tax authorities.
Whether you are planning a move to Portugal, already living there, or researching US expat tax planning, this episode offers clear, practical insight to help you avoid costly mistakes.
00:00 – The tax mistake that shocks most Americans in Portugal 01:13 – The tax expert Americans wish they’d talked to sooner 04:26 – Why the US makes expat taxes so much harder 05:52 – The biggest tax myths Americans believe about Portugal 06:45 – Selling a US home? Here’s the Portugal tax trap 09:04 – Will you really be taxed twice? 13:56 – Two tax strategies every US expat should understand 15:58 – Why Google gives terrible tax advice for expats 19:38 – How Portugal taxes Social Security and 401(k)s 23:16 – Digital nomads: where your income is really taxed 26:24 – “They won’t know I’m abroad” is a risky bet 28:39 – Hidden tax perks for younger expats (NHR 2.0)
Healthcare in the Netherlands: Understanding the Dutch Healthcare System
American physician Dr. RJ Pesigan joins We’re Moving to Europe to explain how the Dutch healthcare system really works. From finding a GP and getting insurance to understanding cultural differences, medications, and trans-inclusive care, this episode helps expats navigate healthcare in the Netherlands with confidence.
00:00 Dutch directness and healthcare culture 01:00 Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe 01:30 Meet Dr. RJ Pesigan, founder of Cornerstone Health 01:55 Moving to the Netherlands during COVID 03:00 From medicine to MBA to entrepreneurship 04:00 Understanding Dutch vs US healthcare systems 06:20 Cultural differences in doctor-patient communication 07:20 How to prepare for a GP visit in the Netherlands 08:47 Appeals and patient rights 09:50 Self-care and ownership in Dutch healthcare 11:20 Preventive healthcare and checkups 12:30 How to register with a Dutch GP and pharmacy 14:40 Health insurance requirements for expats 15:10 Membership community: We’re Moving to Europe 16:03 Medication availability (e.g., Adderall) and records 18:02 Access to transgender healthcare in the Netherlands 20:47 Managing chronic conditions as an expat 22:00 Bringing and digitizing your medical records 22:40 Budgeting for medications and transition period 23:30 Finding expat-friendly healthcare professionals 24:10 Vision, dental, and alternative care coverage 25:06 Closing and credits
Thinking about moving to Portugal and wondering how healthcare works? In this episode of We’re Moving to Europe, host Casey Kelly talks with Dr. Michael Averbukh, CEO and Managing Partner at Serenity, a healthcare concierge service for expats and immigrants in Portugal. They discuss how Portugal’s public and private systems compare to the US, what Americans should prepare for, managing medications, navigating bureaucracy, and access to care for trans people.
Whether you’re planning a relocation or already settling in, this conversation will help you understand how to prepare for your medical needs and make the most of Portugal’s healthcare system.
Episode Description Thinking about moving to Europe? Dutch tax expert Christie DuChateau joins host Casey Kelly to explain what Americans really need to know about international taxes, salaries, and retirement planning abroad. Learn how double taxation actually works, what benefits your Dutch taxes cover, and how to prepare your finances before relocating.
[00:00] Casey opens the episode and introduces today’s topic on expat taxes [01:00] Christie shares her background and how BNC Tax & Accounting began [03:30] Breaking down misconceptions about double taxation for Americans overseas [05:30] Comparing European and U.S. income levels and effective tax rates [07:45] Understanding what European taxes cover, from healthcare to family leave [10:00] How pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security are treated across borders [13:00] How expats can e-file, use software, or work with a tax professional [15:30] The “three pillars” of retirement and smart cross-border investment options [21:45] Why U.S. business entities are treated differently in Europe [26:30] How far in advance to prepare for visas, housing, and finances [28:45] Cost-of-living differences, culture shifts, and spending habits [31:30] Christie’s final advice, plus where to find more information
Moving Internationally with Pets: Expert Tips from Paws Abroad Founder Marisa Hoskins
Season 1 · Episode 8
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 • Duration 28:57
PROMOTION
Because you're a We're Moving to Europe listener, you can get 15% off Marisa's pet travel planner or concierge services at Paws Abroad. Enter the code WMTE when you check out at https://www.pawsabroad.co/. (I'll receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase with this code.)
Episode Description Bringing your pets along when you move abroad can feel overwhelming. Between airline rules, health certificates, and crate training, it’s easy to feel stressed about international pet relocation. On this episode of the We’re Moving to Europe podcast, Paws Abroad founder Marisa Hoskins shares her recommendations for planning your move with pets, how to make the journey easier for both you and them, and why you may have more – and better – options than you think.
Quote
“Don’t wait till the bitter end. Sign up three to six months in advance, so we can help you plan. That’s how you avoid quarantine, paperwork issues, and stress for both you and your pet.”
(00:21) - Guest intro: Marisa Hoskins, founder of Paws Abroad
(00:56) - Marisa’s first experience with international pet travel
(00:14) - Launching her first pet company
[00:00] Meet Annie, the Portuguese Podengo
Americans Going to College In Europe: Expert Tips from a Consultant
Season 1 · Episode 7
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • Duration 39:45
For people in the US who are really passionate about intellectual freedom, the options of college abroad are appealing to a lot of different groups of people for a lot of really motivating reasons. – Karen Shopoff Rooff, Independent College Consultant
[0:03] Feeling overwhelmed about moving to Europe? [0:10] Introducing the We're Moving to Europe community [0:23] Learn at your own pace with expert support [0:29] Monthly classes, tools, and resources [0:37] Reliable, up-to-date information [0:43] Practical guidance and early podcast access [0:58] Helping you make your own decisions [1:08] Find us at skool.com [1:48] Welcome and intro to the episode [2:19] Meet Karen Shopoff Rooff [2:52] How Karen got into college coaching [3:29] Addressing educational inequity [4:18] Pandemic-era inspiration and early work[5:07] Finding the right fit for students[5:33] Dispelling college consultant myths[6:05] Karen's international education story[7:01] Life-changing London experiences[8:18] Study abroad as a valuable experience[9:05] Specialized training for international options[10:14] Rise in interest for college abroad[11:10] Factors driving interest in EU colleges[12:19] Safety and intellectual freedom[12:53] Why European college might be a better fit[13:22] When it's *not* a good fit[13:59] Maturity and independence required[15:00] Financial considerations of EU degrees[15:53] Housing challenges in the Netherlands[16:42] Knowing your kid’s resilience[17:39] Academic differences in EU colleges[18:08] Transparent EU admissions process[19:00] Application pre-reads and reduced guesswork[20:05] Grading systems and assessment style[21:16] High stakes grading vs busywork[21:45] Program rigidity and flexibility differences[22:21] Mini-courses and short modules[23:13] Importance of time management skills[24:05] FAFSA and financial aid in Europe[25:14] Merit scholarships for international students[26:03] Risks of switching programs[26:51] A costly time zone mistake[27:34] Tracking deadlines for scholarships[28:28] Disability accommodations in EU colleges[29:24] When to start planning for college abroad[30:32] APs, IBs, and test prep importance[31:41] Visiting EU schools and virtual tours[32:45] Better virtual tours than in the US[33:43] International student resources[34:46] The emotional impact on families[35:20] Family transitions and multiple moves[36:14] When transition is harder than expected[37:07] Supporting your child emotionally[38:01] Normalize the fear of a big move[38:26] Where to find Karen Shopoff Rooff[39:16] Show credits and closing
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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/)
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/)
