Almost Local Truths:
Living abroad changes more than your address. In this evolving collection of Almost Local Truths, María reflects on culture shock, friendship abroad, identity shifts, loneliness, ...
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Building belonging abroad & life between cultures
A community for international women
ABOUT ALMOST LOCAL
Are you an international woman navigating life abroad?
Feeling the highs and lows of this journey? Sometimes it can feel a bit lonely or like a roller coaster.
We get it!
Join us for our monthly Almost Local Coffee Circles in Auckland.
Let’s navigate life abroad together, one coffee at a time!
What’s Happening in the Community
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☕ Monthly Gatherings
Join Monthly GatheringSmall in-person gatherings in Auckland where international women meet, share stories and build friendships.
Join our next Gathering: Jun 6 – Auckland. Interactive Experience & Coffee Circle.
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🎙 Podcast & Stories
Listen to the PodcastReal conversations about life abroad — identity, career, belonging and everything in between.
Listen to the last Episode: Month Reflections on life in New Zealand with Maria.
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🌍 Almost Local Community
Join the CommunityA private online space connecting women living between cultures around the world.
Join conversations:
belonging abroad, identity & reinvention and more.
Connect with women across cultures.
“You don’t realize how much your home culture shaped you… until you leave it.”
Maria, Founder of Almost Local
From the Community
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“It wasn’t one single moment — it was the presence in the room. The safe and trustworthy space Maria and Andrea created allowed us to truly connect. I felt seen in shared experiences and inspired by others’ stories. Even knowing only a few women beforehand, I left feeling a real sense of belonging.”
Yanina Auckland, NZ -
"Great initiative taking shape in this beautiful community! Always great to connect, share and meet new people! 🫶"
Flavia Auckland, NZ -
"Thank you so much Maria for inviting me today. And for putting together a very thoughtful event with a beautiful group of women. You and Andrea are very special women ❤️"
Karina Auckland, NZ
See what we've been up to
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Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Almost Local Voices, Life in New Zealand
From Germany to New Zealand – Belonging Across Borders
Living abroad changes you in ways you don’t always expect. At first, it might feel exciting — a fresh start, a new country, a different ... -
Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Almost Local Voices, Life in New Zealand
Living Abroad: Lessons on Identity, Home & Belonging from Yani’s Story
What does living abroad really feel like? In this episode, Yani shares her journey across Argentina, the US, Australia, and New Zealand — and the ... -
International Women in Auckland, New Zealand, Coffee Circle.
Last Saturday, a small group of international women gathered around a table in Auckland for another Almost Local Coffee Circle. What started with a simple ... -
Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Living in New Zealand
Life Abroad in New Zealand: What We Leave Behind When We Move Countries
Moving abroad changes more than your address. In our first Almost Local workshop in Auckland, women shared what they left behind — including confidence — ... -
Almost Local Community Moments
Almost Local Coffee Circle in Auckland
A Gathering for International Women Building Community Abroad Moving to a new country changes more than your address — it shifts your sense of belonging, ...
About Maria / Founder
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Living Abroad? You’re Not Alone!
About Maria / Founder
Read MoreAlmost Local was founded by Maria Barciela after navigating life between cultures herself and realizing how important community and shared stories are when building a life abroad.
You don’t have to feel fully local to belong here.
Join the Almost Local community.