What happens when life takes you across four countries, multiple languages, and completely different cultures?

In this episode of the Almost Local Podcast, I sat down with Andrea, originally from Canada, whose journey has taken her through the United States, Switzerland, and now the Netherlands.

What struck me most about our conversation wasn’t the number of countries she has lived in.

It was the reminder that adapting abroad isn’t only about visas, practicalities, or even language. Sometimes the biggest surprises come when we think adaptation will be easy.

For Andrea, moving to the United States brought unexpected cultural differences despite sharing the same language. Later, Switzerland and the Netherlands would challenge her in entirely different ways, requiring new languages, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of what it means to belong.

You can continue reading or listen to the conversation directly on the Almost Local Podcast.

1. Speaking the Same Language Doesn’t Mean the Culture Is the Same

Many people assume culture shock only happens when moving somewhere completely different.

Andrea discovered otherwise.

Even moving from Canada to the United States brought subtle but meaningful cultural differences that shaped her experience. It was a reminder that language is about much more than communication. Language is how we connect, build relationships, and create a sense of belonging.

During our conversation, we reflected on how difficult it can be to learn a new language as an adult. Yet even when we speak the same language, cultural differences remain. The words may be familiar, but the humour, expectations, social norms, and ways of relating to one another can be completely different.

Perhaps that’s why so many of us experience moments where we suddenly realise:

“We’re not quite from here.”

Even when we’re doing everything we can to belong.

More Stories like this? Listen to Yani’s Story Lessons on Identity, Home & Belonging from Yani’s Story

2. Learning the Local Language Creates Connection

From Swiss German to Dutch, language became more than a means of communication for Andrea.

It became a way to participate more fully in daily life and show respect for the culture she was living in.

We also discussed something many expats eventually discover: local people often appreciate the effort more than the accuracy. Learning a language isn’t only about speaking perfectly. It’s about showing curiosity, respect, and a willingness to engage with the culture around us.

Language is often deeply connected to cultural norms, traditions, and identity. If we truly want to feel part of a new place, making an effort to understand the language can become one of the most powerful bridges to belonging.

I remember experiencing this myself while living in the Netherlands. At first, people were patient with my limited Dutch. But as the years passed, the question started appearing more often:

“Maria, how long have you been here?”

It wasn’t criticism. It was a reminder that language is often a bridge to belonging. Even if we never become fluent, making the effort matters.

3. Living Abroad Changes Your Identity

Each country leaves a mark.

As Andrea reflected on her journey, it became clear that living abroad isn’t only about adapting to new places. It’s also about becoming new versions of ourselves along the way.

Language plays a role in this, too.

After all, language is part of our identity. The way Argentines speak Spanish is very different from how Spanish is spoken in other countries. The words we choose, our humour, our expressions, and even our accents tell a story about where we’ve been and who we are.

Living abroad often adds new layers to that story.

Perhaps that’s why so many internationally mobile people feel connected to multiple places at once. We carry pieces of every country we’ve called home.

4. Staying Connected Across Distance Matters

One of the realities of life abroad is missing important moments back home.

Andrea shared how she has learned to maintain meaningful relationships despite living far from family and friends.

This was one of the biggest challenges she spoke about during our conversation.

And I know from first-hand experience that Andrea puts real effort into keeping those connections alive. She suggests times to speak despite significant time differences. She regularly returns to Canada. She sends Christmas cards. She finds small ways to remind people they are still important, even from far away.

For many of us living abroad, staying connected is a constant balancing act.

Some people find it easier to focus on the future. Others struggle with guilt. Many of us carry the feeling that we’re trying our best but somehow it’s never quite enough.

Perhaps that’s simply part of loving people who live on the other side of the world.

5. The Growth Is Worth It

Living abroad can be challenging.

There are moments of loneliness, frustration, uncertainty, and homesickness.

Yet Andrea’s answer was clear when I asked what she would say to someone considering moving abroad:

“Go for it.”

No regrets.

Because alongside the challenges come some of life’s greatest lessons.

Living abroad teaches adaptability, empathy, resilience, and curiosity. It exposes us to different ways of thinking and different ways of living. It expands our understanding of the world and, perhaps more importantly, of ourselves.

Andrea reflected on how these experiences across multiple countries helped shape the person she is today and ultimately influenced her journey as an author.

Her novel, Below the Surface, explores many of the same themes we discussed during this conversation: belonging, identity, connection, and finding your place in the world.

About Andrea

Andrea is a Canadian writer currently living in the Netherlands, after previously building a life in the United States and Switzerland.

Her international journey has given her a unique perspective on culture shock, language, identity, and belonging. Through living across multiple countries and cultures, Andrea has experienced firsthand how life abroad can reshape not only where we live, but who we become.

Alongside her life abroad, Andrea is also the author of Below the Surface, a novel that explores themes of identity, connection, personal growth, and finding your place in the world.

📍 Based in: The Netherlands
🌍 Lived in: Canada, USA, Switzerland, Netherlands
📚 Author of: Below the Surface
🌐 Website: Andrea’s website
📲 Follow Andrea: Instagram / LinkedIn

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Can you experience culture shock even when speaking the same language?
• How do you build a sense of belonging in a new country?
• What happens to your identity after years abroad?

This episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or directly through Almost Local.

A Question for You

What was the biggest surprise you experienced when adapting to a new culture?

I’d love to hear your story in the comments.