Meeting Karina in person was truly wonderful. She grew up as an expat and brings a lifetime of experiences — from her childhood abroad to now, living in New Zealand with her Kiwi husband and children.
If you prefer to listen first, you can catch my full conversation with Karina on the Almost Local Podcast, which is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms this Friday, September 19.
After our chat, Karina shared:
“Maria’s ‘Almost Local’ podcast addresses something so many of us experience but rarely talk about — the complex journey of making a foreign country truly feel like home.
As someone who moved to New Zealand 11 years ago, I was struck by how Maria’s thoughtful questions helped me articulate feelings I’d never fully processed. Her interviewing style is wonderfully intuitive — she listens deeply and asks follow-ups that reveal layers you didn’t expect to explore.
The conversation made me realise how much strength it takes to rebuild your identity in a new place, and simultaneously how universal this experience is. Maria creates space for both the vulnerability and resilience that define the immigrant journey.
Thank you, Maria, for creating this platform and for such a meaningful conversation. Your podcast fills an important gap — giving voice to stories that connect us across cultures and borders.”
In this post, I’ll share some of Karina’s insights about the expat challenges and research-backed takeaways that anyone living abroad can relate to.
Dual Belonging is Possible
“Part of my heart is always in Egypt. I feel like I have two homes — my roots, and the life I’ve created here,” Karina says.
One of the biggest expat challenges is balancing your identity between your home country and your new life. Research shows that maintaining strong ties to both cultures — known as dual identifiers — can lead to higher life satisfaction, lower loneliness, and a stronger sense of belonging. (Journal of Social Issues)
Patience and Open-Mindedness Aid Adjustment
“If I could speak to my younger self… I’d say: be patient, be open-minded, and enjoy the process,” Karina reflects.
Adjusting to a new culture is another common expat challenge. Studies on culture shock highlight that being patient with yourself reduces stress, open-mindedness eases adaptation, and allowing mistakes fosters long-term growth. (Placement International)
Growth Lies Outside Your Comfort Zone
“The challenges… they help you grow. You discover yourself outside your comfort zone,” Karina notes.
Many expat challenges push us beyond familiar routines. Research confirms that stepping outside your comfort zone builds resilience, boosts confidence, increases adaptability, and encourages deeper learning. (Psychology Today, Cornell University)
Relationships Make a Home
“Home without people doesn’t feel like home. You can have the most beautiful house… but without people, it’s empty,” Karina says.
Loneliness is a common expat challenge. Studies show that strong relationships anchor your identity, reduce loneliness, and create a true sense of belonging — often more than the physical environment itself. (Journal of Business Research)
Lessons from Karina’s Journey
Expat life comes with many challenges, but it also offers tremendous opportunities for growth. Karina’s experiences teach us to:
- Honor your roots while embracing your new home
- Be patient and open-minded during adjustment
- Step outside your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally
- Invest in people, not just places
Living abroad isn’t always easy, but facing expat challenges head-on gives you resilience, self-discovery, and meaningful connections that last a lifetime.
Listen to the Full Conversation:
If you want to hear the entire discussion with Karina, check out the Almost Local Podcast — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.