Living in New Zealand changed me in ways I never expected. In this reflective Almost Local episode and blog post, Maria explores culture shock, Kiwi culture, friendship abroad, belonging, and ...
After moving to New Zealand, many social dynamics felt difficult to explain — until I read The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. In this reflection, Maria explores Kiwi culture, friendship ...
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, belonging, and the emotional realities ...
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 lifestyle. But over time, many ...
What does living abroad really feel like? In this episode, Yani shares her journey across Argentina, the US, Australia, and New Zealand — and the lessons on identity, belonging, and ...
Why New Year resolutions feel different when you live abroad. Reflections on expat life, identity, belonging, and becoming almost local.
Returning to New Zealand as an expat isn’t starting over — it’s starting differently. In this reflective piece, I share what it really felt like to return to NZ after ...
Discover why community abroad matters, how loneliness affects expats, and practical tips on how to make friends abroad and build real connection.
🌿 Can You Hear Them? Can you hear them? The birds.That’s the sound of my garden here in Glendowie, Auckland, and it still surprises me that I get to call ...
Four months into life in New Zealand, I’ve learned that living abroad means living across time zones — and learning to love people on a delay. Here’s how expat friendships ...
