How To Really Feel At Home In A New Country – Tips From A Lifestyle Consultant

April 28

32 mins

View Transcript

Episode Description

Relocation and lifestyle consultant Laura Poggioli joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about what it really takes to settle into life abroad. Laura is the founder of La Relocation Group, which operates across Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, and soon Dubai. After relocating more than 108 people around the world in her previous corporate role, she recognised that traditional relocation support was missing something crucial — ongoing lifestyle assistance that goes far beyond the typical checklist of finding a house and a school.

From navigating building rules and recycling systems to finding a dog sitter, language classes, or a French-speaking ballet companion, Laura explains how her team helps expats handle the everyday things that can become overwhelming in an unfamiliar environment. Carlie and Laura swap stories about the unwritten rules of apartment living in Europe, the culture shock of adjusting to narrow Swiss mountain roads, and Laura's philosophy of "expat aptitude" — an open mindset that lets you accept a new culture without judging it, while also knowing it's okay to admit a country isn't the right fit and make a Plan B.

If you're preparing for a move abroad or already living in a new country and feeling the strain of adjusting, this episode is full of practical perspective on how to find your comfort zone again — and why the small things matter more than you think.

#ExpatLife #Relocation #LivingAbroad #ExpatMindset #CultureShock #MovingAbroad

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Welcome

01:02 Why Laura Started La Relocation

02:14 Beyond the Checklist Support

05:53 Community and Expat Mindset

08:03 Building Lifestyle Services

13:14 House Rules and Recycling Culture

18:18 Integration and Family Pressure

19:40 Solving Problems and Bureaucracy

22:51 Emotional Support and Referrals

27:25 Keys to Living Well Abroad