What does it really take to find your people when you move abroad and everything familiar disappears?

In this International Files episode, we talk honestly about the emotional side of creating community overseas. We explore what happens when you lose your entire social history, how culture shock affects friendships, and why building belonging abroad often feels like starting your social life in kindergarten again. We also share the real experiences of making new friends, navigating mismatched groups, managing vulnerability fatigue, and finding your rhythm through routines, interests, and intentional connection.

We discuss expat parenting, the challenges of the trailing spouse experience, and the grief that comes from leaving behind the version of yourself you knew back home. Through stories from our own journeys, we highlight the layers of community abroad, from casual neighbor connections to the deep inner circle friendships that anchor you when life gets hard. This episode offers practical insight for anyone moving abroad as a teacher, searching for community, or building an international educator network that feels like home.

Inside the episode:

• Losing your social history and starting over abroad
• Culture shock and its impact on friendships
• Finding groups that truly reflect your interests
• Vulnerability fatigue and emotional resilience
• Expat parenting and shifting identity
• Trailing partner challenges
• Creating community through small gestures and shared routines
• Seasonal loneliness and the quiet layers of belonging

If you are navigating international school transitions, longing for connection overseas, or rebuilding your sense of community abroad, this episode will help you feel grounded, understood, and encouraged.

🔗 Links & Resources

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