The Pod Abroad

Paulina de los Santos

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    An American Running for Munich City Council | Emily Wachelka

    American in Germany running for Munich City Council. Emily Wachelka discusses German citizenship/dual citizenship and how internationals in Munich can participate in local politics and elections.Emily has lived in Munich since 2005 and recently became a German citizen while keeping her U.S. passport. In this episode of The Pod Abroad, we break down how Munich’s local government works, what the City Council (Stadtrat) actually does, and how non-citizens can influence politics, even without full voting rights.We talk about dual identity, civic engagement, and the real pathways available to internationals living in Germany. From joining political parties to participating in the Migrants Advisory Board (Migrationsbeirat), Emily is making local politics accessible and understandable.If you’re an American in Germany, an international living in Munich, or simply curious about German local government, this episode explains how city politics works and how you can get involved.Connect with Emily here:https://www.emilyformunich.de/ https://www.gruene-muenchen.de/person...   / emily.wachelka  We discuss:• Dual citizenship in Germany• How Munich local politics works• What the City Council actually does• The Migrants Advisory Board (Migrationsbeirat)• Who can vote in local elections• How internationals can influence politics in Munich• Identity, belonging, and civic participation abroad⏱ Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:00 – From the U.S. to Munich07:00 – Becoming a German Citizen13:00 – What Munich City Council Does17:00 – Joining The Greens & Entering Politics23:00 – Schools, Bureaucracy & Local Policy28:00 – American vs German Political Culture33:00 – The Migrants Advisory Board Explained39:00 – What “Home” Means Abroad43:00 – How Internationals Can Get Involved🎧 FOLLOW USSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastMore platforms: https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad📌 CONNECTIG → @thepod.abroadTikTok → @thepod.abroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 PRODUCTIONVideo, Audio & Music: Tim ter HuurneBranding: Ali Khazanbeik @alikhazanbeik

    52 min

  2. 10 FEB

    Why I fled Venezuela for Germany With €1000 and No German Skills

    Leaving Venezuela at 17 meant choosing between fear at home and starting over in Germany. In this episode of The Pod Abroad, Fernando reflects on migration, identity, and watching his country from afar.Fernando faced a decision most teenagers never have to make. Stay in Venezuela, where tear gas, corruption, and fear were becoming normal, or start over in Germany with almost nothing and no certainty it would work.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, Fernando opens up about growing up privileged in Venezuela while living with constant insecurity, violence, and political collapse. He shares the moment leaving became unavoidable, why he secretly stayed in Germany against his father’s wishes, and what it took to build a stable life in Munich without money, language, or a safety net.In this episode, we explore:Growing up privileged inside a country in slow collapseHow violence and fear became normalized at a young ageThe moment tear gas made leaving feel inevitableChoosing Germany with no money, no German, and no guaranteesWatching Venezuela through U.S. political narratives from afarWhat “home” means after more than a decade abroadA note from meLiving abroad and watching your home country struggle is hard. There’s grief, anger, helplessness, and an uneasy mix of safety and guilt. Loving your country does not mean staying silent. Sometimes it means paying attention, asking uncomfortable questions, and choosing awareness over comfort. If you’ve ever felt caught between pride and disappointment, distance and responsibility, this episode is for you. And if you've never experienced any of these things and stayed to listen to Fernando's story, we see you and thank you!!!Chapters00:00 Intro03:10 Life in Germany now 07:25 Growing up privileged 11:00 Normalized fear 14:15 When safety disappeared 18:20 Protests and crackdowns 22:40 The breaking point 29:00 Staying against expectations 31:15 Learning German the hard way 37:50 Watching from afar 40:45 Different reactions abroad 49:30 Can you ever return?About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all! I’m Paulina, originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad shares lived experiences from people building lives across borders. Representation matters here. New episodes weekly. Join the conversation in the comments.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.comFernando's channel, go show him some love:   / @fernandotabora   🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    57 min

  3. 3 FEB

    How Italy and the UK Broke My German Comfort Zone

    Living abroad changes how you see your home country.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, we explore life abroad, cultural differences, identity, and what it means to watch U.S. politics and democracy from Europe in 2026.In this conversation, I sit down with Holger, a German who spent more than a decade living and working in Italy and the UK, to talk about how living abroad reshapes the way you think, work, and understand the world.We reflect on how different countries shape people in fundamentally different ways. Italy’s improvisation and strong sense of community. Germany’s structure, security, and reliance on systems. The UK’s performance driven work culture and merit based mindset. Holger shares how these environments influenced his identity, career, and decision to step away from traditional work structures later in life.As an American who has lived in Germany for nearly 10 years, I also share what it feels like to watch the United States from the outside in 2026. We talk about political violence, policing, media narratives, and democratic institutions, and why these developments are especially concerning to Germans who recognize historical warning signs from their own past.This episode is grounded in lived experience. It is not about debate or certainty. It is about perspective, distance, and how living abroad forces you to confront who you are without titles, national narratives, or comfort zones shaping your thinking.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:• Living abroad and long term cultural adaptation• Italy, Germany, and the UK through lived experience• Identity beyond career and productivity• Early retirement and stepping outside work based identity• Watching U.S. politics and democracy from Europe• German historical perspective on state power and policing• Media consumption, bias, and information overload• How distance changes awareness rather than disconnecting you• Why lived experience matters more than opinion⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 Living abroad and perspective01:45 Identity beyond work06:00 Italy and improvisation14:30 Germany and structure20:50 The UK and performance culture28:10 How living abroad reshapes worldview36:40 Early impressions of the United States42:55 Watching the U.S. from Europe50:00 Media, power, and fear54:10 Final reflections🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all. I’m Paulina, originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about living abroad, cultural differences, identity, money, and building a life overseas without romanticizing it.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might find it valuable.Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    55 min

  4. 27 JAN

    A South Korean Perspective on the U.S. (Never Visited)

    What do foreigners think of America? In this episode, a South Korean woman who has never been to the U.S. shares her perspective on America, shaped by history, culture, geopolitics, and life abroad.In the first half of this conversation, we explore how the U.S. is perceived from South Korea. My friend Dasom shares why many Koreans grow up with a deep sense of gratitude toward America as an ally, how freedom and security shape her perspective, and how U.S. pop culture and education influenced her long before she ever met an American. We also talk about the stark contrast between how America is viewed in Korea versus Europe, and why separating American people from American politics matters so much.In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to Dasom’s personal story. She opens up about leaving South Korea at a young age, living in Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and now Spain, and how each country reshaped her identity. We talk about language, motherhood abroad, cultural pressure, belonging, and what it means to look at your home country differently after more than a decade away.This episode is about perspective - both national and personal. How history shapes perception, migration reshapes identity, and how living abroad can deepen appreciation for where you come.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How America is seen from South KoreaThe U.S. as an ally, freedom, and historical memoryAmerican pop culture and global influenceStereotypes about Americans abroadLeaving South Korea and living abroad for 13+ yearsCultural adaptation across six countriesLanguage, identity, and belongingMotherhood and raising a child abroadHow distance changes your relationship to homeWhat living abroad teaches you about yourselfIf you’re interested in global perspectives on the U.S., life abroad, or the personal realities behind immigration and identity, this episode is for you. THANK YOU DASOMA for sharing your perspectives, I'm truly grateful! ⏰ CHAPTERSPerception on the U.S. 00:00 – Introduction & why this conversation matters02:05 – Growing up in South Korea & early impressions of the U.S.06:10 – The Korean War, freedom, and why America matters10:40 – U.S. pop culture, English, and American influence15:30 – Europeans vs. Asians: how America is perceived differently19:50 – Americans as creative, open, and misunderstoodPersonal story begins24:10 – Leaving South Korea for the first time27:30 – Living in Canada & Australia: early transformation32:20 – Germany, France, and cultural adaptation in Europe37:10 – Becoming a mother abroad & building a life in Spain42:30 – How living abroad changed her view of Korea46:20 – Where “home” really is after years abroad50:10 – Final reflections on identity, gratitude, and perspective🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? Along with my incredible international village here in Munich, we're sharing funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment to join the conversation.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need it.Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.comDASOM'S CHANNEL:   / @ladasomcocina   Spanish IG:   / ladasomcocina  English IG:   / madebydasom  🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    1h 1m

  5. 20 JAN

    I’ve Lived in Germany for 10 Years. This Is How America Feels Now

    What it feels like to be American in 2026 while living abroad. After nearly 10 years in Germany, I share grief, anger, and helplessness as I watch U.S. politics, democracy, and human rights unfold.I LOVE THE U.S. and that's why I care enough to speak up. I personally think it is patriotic to stand up to injustices. I talk about the emotional toll of relying on media coverage, the grounding and validation I get from family conversations back home, and the uneasy mix of safety and guilt that comes with living in Germany. From fear for my friends and family in Texas to anger at political hypocrisy and the weaponization of religion, this is an honest take on my home country that no longer feels recognizable.I get into growing up religious in the U.S., the erosion of democratic norms, the emotional toll of witnessing human rights violations from abroad, and the tension between pride and shame in national identity. I also reflect on immigration, the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, and what it means to hold on to hope when it feels fragile.This episode is not about having all the answers. It’s about naming the hurt, choosing awareness over comfort, and staying human in an inhumane moment.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:What it feels like to be American living abroad in 2026Watching U.S. politics and democracy from outside the countryGrief, anger, guilt, and helplessness from afarMedia consumption, bias, and staying informedFamily perspectives from Texas and validation from homeReligion, faith, and political hypocrisy in the U.S.Patriotism, pride, and shame as conditional emotionsImmigration, the Statue of Liberty, and American idealsIdentity, displacement, and belonging abroadWhy community, voting, and speaking up still matterIf you’re an American living abroad, questioning your relationship with your home country, or trying to make sense of the world right now, this episode is for you.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – A letter to America from abroad01:30 – Grief, anger, and numbness03:20 – Safety, guilt, and watching from Germany05:45 – Why I needed to speak now07:30 – Family validation from Texas09:45 – Media, distance, and perspective12:55 – Religion, power, and hypocrisy16:25 – Growing up religious in the U.S.20:15 – Pride, shame, and American identity22:20 – The Statue of Liberty & immigration25:50 – Helplessness, hope, and persistence29:20 – Final reflections & questions to ponder🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about moving abroad, cultural differences, identity, money, and building a life overseas—without romanticizing it.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need it.Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    31 min

  6. 13 JAN

    Living in Germany After Growing Up in Argentina

    Living in Germany after growing up in Argentina. In this episode, we talk moving to Germany, life in Munich as a foreigner, studying at Technical University of Munich, cultural differences, long-distance love, and building a life abroad.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I’m joined by my friend Sofi, who moved from Argentina to Munich for her master’s degree at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and ended up building a full life in Germany.Sofi shares what it was really like moving to Germany with only basic German skills, navigating culture shock, studying at one of Europe’s top universities without fully realizing its prestige, and adapting from Latin American warmth to German structure and planning culture. We talk honestly about independence, identity, homesickness, friendships abroad, and what it means to create stability in a new country.We also dive into how Sofi met her American partner during the 2022 World Cup in Munich, managed a long-distance relationship across continents, and eventually built a life together in Germany. From finding her first working student job to transitioning into full-time work, this conversation offers a grounded look at what living in Germany actually feels like beyond the highlight reel.This episode is about gratitude, growth, cultural identity, and learning to feel at home abroad, even when your heart still belongs to your home country.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:Moving from Argentina to Germany-Life in Munich as a foreigner-Studying at Technical University of Munich (TUM)-Cultural differences between Latin and German life-Learning German and integration challenges-Finding community and friendships abroad-Working student jobs and building a career in Germany-Long-distance relationships and international dating-Identity, belonging, and missing home-Why Germany feels safe, stable, and full of opportunityIf you’re considering moving to Germany, studying in Munich, living abroad in Europe, or navigating international relationships and identity, this episode is for you.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Sofi’s story: Argentina to Munich03:05 – First impressions of living in Germany07:20 – Studying at Technical University of Munich (TUM)12:10 – Cultural differences & independence abroad18:30 – Finding friends and community in Munich24:40 – Working student jobs & career opportunities31:00 – Meeting her partner during the World Cup38:20 – Long-distance relationships across continents46:10 – How Germany changed her53:30 – Final reflections on home, identity & gratitude🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina, originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about moving abroad, cultural differences, money, identity, and building a life overseas—without romanticizing it.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone dreaming of moving abroad.Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → / thepod.abroad TikTok → / thepodabroad Email → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeikhttps://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967

    57 min

  7. 6 JAN

    How I Moved to Germany With €10,000 and No Safety Net

    How I moved to Germany without generational wealth. In this episode, I share the real financial reality of moving abroad, saving €10,000, student visas, sacrifice, and what it actually takes to build a life in Germany.In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I open up about money, class, and the unspoken realities of moving abroad when you don’t come from generational wealth. I moved from Texas to Germany at 21 with a one-way flight, €10,000 saved through sacrifice, and no financial safety net.This is my honest story of how I made moving to Germany possible—working multiple jobs, relying on community support, living on a strict budget, and choosing long-term discomfort over regret. I talk openly about student visas, savings requirements, working while studying, and why fear doesn’t mean “no.”This episode is not financial advice—it’s a lived experience meant to inspire anyone who feels called to leave their home country but wonders if it’s even possible without money or privilege.🎙️ In this episode, I cover:Moving to Germany without generational wealthHow I saved €10,000 for a German student visaGrowing up working-class in the U.S.Studying at Technical University of Munich (TUM)Working multiple jobs to move abroadLiving on €900/month as a student in GermanySacrifice, budgeting & asking for helpLeaving a job Fear, uncertainty & choosing discomfortWhy moving abroad is “type two fun”What living abroad teaches you about moneyWhy you don’t need to be rich to move abroadIf you’re considering moving abroad, studying in Germany, or wondering if it’s possible without family money, this episode is for you.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Why I’m sharing this story01:10 – Not coming from generational wealth03:50 – Saving money to move abroad07:05 – The €10,000 German student visa requirement10:45 – Living on €900/month as a student in Germany13:40 – Leaving a job without a safety net18:00 – “Type two fun” & choosing discomfort20:55 – How I actually made moving abroad work31:00 – Why you don’t need to be rich to move abroad38:00 – Final reflections & encouragement🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina, originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about moving abroad, cultural differences, money, identity, and building a life overseas—without romanticizing it.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone dreaming of moving abroad.Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeikhttps://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967

    39 min

  8. 30/12/2025

    Dating a German Who Grew Up Abroad

    What it’s like dating a German who grew up abroad. In this episode, we talk dating across cultures, growing up in South Africa, German vs American differences, identity, language, and life in Germany as an international couple living in Munich.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I’m joined by my partner Tim for the first time ever. Tim is German, but he grew up in South Africa and later moved to Germany 5 years ago, so he’s not exactly German German. We’ve been together for over four years, and in this conversation we talk honestly about what it’s like dating across cultures and navigating identity, language, and daily life in Germany as an American–German couple.This episode is a real, unfiltered conversation about dating someone from another culture, growing up abroad, and how culture shows up in relationships, communication, and everyday habits.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:What it’s like dating a German who grew up abroadDating across cultures as an American in GermanyGrowing up German in South AfricaLanguage, identity & feeling “not German German”German vs American communication stylesCultural differences in relationshipsLife in Munich as an international coupleGermany vs South Africa vs the U.S.Stereotypes, habits & daily life differencesWhat living abroad teaches you about identityA 2025 end of year reflection of this podcastIf you’re dating someone from another culture, living abroad, or curious about relationships between Americans and Germans, this episode is for you!!⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Meeting a “not German German”01:30 – Growing up German in South Africa05:20 – Identity, language & culture10:45 – Life in Germany after growing up abroad16:30 – Dating across cultures22:10 – German vs American differences28:40 – Habits, stereotypes & daily life34:30 – Germany vs South Africa vs the U.S.42:00 – Living abroad & relationships54:00 – End-of-year reflections🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina, originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for the last 9 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about cultural differences, dating abroad, and building a life overseas. Weekly episodes explore life in Germany, relationships across cultures, and what it really means to live as an American in Europe.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone dating across cultures or living abroad!! ✨Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeikhttps://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967

    1h 16m
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About

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

Information

  • Creator
    Paulina de los Santos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paulina de los Santos
  • Show Website
    The Pod Abroad