Living abroad is more than a job assignment—it’s a life experience that reshapes identity, relationships, and family dynamics.

Expat Insights is a podcast for expats, partners, and global mobility professionals who want to understand what life abroad really looks like—beyond the glossy version and relocation checklists.

Hosted by Annegret Bertsch, Certified Solution Focused Coach and long-term expat, Season 2 dives deeper into the realities of international living. Episodes explore culture and leadership abroad, supporting children through school transitions and bullying, relationships and divorce in the expat context in the UAE, and the often-overlooked challenges—and surprises—of repatriation.

The podcast also bridges the gap between global mobility and HR, giving voice to the families behind every assignment.

With honest conversations, expert perspectives, and a touch of humor, Expat Insights offers practical insights, reassurance, and space for reflection—for anyone navigating life across borders.

Host

Annegret Bertsch

www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this conversation, Angela Vitiello shares her insights on raising children in multicultural families, drawing from her extensive experience as an expat. The discussion covers the complexities of navigating different cultures, the importance of curiosity and communication in relationships, and practical advice for building community and supporting children’s identity in a multicultural environment. Angela emphasizes the need for intentionality in parenting and the value of understanding and embracing diverse cultural backgrounds.

Takeaways

Multicultural families can have diverse roots and traditions.

Curiosity is essential for understanding in multicultural relationships.

Children are mirrors of their parents' experiences and values.

Intentionality is key in raising children with multiple cultural influences.

Building a community abroad can provide essential support.

Parents should encourage open dialogue about identity and belonging.

Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings in cross-cultural relationships.

It's important to celebrate and incorporate both cultures in family life.

Communication about values and boundaries strengthens couple dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Multicultural Families

05:02 Understanding Multicultural Families

11:30 Challenges in Multicultural Parenting

16:43 Balancing Cultural Influences in Children

20:19 Navigating In-Law Dynamics in Multicultural Families

25:27 The Path of Least Resistance

26:14 Navigating Third Culture Challenges

30:17 Building Community in a New Culture

33:53 Preparing for Multicultural Parenting

38:43 Identity and Belonging in Multicultural Families

43:01 Strengthening the Couple's Foundation

48:22 Curiosity as a Bridge to Understanding

50:54 Introduction to Expat Insights

51:26 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Guest

Angela Vitiello

www.expatparentingcollective.com

www.instagram.com/expatparentingcollective

www.linkedin.com/in/angela-vitiello-mba-ms-ed

www.instagram.com/itsangelavitiello

Host

Annegret Bertsch

www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch-cpc-34a8371a5/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this conversation, Marie Suazo shares her experiences growing up as a third culture kid, navigating the complexities of her diplomatic upbringing across various countries. She reflects on the cultural expectations imposed by her family, the challenges of communication, and the importance of creating boundaries for personal growth. Marie discusses her teenage years, the significance of community connections, and the journey towards healing and self-acceptance. Ultimately, she emphasizes the hope for a future filled with empathy and understanding, both for herself and for others in similar situations.

Takeaways

Marie Suazo grew up as a third culture kid, moving between multiple countries.

Her upbringing was influenced by her mother's role as a diplomat.

Cultural expectations often conflicted with her personal identity.

Communication gaps created challenges in her family relationships.

Teenage years were marked by a strong sense of community.

Marie learned to navigate different cultural norms and expectations.

Creating boundaries was essential for her personal growth.

Support systems played a crucial role in her healing process.

She emphasizes the importance of empathy in relationships.

Marie advocates for TCKs and shares her experiences to inspire others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marie Suazo

03:36 Navigating a Third Culture Childhood

06:57 Expectations of a Diplomat's Child

09:20 Family Values and Cultural Differences

14:48 The Gap Between Generations

20:23 Teenage Years and Finding Community

23:32 Transitioning to College Life in Korea

30:28 Realizations and Personal Growth

40:00 Advice for Others in Similar Situations

42:40 Hope for the Future

48:25 Introduction to Exped Insights

48:55 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Guest

Marie Suazo

https://www.instagram.com/maries.tck.memories/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-suazo-962257128/

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch-cpc-34a8371a5/?originalSubdomain=de