Ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world.

Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.

You'll hear about the French approach to prenatal appointments, midwife care, and what really happens in French hospitals (spoiler: they actually encouraged her to eat a burger before delivery!).

Whether you're planning a move abroad, expecting a baby, or just curious about healthcare differences around the world, Sarah's story offers both practical advice and emotional insights into one of life's biggest adventures... in a foreign language!

#expatlife #moveabroad #france

00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback

00:20 Meet Sarah: An American in Paris

01:38 Sarah's Journey to France

04:06 Discovering Pregnancy in France

07:33 Navigating Prenatal Care

11:54 Childbirth Classes and Preparation

15:49 Hospital Choices and Birth Plans

18:57 Sarah's Birth Experience

29:04 Quick Birth Experience

30:59 Hospital Stay and Recovery

32:46 Newborn Care and Challenges

34:26 Support from Nursing Staff

38:04 Navigating French Healthcare

42:56 Unique Aspects of French Pregnancy

52:11 Maternity Leave and Benefits

54:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

Sarah's blog - https://abuckeyeinparis.com

Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis

David Andrews, Director of Visa Visa Limited, returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to explain New Zealand's new approach to digital nomads. In this episode, we uncover the truth behind what's been called a "digital nomad visa" (but isn't actually a new visa at all!), exploring how visitors can now legally work remotely while enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer.

David shares valuable insights about:

• How the visitor visa rules have changed to accommodate digital nomads
• Tax implications for remote workers from countries with tax treaties
• The current job market and in-demand skills in New Zealand
• Investment visa changes making NZ more attractive for high-net-worth individuals
• An increase in American professionals (especially doctors) looking to relocate
• Practical advice on qualification transfers and finding employment
• The best locations for digital nomads, from Auckland to Christchurch
• Internet connectivity solutions for remote workers

Whether you're considering a short working holiday or testing the waters for a permanent move, this episode provides essential information for anyone interested in experiencing life in New Zealand while maintaining their remote career.

#expatlife #digitalnomad #newzealand #moveabroad

00:00 Introduction and Exciting News for Digital Nomads

01:17 Understanding New Zealand's Digital Nomad Visa

01:59 Visa Conditions and Practical Implications

03:57 Extended Stays and Tax Implications

11:18 Job Market and Employment Opportunities

12:42 Investment and Residency Options

19:09 Practical Tips for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

23:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Devra Jacobs joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how to achieve a "happy move" when relocating. Drawing from her experience of 29 moves, including living abroad in Korea, Devra shares practical tips on making the moving process as stress-free as possible. She discusses the importance of pre-move preparation, including what to keep and what to leave behind, how to pack efficiently, and how to handle pets and children during transitions.

As the co-author of "A Happy Move," Devra provides insights on working with professional movers vs. DIY moves, the best times to relocate, and crucial post-move considerations that people often overlook. She shares valuable lessons learned from her extensive moving experience, including how to avoid common pitfalls like moving during peak seasons or holidays, and practical advice on documenting your belongings for insurance purposes. Whether you're moving across the country or internationally, this episode offers essential guidance on making your next move a successful one. Learn more about Devra's book at ahappymove.com.

#ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatTips #MovingTips #ExpatPodcast #InternationalMove

00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback Request

00:35 Guest Introduction: Devra Jacobs

01:26 Devra's Moving Experiences

03:14 Achieving a Happy Move

05:35 Practical Moving Tips

10:36 Packing and Professional Movers

19:57 Managing Pets and Kids During a Move

25:01 Timing Your Move

31:35 Post-Move Considerations

34:41 Conclusion and Contact Information