American military nurse Lisa Denmark joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand — and why she has never looked back. After eight years working for the US military in Germany, Lisa faced a visa deadline that forced a decision: return to the States, or start over somewhere new. She chose Thailand, moved sight unseen, and hasn't left since. Lisa shares how she landed on Chiang Mai, what it was really like to arrive during COVID lockdown, and why the city's calm, small-town feel won her over completely.

Lisa breaks down the real cost of living — from a three-bedroom house in a gated community for 310 euros a month to a full Thai meal delivered for under a euro — and walks through the visa journey from visa-exempt to education visa to retirement visa. She also gets into the wilder side of expat life: finding rentals through word-of-mouth (and one very memorable connection), the challenges of bringing a 40kg service dog to a country that doesn't recognise service animals, several scooter wrecks, and major surgery covered entirely by her Thai health insurance. If you're considering retiring abroad on a fixed income, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest numbers, and a lot of heart.

#ExpatLife #RetireAbroad #LivingInThailand #ChiangMai #ThailandExpats #ExpatFocus

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00:00 Introducing Lisa Denmark

05:29 Arriving in Chiang Mai During Lockdown

06:40 COVID Logistics and Quarantine

07:53 Chiang Mai Cost of Living Breakdown

11:44 Retirement Visa

16:26 Finding Rentals by Word of Mouth

19:04 Bringing a Service Dog to Thailand

21:56 Chiang Mai Expat Scene Today

23:00 Healthcare Insurance and Pharmacies

26:20 Travel Insurance Reality

28:45 Medical Culture Differences

32:41 Scooter Wreck Stories

34:57 Living Without Thai

37:20 Retirement Daily Routine

41:27 Finding Community in Chiang Mai

46:01 Future Plans

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/thailand/podcast/could-you-retire-in-thailand-for-less-than-400-a-month

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Travis Drews, founder of the Global Citizen Hub, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss an often-overlooked route to moving abroad: student visas. Originally from the US and now based in Berlin, he shares how his own international journey — and a surprising message from family — led him to help others find realistic migration pathways, even without a job offer, investment capital, or a partner overseas. He explains why student visas are among the most accessible relocation options, challenging misconceptions about age limits, work restrictions, and cost.

Travis highlights the wide range of scholarships across Europe, including programs with free or low-cost tuition, and outlines where students can work part-time while studying. He also clarifies which student visas count toward permanent residency and which serve as stepping stones, stressing the need to plan long term from the outset. For those considering a career change or seeking a foothold in Europe, the episode offers practical guidance on selecting programs, meeting language requirements, and using education as a pathway to a new life abroad.

#expatlifestyle #StudentVisa #MoveToEurope #StudyAbroad #EuropeExpats #ExpatFocus

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00:00 Meet Travis Drews: An American in Berlin

03:01 Introducing Global Citizen Hub

05:31 Student Visas: A Pathway to Moving Abroad

09:49 Challenges and Realities of Student Visas

15:36 Scholarships and Affordable Education in Europe

24:05 Finding the Right Study Program

28:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/how-to-move-to-europe-on-a-student-visa-no-job-required

📝 Show Notes

Global Citizen Hub – https://www.theglobalcitizenhub.com

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Australian expat consultant Simone Collins joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about turning a Bali "gap year" into a life-changing two-year relocation — and helping others do the same. Founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone shares how a family experiment became a full-scale move, what daily life in Bali really looks like, and why so many people dream of making the island home.

She explains who Bali is best suited for — from families with young children to digital nomads and retirees — and breaks down practical considerations like schooling, visas, healthcare, housing, and cost of living. Simone also discusses the realities of leasehold property, transport challenges, accessibility for older expats, and how Bali's hospitality-driven culture shapes expat life on the island.

If you're considering moving to Bali — whether for a sabbatical, remote work, or retirement — this episode offers honest insights, real-world budgeting advice, and expert guidance to help you decide if Bali is the right fit.

#ExpatLife #LivingInBali #MoveToBali #BaliExpats #DigitalNomads #RetireAbroad #ExpatFocus

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00:00 Simone Collins' Journey to Bali

01:15 Starting 'Our Year in Bali' Consultancy

03:12 Challenges and Decisions in Bali

05:55 Ideal Demographics for Moving to Bali

08:24 Visa Options for Long-Term Stay

12:31 Housing and Real Estate in Bali

16:20 Popular Areas for Long-Term Expats

20:52 Accessibility and Transport Considerations

22:36 Health Insurance Essentials for Expats

26:05 Navigating Language Barriers

27:17 Education Options for Expats' Children

30:56 Community and Cultural Integration

33:57 Cost of Living and Budgeting in Bali

37:58 How to Plan Your Move to Bali

40:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/indonesia/podcast/could-you-live-in-bali-heres-what-its-really-like

📝 Show Notes
Our Year in Bali – https://ouryearinbali.com/

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