Episode 1 – About Us!

Hey everyone, it’s Matthew Stevens here! Along with Ashley Arreola, we’re sharing our expat experiences and insights about living in Europe, hoping to support and inspire fellow Americans abroad. Living in Europe has been an adventure, and our podcast delves into the diverse experiences of Americans like us. Both Ashley and I have been living in Vienna for over a decade, and we love sharing the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

For Ashley, moving to Europe was a dream come true, sparked by her love for Paris and French culture. Political motivations and the quest for a different lifestyle also influenced her decision. Her studies in French and German made her transition smoother, and she’s got some great tips on that! We also talk about how affordable studying in Europe can be, with lower tuition fees and healthcare costs compared to the US. Our podcast doesn’t shy away from discussing broader issues like the influx of refugees and the growing trend of Americans moving abroad, especially post-2016.

My own journey was fueled by feeling out of place at home and encouragement from friends who had studied abroad. Vienna’s quality of life, fantastic public transportation, and pet-friendly policies made it an easy choice for me. In our next episode, we’ll dive into pursuing graduate studies in the EU, offering valuable info for those thinking about it.

Living abroad lets you immerse yourself in new cultures and lifestyles, and it’s an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. So, if you’re dreaming of making the move, tune in for all the insights you need! What questions do you have about living abroad? Let’s chat!