From The Philippines to Sweden - Cathrine's Contrast Rich Expat Experience

Worlds Collide The Podcast about moving abroad

In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria introduces us to Cathrine, a remarkable woman who transitioned from the bustling city of Manila to the tranquil town of Engelholm in southern Sweden. Cathrine's story begins amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she shares the unique challenges and stark contrasts she faced moving from a tropical, densely populated metropolis to a quiet, small town in Scandinavia.

Cathrine opens up about her journey, detailing the cultural adjustments she had to make. From learning to cope with Sweden's long, dark winters to embracing the local practice of "fika," a cherished coffee break tradition, Cathrine's experiences offer a deep dive into the nuances of Swedish life. She also discusses the importance of building a community, revealing how she found solace and friendship through local expat groups and her initiative, "Cooking for Integration," where expats come together to share their cultural heritage through food.

Listeners will find Cathrine's narrative both relatable and inspiring, particularly her reflections on the importance of maintaining one's cultural identity while adapting to a new environment. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in a foreign land.

For those contemplating a move to Sweden or simply interested in the expat experience, Cathrine's insights provide valuable lessons on navigating cultural differences, building new relationships, and finding balance between the fast-paced digital world and the serene physical surroundings of a small town.

If you have your own story to share or want to connect, reach out to us at [e-mail] or find us on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok @worldscollidepod. Don't forget to follow the podcast for instant updates on new episodes. Until next time, keep colliding with new worlds and expanding your own horizons.

Keywords: Manila, Sweden, Engelholm, Expat Life, COVID-19, Cultural Adaptation, Small Town Life, Swedish Culture, Fika, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Community Building, Personal Growth, Moving Abroad, Living in Sweden, Expat Podcast, International Living, Cultural Differences, Cooking for Integration, Remote Work, Sustainability, Family Dynamics, Culture Clash, Contrasts, Climate Contrast, Culture Contrast

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

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(00:00) Hello. Hello. Welcome. Hi, guys.

(01:15) Introduction to Catherine's story

(02:40) Catherine's move from Manila to Engelholm

(04:12) Differences in culture and environment

(06:05) Living through the COVID-19 pandemic

(08:30) Adjusting to Swedish weather and seasons

(10:45) Embracing local traditions like fika

(13:20) Building a community through expat groups

(15:50) Cooking for Integration initiative

(18:15) Challenges of learning Swedish

(21:00) Balancing digital work with small town life

(24:30) Reflections on missing the Philippines

(27:10) Importance of sustainability in Sweden

(30:00) Differences in social norms and communication

(33:20) Making friends and integrating into local life

(37:00) Final thoughts and future plans

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Show notes created by https://headliner.app