The Pod Abroad

The Pod Abroad

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

Episodes

August 26, 2025 72 mins

Planning your first Oktoberfest 2025 in Munich? Want to skip tourist mistakes and experience Wiesn like a true local? 🍺 After 9 years in Germany, I’m teaming up with my friend Paloma—a real Münchner Kindl who grew up at Oktoberfest—to bring you the ultimate insider Oktoberfest guide!From dirndl & lederhosen styling tips, to how to get into beer tents without a reservation, to the best Bavarian food and German beer you absolute...

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    Have you ever wondered what it’s really like living in Germany compared to the US? After 9 years in Munich, I’m breaking down 10 shocking differences between German apartments and American homes — from kitchens and closets to laundry, air conditioning, and neighborhood life.Whether you’re moving to Germany, curious about life in Germany as an American, or just love hearing about cultural differences abroad, this episode has the ins...

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    I’m excited to share with you the incredible story of my friend Ali, a refugee from Iran who grew up in Germany, found his passion in golf, and went on to study in South Texas (puro pinche 956) on a scholarship. In this episode, Ali and I dive deep into the realities of fleeing a homeland, adapting to refugee life in Germany, and the resilience it takes to forge a new identity across continents. Hear about his journey from living i...

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    Curious about the REAL culture shocks of moving to Germany from South Africa? What happens when you’re technically German, German not German lol but grew up halfway across the world—and suddenly start over as an adult in Leipzig? If you're looking for honest stories about navigating life abroad, this conversation is for you.In this episode, I chat with my partner's sister and friend Michele. She was born in Germany, raised ...

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    I left the U.S. and have been living in Munich for the last (almost) 9 years, and here's a bit of everything I wish I knew before moving! Though moving here at 21 years old and a bit green was fun too. No regrets 😉In this solo episode, I break down what makes life in Germany feel freeing, maybe frustrating, but ultimately worth it. I get into nature and public transport to food prices, safety, and that iconic German efficiency (ye...

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    Culture shocks, hospitality, and everyday life in Munich as two girls from Georgia and Texas


    Today I’m joined by my sweet friend Bailey — a Georgia peach with the biggest heart and the sweetest southern charm 🥹 She’s only lived in Munich for about 9 months and is sharing about life here so far!!

    We met this summer at a beer garden (shoutout Anika we love you!) and instantly clicked. This episode is basically a love letter t...

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    Today I’m joined by my younger brother Oscar (but I call him Kiko). He’s a born-and-raised Texan, a firefighter in San Antonio, and an overall amazing guy!! He doesn’t like cameras and it’s not his thing, and totally did this for me…. so if you’re reading this… THANK YOU Kiko I love you lots. 


    We recorded this episode in San Antonio last week while I was visiting, and it’s packed with real talk - from why I’m not proud to be America...

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    Today I’m joined by my longtime friend Joss (yes, from the iconic Joss and Janik channel)!!! She grew up in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and now lives between Germany and Mexico with her German husband, Janik. Fun fact: I was their wedding ceremony officiant and it went well so maybe I need a new career?? heheWe met in our master’s program nearly a decade ago, and this episode is full of stories — from strict Mexican households and Cat...

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    Omobolanle (AKA, Mo) moved from Nigeria to Germany in 2018 — while three months pregnant — and has since built a beautiful life in Berlin with her husband (shoutout Adedayo) and two kids (Deni and Rola). In this episode, she opens up about everything from growing up in Lagos, to navigating bureaucracy, racism, and identity as a black woman in Germany.We talk about the mental load of motherhood without help, staying rooted in your c...

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    Ever dreamt of moving abroad in your 20s? I did it at 21 — packed my bags, moved from Texas to Germany, and had no idea what I was getting myself into.

    Now that I’ve just turned 30 (!!), I’m reflecting on what these past 9 years living abroad have taught me — from navigating identity, visas, and career changes to figuring out friendship, loneliness, and love in a totally new culture. This solo episode is full of real talk, emotional...

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    Today I'm joined by my former flatmate and longtime friend, Bibi, who moved from Kazakhstan to Germany nearly a decade ago. We chat about what brought her to Munich, what it was like studying at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), how she navigated German culture, and her journey to actually becoming a German citizen (!!). This one’s full of stories about adapting abroad, unexpected culture shocks, and the beautiful chaos of ...

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    We’re diving into a very Texan episode of The Pod Abroad today: riding horses to school? Pew pew finger guns? 🇺🇸🇩🇪I’m joined by my friend Max, who moved from Texas to Munich less than a year ago—and we’re unpacking the wild (and sometimes true) stereotypes about Texans abroad, what Americans get wrong about Germany, and how it actually feels to start over in a new country.From Whataburger loyalty and Buc-ee's nostalgia to Germa...

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    What's it like moving from Bulgaria to Germany? Join me, Paulina (an American in Munich!), as I chat with my friend Betina, a fellow long-term immigrant who has called Munich home for 12 years. We share our experiences navigating cultural differences and building a life abroad in Germany.

    In this episode of The Pod Abroad, you'll hear:

    • Betina's story of moving to Munich for studies at just 18 and why she decided to st...
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    🇺🇸🇩🇪 What's it like being an American (now also German 😎) immigrant making friends, navigating culture, and planning a wedding in Germany? In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I chat with my fellow American in Munich, fellow southerner, ex-coworker, sweet friend, the coolest, Jordan! We speak about his experiences moving from the U.S. to Germany, the cultural differences between the two countries, and wedding planning here.

    <...
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    🇺🇸🇩🇪🇧🇪 What's it like navigating life in Munich as an American-German with a upbringing in Belgium and the U.S., a love for travel, and going through pregnancy in Germany? In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I chat with my friend Anika! We dive into her unique multicultural identity, our shared passion for travel (including why Slovenia is a hidden gem!), and her initial experiences with the German healthcare system during pre...

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    🇹🇭✈️ Get ready for a deep dive into my incredible (and at times, almost deadly?!) trip to Thailand! In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I'm sharing all the must-knows for your Thailand adventure, from navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Koh Samui.Howdy und Servus!! I'm Paulina :-) Welcome to The Pod Abroad, your go-to podcast for stories from international friends living around the globe! I'm origin...

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    🇩🇪🇹🇭🇺🇸 Ever wondered what it's really like to experience life in Thailand, Germany, and the USA as an expat? In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I chat with my friend Ong, a Thai native who shares his insightful experiences navigating these different cultures. If you're interested in expat life across continents, definitely tune in!

    Howdy und Servus!! I'm Paulina :-) Welcome to The Pod Abroad, your go-to podcast for stories fro...

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    🇩🇪🇲🇽 Ever wondered what it's really like to move from Mexico to Munich? In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I (Paulina) chat with my friend Paola about her funny and insightful experiences navigating German work culture, the quest for authentic Mexican food in Germany, and the surprising cultural differences she's encountered. If you're interested in expat/immigrant life in Germany or the clash between Mexican and German culture...

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    Howdy und Servus!! I'm Paulina :-) I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I chat with my friend Chris, a fellow American who now calls Munich, Germany home. We dive into his wild journey from a semester abroad here, to teaching English in Korea, and his j...

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    Howdy und Servus!! I'm Paulina :-) I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wonder if it's too late for a big life change? My mom, MJ, proves it's never!On this episode of The Pod Abroad, I have a talk with my amazing mom, MJ! At 60 years young, MJ decided to leave her life in Austin, T...

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