Expat Dispatch

27/10/2023

🎙 Episode 15: FINALE

The first season of the Expat Dispatch Podcast has come to an end. In half a year we recorded 15 episodes, 13 of which were with fascinating guests from all over the world: 11 countries and 5 continents. A map of listeners is even more mindblowing: countless countries from all inhabitable continents.

In the FINALE Tina, Sergei, and Dmitry share their personal and professional journeys throughout this season, together with their observations and conclusions. It was such a valuable experience to be able to dive into the unique life stories of each guest and to see their path to and in the Netherlands, all their struggles and joys. This was not about success stories (as we considered doing in the beginning) but about people. We wanted to create a sense of community and in that, we believe, succeded. We didn’t follow the prepared questions and structure, improvising and trying to catch what our guests wanted to share. That’s why we haven’t just focused on the Netherlands but also spent a decent amount of time comparing it to the guest’s places of origin and the places they lived in before.

Not all interviewees are staying in this country anymore, but for us, it was important to pick up and document their voyages at particular moments in time. We tried to catch as many perspectives as possible, and it didn’t matter if they came here to work or to study, to have some fun or to settle down. Will there be a continuation? We don’t know yet. After all, in that half a year we’ve found new jobs and changed places. Most of our guests were a friend of ours (and sorry for those with whom we didn’t have time to record an episode). If we will continue we also need to see the demand that you want this. That’s why we are asking you to leave us reviews and rankings on the platforms that you use, or even directly reach out to us. Share what you’ve enjoyed the most and the least.

And finally, if you value what we’ve been doing, consider becoming a member on Patreon. Just by paying 4$ per/month (and cancel anytime) you’ll help us to understand if can continue because each month of editing and hosting the podcast costs at least 60$. Find the link in the bio or type in: patreon.com/ExpatDispatch. We express our deep gratitude to all the guests and listeners.

Listen to us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6L1xbR5fEoAskYRRCfxUkf?si=f388b6170be6499b
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/expat-dispatch/id1691001154?i=1000632845279
Or wherever you get your podcast.

Stay tuned (hopefully) and listen to the bunch of cool stuff that’s already out there. Cheers! 🎧

19/10/2023

🎙 Episode 14: Adriana

In our 14th and final guest episode of the season, hosts Sergei and Dimitry talk to Adriana. Being born and raised in the US, she has a multicultural background with a Colombian father and an American mother. We explore her choice of the Netherlands over Italy and other Nordic European countries, emphasizing a preference for a more relaxed lifestyle and better opportunities. There is a decent amount of comparison between the differences in the US and the Netherlands in this episode. The episode also discusses graduate studies and the challenges faced by international students. Adriana shares her ongoing struggles and journey in searching for a job and PhD positions in the Netherlands since her dream is to become a good teacher. This episode includes a fascinating dialogue about the great multiculturalism of our master’s program and Adriana's travels, such as an adventure in Pakistan and an exploration of traditional weddings with hundreds of guests. Don't miss out as we offer insights into Adriana's life that transcends borders, seeks security, and celebrates diversity.

Listen to us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/38YbIAugxKUgoyjL8mty14?si=461e2f260f0542ce
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/expat-dispatch/id1691001154?i=1000631900701

Or wherever you get your podcast. Stay tuned! 🎧

‎Programma Expat Dispatch, Afl Adriana - 19 okt. 2023

12/10/2023

🎙 Episode 13: Jess

In this thought-provoking episode, Sergei Kabatskii and Dmitry Trubetskoy sit down with Jessica Metcalfe, a landscape architect from South Africa, to delve into her unique urban perspectives.

We start by exploring the differences between Cape Town and Johannesburg, shedding light on how these cities influence their residents' social lives and lifestyles as Jessica offers valuable insights into their contrasting dynamics. Her experiences with a German company operating in Saudi Arabia, lead to discussions on the evolving culture and global integration of that Gulf country, along with the challenges of reducing car dependency for sustainability through improved public transport.

An intriguing twist comes when Jessica recounts a brief job stint in Amsterdam, driven by a compelling counteroffer from her previous employer's CEO. We explore urban forestry master planning and her fascination with the complexity of city systems and concepts. We also delve into the complex issue of gentrification, citing case studies from Cape Town and Rotterdam, where Jessica shares her admiration for Dutch urban design, emphasizing its diversity and innovative planning.

Join us for this insightful episode, as Jessica guides us through her life journey, offering valuable insights into ever-evolving urban landscapes that shape our lives.

Listen to us on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NXyrba8XZEjDn6Rnf7bjF?si=07d2d7844cdd4bfd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/expat-dispatch/id1691001154?i=1000631137977

Or wherever you get your podcast. Stay tuned! 🎧

‎Programma Expat Dispatch, Afl Jess - 12 okt. 2023

21/09/2023

🎙️ Episode 12: Polina & Artemiy

After some break, we’re coming back with the last few remaining episodes of this season! In our 12th episode for the first time, we talk to two guests at the same time. The reason is that Artemiy & Polina are married and have always been on their journey in the Netherlands together.

Coming in 2021 to pursue a master’s at the same university but in different programs, they knew from the beginning that they wanted to stay in that country. However, after graduating they encountered numerous issues on a job hunt journey: they share their struggles on the job hunt (both for the market and academic jobs) while presenting some of their valuable experiences. Even the Dutch knowledge at a sufficient level did not help them by the time we were recording a podcast. Hopefully, Polina has already found a job to secure their stay in the Netherlands for at least one more year!

Tune in for this enticing episode where our guests also share plenty of insights on contemporary major topics, which end up in a full-on discussion on Dutch domestic politics!

P.S. For our Russian-speaking audience, we wanted to recommend a list of Telegram channels of emigrants and useful resources for many countries in case you consider a relocation: https://yetanother.notion.site/9b7ca5372b774260bf76aeee3159c199?v=3e0960ba80df4400b30302e1fc1f0617&pvs=4

Listen to us on:
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/kzDQY
Google: https://shorturl.at/abfJ7
And all other leading platforms. Stay tuned! 🎧

After some break, we’re coming back with the last few remaining episodes of this season! In our 12th episode for the first time, we talk to two guests at the same time. The reason is that Artemiy & Polina are married and have always been on their journey in the Netherlands together. Coming in 2021...

24/08/2023

🎙️ Episode 11: Joeri

In our 11th episode, we are finally talking to the first local! Even though Joeri was born and raised in the Netherlands, he has a cosmopolitan mindset and can relate to the expat community. Inspired by his Indonesian grandfather’s travels, Joeri has already spent some time living in South Africa, Indonesia, and Peru and he is not planning to stop, as he sees himself as a lifelong traveler. He highlights that life is a battle between fear and dare.

Dive into some unique insights on socio-political topics and the Dutch perspective on foreigners in this country. For the first time, we don’t touch on any career-related topics. Our guest’s stories in this episode are both instructive and funny, such as running the whole marathon without any practicing in advance. And don’t think that we promote forbidden substances in any way, we are just open for our guests to share any of their experiences.

Listen to the episode full of unique stories on:

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/eoKNV
Google: https://shorturl.at/qKZ16
Apple: https://shorturl.at/dotZ2

And all other leading platforms. Stay tuned! 🎧

In our 11th episode, we are finally talking to the first local! Even though Joeri was born and raised in the Netherlands, he has a cosmopolitan mindset and can relate to the expat community. Inspired by his Indonesian grandfather’s travels, Joeri has already spent some time living in South Africa,...

15/08/2023

🎙 Episode 10: Susanna

In this episode, Sergei Kabatskii and Dmitry Trubetskoy talk to a special guest: Susa Agababyan, an Armenian who was born and grew up in Russia. She was learning languages from an early age and first moved to Italy. But after spending a year there, her perceptions of the country shifted greatly. She realized she didn’t want to live there, so she compiled a list of potential countries to move to, and the Netherlands topped the list.

Although Susanna wanted to work in IT, she didn’t see herself as a developer. Instead, she pursued a career as a UX writer. So she dedicated a year to networking and gaining experience in UX and related fields. In this episode, Susanna delves into the reasons why she never felt that she truly belonged in her native lands (both Russia and Armenia). Fortunately, in the Netherlands, she met many international individuals with similar experiences and stories. It's there that she finally felt she can truly be herself. Yet, she also discusses some challenges of living in the Netherlands, such as the difficulty in making friends with locals. And don't forget to give listen to Susanna's own podcast: "Content Design with Friends" (https://lnkd.in/eT7m7uMs)!

Listen to a bunch of fascinating stories of our guest on:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ekhSTEFB
Google: https://lnkd.in/eHUbH8jS
Apple: https://lnkd.in/ePYyRXNS

And all other leading platforms. Stay tuned! 🎧

15/08/2023

🎙️ Episode 9: Kasia

In this episode, Sergei Kabatskii, Tina K. Bainakova, CAPM, and Dmitry Trubetskoy welcome our university friend Katarzyna Radziwilska to listen to her post-graduation journey. She reflects on our university days, combining her thesis with her job search, her current job, and her short-term plans for the future. Kasia shares her secrets of developing and maintaining her social web, teaches us basic Polish, and shares her travel plans to Latin America.

Listen to this lively and insightful podcast episode on:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e8_wzsE9
Google: https://lnkd.in/eVxb-GUD
Apple: https://lnkd.in/etnyZ6pa

And all other leading platforms. Stay tuned! 🎧

30/07/2023

🎙️ Episode 8: Carlos

In this episode, Sergei, Dmitry, and Tina talk to our Costarican friend Carlos. He shares his story of dropping everything behind in his home country, moving to the Netherlands to pursue a master’s, and changing career direction from engineering to logistics together with some of his main life perspectives. Staying for over half a year in a hostel before finding a proper apartment, sending over two hundred applications, and working night shifts in a hotel before landing a current job, Carlos’s way in this country was far from easy. But after winning a startup challenge he left many worries behind and now can share the importance of strategic and positive thinking with relief. As a hidden gem, Dmitry shares his recent way of getting a job in the Netherlands with a completely different approach from the one that Carlos had.

Listen to our podcast on:

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/gjmCR
Google: https://shorturl.at/swCV3
Apple: https://shorturl.at/mwG25

And all leading platforms. Stay tuned! 🎧

‎Programma Expat Dispatch, Afl Carlos - 30 jul. 2023

24/07/2023

🎙️ Episode 7: Sara

In our 7th episode, Sergei Kabatskii and Dmitry Trubetskoy are talking with Sara Elashi, a Sudanian woman, who has lived for 7 years in Egypt, for 6 years in Saudi Arabia, and now for the second year defining her way in the Netherlands.

Sara compares all the cultural differences she encountered after deciding to experience life outside of Sudan. Since she left the country, it has been separated in two at first and now is in a state of horrific war.

During the interview, she shares practical tips and reflects on her educational experience in the Netherlands, the local job market peculiarities, different political transformations in the countries she lived in, and the role of religion in various contexts.

Listen to us on:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/djU4vm9u
Google: https://lnkd.in/duYRa-VR
Apple: https://lnkd.in/d9hHPQkz

And all the leading platforms. Stay tuned! 🎧

P.S. Consider donations to save children and refugees in Sudan:
https://lnkd.in/e2YCetcm

‎Programma Expat Dispatch, Afl Sara - 24 jul. 2023

16/07/2023

🎙️ Episode 6: Rohit

In the 6th episode, Sergei, Dmitry, and Tina host a friend of ours: Rohit, an Indian who studied with us and lived for some time in the Netherlands after that but now is coming back to his home country.

He talks about his background, the reasons behind pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands, housing struggles, and job application ups and downs, embellishing everything with his opinions and beliefs.

He also compares the cultural differences between India and the Netherlands, how living abroad shed light on a hidden part of his personality, and forced him to come out of his comfort zone, experiencing all sorts of emotions. 🎧

Listen to us on:
Spotify https://shorturl.at/gAR24
Apple https://shorturl.at/gtuvJ
Google https://shorturl.at/quH78

And all the leading platforms. Stay tuned!

In the 6th episode, Sergei, Dmitry, and Tina host a friend of ours: Rohit, an Indian who studied with us and lived for some time in the Netherlands after that but now is coming back to his home country.He talks about his background, the reasons behind pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands,...

09/07/2023

Episode 5: Ana Maria

🎙️ In the 5th episode, Sergei, Dmitry, and Tina host a special guest: Ana Maria, a Colombian expat living in the Netherlands. She walks us through her journey of pursuing a law degree in Singapore, transitioning into legal tech and innovation, struggles with staying in the country, and eventual relocation to Germany and the Netherlands.

Ana Maria shares a lot of valuable tips and strategies for landing a dream job for young professionals from her latest project, Job Hunting Compass (https://www.yourcompasshub.com/english). Lastly, our guest wanted to remind our audience that work is not the most important part of our existence, and life has way more to offer!

Listen to this fascinating story of patience and proactivity on 🎧:

Spotify https://rb.gy/blg0p
Apple https://rb.gy/hbzdk
Google https://rb.gy/hrmul

And all the leading platforms. Stay tuned!

In the 5th episode, Sergei, Dmitry, and Tina host a special guest: Ana Maria, a Columbian expat living in the Netherlands. She walks us through her journey of pursuing a law degree in Singapore, transitioning into legal tech and innovation, struggles with staying in the country, and eventual relocat...

25/06/2023

🎙️ Episode 4: Laurie

In the 4th episode Sergei, Tina and Dmitry talk to Laurie, an English who followed his passion to explore new things right after high school and ended up in Barcelona for five years where, apart from everything else, he worked in a hostel and offered complimentary bike city tours. After moving from Spain to the Netherlands four years ago, he transitioned from delivery service to tech sales and event coordination. But Laurie is not limited to his work activities as recently he co-founded a music band and started road cycling. Listen to this episode about Laurie's exciting life in different cultures and his diverse interests which he can present with a solid portion of humour! 🎧

Listen to our podcast on:
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/cgIKZ
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/esMR3
Google Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/czMY5
And all other main platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/expatdispatch/1012777/

In the 4th episode Sergey, Tina and Dmitry talk to Laurie, an English who followed his passion to explore new things right after high school and ended up in Barcelona for five years where, apart from everything else, he worked in a hostel and offered complimentary bike city tours. After moving from....

18/06/2023

🎙️ Episode 3: Adrian

In our second guest episode, Sergei and Dmitriy are catching up with our friend Adrián. And he has some stories to tell!

Originally from Mexico, Adrián packed his bags and headed to the Netherlands for a year and a half to pursue his Master’s. He's returned to Mexico to work as an urban planner and now came to Rotterdam for a visit. But Adrián's journey was about more than just studying. He shares his stories and insights about many aspects of Dutch life from the Mexican perspective.

He knew how to make the most of his time and didn't just stick to the Netherlands. He never rented a permanent place and spent half of his time abroad traveling all over Europe and beyond, seeing the sights and getting to know people from all walks of life. Join us on this intriguing episode and stay tuned for the new ones! 🎧

Listen to our podcast on:
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/oBHV5
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/gkvY8
And all main platforms: https://shorturl.at/cuB07

In our second guest episode, Sergei and Dmitriy are catching up with our friend Adrián. And he has some stories to tell! Originally from Mexico, Adrián packed his bags and headed to the Netherlands for a year and a half to pursue his Master’s. He's returned to Mexico to work as an urban planner ...

05/06/2023

🎙️ Episode 2: Makensie

In our highly anticipated second episode, we are thrilled to welcome our classmate Makensie, an American expat who has made the Netherlands her home for the past two years.

Makensie Marten takes us on a captivating journey as she unveils the unexpected quirks, endearing surprises, and daunting hurdles she has encountered while immersing herself in the vibrant tapestry of Dutch life. From navigating healthcare and the job market to bustling bike lanes, Makensie compares it with her life in Spain and shares her personal triumphs and challenges with unwavering authenticity.

Don't miss out on this light-hearted and enlightening conversation that offers an in-depth exploration of what it truly means to adapt and thrive as an expat in the Netherlands. 🎧

Listen to our podcast on:
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eHqyZz8A
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eBNKvuxe
And all main platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/expatdispatch/

‎Programma Expat Dispatch, Afl Makensie - 3 jun. 2023

04/06/2023

Our first two episodes are out!

🎙️ Episode 1: Pilot

Join hosts Sergei, Tina, and Dmitry in the pilot episode of "Expat Dispatch" as they share their personal experiences of navigating the Dutch job market after graduating from Erasmus University.

Drawing from their own journeys, they discuss the ups and downs of failed and successful job applications, interviews, hopes, and aspirations, all while enjoying a refreshing pack of canned Heineken.

Discover the joys, challenges, and hidden gems of expat life in the Netherlands with "Expat Dispatch" - a podcast that provides a safe space for job search stories, blended with a touch of entertainment. 🎧

Listen to our podcast on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1r4h1s0fCn6LJxu2FTMnPM?si=6f1f0f62f7b94d45&fbclid=IwAR3wkTpmgCy4GzH5zbTvZ1aFdOn3OyZFeZ523CrZVgybGQtPrTmqFlmgzDQ&nd=1
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/expat-dispatch/id1691001154
And all main platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/expatdispatch/

Listen to Expat Dispatch on Spotify. Welcome to Expat Dispatch: your gateway podcast to foreigners’ life in the Netherlands!Our small team (Tina, Sergei, and Dmitry) are here to share with you a bunch of pleasant and valuable stories, focusing on early/mid career professionals and recent graduates...