Ep 40: Buy the Plant: How to Thrive in the Unknown and Find Grounding in Your Life Abroad

House of Peregrine

Erin Frobenius, a relocation counselor and consultant helps internationals connect, thrive, and feel at home in their new communities. Drawing from her own experience of moving to Amsterdam seven years ago as a traveling partner, Erin shares her journey of navigating transitions, building community, and rediscovering herself abroad. With her background as a licensed clinical social worker, Erin brings a unique combination of emotional support and practical guidance to help expats find their footing.
We explore the ongoing nature of life abroad, emphasizing that relocation is not a one-time adjustment but a continuous process of learning, growing, and adapting.
Erin highlights the challenges of "survival mode," where the focus on logistics can leave emotional needs unmet, and shares strategies for cultivating self-care and building meaningful connections. From helping clients establish goals and find their “team” to providing tailored support for entrepreneurs and parents, Erin’s work empowers internationals to embrace this chapter of their lives with confidence. Whether it’s joining a local group, exploring a new neighborhood, or simply allowing space for your emotions, Erin’s insights are an encouraging reminder that thriving abroad is not just possible—it’s transformational.

Key Moments:

• The Never-Ending Adjustment: Erin explains how expat life is an ongoing journey of adaptation, with new challenges always emerging, no matter how long you’ve been abroad.
• Breaking Out of Survival Mode: Practical tips like taking walks, buying a plant, and simplifying daily goals can help expats step out of survival mode and reconnect with themselves.
• Finding Your Community: Erin emphasizes the importance of building your “team,” whether through social activities, school networks, or joining local groups, and how it’s worth opening yourself up to new connections, even if they aren’t permanent.
• Transforming the Experience: Erin shares how moving abroad can be an opportunity for reinvention, allowing expats to reimagine their goals, build a fulfilling life, and grow in unexpected ways.

This episode is for anyone navigating the highs and lows of expat life, offering practical insights and insider perspectives to make the most of this exciting and challenging journey

Connect with Erin Frobenius; website relocationcounseling.com, Instagram

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