The cultureXchange Podcast

Feeling stuck in the expat bubble? Ready to connect and thrive abroad? 🌍 In our latest The cultureXchange Podcast episode, co-hosts Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender and Marie-Christine Dobro sit down with Marian van Bakel —Associate Professor, researcher, and author of Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble: How to Make Intercultural Connections and Friends. Together, we uncover how expats can: ➡️ Build meaningful connections outside the expat community ➡️ Navigate the challenges of cultural transitions ➡️ Thrive in their new home through intercultural friendships Marian shares insights from her two decades of research, combined with real-life expat stories from around the globe. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for expats, internationals, and anyone navigating life abroad. 🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform! 📘 Learn more about Marian’s book: Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble: How to Make Intercultural Connections and Friends. 📌 Find the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/exifi3wm E26: # Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble - How to Make Friends Abroad with Marian van Bakel #cultureXchangepodcast #LifeAbroad #ExpatBubble #GlobalConnections #Podcast

How can you enhance your communication skills and ability to work across cultures? 🌏 In his recent post, Peter Franklin shares practical insights into developing intercultural competencies—especially the importance of communication skills when navigating unfamiliar cultural contexts. We had the privilege of exploring these ideas further with Peter as our guest in Episode 22: Global Fitness for Global People on The cultureXchange Podcast. Peter shared actionable advice on managing and leveraging cultural diversity effectively. 🎧 Tune in to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eadFD5YA Let us know your thoughts in the comments—how do you approach cultural diversity in your work? #InterculturalCommunication #GlobalMindset #CultureXchangePodcast

✨🎙️ It’s a wrap for 2024 on The cultureXchange Podcast ! As the year winds down, we’re reflecting on an incredible journey of conversations, insights, and global connections. This year, we’ve explored essential topics like: 🌏 Breaking out of the expat bubble—how to make meaningful friendships abroad 🌍 Cross-cultural networkingand how expats can build valuable connections across cultures ✈️ Creating a career anywherewith insights from A Career in Your Suitcase 🌟 The impact of growing up as a third culture kid 💬 Forging meaningful cross-cultural bonds Whether you’re an expat, a global professional, or curious about life between cultures, our episodes offer practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert perspectives to help you thrive internationally. 🎧 Looking for inspiration this holiday season? Catch up on episodes during your holiday travels or cozy evenings! Start with #26 featuring Marian van Bakel on how to make friends abroad, or dive into Sven Horak ’s episode on Cross-Cultural Networking—a must-listen for any professional navigating global environments. 📌 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. 🙏 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible guests this year, including: Marian van Bakel Sven Horak Arjan Verdooren Jo Parfitt Colleen Reichrath-Smith, HNCP Peter Franklin Florence Reisch Andy Molinsky Carmen Roberts Ruth Van Reken Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore Prof Helen Spencer-Oatey Michael Landers Dr. Nico Rose and more Your insights and expertise have shaped this year’s conversations, and we’re so grateful for your contributions! Finally, thank you to our listeners—you inspire us to keep sharing stories and insights about global living and cultural exchange. We can’t wait to bring you even more thought-provoking episodes in 2025! 🎙️ Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender & Marie-Christine Dobro Co-hosts of cultureXchange Podcast Listen here: https://lnkd.in/exifi3wm #ItsAWrap #cultureXChangepodcast #LifeAbroad

🌍 Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble: How to Make Friends Abroad 🌏 When expats move abroad, one of the biggest challenges is building authentic connections. While the “expat bubble” can feel comforting, staying within it may prevent deeper cultural immersion and meaningful friendships with locals. 🎙️ In our latest The cultureXchange Podcast episode, co-hosts Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender and Marie-Christine Dobro —both seasoned expats who have lived and worked around the globe—sit down with Marian van Bakel , Associate Professor, researcher, and author of Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble: How to Make Intercultural Connections and Friends. In this episode, we explore the themes from Marian’s book and go even further, discussing: ✨ What the “expat bubble” is and why breaking out of it is essential for personal and cultural growth ✨ Actionable strategies to connect with locals and foster meaningful relationships ✨ Real-life expat stories and lessons from Marian’s extensive research ✨ Why forming local friendships is critical for thriving abroad Marian’s work provides invaluable insights for expats, organizations, and anyone navigating life between cultures. This conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for creating a more fulfilling expat experience. As co-hosts who have lived and worked abroad ourselves, we know firsthand how important it is to step outside your comfort zone and embrace local connections. If you’re an expat—or dreaming of becoming one—this episode is for you! 📌 Listen now to Episode #26: Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble – How to Make Friends Abroad on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform! https://lnkd.in/dPidKP5e 🔗 Follow cultureXchange Podcast for more inspiring stories and tips: Instagram: @culture_x_change #ExpatLife #BreakingOutOfTheExpatBubble #CulturalConnections #InterculturalFriendships #LifeAbroad #NetworkingAbroad #GlobalCommunity

Navigating Informal Networks: A Key Skill for Global Professionals Informal networks are complex, dynamic, and deeply embedded in cultural contexts. As Sven Horak explains, they can help you thrive—or leave you feeling like an outsider—depending on how well you adapt. 🗺️ From Guanxi in China to Wasta in the Middle East, understanding these systems is essential for expats and international managers. But how do you observe, adapt, and lead in these environments? In our latest The cultureXchange Podcast episode, co-hosts Frauke and Marie-Christine speak to Sven Horak about: ✅ Why informal networks are critical in global business ✅ How expats can leverage their “outsider” status to create opportunities ✅ Insights into building authentic connections across cultures 🎧 Listen to the episode here (link in comments). E25: # Cross-Cultural Networking - What Expats Need to Know How do you approach informal networks in different cultures? #CrossCulturalNetworking #GlobalBusiness #CultureXchangePodcast Infographic by Maartje Reijnders. Infographics on Informal Networks. Based on book: Horak, S. (Ed.), 2022. Informal Networks in International Business.Emerald Publishing, Bingley, UK.

Excited to Share Our Feature in FAWCO’s Inspiring Women Magazine. We’re honored to be featured in the November 2024 issue of FAWCO ‘s “Inspiring Women” magazine, themed “The Family Connection.” This special edition highlights women entrepreneurs and stories from around the globe, and we’re thrilled to share the journey of Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender and Marie-Christine Dobro with The cultureXchange Podcast. 📖 Our feature begins on page 102—don’t miss it! The article explores our passion for creating meaningful conversations about global living, culture, and navigating life across borders. It’s a privilege to be included alongside such inspiring women from around the world. Check out the full article👇 #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #GlobalLiving #FAWCO #cultureXchange American International Women’s Club of Duesseldorf Karen Van Antwerp

🌍 New Podcast Episode Alert: E25 # Cross-Cultural Networking - What Expats Need to Know with Sven Horak 💡 Did you know that cross-cultural networks are the key to thriving in a globalized world? For expats and global professionals, navigating these networks can feel like solving a complex puzzle. How can you build meaningful connections when local networks are tightly bound by cultural traditions? In this episode of The cultureXchange Podcast, co-hosts Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender and Marie-Christine Dobro sit down with Sven Horak, Zizza Tobin Professor of Management, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John's University, NYC. Sven shares valuable insights on breaking down cultural barriers, finding inclusive networks, and building authentic relationships as an expat. 🎙️ What we cover: 👉 Why cross-cultural networks are critical for expats 👉 How to identify and join open, inclusive networks 👉 Practical tips for creating impactful connections abroad If you’re an expat or a global professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/e5Nhc3eH E25: Cross-Cultural Networking - What Expats Need to Know with Sven Horak 🎙️A big thank you to Sven for sharing his expertise! #CultureXchange #PodcastEpisode #NetworkingAbroad #CrossCulturalNetworking #Networking #GlobalConnections #ExpatLife #Podcast

🎉 cultureXchange Turns 2! 🎉 Today marks our second anniversary as hosts and producers of The cultureXchange Podcast —a podcast for the international community living abroad and professionals working globally. #cultureXchangeturnstwo Over the past two years, we’ve celebrated: ✨ 24 episodes (and counting!) ✨ 23 inspiring guest experts ✨ 12+ stories from expats on culture shock & reverse culture shock ✨ 14 brilliant authors featured ✨ 22+ nationalities represented Thank you for being part of this journey! We’re excited to continue sharing impactful insights, unique guest stories, and connections that resonate with our global community. Tune in with hosts Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender and Marie-Christine Dobro as we explore life across cultures and borders. 🎧 Ready to listen? Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/gEcfzUkh Discover cultureXchange on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. Catch some of our best moments with these amazing guests: Andy Molinsky Peter Franklin Arjan Verdooren Prof Helen Spencer-Oatey Michael Landers Ruth Van Reken Anisha Abraham MD, MPH Dr. Nico Rose Marinda Seisenberger Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore Ariane Sommer 🌱 Diana Chernyavska Anna Seidel (she/her/hers) Jennifer Shinkai PCC Franziska Bauer Luxhøj Jo Parfitt Colleen Reichrath-Smith, HNCP Florence Reisch ..and more #LivingAbroad #ExpatLife #InternationalCommunity #GlobalCulture #PodcastAnniversary #cultureXchange

🌍 What is Diversity Competence? It’s the ability to normalize “strangeness” in interactions—whether that difference stems from cultural backgrounds or varied perspectives. We explored this concept in our latest The cultureXchange Podcast episode with Arjan Verdooren, co-author with Edwin Hoffman of Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do. Are you ready to embrace diversity and enhance your global interactions? 🎧 Listen to our podcast episode for deeper insights from Arjan Verdooren as we discuss practical ways to develop diversity competence in your professional and personal life. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eYGmBDWj #DiversityCompetence #CultureXchange #InterculturalCommunication #Inclusion #GlobalLeadership #Podcast

🌍 Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do! 🎧 How can we move beyond cultural differences to build genuine connections? In the latest episode of The cultureXchange Podcast, we explore this vital topic with Diversity & Inclusion expert Arjan Verdooren, co-author of Diversity Competence: Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do. Arjan joins co-hosts Prof. Dr. Frauke Bender and Marie-Christine Dobro to share how personal relationships—not cultural norms—are key to successful communication in today’s increasingly diverse world. ✨ Key Insights: • Shifting from cultural differences to personal connections • Essential skills for thriving in global and multicultural environments • Applying the TOPOI model for more inclusive, effective communication If you’re leading international teams, living abroad, or navigating diverse work environments, these insights will equip you to communicate more effectively and build stronger connections. 🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. Link in the comments and here: https://lnkd.in/eYGmBDWj A big thank you to Arjan for being our guest this episode and sharing such valuable insights! #InterculturalCommunication #DiversityCompetence #GlobalLeadership #Expats #cultureXchange #Podcast