Moving to Santiago - Mary Martha's Cultural Shift from the US to Chile

Mary Martha is a Certified Life Coach for Expats, find her contact here and here.In this engaging episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria sits down with Mary Martha, an American expat living in Santiago, Chile. Mary Martha shares her incredible journey of moving to Chile at 24, initially planning to stay for just a year to learn Spanish and immerse herself in a new culture. Eight years later, she’s still there, having built a life, career, and family in Santiago.The episode begins with Mary Martha discussing her initial move and the challenges she faced in adapting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle. She talks about the cultural differences between the US and Chile, particularly the shift from an individualistic to a collectivistic society, and how this has influenced her perspective and relationships.Listeners will enjoy Mary Martha's insights into the nuances of Chilean culture, from the importance of family and community to the local work environment. She also delves into her personal life, sharing how she met her Chilean husband and how their intercultural relationship has enriched her experience living abroad.Mary Martha discusses the practical aspects of her move, including finding accommodation, navigating the local job market, and making friends in a new country. She also shares her experiences with local holidays, food, and the stunning natural beauty of Chile, from the Andes mountains to the Pacific coast.As a life coach for expats, Mary Martha offers valuable advice for others considering or currently living abroad. She talks about the common challenges expats face, such as social isolation and identity shifts, and how she helps her clients navigate these transitions.If you're curious about life in Chile, the cultural differences between the US and South America, or the personal journey of an expat, this episode is packed with engaging stories and practical insights. Tune in to hear more about Mary Martha's experiences and her reflections on living and working in Santiago.If you have your own story to share or want to connect, reach out to us at [email protected] 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: Chile, United States, Expat Life, Moving Abroad, Cultural Adaptation, Santiago, Spanish Language, International Living, Cultural Differences, Expat Podcast, Integration, Making Friends Abroad, Work-Life Balance, Expat Challenges, Travel, Adaptability, Community Building, Personal Growth, Teaching English AbroadSupport Worlds Collide by leaving a five-star review and sharing with others who might find inspiration in these stories of cultural exploration and personal growth. Until next episode, keep bridging worlds and sharing tales that unite us all.(00:00) World Collide is a podcast where I talk to people about their experiences abroad(00:54) Mary Martha moved to Chile when she was 24(02:46) For the first two years, it was difficult to settle in Chile(03:38) What were your expectations when you first arrived in Chile(05:05) You moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Santiago, Chile(10:44) So how did you manage then finding your own place in Chile(14:04) Was it easy to make friends when you were single living abroad(20:07) I think it's important to have an idea when moving abroad(21:00) Would you guys go back to the US or would you rather move somewhere else(23:08) In Chile, Christmas is very different from in the United States(27:31) Do you have a favorite chilean holiday? That's a question(32:27) You are a life coach for expats and people living abroad(36:22) What's your favorite chilean food? Okay. Was there any food there that you don't like(39:23) The flights to Colombia are incredibly cheap compared to other international flights(43:47) If you are an expat and you are interested in some coaching, then reach outShow notes created by https://headliner.app---🎙️ Thanks for podcasting with Headliner!