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Making Friends Abroad: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
When we moved to Houston, I expected to miss family and friends. What I didn’t expect was that making friends abroad and building a community would be an ongoing process as people come and go, friendships evolve, and life keeps changing.
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Career Growth as an Expat: From Job Search Struggles to a Promotion
After months of job search struggles, I earned a promotion within my first year in the US. An honest story about career growth as an expat mom.
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How We’re Trying to Raise Our Kids Bilingual in America
A personal reflection on raising bilingual children as a Dutch family living in America. From mixing languages at home to figuring it out as we go, this is what bilingual parenting looks like for us in real life.
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Two Jobs, Two Kids, One Expat Life: How We Make It Work in Houston
A real look into our life as working expats in Houston, balancing two careers, young kids and everything in between. Not perfect, but something we are building as we go.
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A spontaneous long weekend in Tucson with kids
A sunny long weekend in Tucson, enjoying a perfect mix of desert hikes, pool time, and more cacti than we’ve ever seen!
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Daycare in the Netherlands vs USA: 8 Key Differences Every Parent Should Know
Moving from the Netherlands to the United States with kids comes with many adjustments but daycare might be one of the biggest surprises.
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Working as an Expat Abroad – 5 Struggles
Working abroad as an expat is exciting, inspiring, and something I wouldn’t trade for anything. But it also comes with its own set of struggles, the kind people don’t always talk about. So here they are, honestly and openly.
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Why we didn’t go big in Texas
Moving to Texas often means big houses but we chose apartment living. Here’s why our expat family prioritizes location, simplicity, and lifestyle over space.
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10 Culture Shocks I Experienced as a Dutch Person Living in America
What surprised me most after moving from the Netherlands to the US? A Dutch perspective on tipping culture, healthcare, drive-thrus and American life.
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San Diego with Kids: A 4-Day Family Getaway (USA)
Planning a trip to San Diego with kids? Our 4-day family-friendly itinerary including Coronado Island, San Diego Zoo, biking, beaches and practical travel tips for families.
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USA Southwest Road Trip with Kids
Planning a USA Southwest road trip with kids? Our family-friendly itinerary through Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon with a toddler and preschooler, plus practical travel tips.
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Christmas Back Home as an Expat Mom
What is it like spending Christmas back home as a Dutch expat in the U.S.? Reflections on family, jet lag, planning, and finding balance during the holidays abroad.
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Healthcare in the US vs Netherlands
How does the US healthcare system compare to the Netherlands? An expat mom shares the biggest differences, from employer-based insurance to unexpected medical bills.
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Birthday Traditions: USA vs Netherlands
How does a child’s 4th birthday differ in the USA vs the Netherlands? A Dutch mom in Houston shares the cultural differences in school treats, parties, and traditions.
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Solo Parenting While Working Full-Time
Balancing solo parenting and a full-time job? Here’s my experience raising two kids in the U.S. without…
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Job Hunting in the US as a Foreigner
Moving to the U.S. and looking for a job? Here’s my experience as a Dutch professional navigating the American job market, resume screening, LinkedIn networking, and landing my first role in the U.S.
