Show notes
In this enriching episode of Worlds Collide, we embark on a globe-trotting journey with Alex, whose life's tapestry is woven with vibrant threads from Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, and the United States. Alex talks about his childhood, his academic pursuits across continents, and the love story that transcended borders.Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Alex's early life was sprinkled with frequent moves and a taste for adventure, instilled by his father's spontaneous spirit. His quest for education and opportunities led him to the United States at 19, where he navigated the complexities of studying and working. His story unfolds further as he delves into his experiences in Belgium, where he battled the gray skies and embraced the blunt directness of local culture while pursuing his master's degree and later moved on further to Dublin for his PhD.Alex's narrative takes a romantic turn when he crosses paths with Rachel, a previous guest on our podcast, whose artistic journey from Paris to DC was featured in an earlier episode. Listeners will be captivated by Alex's reflections on the contrasting lifestyles of Europe and America, the nuances of expatriate life, and the heartwarming tale of how a casual evening led to a life-changing decision to marry Rachel. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, an expat in the making, or simply a seeker of heartfelt stories that span the globe, this episode offers a window into a life lived without borders. Connect with us to share your thoughts at [email protected], and join our community on Instagram @worldscollidepod for more tales of cultural convergence.Support Worlds Collide by leaving a five-star review, and stay tuned for more episodes that celebrate the diversity and common humanity found in our shared global village.Keywords: Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, United States, International Student, Expat Life, Cultural Adaptation, International Romance, Education Abroad, Global Citizen, Cross-Cultural Relationships, Expatriate Challenges, Nomadic Lifestyle, Big Mac Index, Irish History, International Careers, Moving Abroad, Cultural Identity, Life Transitions, Love Story, Global Nomad, Academic Journey, International Living, Cost of Living, Repatriation, Home and Belonging, Studying Abroad, Show notes created by https://headliner.appSupport Worlds Collide by leaving a five-star review and sharing with others who might find inspiration and insight in these stories. Until next week, keep bridging worlds and sharing tales that unite us all.Show notes created by https://headliner.app---📋 Episode Chapters(00:00) World Collide is a podcast about moving abroad(01:25) This week's podcast features guest Alex from Mexico(02:23) Alex is from Mexico and moved to the United States when he was 19(04:49) Rachel came to the United States when she was 19 to study electrical engineering(10:38) You studied engineering at Maryland but eventually moved to Delaware for a master's(16:42) Your first language was English and your second language was French(21:23) All my papers went through Ireland as if I was an European Union resident(24:28) So how long were you then in Belgium? About four years(29:44) Flanders and Wallonia are very different. How are they different(32:27) Belgium is a very densely packed country with lots of cities(35:01) When you move to Ireland, it's difficult to make friends(39:31) The Troubles ended in 2002, but the Good Friday agreement wasn't signed(43:32) You worked in Ireland for about six years as an economist(44:38) The first time that I visited my parents in Ireland was super expensive(48:27) And so what happened then after Ireland? Well, to be quite honest, we were thinking of staying(50:02) You were in turkey for a while, right? Yes, yes(54:06) Everything changed after COVID, right?...