Suitcase CEO

Lauren Fialdini shares her journey as a travel nurse living in Australia, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of working abroad. She discusses visa processes, differences in healthcare systems, cultural adjustments, and the financial aspects of life in Australia. Lauren also highlights the personal growth, community, and lifestyle changes that come with stepping out of her comfort zone.Resources mentioned:*Travel Con* Healthcare Australia (mention Lauren Fialdini referred you in your application and you both will receive a "refer a friend bonus" minimum of $250)Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lauren's Journey04:54 Life in Brisbane: Weather and Living Arrangements12:11 Becoming a Nurse: The Path to Travel Nursing16:42 Traveling Across the US: Experiences and Insights20:33 Personal Growth Through International Living23:01 Family Connections and Travel Aspirations24:32 Discovering International Travel Nursing29:15 Navigating Visa Processes and Opportunities30:47 Understanding the Work and Holiday Visa32:33 Agency Work and Travel Contracts33:30 The Application Process for Nursing in Australia41:25 Nursing Education and Experience Requirements46:50 Navigating Work Visas and Employment in Australia49:47 Adjusting to the Australian Healthcare System52:55 Cultural Differences and Language Barriers56:40 Building a Social Network Abroad01:00:14 Experiencing Tasmania: A Unique Perspective01:02:40 Health and Lifestyle Changes in Australia01:05:57 The Emotional Journey of Relocation01:09:27 Cost of Living and Financial Insights in Australia01:11:30 Nursing in Australia: Pay and Experience01:14:03 Cost of Living: A Comparison Between Australia and the US01:17:56 Cultural Differences: Food and Lifestyle01:22:10 Future Plans: Travel and Career Aspirations01:29:59 Building Connections: The Importance of Community

Ready to be inspired? Rafael shares how he went from a small town in Brazil to studying abroad in the U.S. as a high schooler later in France, navigating cultural barriers, scholarships, getting hired in Europe and visa challenges to become an entrepreneur. If you're between the ages of 18 and 40 and dreaming of studying or working abroad, this conversation is for you! Learn the power of taking risks, finding your purpose, and thriving in new environments. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories like this—your next adventure starts here! Connect further on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseceo/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@suitcaseceo_nat Spotify & Other Podcast Platforms - Suitcase CEO 00:00 - Introduction to Rafael's Journey 02:57 - Early Aspirations and Cultural Influences 06:05 - The Quest for Scholarships 08:55 - The AFS Program and Its Impact 12:00 - Emotional Moments and Family Support 15:02 - Building Confidence and Community Support 18:04 - Navigating High School and Vocational Education 20:56 - The Application Process and Challenges 23:56 - Preparing for the Journey to the U.S. 26:55 - Experiencing Life in America 30:02 - Cultural Adjustments and Growth 33:05 - Support Systems and Program Structure 34:06 - Overcoming Language Barriers 36:49 - Cultural Adjustments and Food Experiences 39:45 - The Immersive Experience of Living Abroad 40:34 - Mindset and Proactivity in New Environments 42:36 - Volunteering and Giving Back to AFS 44:33 - Inspiring Others Through Personal Experiences 46:47 - The Importance of Language in Connection 49:49 - Post-AFS Journey and University Life 57:15 - Pursuing Opportunities Abroad 01:01:07 - Dealing with Frustration and Resilience 01:03:28 - The Power of Taking Risks 01:06:52 - Faith and Purpose in Life's Journey 01:09:03 - Finding Purpose in Life 01:13:21 - The Role of Education in Personal Growth 01:16:40 - Experiences in French University 01:20:43 - Financial Aspects of Studying Abroad 01:23:10 - Cultural Integration and Friendships 01:26:02 - Lessons Learned from Living Independently 01:31:30 - Navigating the Pandemic in France 01:40:28 - Career Path After Graduation 01:44:55 - Navigating Employment and Visa Challenges in France 01:55:24 - Taking Risks: The Entrepreneurial Leap 02:09:34 - The Incubator Experience: Nurturing Business Ideas 02:16:27 - Embracing Change: A Message of Inspiration

Matt Beans has put everything on the line multiple times from maxing out credit cards to build his business to selling everything he has to live abroad. He discusses the challenges of building connections while on the move and the importance of having a home base. Matt also delves into his journey in real estate, the risks he took to succeed, and his commitment to raising his own food, emphasizing the value of community and contribution. 00:00 Introduction to Matt Beans and His Journey 03:02 Traveling the U.S. in an RV: Experiences and Lessons 05:59 The Mexico Adventure: Preparation and Challenges 09:03 Building Community While Traveling 12:03 The Importance of Home and Community 15:01 Raising Chickens and Self-Sustainability 18:02 The Journey into Real Estate 20:53 Taking Risks in Business 23:59 The Role of Community in Business Success 27:49 Starting Anew: The Journey of Selling and Building Businesses 30:49 Raising Chickens: A Sustainable Lifestyle Choice 33:16 Traveling with Purpose: Building Community Abroad 38:20 Lessons from Living in Mexico: Cultural Insights 44:08 Preparing for Travel: Communication and Practical Tips 51:22 Budgeting for Adventure: Financial Insights from Mexico

In this episode, we sit down with Silvia, a 23-year-old au pair from Valencia, Spain, who shares her inspiring journey of living and working abroad. Sylvia talks about why she chose to leave her comfort zone, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and her incredible travel adventures across the United States. She also provides a detailed look into the process of becoming an au pair, from navigating agencies and visas to building connections in a new country. Whether you're considering a similar path or just curious about the au pair experience, Silvia’s story is sure to inspire you. If you have young children and have considered hosting an Au Pair, you can find out more about Cultural Care by going to the link below (I was able to get a referral code after making this video aka if it works out for you then I get paid yay!) https://culturalcare.com/refer/?referralId=E514D 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Sylvia, an Au Pair from Spain 00:17 - Sylvia's Hometown: Growing up in Valencia 01:03 - Life in the U.S.: Becoming an Au Pair in Arizona 02:15 - Decision to Become an Au Pair: Challenges and Opportunities 04:12 - Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Why Sylvia Is Glad She Took the Leap 06:30 - Missing Home: Family, Friends, and Life Back in Spain 08:00 - Cultural Differences: First Impressions of the U.S. 09:45 - Working with Kids: Adjusting to Life as an Au Pair 12:30 - The Application Process: Finding the Right Host Family 15:40 - Traveling in the U.S.: Sylvia's Favorite Destinations 18:20 - Financial Life as an Au Pair: Costs and Savings 20:45 - Advice for Future Au Pairs: Why You Should Take the Leap 23:00 - Conclusion: Reflections on Growth, Travel, and Life Abroad

Seba Chuffer, Creator of Cineastas del Futuro (Filmmakers of the Future), teaches young adults the art of storytelling through filmmaking. In this interview, he shares his perspective on the Hero's Journey and his transformative experiences traveling abroad. Leaving behind school, a girlfriend, and family, Seba bought a one-way ticket to New Zealand, embarking on a journey that took him through New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, India and Mexico. Over the years, the uncertainty of travel became familiar, and his new challenge became finding stability and setting roots. 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Seba's first travel experience 05:58 - Whats the meaning of traveling? Hero's Journey Begins 08:41 - Stories are the basics to behavior 16:04 - Are we fighting over a cookie or is it something else? 18:36 - Was deciding to move abroad easy? 19:56 - You need to shut the mind up 21:57 - How can we quiet our mind? 25:59 - One of the most life changing events in India 32:35 - Moving abroad to New Zealand, first time outside Argentina 37:05 - Is it good to detach yourself from people? 38:45 - I'm afraid but I'm doing it anyways 39:44 - What was it like to go to another country that doesn't speak your native language? 41:49 - How were the jobs in Australia? 44:39 - You can make so much money in 3 months and live for years off your savings 45:27 - Why go to India? 47:51 - I could be rational, but i'm called there 49:08 - Half a day I hated it and half a day I loved it 51:16 - What are people like in India? 58:56 - Why Israel and how does conflict recreate itself? 01:02:28 - How the stories we tell ourselves create reality 01:05:19 - Not everyone needs to travel, but if you don't do this one thing, you'll die 01:08:38 - What if I don't have a calling? 01:12:26 - Accept yourself and then do better 01:17:46 - This is my advice to someone who wants to travel and live abroad

Alex Carvajal quits his job at Deloit in Venezuela to move across the world to Australia seeking fulfillment. He barely knows English, spends his savings in about a week, and later is threatened to have his visa revoked for not attending classes. 5 years later he is still there and has no apparent barriers. Lots of great stories and advice in this interview and you got to love his accent! (recorded in 2020)

Cally Felstet had never been abroad until she went to Thailand for her TESL certification and first teaching experience. It wasn't long until she landed a teaching job in Spain where she spent 4 years teaching English, learning Galician Spanish, and building a new life. Some wonderful experiences and insights on living in and working in Spain! (recorded in 2020)

Emma Goddard met her European boyfriend in the states while she was in college. They spent two years long distance so when she graduated it was finally time to close the gap. It wasn't until after she decided, with no job in sight, to move to Europe on a traveler's visa, and figure it out at all costs that she discovered the Temporary Residence Permit (also referred to as a partner visa.) This visa would allow her to live and work in Europe. The catch?? Have a European boyfriend....CHECK! Now working at a Dutch company in communications, Emma has so many stories to share and hopes her experience can inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and travel. (Recorded in 2020)

Brigham Dallas has been a professor at BYU for the last two years and owns four businesses including Dallas Media an advertising company, SugarMe Wax Salons, an online salon products store, and Fatboys Blobs. He currently has been travelling for the last six months working less than 25 hours a week. (Recorded in 2020)

Annalisa Raghunandan sold everything she had and moved to Costa Rica in 2008 with her two babies and partner at the time. With no real plan or jobs she made a home for herself and her family, but not without curve balls! Life hasn't been smooth or easy but totally worth it! (Recorded in 2020)

From a young age, Noah became interested in diving. After high school he knew University wasn't what he wanted to do. Instead he left his small town to spend time in Hawaii getting his certifications to become a scuba instructor. He later moved to Thailand and lived the last four years teaching Scuba. He talks about how he got his certification, how much it costs, the visa process, and what it is like a day in his shoes. (Recorded in 2020)

Christine Sani started from the young age of 3 believing in and following Christ. Her journey with god led her to have a huge heart for orphans, the hungry and needy as a missionary in Brazil, Haiti and countries within Africa. (Recorded in 2020)

Jori Gildersleeve grew up in a small town in Washington and knew she loved horses and travelling at a young age. With a little inspiration, desire, and action she reached out to a Professional Rider in Belgium to learn and work under her after she graduated high school. She is there ten years later with residency! 

Dan O'Donnel has been living and working in Thailand by manufacturing products in China and selling them online in the United States. He made his big move six years ago and since then he has been playing volleyball and surfing on the beaches of Thailand.

Drew Dobz from the East Coast of the U.S has been living and working abroad as a teacher in Korea and Taiwan for the last 11 years and has traveled to SO many other countries!! 

AJ grew up watching American television shows and learning English in school. When his friend came up with the idea of becoming an Au Pair in the U.S.A he instantly applied and spent two years exploring and caring for a boy in the state of Arizona. 

Alexis Luna graduates college, quits her big kid job ,and moves to teach English in Japan!

Ronald Brittan went from a shy guy with a burning desire to travel, became a travel guy in the Greek Islands and eventually became a dual citizen in Europe. Check out his story!

Allie Pfannenstiel moves at the age of 18 to China to study abroad, drops out after a year, Becomes a CrossFit trainer and moves to Thailand making big bucks especially for the cost of living then does another tour in China and now is building her empire to live abroad again soon. Find out more!

Keith Dennison loses his business, his rental properties, and primary residence in the 2008 crash and decides to take the leap with his wife and kids to Costa Rica for 20 months. Find out how!