Very, very soon (we're both not completely aware of how soon it is), we'll be going abroad for a semester: Lauren Australia and Kristýna to Belgium! So, in this episode we wanted to share why we decided to do a semester abroad, what our goals and expectations are, what we're a bit worried about and what we can't wait to experience. If you too are going abroad next semester, this might be the one for you!
As always, we hope you enjoy this episode.
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/nameLicense code: VE6BVGXIRX5LNF11 sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/togetherLicense code: PP4FMUK3EXMNQTBO
You know the trend on social media where it says "when you remember you you're living the life you're younger you dreamed of"? Well, it probably wasn't phrased like this but for some reason I can't remember and there are probably also multiple versions. Listen, it's important to, every once in a while, stop and think about what you love about yourself. We tend to think more about the negative things and don't realise how proud we actually are of what we've accomplished, gone through and built for ourselves. With love, L&K Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast CREDITS: intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: OPCMJOMNU4KHJC38 sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: AA7MNWJ8KKNDS9WQ
As international students we travel a lot. Even just back and forth from our home countries to Madrid. Because of this, we've decided that we are qualified to give you travel advice. You didn't ask for it. Nobody asked for it. But here you go! From how to get cheap flights to contradicting packing advice. We've covered it all! We hope you enjoy this episode. With love, L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/nameLicense code: 76DY89RHJ68MSMIR sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/togetherLicense code: LPRF4OXO7BERBPUX
There's things we grew up with that seem normal to us, but when you tell a friend who grew up in a different country you realise it's actually not that normal at all... And for this episode, we collected a whole list of these things. Lauren for Switzerland and Kristýna for the Czech Republic. So, here are a couple of things you might not know about our countries: from mandatory schooling for dogs in Switzerland, all the way to the large consumption of beer in the Czech Republic.
We hope you enjoy this episode and maybe learn something new!
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/nameLicense code: WMD29UFJOKUKCFXH sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/togetherLicense code: VKCWZRWFQ3WZBJVW
You've probably heard of FOMO aka Fear of missing out, right? And you've probably felt it at least once in your life... Well, don't worry, you're not alone. To be honest, this whole concept probably goes hand in hand with studying and living abroad.
And we tackle the topic in this episode so tune in to learn how we deal with it!
With love, L&K Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast CREDITS: intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: VBQRWHBBUFIN82TT sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: ASDGXJVKKLTXHMHF
This is a veryyy special episode!! We decided to ask our friends a list of questions with the goal of learning more about what life has taught them so far, what wisdom they have to share, and what they're struggling with at the moment. It's supposed to be a little pocket of comfort and inspiration. Growing up is difficult and navigating the early years of adulthood can be challenging. So, sometimes we need a reminder that we're all in this together, even while we're all facing our own challenges, learning are own lessons – you're never quite as alone as you feel. There's always someone out there dealing with the same thing you're dealing with. I loved hearing what everybody had to share: I felt so proud of them listening to their answers and I found a lot of comfort and motivation in what they had to say.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed making it. And I hope you too can take something from it.
With love,
Lauren
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast CREDITS: intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/nameLicense code: DDXVASZOYNTHVVWG sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/togetherLicense code: GUBDFRKSGNVU3HVV
Everybody loves unsolicited advice... Right? Well, we've decided to give you some anyways (haha). Have you thought about studying abroad? Are you in the process of moving abroad or are you already a couple of years in and still struggling? Don't worry, we got you!We covered the packing process, what to take and what to definitely leave at home, your first few weeks abroad and what you might need to know about the upcoming years.Have any advice for us or for our fellow international uni students abroad? Let us know! With love, L&K Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast CREDITS: intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: BDX5YTSFIRQXIMW6 sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: HZISAVABI4Q9HLOX
This is Lauren's interview! Throughout the past couple of months, Kristyna collected some questions: What do you think your life will look like in 15 years? How do you want your future family to look like? What does your dream home look like? What makes you excited to live life? And so much more... Check this episode out and get to know Lauren a little bit better!
With love,L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast CREDITS: intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name License code: RT9U3PZZWZ6ZVVVW
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together License code: JWYUEJOBBZVXQXNA
Unsurprisingly, our weekly recap was focused on one thing and one thing only: the 5 Seconds of Summer concert and the aftermath of it. It was the most incredible experience and we're still not over it – let's just say that much for now.
For our main part, we had another special guest on! Ana's originally from Greece and in the last two years she's studied and worked in France and the Czech Republic. We got to ask her all of our questions and get another perspective on leaving your country and making a life for yourself abroad. She talked about differences in culture, what it's like to make and have friends in various places, what she's learned from it all, and much more. We loved getting to talk to hear and we hope you enjoy this conversation too!
Finally: Bookclub! Kristyna finally finished 'The Robber Bride', Lauren's trying to love 'Happy Place', we talk about 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Sitting in Bars with Cake', and finally share our songs of the week.
We hope you enjoy this special episode.
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: FDVZPQGRFHK3GWLN
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: WX8Z8Z2OGR1YH6MR
Sarah L. Thompson accepted our invitation to come onto our podcast and oh boy, we're so glad she did. She shared her story, how she ended up where she is now (living in Italy with her husband and two children), what was it like to move all the way from the US, the struggles that came with it but also what a beautiful life she's created. We related to each other to what it's like having to learn a new language and immerse into a new and different culture (and let's not forget the culture shocks!!).
This episode is packed with challenges, advice, compassion, inspiration and so much more!
If you want to follow along Sarah's journey, here are her socials: TikTok, Instagram, Youtube
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: FDVZPQGRFHK3GWLN
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: WX8Z8Z2OGR1YH6MR
We can honestly say, that this has been the easiest transition from being back in our home countries to coming back to Madrid for university yet. Which is a huge success! Of course, goodbyes are always difficult, but the days before leaving now contain less crying and settling back into life in Madrid is so much easier and happens way faster. It took us a while to get to this point, but we're so thankful. (And hopefully it only gets better from here on.)
For this episode's main topic, we do another semester outlook. It's a tradition at this point! We're starting our first semester of our third year of our Journalism degree (which is insane!) and want to take a look at our classes and talk about our first impressions and expectations. We definitely have a very interesting mix of classes this time around: from Feature Writing, to Investigative Reporting, to Multimedia Communication, ... We can't wait to listen back to this episode in a couple of months and realise that we were wrong about everything and had no idea about what was ahead of us.
And of course, we end this episode with our bookclub: Lauren's has finally almost finished all of the books she started reading in May (how impressive!) and Kristyna is still working her way through a really long Margaret Atwood book. Additionally, Lauren has a couple of documentary recommendations: 'One Child Nation' and 'Generation Wealth'. And Kristyna's trying her best to keep up with all the new shows that are currently coming out. And, obviously, we share our songs of the week. (Well Lauren actually decided to change the rules and mention two full albums...)
We're really excited to be back and hope you enjoy this episode.
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: IULYUP7YE0AIJ8VU
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: YD0RWCVGHT0DXJXI
If you listened to the previous episode, you know the drill. We are far away from each other with Lauren and it's difficult to match up our schedules and record together so we tried this new concept of solo episodes.
I decided to focus on the "frustrations" that come with studying abroad. Like I said in the episode as much as I am grateful to have this opportunity, it's also really hard sometimes and I want to share these hardships because I am sure there are people out there going through the same.
One big thing for me is romantic relationships and the fact that I've been struggling with having one while studying and living abroad.
Another huge thing is not being able to be there for my family when they need me. For example when caring for our grandparents. Which is also connected to being scared of losing them and never knowing when is the last time I see them.
I hope you can relate to this episode and if you do let me know, please!
With love,
K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: IULYUP7YE0AIJ8VU
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: YD0RWCVGHT0DXJXI
This is my first ever solo-episode! It's quite difficult for Kristyna and I to coordinate and find the time to record together while we're back in our hometowns for the summer. So, we decided to do a couple of solo-episodes, where we talk about topics that we're passionate about.
In this episode, I quickly update you on what I've been doing these past months: I spent three weeks working on a farm / in a hotel in Italy, traveled to La Spezia on the way back, and focused on making memories with family and friends while back in Switzerland.
For the main part, I decided to talk about the concept of 'home'. Where or what is home to me? How did moving away change things? Why do I feel like a guest in my own hometown sometimes? I dive right into it!
Finally, I talk about the (very minimal) reading that I've been doing. But I have finished 'Forever, Interrupted' by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which I've been working on for forever! I mention the show 'Modern Love', which I've rediscovered, a 'High School Musical' movie night with my cousins, and share my summer song 'bellissimissima <3' by Alfa with you.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
With love,
L
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: IULYUP7YE0AIJ8VU
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: YD0RWCVGHT0DXJXI
What were our first weeks of summer break like? Lauren has entered her Kristyna-Era, meaning she's been traveling non-stop. Spent a week being a tourist in Madrid, then went to London for a Harry Styles concert (as you do), and then spend a couple of days exploring Lisbon before finally going back home to Switzerland. Kristyna went back home and dove right into her internship, which has been quite the adventure. No sleep, very last minute scheduling, etc. – it contains everything she loves in life. Besides that though, she's been really enjoying it and learning a lot.
This episode focuses on our traditional semester recap: we take a look back at our classes from the fourth semester of Journalism. What were our initial impressions and expectations and how did we end up experiencing these classes? We talk about Online Journalism, Design Thinking, Televisión Informativa, etc. It was a rollercoaster of a semester for sure!
And finally, it's time for our book club: we've been pretty busy, so, we haven't been reading or watching much. Kristyna did read two books about different end-of-world scenarios, and Lauren watched an Amazon Prime Documentary called 'Happy Shiny People'. Lauren goes on a passionate rant about Noah Kahan's new extended album 'Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever)' and Kristyna talks about her 'Prague Rocks' Festival experiencing, where she got to see Maroon 5 and (some of) James Bay.
We hope you're having a nice summer too!
And we hope you enjoy this episode.
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: PGECSIPL2H2SEBHS
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: SHXEVXOAHLGECUZX
Honestly, nothing much's changed. These last couple of weeks were HARD. Having to finish all projects, study for exams, completing learning agreements, trying to find internships, pack to go home... All if this combined together was extremely draining. We knew we had very little time left to go but we couldn't see past the horrible time we were having. But we did it! We also had some fun activities like picking up our pottery that we painted a week ago. And it turned out really pretty!
We developed a new tradition: Write each other a letter at the beginning of the semester, put it away and read it on our podcast right before we go home for our break. This time, we actually wrote it super early and so we completely forgot what we wrote. We were quite surprised, to say the least.
In between exams, we love to do movie nights so we can turn our brains off for a bit. And this time we watched Cars 1 & 2 (although to be honest, we never finished the second one because we were exhausted and never found the time again...). We absolutely loved it! It's amazing how it's made for people of different ages. Kids can watch it for entertainment and visual "effects" and adults can watch with them because of the hidden real life stories.
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: ZGK9PXDIGSYGRBZT
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: NDWEYKMDNHW2ESMI
This past week consisted of studying, working, exams, and – whenever we were feeling especially crazy – the occasional walk. On Thursday we even went all out and decided to take the afternoon off to go ceramics painting with our friends – which was a great experience and a very much needed break. Other than that, we talk about our study routine, not being able to sleep, how our first two exams went, and a lot of other fun stuff...
For this week's main topic, we asked you for your assumption about us or international students in general. We all hate our home country? We're all rich? We don't take university seriously? We never fight? We address all of these assumptions and many more.
Finally, we discuss 'Forever, Interrupted' by Taylor Jenkins Reid and 'Things I Want My Daughters To Know' by Elizabeth Noble or our book club section. We even watched a movie this week: Monsters Inc.! And Kristyna talks about the newest season of 'Selling Sunset', which she is not impressed by. And, of course, we share our songs of the week: 'Kids Again' by Sam Smith and 'El Mismo Bar' by De Rancho, H. Roto, and GARZI.
We hope you enjoy this episode.
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: UV5XLHNWOPROMXKT
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: OWRESQ73BXHUPGON
A very exciting week! We went to a Eurovision watching event and it was Kristyna's first. And she loved it. We finally finally finished our university end-of-semester projects as we're moving into the proper exam preparation. The ice hockey world championship of 2023 has started and Kristyna has been watching all the games. And one last thing, we're both working on our Learning Agreements for Erasmus (in Lauren's case non-european mobility).
This month marks our first year of living together! A year ago, we made the decision to try it, after knowing each other for a year. It has come with some challenges for sure but we really enjoy being able to talk whenever we want to, have movie nights, etc. We explain how the process of moving in together was, what we were afraid of, what we've learned from each other so far and so much more.
At the end of the episode, we talk about Eurovision 2023 in more depth and explain our issues with it. Kristyna touches on how she regularly discovers new music and Lauren explains how an album is created. A lot of culture, let me tell you!
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: TPMV3UUN8PHPFC7F
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: XTUUVWNJ5IZEM36E
This past week, Kristyna turned 21! (Although her actual Birthday was mostly spent doing work for our spreadsheet class...) We did find the time to go bowling and get cocktails with friends in the evening – which felt like a vacation! And, the day after, Kristyna actually went on a trip to Malaga with her mom and got to enjoy some sunny days by the beach. Other than that, we spent our days chasing deadlines after deadline, as all the final projects suddenly had to be finished. It was a stressful week to say the least.
For this weeks main topic, we decided to take a look back and compare our high school experiences to our current university years. Lauren talks about the intense academic pressure that she was under during high school and how her relationship to grades has improved drastically. Thankfully! We also talk about how much more freedom we have now and how we can spend this time exploring different projects and finding our interests. We definitely realized that there were some significant differences in between our lives then and now. And a lot of that certainly also has to do with personal growth.
Our traditional bookclub once again wasn't really a bookclub, since we didn't read much. (We blame university – this is not on us...) Instead we planned out our summer and dreamt about reading by the lake and going to outdoor car cinemas. We have a high hopes for the upcoming months! And, of course, we shared our songs of the weeks and played an interesting(?) game connected last week's songs competition on Instagram.
Thanks for joining us on this episode – we hope you enjoy it!
With love,
L&K
Our Instagram: 2strangers2friends
TikTok Account: letschewthefatpodcast
Our YouTube Channel: L&K Abroad
Podcast YouTube Channel: Let's Chew the Fat Podcast
CREDITS:
intro+outro: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/name, License code: UDA1JJKQ0QXU0TTE
sectioning music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/together, License code: XKNOV5YEQOA0YSLH
