Living Abroad

On this episode of Living Abroad, Americans are renting places all over Tokyo that are a fraction of the size of their American houses -- but cost more than triple the monthly rate in the States. Host Chi-Lan Lieu meets each family so we can get a firsthand lesson in how they navigate the world's busiest subway systems, learn the Japanese language and adapt to living in a city of with 35 million people ? and virtually no personal space.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American expats adjusting to their new lives in a Muslim world in Dubai, the largest city in the U.A.E. While some of the traditional laws are strict, this desert oasis also provides many modern conveniences that are unheard of in the U.S. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits American families who enjoy the luxury of groceries, and even a cup of coffee delivered to their doorstep, a tax-free life, and even camel races!

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families ride high in Shanghai and discover the challenges of living in communist China's largest city. Find out how they navigate the health care system, learn the rules of renovating and develop a taste of the local fare. Host Chi-lan Lieu visits three families who've crossed the ocean to pursue careers and experiences their adventurous daily lives firsthand.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families are trading their cars for bikes and squeezing into narrow spaces in Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands. Discover how they adapt to canal living, learn to ride a bike again, and figure out how to fit in with the laid-back locals. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits three families who've relocated and realized how to live in the land called Europe Light.

On this episode of Living Abroad, since Geneva, Switzerland's one of the most expensive cities on the planet, meet three Americans who moved to cities around Lake Geneva. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits each family to find out how they're adapting to a much higher cost of living. Discover the Swiss rules of renovation and preservation, because this beauty comes at a high price.

On this episode of Living Abroad, Americans living in the city of music. We're in Vienna, Austria! While while it has its challenges - like driving the streets and the crazy cold winters - the land of Mozart offers the best quality of life in the world. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits American families who regularly enjoy healthy doses of rich food, historic museums, beautiful music, and TONS of beautiful scenery.

On this episode of Living Abroad, Americans adjusting to the European lifestyle in Paris, France. Don't think that living in Paris is all baguettes and cheese. Finding a place to call home is next to impossible and renovating it can be even more of a challenge! Host Chi-Lan Lieu visit Americans who have relocated across the ocean and are adapting to French mentalities, stringent renting rules, and their new lives in The City of Lights!

On this episode of Living Abroad, Americans move to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Some 20 years after the fall of communism, Americans learn that Prague's now a city of the future with few restrictions. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits Americans who have relocated, enrolled their kids in an international school and are figuring out ways to keep their American Monday night traditions alive in a land far away.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families are settling down in the world's most livable city, Melbourne, Australia. It may look and feel like a big city in America, but with it's wide open spaces, and even wider vocabulary, Melbourne offers surprises around every corner. It's the auction capital of world, and our families discover the way they buy and sell real estate is totally different. Host Chi-Lan Lieu finds out how American expats lived through the drama of the auction process and how they're settling into the cultural capital of Australia.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families are slowing down in Madrid, Spain. Madrilenos enjoy daily siestas, late nights, amazing nightlife, and take their vacations VERY seriously. Think that's a tough adjustment for work-minded Americans? Think again. Our expats show us old habits definitely do not die hard. Host Chi-Lan Lieu takes a look at American expats living in the capitol of Spain.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families move to the coastal city of Barcelona. Spain. The people here call themselves Catalonians, not Spaniards, and set themselves apart from the rest of Spain via their food, culture and language. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits three families who are trying to figure out how the Catalan language is different than Spanish, the Spanish health care system and trying to understand the Spanish schedule that includes two-hour lunches.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families are adjusting to life in Brussels, Belgium -- the Capital of Europe. While it's one of the more affordable European capitals, Americans still face everyday challenges from trying to learn just one of the three official languages to living with 200 days of rain a year. Host Chi-Lan Lieu visits three families who discover they're living in a town with 2,000 restaurants and that Brussels has more to offer than just frites, waffles and beer.

On this episode of Living Abroad, American families down under in Sydney, Australia. There are lots of similarities, but see how the Aussie lifestyle is quite different too. Sydney is considered one of the world's most expensive cities. So do the perks outweigh the costs? Host Chi-Lan Lieu takes a look at American expats in the land of koalas and kangaroos.