The Reality of Returning from Living Abroad with David Schnurman

<p>Living abroad gets plenty of attention. Coming home? Not so much.</p><p>In this episode of <i>De-Stress the Nest</i>, Hannah Morgan welcomes back <b>David Schnurman</b>, author of <i>Eleven Suitcases</i>, to discuss the unexpected realities of returning to the United States after spending several years living in Barcelona with his family.</p><p>David shares lessons learned from reverse culture shock, reconnecting with community, raising globally-minded kids, and how travel permanently changes the way you see home.</p><p>If you've ever dreamed of moving abroad—or wondered what happens after the adventure ends—this episode is for you.</p><p><b>🔑 Key Takeaways</b></p><ul><li>Returning home can be just as challenging as moving abroad.</li><li>Reverse culture shock is real.</li><li>Living abroad changes your perspective permanently.</li><li>Children and parents often experience transitions differently.</li><li>The "W Curve" helps explain cultural adjustment and re-entry.</li><li>Adventure can become part of a family's identity.</li></ul><p><b>💬 Quotes from David Schnurman</b></p><ul><li>"Within a month, you start thinking to yourself, was that a dream?"</li><li>"It's a bug that once you get, you sort of don't lose.</li><li>"Nothing's ever as good as the first time."</li><li>"We're going to continue to do more adventures."</li></ul><p><b>📚 Resources Mentioned</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://elevensuitcases.com/" target="_blank"><b>11 Suitcases</b></a> - David Schnurman’s book about moving to Barcelona with kids</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/" target="_blank"><b>⁠Heron H</b></a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://elevensuitcases.com/" target="_blank"><b>ouse Manag</b></a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/" target="_blank"><b>ement⁠⁠</b></a> - Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.</li></ul><p>📅 New episodes every Tuesday</p><p>💛 This episode was sponsored by Heron House Management. Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/" target="_blank">https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/</a></p>