Summary
Moving to another country is a big challenge, especially if you’re bringing your child and your business to a new culture. Our guest, open source consultant and expert Emily Omier, did both when she moved from Oregon to Paris. She shares her experiences with getting her daughter ready for the move, learning what French public schools provide, and operating her consultancy business in a new bureaucracy.

Useful Resources
Emily’s website: https://www.emilyomier.com/

Emily on LinkedIn
We’re Moving to Europe Community Pre-Launch Survey

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We're Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps
0:26 – Introduction to the podcast and host

0:54 – Today’s topic: moving abroad solo or with a child

1:10 – Guest introduction: Emily Omier, consultant & parent

1:44 – Emily's international living history

2:55 – Moving to Nicaragua with a toddler

3:41 – Moving to France with a 7-year-old

4:19 – Talking to her daughter about the move

5:26 – Language learning in French schools
6:24 – The social benefits of French integration classes

7:31 – Public vs. private school and enrollment logistics
8:36 – Grade placement & school culture differences

9:01 – Parent-teacher communication norms in France
10:30 – College prep and standardized testing in French schools
11:18 – Evaluation expectations and a hands-off approach
12:11 – Homework in French elementary schools
12:25 – Parenting culture and social integration in France
13:38 – Healthcare logistics for children in France
14:28 – Healthcare system costs & cultural adjustment
16:10 – Visa logistics and dependent rules for minors
17:22 – Visa process and timeline for moving to France
18:43 – The biggest upsides of moving to Paris for her daughter
20:27 – Social and structural support for parents in France
22:59 – Emily’s business background & being self-employed in France
24:18 – Adapting an established business to a new country
25:22 – Cultural nuances in doing business in France
27:29 – Industry vs. national culture: knowing the difference
28:19 – Advice for anyone considering an international move
29:27 – Don’t idealize Europe: do your research
30:44 – Why Emily chose Paris specifically
31:25 – Outro and credits

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Summary
Leiden University undergraduate Fletcher Barton shares how and why he left Texas for college in Europe. He also offers tips on deciding if it fits your goals well, what to expect, and how to get ready.

Useful Resources
Search By Country - Beyond The States

Admission and application - Leiden University
We’re Moving to Europe Community Pre-Launch Survey

Production Team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps
00:34 – Introduction to the episode: Topic overview – college in Europe

00:53 – Meet the guest: Fletcher Barton, archaeology student at Leiden University

01:26 – Fletcher shares his study path and plans

02:24 – Regional limitations of certain degrees (e.g., law, medicine)

03:18 – How studying abroad impacts long-term career goals

04:33 – When to evaluate the transferability of a European degree to the U.S.

05:12 – Challenges of changing majors in European universities

06:36 – Fields that transfer well between countries vs. those that don’t

07:06 – Comparing educational quality: Leiden vs. top U.S. schools

08:15 – Breakdown of tuition costs at Leiden University

08:38 – Scholarships and financial aid considerations

09:25 – Differences in the admissions process (U.S. vs. Europe)

10:52 – Conditional acceptance and financial proof requirements

13:02 – How Fletcher found Leiden and selected his program

14:00 – Using the “Beyond the States” tool to find English-taught programs

15:29 – What it was like settling into life and school in the Netherlands

16:53 – Bureaucracy, housing, banking, and other logistics

18:50 – Fletcher's experience as an American student abroad

20:07 – The social scene and student life in Europe

21:07 – European universities and the lack of traditional campuses

22:58 – Travel opportunities and transportation around Europe

25:11 – Practical advice for students and families considering this path

27:08 – Researching the right program and country fit

28:19 – Planning academic requirements early (e.g., AP classes)

29:25 – How to prepare between acceptance and arrival

30:03 – Learning the language and getting involved in campus life

31:12 – Working while studying and work permit limitations

32:26 – Cultural adjustment and food differences

34:22 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.