Courtney Odgers in Germany Expat Spotlight

Today’s Expat Spotlight interview is Courtney Odgers, a freelance writer and tutor living in Stuttgart, Germany who likes to “satisfy her intense curiosity of the world and peoples through travel, research, and communication.”

Quick Stats:

• Name: Courtney Odgers
• Occupation: Freelance Writer & Tutor
• Current Location: Stuttgart, Germany
• Originally From: USA
• Expat Locations: Germany
• Website: www.theodgers.com
• Twitter: twitter.com/ab_initio

How did you become an expat, and why?

I have always been a history and geography nerd, and at a young age, I realized how very limited my world was. I was always looking for new places to visit, studying the cultural and natural aspects, and enjoying meeting new people and experiencing a taste of their lives.

When my husband was offered the opportunity to work in Germany, we were ecstatic to accept the challenge and adventure of moving to a foreign country.

Where else have you been an expat?

Just Germany.

Best piece of expat advice you’ve received?

I had a very wonderful woman basically sponsor our move to Germany. She has moved 11 times in 15 years. Her main advice was to overcome your fears, your hesitations, and just immerse yourself in the culture. Go to the German markets, try your limited German out on others, listen and watch others for cultural cues, and above all enjoy being who you are in a foreign country!

Best piece of expat advice you’d give?

Research, research, research. Know what the area offers and what would appeal to you! Be in a good location logistically for travel to the rest of Europe. Keep your mind and heart open for places or experiences you might not normally consider!

Favorite expat related web sites?

• Toytown has active forums with many helpful people!
• Spiegel Online is a great English online news site for those who don’t read German very well, and it also offers many insights to German culture and events!
• This website is fantastic for all German-speaking countries.
• This is a general site I search for any and all information – from moving to Germany to job opportunities.
• Ms. Geyer is another expat in Germany with some interesting blogs.

Are you planning or dreaming of a move? Are you going home instead? Where to and why?

No answer. We’re guessing that means she’s thinking on staying put!

Tell us more about what you do in your location?

For the last two years, we have fully integrated into our Germany community, where my husband Kent even plays in the town Posaunenchor (brass band). We have traveled as much as work and budget will allow, enjoying each new country we visit. The Bavarian Alps are lovely both in summer and winter, providing many hours of leisure only a short drive away. Germany offers so many traditional and modern experiences. During his free time, Kent has managed to capture some of these in his travel photography. Our favorite spots outside Germany, due to our nature-loving tendencies, have been Lake Bled, Slovenia and Kerry County, Ireland.

For the past year, I worked as a research analyst, learning so much more about European geopolitical history and future trends. I am now engaged in freelance writing and tutoring but also avidly searching for another position in geopolitics.

Would you recommend your current location to other expats? Does it rock or does it suck?

I would recommend the area to everyone – singles, families and couples who enjoy launching out on their own and who enjoy a unique cultural experience. The language barrier can sometimes be difficult in the small villages surrounding Stuttgart, but knowing a little Deutsch will take you a long way! The city offers a moderately active nightlife scene with various clubs and kinos. There are many family attractions from the Zoo to Sensapolis.

The bike paths through the Swabian hills and Schwarzwald (Black Forrest) are phenomenal, and every avid cyclist gushes about the weekend rides. Aficionados of the nectar of the gods will especially enjoy the hidden, family-run, yet delightful wineries.

What is the expat community like where you are?

The expat community operates in circles, much like any urban community, often centered around place of work. Many expats work for companies such as IBM, HP, Mercedes Benz, and the US military. These circles often converge on other areas of interest, such as travel, food, wine, football, nightlife, etc.

Thank you!

Thank you, Courtney for participating in our Expat Spotlight! We wish you success and happiness in your current location, and wherever your dreams and business endeavors take you.

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