"Expat Story: From Russia to Bogota"
| The Photography Confidential

In this interview with The Photography Confidential, I share my personal experience of moving from Russia to Bogotá, Colombia, and the cultural, emotional, and practical realities that came with building a new life abroad.

I share practical advice for people considering moving to Colombia, especially Bogotá, including many of the things I personally wish I had known before relocating myself. In many ways, the interview became a small practical guide for future expats navigating expectations, adaptation, daily life, and the emotional side of starting over abroad.

• Daily life in Bogotá as an expat

• Relationships and community abroad

• Visas and bureaucracy

• Logistical advice for newcomers

• Language barriers and communication challenges

Today, many of these experiences continue shaping the work I do as an Executive Coach (Professional Certified Coach by International Coaching Federation), Organizational Development consultant, and cross-cultural leadership specialist supporting leaders, professionals, and expats navigating transitions, multicultural environments, and international life.

I currently work with clients from more than 35 countries in English, Spanish, and Russian.

Learn more about cross-cultural communication, building career abroad, and expat experience in my blogs:

• Why Living Abroad Feels So Hard (Even When Everything Is “Fine”)

• The Hidden Challenges of Living Abroad: Expat Identity, Culture, and Adaptation

• Moving Abroad For Work? 5 Cross-Cultural Communication Mistakes to Avoid