The Expat Who Went and Came Back- with Michele Taleetha (Singapore) Artwork

hanna_worldwide&friends

This is a podcast about people who have left their home country to live abroad or have an abroad experience. There are so many different reasons why we choose to move countries and become an expat and so many interesting stories of amazing people. Having relatable struggles, amazing adventures and new beginnings! Be excited about getting to know great humans with individual experiences. It is about getting to know new cultures, learning about different countries, having compassion and inspiring people to follow their dreams. If you have any questions regarding a specific topic or if you want me to cover anything in particular in the podcast, please leave a comment or message me directly! Can't wait to hear from you! :) If you want to be a guest on my show or you want to work with me, please send an email to: hannaworldwideandfriends@outlook.com Love, Hanna

All Episodes

hanna_worldwide&friends

The Expat Who Went and Came Back- with Michele Taleetha (Singapore)

October 25, 2025 • Hanna • Season 1 • Episode 63

Click here to get in touch

Hi everyone,

Please welcome with me Michele Taleetha from Singapore. Michele left home to live in New Zealand for 7 years before she decided that it was time for her to go back home. And here is her story.

In this episode, I chat with Michele, who was born in Singapore but carries Indian roots through her ancestors. We start our conversation by talking about identity and the assumptions people often make based on appearances — and how those moments can be turned into opportunities to educate and connect.

Michele shares fascinating insights about Singapore’s diverse history and her own reasons for leaving home to study marine biology in New Zealand — a path not available to her back in Singapore. She opens up about the challenges of starting over, finding real friendships by staying true to herself, and building a life from scratch in a new country.

One phrase that truly stood out was when Michele said, “In Singapore, a life was made for me — in New Zealand, I built a life for myself.”

After seven years abroad, Michele made the heartfelt decision to return home to Singapore — not out of necessity, but from a deep wish to be close to her family and make the most of their time together. She beautifully reminds us that everything in life is ever-changing, and sometimes we only realize it when the change is already happening.

From finding belonging abroad to rediscovering home, Michele’s story is a reminder that life is short, unpredictable, and always evolving — and that home can mean many things along the way.

Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate every single one of you!

Love,
Hanna 🌏❤️

🌍 Enjoyed this conversation?
Don’t forget to follow the podcast, share it with a fellow adventurer, and leave a review — it helps others discover these inspiring stories from around the world.

✨ Stay connected:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna_worldwide_and_friends/

website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110137

or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podcast Index, iHeartRadio, Podchaser, Deezer and PlayerFM