In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria chats with Paul, the creative mind behind the popular Instagram account "We Got Frenched." Join them as they explore Paul's adventurous journey of moving to France from Southern California. With a backdrop of the picturesque Loire Valley, Paul shares the pivotal moment that led him to take the leap into expatriate life during the pandemic, trading the sunny shores of Newport Beach for the charm of French countryside living.
Paul recounts his experiences of settling into a new culture, navigating language barriers, and the joys and challenges of renovating an old winery. He candidly discusses the emotional rollercoaster of uprooting his life, the logistics of moving with a dog, and the delightful surprises of French holiday traditions, including the enchanting Christmas markets. With humor and insight, he reflects on the cultural differences he encountered and the importance of understanding one's "why" when making such a significant life change.
Paul's journey is not just about relocation; it's about reinvention and embracing the unexpected. He also introduces his book, "Get Frenched: A Practical Guide to Inventing Your Life in France," which serves as a helpful resource for anyone considering a move abroad. Whether you're dreaming of a new life in France or simply curious about the expat experience, this episode is packed with valuable tips and engaging stories that will inspire your own adventures.
Support this Podcast by leaving a 5* review or if you feel extra generous you can buy me a coffee.
Paul's Website wegotfrenched and his Instagram.
You can find Paul's book here or on his Website.
(00:00) World Collide is a podcast about moving abroad
(01:56) Holiday season is around the corner. Actually, holiday season already started
(02:19) Paul was living in Southern California when he decided to move to France
(06:37) How did you make the move from France to Florida? Okay. So tell me about it. How did you then made the move
(09:52) How did you end up in France where you are now
(12:22) You bought a winery and your living rooms and kitchen are in caves
(14:49) You got your dog certified as a service dog in France
(17:05) Your language skills are a lot better now after moving to New York
(21:14) The French are very proud people, and if they don't speak the language well
(24:18) Get French A practical guide to inventing your life in France
(30:01) You can buy The Evil Empire on Amazon if you're anti Amazon
(31:22) Emily started writing about France on Instagram when she was in France
(33:59) How do you celebrate the holidays abroad? Um, well, France has these Christmas markets
(37:56) Down south, people don't want to go to church on Sundays
(38:49) Do you have any other things that it was hard for you to adjust in France
(42:38) You say you bought your car in Germany because it's cheaper there
(45:18) So did you, um, ship with a shipping container or. No. I would have preferred not to
(48:04) Americans really like their big houses, you know, their personal big yards
(49:21) People always like to talk about moving abroad and then they never do it
(53:52) A lot of people want to move because of the political climate in the US
(58:29) Paul had a squeaky chair on this episode. I didn't even notice when we were recording
Keywords: Moving to France, Expat Life, Loire Valley, Cultural Adjustment, Language Barriers, Holiday Traditions, Renovation, Get Frenched, Expat Advice, Personal Journey, Life Reinvention, American Expatriate, French Cuisine, Christmas Markets, Community, Adventure.
🎙️ Thanks for podcasting with Headliner!
Today's episode is a rerun.
Support this Podcast with a 5* review wherever you listen and don't forget to subscribe. If you feel especcially generous, you can also buy me a coffee!
This weeks episode is Amanda's riveting journey to Iceland, the land of fire and ice, an adventurous spirit who traded America for the stark beauty of Iceland. In this episode of 'Worlds Collide,' I sit down with Amanda to unravel her decade-long saga in the volcanic embrace of this Nordic nation. From the seismic leap of moving with her family to embracing the quirks of Icelandic cuisine – think rotten shark and boiled sheep's head – Amanda reveals the nuances of expatriate life in an environment where nature's raw power is a backdrop to daily life.
With anecdotes that traverse the spectrum from the challenges of learning Icelandic to the heartwarming community response to volcanic eruptions, Amanda's tale is a testament to the resilience and warmth of the human spirit. As a mother raising a bilingual child and a podcaster with a flair for comedy, she offers a glimpse into the life lessons and laughter that come with calling Iceland home.
As always, if Amanda's story has stirred your wanderlust or you have your own tale of cultural adaptation, we invite you to connect with us at [email protected] or follow the adventure on Instagram @worldscollidepod.
Thank you Serge Quarando for the Music from Pixabay.
If you want to listen to other expat stories about Scandinavian Countries, check out the following:
Moving to Denmark - Aggelos' Experience as a Greek Expat
From Texas to Norway - Judah tells her story
Strong Contrasts - From Barbados to Sweden
Amanda's Podcast is called The Good, The Bad & The Braindead and is available on Spotify, Amazon and Youtube.
Remember, your reviews are the compass that guide others to our storytelling shores. If you're enjoying 'Worlds Collide,' please consider leaving a five-star review.
Keywords: Iceland, American Expatriate, Language Learning, Icelandic Cuisine, Community, Volcanic Eruptions, Bilingual Children, Podcasting, Expat Adaptation, Nordic Life, Cultural Experiences, Moving Abroad, Life Transitions, Community Support, Adventure, Expatriate Challenges, Family Relocation, Icelandic Community, Cultural Immersion, Resilience.
In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tanya, a passionate advocate for third culture kids (TCKs) who shares her own experiences growing up as a TCK. Originally from Australia, Tanya recounts her journey through various countries, including significant time in China and Cambodia, and her current aspirations to move to the United States. They delve into the challenges TCKs face, such as identity struggles, the impact of constant transitions, and the emotional toll of reentry into one's home country.
Tanya also discusses her work with TCK Training, where she supports globally mobile families and provides insights on how to foster positive childhood experiences for TCKs. With her extensive background in intercultural education, Tanya offers valuable advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising children in a global context. Don't miss this enlightening episode filled with personal stories, expert insights, and practical advice for those living between cultures.
Support this Podcast with a 5* rating or chip in any amount you want at Buy me a Coffee.
Find Tanya Crossmann's Books, Misunderstood: The impact of growing up overseas in the 21st century and Thongs or Flip Flops?: Australian kids overseas and what comes next here.
Find more about Third Culture Kids here.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Tanya and her background
(02:30) Tanya's journey as a third culture kid
(05:15) The challenges of moving abroad and cultural transitions
(10:00) Navigating identity issues as a TCK
(15:45) Tanya's work with TCK Training
(20:00) The importance of community support for Third culture kids
(25:30) Strategies for parents to support their TCK children
(30:00) Tanya's upcoming move to the United States
(35:00) Final thoughts on the TCK experience
(40:00) How to connect with Tanya and TCK Training
Keywords: Third Culture Kids, TCK Training, Cultural Transitions, Identity Struggles, Parenting Abroad, Emotional Health, Global Mobility, Intercultural Education, Community Support, Positive Childhood Experiences, Relocation Challenges, International Living, Corporate Families, Moving Overseas, Moving Abroad, Australia,
Show notes created by https://headliner.app
Cecile's Relocation Agency Haven In France.
Support this Podcast with a 5* rating or at Buy me a Coffee.
In this week's episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria sits down with Cecile, a passionate relocation expert who shares her journey from England back to France. Listen in as they discuss the challenges of reintegrating into one's own culture and the emotional rollercoaster of moving abroad. Cecile also introduces her company, Haven in France, which provides essential services to help expatriates navigate their new lives. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice!
For more listens about Life in France check out these previous episodes:
Embracing the French Life - with author Mark Greenside
Welcome to Versaille - Katie on Life in France
Moving to France - Rachel's Journey from Australia to the French Countryside
Chapters:
(00:00) This episode is about Cecile moving from England to France
(02:06) Cecile calls from southwest of France
(03:33) You moved to England when you were 22
(05:02) You married in London
(08:06) You were abroad for 15 years so there were some things you had to adjust
(13:14) How long did it take you until you felt more connected to France
(16:24) Difficult in France to find a job as an employee
(18:25) When did you start Haven in France?
(22:05) What services do you offer to people thinking about moving to France?
(26:05) It's difficult for foreigners to actually rent in France unless they are sponsored
(28:44) Why do you think so many people are drawn to France?
(31:15) Your clients are mostly English speakers
(35:06) Since working for your own company, do you like France now more
(36:20) You say you changed your perspective about France from negative to positive
(41:08) When you moved to France, most of your friends were abroad
(42:36) I'm very involved in introducing clients to local people
(46:06) Tell us about your website and how people can find you
(47:39) You are very welcome to give this podcast a five star rating
(48:30) Two more weeks until Thanksgiving. Oh, wow. Isn't that crazy
Relocation, Expatriates, Cultural Reintegration, Moving Abroad, Haven In France, Personal Journey, Living In France, Challenges Of Relocation, Expatriate Services, Cultural Experiences, Social Media In France, Community Building, Adapting To New Cultures, American Expats In France, Moving To Europe, Life In The South Of France, Adjusting To French Life, International Relocation, Overcoming Cultural Barriers, Settling In France
In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria speaks with Jo, an expat who has called Japan home since the late 90s. Jo shares her fascinating journey of relocating from the UK to Japan, where she not only taught English but also raised her son amidst the backdrop of cultural differences and significant events, including the Fukushima earthquake. As they dive into Jo's experiences, listeners will learn about the challenges and joys of adapting to life in a foreign country, the importance of community, and the impact of natural disasters on daily life.
Jo also discusses her entrepreneurial journey, including her Montessori-based projects and the creation of the 193 Club, an educational resource designed to inspire curiosity about different cultures around the world for children. Join Viktoria and Jo as they explore the intricacies of life in Japan, the beauties and challenges of multicultural relationships, and the resilience required to navigate life's unexpected challenges.
Keywords: Expat Life, Japan, Cultural Differences, Montessori Education, Fukushima Earthquake, Community, Parenting Abroad, Entrepreneurship, Digital Learning, International Living, Moving Abroad, Life in Japan, Blog
(00:00) There are three ways you can support the podcast
(02:30) Jo was teaching English in a small town in Japan back in 1998
(06:14) So you had your little English teacher foreigners group
(10:00) I started blogging about Montessori at home when my son was born
(15:07) Online catalogs to help kids learn about different countries
(19:17) Each pack is unique because each country is unique
(22:02) How difficult is learning Japanese when you don't speak the language well
(27:08) Having a multicultural relationship is hard because of different cultures
(31:07) Your son went to Shinto kindergarten because we hadn't got a Montessori
(35:47) Are you still freaking out at earthquakes after the Fukushima disaster
(39:03) So, um, were the news when the Fukushima earthquake happened different from now
(44:33) All right, that was it. So I say my goodbyes. Thank you, Jo, for being on the podcast
Here are the Jo's links to this episode
Jojo's Blog - Jojoebi
Also Worlds Collide has a new Website: WorldsCollidePodcast.com
If you want to reach out to be a guest on the Pod reach out at [email protected]
Please support the Podcast and leave a 5* rating wherever you listen to Podcasts, and don't forget to subscribe! You can also buy me a coffee here. Cheers :)
If you want to listen to other episodes about life in Japan, check out these previous episodes of Worlds Collide
Moving Back - Linda's Reverse Culture Shock after Decades Abroad in Japan
From Chicago to a Life in Japan - Perry's experience with the JET Program