The Expat Pod James Doran
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- Society & Culture
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Welcome to "The Expat Pod!" Hosted by James Doran, our podcast explores the ins and outs of expat life, featuring stories, interviews, and tips for living abroad. Subscribe for new episodes every week and join our global community of expats and travellers.
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E044 - Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences
Summary
Will shares his experiences of living abroad in different countries, starting with his journey from the US to Japan. He talks about the challenges he faced in the early days, such as language barriers and cultural differences. Will also discusses his social life and how he connected with other expats and locals through work and activities like playing football. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and the loyalty he experienced from his Japanese students and colleagues. In this conversation, Will shares his experiences living and working abroad in countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil. He discusses the social life, language challenges, and cultural differences he encountered in each country. Will emphasizes the importance of having a sense of humor and being open to new experiences when living in a foreign country. He also talks about the safety concerns in Brazil and the potential for moving back to the United States. Overall, Will's stories highlight the transformative power of sports and hobbies in connecting with people and navigating different cultures.
Takeaways
Living abroad can be a challenging and rewarding experience
Language barriers and cultural differences can make the initial days difficult
Building relationships and connections with locals and expats is important for socializing and support
Being punctual and reliable is highly valued in Japanese culture
Teaching English as a second language can be a fulfilling career option Living abroad provides unique opportunities to experience different cultures and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Having a sense of humor and being open to new experiences is essential when living in a foreign country.
Sports and hobbies can serve as a social and language conduit, helping to build connections and navigate cultural differences.
Safety concerns vary in different countries, and it's important to be cautious and aware of one's surroundings.
Language barriers can be overcome through immersion and practice, and learning the local language can enhance the overall experience of living abroad.
Sound Bites
"My first day in Japan was a total disaster"
"The Japanese businessmen are gonna love you. Why is that? You're already losing your hair. You're gonna get a lot of respect from these executives"
"The Popcorn Club: A Meeting Place for Expats and Japanese Students"
"Living abroad provides unique opportunities to experience different cultures and connect with people from diverse backgrounds."
"Sports and hobbies can serve as a social and language conduit, helping to build connections and navigate cultural differences."
"Safety concerns vary in different countries, and it's important to be cautious and aware of one's surroundings."
Find out more about Will Beebe:
https://www.soccergiantsofbrazil.com/
Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:21 Motivation to Live Abroad: From the US to Japan
08:08 Choosing Japan as a Destination
15:23 From Japan to Taiwan: A New Adventure
24:11 Navigating the Challenges of Living Abroad
35:19 Building Connections: Expats and Locals
40:54 The Importance of Punctuality in Japanese Culture
44:00 Teaching English as a Second Language: A Fulfilling Career
45:24 Living and Working Abroad: A Journey of Cultural Exploration
46:24 The Social Life and Cultural Differences in Taiwan
57:42 Safety Concerns and Adaptation in Brazil
01:30:49 Considering the Future: Moving Back to the United States
Keywords
living abroad, Japan, cultural differences, language barriers, social life, expats, football, living abroad, working abroad, cultural differences, lang -
Quick Fire Questions - Taking Risks and Embracing Growth as an Expat
Summary
In this conversation, James Doran interviews a guest who has lived in various countries around the world. They discuss favourite places to live, favourite international food and traditions, the best things about living abroad, and tips for expat life. The conversation is light-hearted and provides insights into the guest's experiences and perspectives.
Takeaways
Living abroad offers a sense of discovery and freedom.
Favorite international food can vary, but Thai food is a popular choice.
International traditions like cacao ceremonies and ecstatic dance can provide a connection to oneself.
Finding ways to combat homesickness, such as visiting international restaurants or connecting with other expats, can help ease the transition.
Figuring out how things work in a new country, from customs to technicalities, can be a challenge.
Jumping into the unknown and taking risks can lead to personal growth while living abroad.
Attending social events and being open to meeting new people is a great way to make friends in a new city.
Exploring a new city by trying out different restaurants and discovering local attractions can be exciting.
Flying west when travelling can be easier on jet lag compared to flying east.
The guest offers assistance with US tax returns and denouncing citizenship on their website.
Sound Bites
"Favorite place to get work done while exploring an exotic culture: Bangkok"
"Favorite international food: Thai pineapple chicken and mango sticky rice"
"Favorite international tradition: Cacao ceremony and ecstatic dance"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Guest's Background
02:02 International Traditions: Cacao Ceremonies and Ecstatic Dance
04:23 Navigating the Challenges of Living Abroad
05:52 Exploring a New City: Random Adventures and Discoveries
06:20 Expat Life Hack: Easing Jet Lag by Flying West
06:50 Additional Resources: US Tax Return Assistance and Denouncing Citizenship
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E043 - The Importance of Curiosity When Living Abroad
Summary:
Olivier Wagner shares his journey of living in different countries, including France, the US, Canada, and Mexico. He discusses his experiences studying in the US and the differences in campus life compared to France. Olivier also talks about his time in New York City and the cultural exposure he had there. He then shares his impressions of living in Canada, particularly in Montreal, and the cultural differences between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians. Finally, he discusses his current experience in Mexico and the ease of travel and living there. In this conversation, James Doran discusses his experiences living abroad and the cultural differences he encountered. He talks about the differences between Canadian French and French from France, including the use of old words and literal translations from English. He also shares his thoughts on language evolution and the importance of being curious when living abroad. James provides advice for those considering living abroad, such as the benefits of moving to Quebec as a stepping stone into North America. He also discusses his business, 1040 Abroad, which helps Americans living overseas with their tax returns.
Takeaways
- Living in different countries provides unique cultural experiences and perspectives.
- Campus life in the US is different from Europe, with a focus on enclosed campuses and limited access to the city.
- New York City offers a diverse and international environment, with opportunities for cultural exploration.- There are cultural differences between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians.
- Mexico provides an open and welcoming environment for travelers and expats. Living abroad allows for a deeper understanding of cultural differences and perspectives.
- Canadian French differs from French spoken in France, with the use of old words and literal translations from English.
- Being curious is essential when living abroad, as it helps to navigate and appreciate new experiences.
- Moving to Quebec can be a good stepping stone for those interested in living in North America.
- 1040 Abroad provides tax return services for Americans living overseas and helps with compliance and renunciation of US citizenship.
Sound Bites
"I lived in France until 2004, then studied in Louisiana and worked in New York."
"I joined an accounting firm in Montreal and became a CPA."
"Mexico was open throughout COVID-19 and saw an opportunity in having foreigners stay."
"The melody was a way to cross off. It was quite a common one I used a lot."
"Sometimes you can say whether it's an old French word that they're still using. Sometimes you can say whether it's a literal English translation."
"I always feel that you speak your story, you speak English as a second language, especially from some parts of Europe. They speak American English."
1040abroad.com
Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/
Subscribe, Rate, and Review:If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
11:26 Living and Working in Canada
33:52 Living Abroad and Language Differences
42:01 The Importance of Curiosity and Cultural Differences
51:09 Advice for Living Abroad and Moving to Quebec
56:03 Advice for Americans Living Abroad
01:04:03 1040 Abroad: Assisting Americans with Tax Returns
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Quick Fire Questions - Tracy Lamouri
Welcome to another instalment of the Quick Fire Questions derivative of the podcast. In this shorter format, I ask my quest a handful of questions to which they share a quick answer in order to hopefully inspire some future expats to follow in their footsteps or at the very least be entertained by some of the great answers!
Living Abroad Lightning Round:
00:00 Intro
00:24. What is your favourite place you've lived?
01:00. What is your favourite international food?
02:00. What is your favourite international tradition?
03:00. What is your favourite thing about living abroad?
04:00. What is your best homesickness remedy?
05:00. What is the hardest thing about living abroad?
06:00. What is the best phrase you're learnt whilst living abroad?
07:00. What is the best way to make friends abroad?
08:00. What is the best thing to do in your new city?
09:00. What is your best expat life hack?
Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/
Subscribe to our podcast!
Share your favourite expat stories on social media using #QuickFireAbroad
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E042 - Leaving Canada for a Mediterranean Adventure in Malta
Title: The Expat Pod: Tracy Lamouri
Subtitle: Leaving Canada for a Mediterranean Adventure in Malta
Episode Number: 42
Release Date: [06/05/2024]
Duration: [00:57:10]
Welcome to The Expat Pod, the podcast where we explore the ins and outs of living abroad, embracing new cultures, and navigating life as an expat. I'm your host, James Doran, and today, we're diving into what it is like to move from North America to Malta in the Mediterranean!
Our Guest this week Tracy Lamouri shares her experience of being able to work remotely for her own company and how this enabled her and her husband to explore a life abroad.
Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/
00:00 Intro
01:50 Getting There
16:43 Being There
45:09 Review
Subscribe, Rate, and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.
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Quick Fire Questions - Jodi Samuels
Welcome to another instalment of the Quick Fire Questions derivative of the podcast. In this shorter format, I ask my guests a handful of questions to which they share a quick answer to hopefully inspire some future expats to follow in their footsteps or at the very least be entertained by some of the great answers!
Living Abroad Lightning Round:
00:00 Intro
00:32. What is your favourite place you've lived?
01:29. What is your favourite international food?
01:53. What is your favourite international tradition?
02:49. What is your favourite thing about living abroad?
03:20. What is your best homesickness remedy?
04:49. What is the hardest thing about living abroad?
05:49. What is the best phrase you've learnt whilst living abroad?
06:53. What is the best way to make friends abroad?
07:34. What is the best thing to do in your new city?
09:35. What is your best expat life hack?
Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/
Subscribe to our podcast!
Share your favourite expat stories on social media using #QuickFireAbroad
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theexpatpod/message
Customer Reviews
Inspiring and full of advice
It is great to hear all about what opportunities are available for many people in the world. This podcast is like being a fly on the wall during a conversation of friends. With great insights and opportunities to replicate moves for yourself.
The audio quality will hopefully improve as the show grows!
Great Tips
Amazing to hear someone talking about the difficulties and opportunities there are in moving abroad, especially since Brexit. I’m looking forward to following this podcast on its journey!!!
Great Idea, looking forward to seeing it develop
Wonderful intention in this podcast, as it’s still early on, you’ll have to excuse some audio and recording issues, but nothing most podcasts haven’t faced.
I’m hoping this is super successful as it’s a great resource for people to understand the opportunities that exist to live and work abroad!
Keep up the good work.