Navigate Across Borders

Dorothée Chareyron

We explore the real stories and strategies of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. They have figured out how to decode cultures and succeed worldwide. We will also give locals who work and interact with international teams or friends the opportunity to share their perspectives on how they successfully communicate and work across cultures.

  1. 13 - What Finally Helped Me Adjust to Life in India

    4D AGO

    13 - What Finally Helped Me Adjust to Life in India

    For this episode I virtually sat down with Lizzie, an American educator who traded the quiet beaches of Cape Cod for the vibrant, high-energy city of Bangalore in the south of India. With an Irish-Lebanese heritage Lizzie joins me to discuss the reality of teaching abroad and the unexpected turns of a cross-cultural marriage with an Indian man. From the 'entrepreneurial hustle' of India’s Silicon Valley to the secret of a perfect Irish-Lebanese home, we’re exploring what it really means to be a global citizen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:55 Cultural Background and Multicultural Influences 06:00 Experiences in Teaching and Living Abroad 08:58 Cultural Differences and Food Experiences 11:59 Life in Bangalore vs. Other Places 14:55 Personal Life and Cultural Integration 17:52 Understanding Indian Culture Through Relationships 20:54 Conclusion Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Support the show

    24 min
  2. 12 - Why do Americans say ‘please’ so much, and Indians don’t?!

    JAN 12

    12 - Why do Americans say ‘please’ so much, and Indians don’t?!

    In this conversation, my guest Dan Kriske shares his journey from the Midwest of the U.S. to living in India, discussing cultural differences he has encountered along the way. He reflects on his experiences in South Korea, the nuances of communication in different cultures, and the dynamics of relationships and family life with his Indian family. We also talk about how food and language can shape cultural identity, and how these elements influence his life with his Indian wife and their child. Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dan's Journey 03:04 Cultural Insights from the Midwest 05:56 Experiences in South Korea 08:49 Transition to Life in India 11:49 Navigating Language and Communication 14:51 Cultural Differences in Relationships 17:45 Family Dynamics  20:41 Food and Eating Customs 23:31 Language Learning and Cultural Adaptation 26:41 Conclusion and Future Perspectives Support the show

    26 min
  3. 11 - Reverse culture shock - An Indian expat’s journey from Dubai to Bangalore

    11/24/2025

    11 - Reverse culture shock - An Indian expat’s journey from Dubai to Bangalore

    This week I share my conversation with Nida Sheriff. Born Indian, she studied in the UK, then in Dubai where she started to work there. She explains the challenges she faced upon returning to India even though she is originally from this country. We discuss cultural differences at work when we communicate with people from different places and some cultural shocks she faced. Finally, we talk about the impact of languages on personal identity.  If you work across cultures or are simply curious about different cultures this podcast is for you. You can find this podcast on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more cultural insights from different parts of the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:46 Cultural Reflections on Growing Up in Dubai 04:21 Identity and Cultural Awareness 06:46 Food Adventures and Culinary Discoveries 09:13 Cultural Shock: Returning to India 11:53 Work Experiences and Cultural Differences 12:13 Feedback Styles Across Cultures 13:40 Perceptions of Time in Different Cultures 15:57 Hierarchy and Class Systems in Indian Society 18:28 Language and Cultural Identity Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Support the show

    21 min
  4. 10 - Cross-cultural lessons - An American educator's journey from Seattle to India

    10/28/2025

    10 - Cross-cultural lessons - An American educator's journey from Seattle to India

    In this episode, I chat with Rachel Eels, an international teacher from the US who’s lived and worked across Germany, Lebanon, Congo, India, and the U.S. She shares how she’s picked up cultural habits across the countries she’s lived in, experienced cultural misunderstandings, and learned what it really takes to adapt in different cultures. Rachel also talks about how clothing, hierarchy, greetings, and even giving directions can mean totally different things depending on where you are. We will discover how Rachel has learned to read between the lines, ask better questions, and stay curious. If you work across cultures or are simply curious about different cultures this podcast is for you. You can find this podcast on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more cultural insights from different parts of the world. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Journeys: An Introduction to Rachel Eels 02:58 Adapting to New Cultures: Clothing and Traditions 06:11 Understanding Regional Differences: Work and Dress Codes 08:55 Navigating Communication Styles Across Cultures 11:58 Cultural Nuances: Conflict Resolution and Social Interactions 14:45 The Importance of Personal Connections in Different Cultures 17:57 Mistakes and Learning: Cultural Faux Pas 21:00 The Role of Formality in Communication and Dress 24:00 Conclusion: Embracing Cultural Awareness Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Support the show

    29 min
  5. 9 - What most people don't know about Kenya's culture and traditions

    09/29/2025

    9 - What most people don't know about Kenya's culture and traditions

    In this episode I chat with a colleague from Kenya Stella Wangu Washira. We discuss insights into her personal and cultural background. Stella talks about how names are given in Kenya and the different tribes in this country.  She also reflects on common misconceptions about Africa.  We talk about the cultural diversity within Kenya and Africa.  We finish with practical advice for Westerners traveling to and wanting to work in Kenya or with Kenyans.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stella from Kenya 00:28 Cultural Significance of Names 01:09 Family and Naming Traditions 01:36 Stella's Background and Profession 02:54 Music and Cultural Exchange 03:47 Adopting Cultural Habits 04:46 Travel and Reading 06:39 Misconceptions About Africa 08:42 Language and Religion in Kenya 15:00 Impact of Colonization on Culture 18:09 The Significance of Names and Cultural Identity 20:10 Language Barriers and Cultural Contexts 22:10 Navigating Kenyan Accents and Communication 28:32 Public Transport and Travel Tips in Kenya 29:59 Work Culture and Social Norms in Kenya 32:31 Respect and Cultural Sensitivity in Kenya 33:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Support the show

    36 min
  6. 8 - Decoding cultures - Languages, India, France and lost in translation moments

    09/15/2025

    8 - Decoding cultures - Languages, India, France and lost in translation moments

    In this episode, I talk with Kusshaal Polepally from Bangalore, southern India. He works for a big tech company and we connected via a common friend. His story is a fascinating one. We talk about how Kusshaal learnt to navigate and understand cultural differences when he worked in the hospitality business. He now collaborates with colleagues from everywhere. He also shares how learning French completely changed his perception of languages and cultures. We also explore the cultural differences between India and France and some lost-in-translation moments. Finally, Kusshaal shares great advice for anyone coming to India for work. Expect warmth, curiosity from the people you meet, and a culture where community always comes first. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:56 The Journey of Learning French 05:37 Cultural Discoveries Through Language 09:38 Exploring Indian Culture 12:21 Work Culture in India 14:07 Lost in Translation: Communication Challenges 21:12 Cultural Differences in Hospitality 22:38 Adapting to Global Communication Styles 25:44 Advice for Working with Indians 30:46 Conclusion and Reflections Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Support the show

    31 min
  7. 7 - From Germany to India - How culture shapes who we are

    09/01/2025

    7 - From Germany to India - How culture shapes who we are

    In this episode I chat with Petra Nenning about life between Germany and India. Petra and I used to work together in Bangalore. She shares her stories of fitting in with Indian traditions when she was living and working there.  We also talk about how speaking different languages changes who we are, and how living abroad helps you be aware of your own country’s culture. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Habits and Traditions 06:04 Personal Cultural Insights  11:59 Cultural Differences and Stereotypes 17:54 Work Culture and Professional Expectations 22:54 Cultural Differences in Social Invitations 24:04 Communication Styles: WhatsApp vs. Email 25:36 Hierarchy and Directness in Professional Settings 27:27 Navigating Cross-Cultural Relationships 28:14 Time Management: German Precision vs. Italian Flexibility 31:07 Cultural Adaptation in Relationships 32:42 Language and Identity: Expressing Oneself in Different Languages 35:07 The Interplay of Language and Culture 37:48 Reflections on Living Abroad and Future Plans Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections.  Who am? I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India. This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders  https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders Support the show

    34 min

About

We explore the real stories and strategies of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. They have figured out how to decode cultures and succeed worldwide. We will also give locals who work and interact with international teams or friends the opportunity to share their perspectives on how they successfully communicate and work across cultures.