Journey Abroad Refilwe Mpai

Content warning: The following episode discusses suicide and suicidality which I know can be distressing. If you want to avoid this content, skip this episode and join us again on the next episode of Journey Abroad. If you need support, I have added suicide crisis lines for as many countries as possible below.

In loving memory of my partner and best friend, Justin Supernault.

Suicide helplines worldwide:
Argentina: 135 
Australia: 131114 
Austria: 142
Bangladesh: 999 (Emergency) 
Belgium: 1813
Botswana: 3911270
Brazil: 188 (Emergency) 
Burkina Faso: 17 (Emergency)
Canada: 1 (833) 456 4566
China: 800 810 1117 
Colombia: (575) 372 27 27 
Congo: 117 (Emergency) 
Cyprus: 8000 7773 
Egypt: 131114
Finland: 010 195 202 
France: 014 539 4000
Germany: 0800 111 0 111 
Ghana: 2332 444 71279 
Greece: 1018 (Emergency)
Hong Kong: 852 2382 0000 
India: 88888 17666 
Indonesia: 1 800 273 8255 
Italy: 800 860 022 
Japan: 810 352 869 090
Jordan: 110 
Kenya:  722178177
Latvia:  371 672 22922
Mexico:  5255102550
Netherlands: 9000767 
Niger: 112 (Emergency) 
Nigeria: 234 809 210 6493 
Norway:  5255102550
Pakistan: 115 (Emergency) 
Philippines: 28969191
Poland: 527 0000 
Russia:  007 820 257 7577
Senegal: 17 (Emergency) 
Singapore: 1 800 221 4444 
South Africa: 051 444 5691 
Sweden: 463 171 12400
Switzerland: 143 
Tanzania: 112 (Emergency) 
Thailand: (02) 713 6793 
Turkiye: 112 (Emergency) 
United Arab Emirates: 800 46342 
United Kingdom: 0800 6895652
United States of America: 988 
Zambia: +2609 6026 4040 
Zimbabwe: 08012 333 333


Connect with Refilwe:
X (Twitter): @DrMpai_loading
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai

Journey Abroad on X: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

In this week's episode, I chat with Idai Makoni about her experience abroad. Idai shares how she learned that she is more of a city girl than a small-town girl. A large part of this episode discusses both my and Idai's hair journeys through our lives, but also while living abroad. We talk about hair maintenance, assessing our relationships with our hair, and finally, Idai rounds off the conversation with some hair-related tips and tricks. 

Idai completed her International Baccalaureate at UWC Mahindra College in India. She then moved to the USA where she completed a BA in economics at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. She is currently pursuing a masters in development studies at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Connect with Idai on Facebook, or reach out to me for her WhatsApp/email.

Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

Music by:  John_Sib from Pixabay

In this week's episode, I chat with Mutsa Makufa, host of The Forest Brothers Podcast. If you have not yet had the chance to check out that particular episode, or The Forest Brothers podcast, definitely do so. Mutsa shares his nomadic journey from Zimbabwe, where he grew up to Indiana where he currently is. A large part of this episode covers his recent trip back home to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We talk about the chaotic flight back and his reflections on being back home as an adult. Having experienced life both in our home countries and abroad, we discuss our thoughts on where we would want to raise children and the challenges of dating while abroad.

Mutsa completed his International Baccalaureate at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in Eswatini. He did his undergraduate degree in economics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He then moved to Washington DC where he worked as an administrative assistant. He is currently preparing for a move to Toronto, Ontario in Canada.

Follow The Forest Brothers Podcast on Twitter or Instagram.
Listen to The Forest Brothers Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to Journey Abroad.

Connect with Mutsa on Instagram: @pinklippapi or on LinkedIn

Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

Music by:  John_Sib from Pixabay 

In this episode, Diana shares her experience moving from Senegal to South Africa, then to Indiana, USA, and finally to Utah, USA, where she currently lives. She talks about the difference in experiences between moving to a place where she was surrounded by other Africans and moving to a place where she was one of few. She also talks about rethinking self-care, especially when self-care is highly commodified. 

Diana completed her A-levels at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa. She then moved to the USA to pursue a bachelor's degree in International Economics at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She is currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah, as an investment banking analyst.

Diana's podcast recommendations:
 1. Not Your Average Jo (Apple Podcasts link) 
2. Code Switch
3. Kiffe Ta Race
4. InPower (Apple Podcasts link)

Connect with her on LinkedIn or contact Refilwe for her email address.
Homebound Podcast details are coming soon! Stay tuned!

Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

Music by:  John_Sib from Pixabay

In this episode, Olayemi shares her experience moving abroad, not once, but twice! Her journey starts in Nigeria, then takes her first to Bristol in England, then to Montreal, QC, in Canada. We discuss the challenges she faced having to start afresh multiple times, including having to learn French in Canada. Olayemi highlights the importance of having a community to support you as you navigate life in your new home. 

Olayemi studied biomedical sciences at the University of the West of England. She then moved to Montreal where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in human relations at Concordia University. She is currently working as an administrative executive and a marketing support representative. 

Connect with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram: @_horla 

Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

Music by:  John_Sib from Pixabay

Journey Abroad is BACK after a brief hiatus. I finally got the opportunity to go back home to Botswana! I used this trip to fully disconnect from my responsibilities, including the podcast. It was a much-needed break. If you've been following the podcast and following me on social media, you know how eager I have been for my trip back home. In this episode, I share my experience going home after 4 years, the differences in culture that I noticed, and my thoughts and reflections now that I am back in Montreal. 
Connect with Refilwe:
Twitter: @fee_mpai
Instagram: @freespirit_fee
LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai

Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_
Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast

Music by:  John_Sib from Pixabay