In this week’s Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Frankie — an English teacher from a small-town in Georgia in the US who has called Colombia home for the past eight years. Frankie’s story takes us from a life-changing trip to Nicaragua, to falling in love, selling everything she owned, and starting fresh in a new country.

We talk about the highs and lows of living abroad — visa challenges, learning a new language, and adjusting to everyday life in a completely different culture. Frankie shares how she’s stayed connected to home through music, food, and traditions, while building a life she loves in South America.

This is a conversation for anyone thinking about moving overseas, learning Australian English, or finding their feet in a new country. It’s honest, relatable, and full of moments that will make you nod along in recognition.

You’ll hear us chat about:

• Moving abroad for love and adventure

• Settling into a new culture and community

• Dealing with visa and work challenges

• The little things that help you feel at home

• Learning and teaching English in a foreign country

Key Highlights:

• From Small-Town Georgia to Colombian Cities

• Falling in Love and Changing Life Plans

• COVID Lockdowns Across Cultures

• Navigating Work Visas and Teaching in Colombia

• Dealing with Cultural Isolation and Staying Connected

• Finding Comfort Through Food, Music and Media

• Vegemite Scrolls, Aussie Humour and Cultural Nostalgia

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?
I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.

📲How to Contact Frankie

🌏 Website: https://Peachteachenglish.com▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeachTeachEnglish📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachteachenglish💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-mesmer-english-tutor/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peachteachenglish

If you’re interested in watching more interviews with American English teachers, you can check out these interviews:

• Josh

• Sam

• Hanna

• Chris

• Ellie

• Jesús

In this heartfelt Chinwag Tuesdays episode, I sit down with Shak — a photographer and restaurant owner originally from India, now living on the Sunshine Coast. With 18 years of experience navigating life in Australia, Shak shares his raw and relatable journey from student migrant to successful business owner, father, and proud Aussie resident.

From ordering coffee without saying “please” to the power of joining hobby groups, Shak opens up about the real-life language and cultural shocks many international students and migrants face when learning Australian English and adjusting to Aussie life.

We explore the power of community, why “the magic word” matters, and how Aussies use casual English and subtle communication to build connection. Whether you're learning the Australian accent, improving your English, or just trying to feel at home — this episode is for you.

This conversation is filled with real-life examples, Aussie English expressions, and mindset shifts to help you:

• Understand Australian politeness and social cues

• Use the “magic word” (please!) naturally

• Build your confidence in Aussie conversations

• Navigate cultural differences between India and Australia

• Settle into life as a migrant or international student

Key Highlights:

• Shak's 18-year migration story: From India to Australia

• Starting out in Sydney and the fast-paced city life

• From hospitality job to launching a Sunshine Coast restaurant

• Adjusting to Aussie culture: Language, manners and surprises

• Migrant reflections on city life, resilience and growth

• Raising a multicultural family and navigating identity

• The role of language, dialects and staying connected to roots

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.

📲 How to Contact Shak

•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbymota/

Interested to hear what other migrants in Australia are getting up to? Check out these episodes:

• Nohely

• Dawa

• Leticia

• Carol

• Rovie

• Daniela

• Tom

• Daksh

• Mohit

• Anish

• Jo

• Aditya

• Karen

• Julia

🔊 Audio Disclaimer: So sorry about the sound quality this week! I had some unexpected mic issues. This is the best balance I could manage between cleaning it up and avoiding distortion. If I left it untouched, there was too much echo — so this version is the best of both worlds (even if not perfect). Thanks for understanding! 💛

In this inspiring Chinwag Tuesdays episode, I sit down with Julia from Germany, a language coach and academic support specialist now living in Sydney. We chat about her journey through Germany, the UK, the US and finally to Australia — all in the name of love and learning. Julia shares brilliant advice on how migrants and international students can boost confidence in English, build lasting language habits, and overcome the self-doubt that comes with communicating in a second (or third!) language.

🎧 We also dive into cultural differences between Germany, Australia and the US — from “coconut” vs “peach” communication styles to why Australians think we’re relaxed… but maybe aren’t 😉

Whether you're a migrant professional, international student, or academic navigating English in Australia, this episode is full of tips and warm encouragement just for you.

This episode includes real-life examples, personal experiences, and practical mindset shifts to help you:

• Feel more confident speaking English in public

• Create language habits that actually last

• Deal with burnout (and give yourself grace)

Key Highlights:

• Why Julia moved to Australia

• How her international education shaped her path

• Comparing friendship and culture in Germany, the US and Australia

• Aussie small talk, rules and beach culture

• Supporting academics with English confidence

• Finding clients and building her business in Sydney

• Advice for migrants: Overcoming fear of mistakes

• Recording yourself to improve fluency and confidence

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?
I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.

📲 How to Contact Julia

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-klann-english/

• Website: http://www.juliaklannlanguagestudio.com/

  
  Interested to hear what other migrants in Australia are getting up to? Check out these episodes:

  • Nohely

  • Dawa

  • Leticia

  • Carol

  • Rovie

  • Daniela

  • Tom

  • Daksh

  • Mohit

  • Anish

  • Jo

  • Aditya

  • Karen

Moving countries isn’t just paperwork – it’s personal.

In this powerful Chinwag Tuesdays episode, I’m joined by Katrina James, a Sydney-based counsellor who helps skilled migrants navigate the emotional challenges of moving to Australia. From homesickness and cultural confusion to late-night dinners and job market pressure, Katrina shares what really happens after the visa is approved.

Learn how Aussie culture differs, why feeling lost is normal, and how to rebuild confidence when you're far from home. Whether you've just arrived or have lived here for years, this one’s for every migrant who’s ever felt a little stuck or misunderstood.

If you're a skilled migrant in Australia struggling with confidence, culture shock or belonging, this episode is for you. Learn Australian English, improve your Aussie accent, and understand how emotions play a role in settling into your new life.

Key Highlights:

• Meet Katrina: Sydney roots & migrant mental health

• Migration is emotional: What most people miss

• Family, culture & feeling “out of place” in Australia

• Australian work culture & self-doubt for migrants

• The hidden cost of job rejection & local experience bias

• What confidence really looks like after moving

• Little things that rebuild identity & belonging

• Redefining success: What migrants often forget

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?
I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.

📲 How to Contact Katrina

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reframe_counselling_/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-james-reframe/ 

• Website: https://www.reframecounselling.com.au/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reframecounsellingaus

  
  To see what other Aussies are doing around the world, check out these episodes:

  • Adriana

  • Matt

  • Amanda

  • Emma

  • Tom

  • Pam

  • Ozzie Macguire

  • Max

  • Anna

  • Jem

  • Ben

  • Andy

  • Michele

  • Josie

  • Clifton

What’s it like moving from bustling Mexico City to the calm and quiet of Perth, Western Australia? In this warm and insightful episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Karen—my very first guest from Mexico—about her journey as a skilled migrant, her career in the IT industry, and the cultural surprises she faced along the way.

Karen opens up about everything from converting pesos to dollars at the supermarket, to adjusting to Aussie work culture, to embracing Australia’s slower pace of life. We also talk about the challenges of making new friends, how she’s giving back to the community by tutoring new migrants in English, and what she’s learned about finding purpose in a new country. If you're thinking about migrating to Australia, or you're already here and looking for connection, this episode is for you.

Learn Australian English through real migrant stories! This episode gives insight into the Aussie work environment, lifestyle differences between Mexico and Australia, and how to build a fulfilling life abroad. Great for international students, skilled migrants, and professionals aiming to improve their Aussie English and settle into life in Australia.

Interested in volunteering as an ESL teacher and giving back to the migrant community? Check out this link: https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/amep-volunteer-tutor-scheme

Key Highlights:

• Karen’s background: from Mexico City to Perth

• Early surprises adjusting to quiet Perth and cost of living

• Work culture contrast: hierarchy, autonomy & work‑life balance

• Volunteering as an English tutor through AMEP

• Building friendships and embracing multicultural life

• Advice for migrants: clear goals, adaptability & tailored migration paths

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?
I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.

📲 How to Contact Karen

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magpie.27

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenayalapadilla/

  
  Interested to hear what other migrants in Australia are getting up to? Check out these episodes:

  • Nohely

  • Dawa

  • Leticia

  • Carol

  • Rovie

  • Daniela

  • Tom

  • Daksh

  • Mohit

  • Anish

  • Jo

  • Aditya

Why is it so hard to make friends in Australia? What do Aussies really think of migrants in the workplace? This week on Chinwag Tuesdays, I’m joined by Aditya — a tech leader, career coach, and migrant who has lived across India, the US, and now Melbourne.

We chat through his fascinating journey from Amazon and Salesforce to helping new migrants settle in and thrive professionally in Australia. From cultural differences to communication gaps, Aditya shares powerful insights that every international student or skilled migrant needs to hear.

Australian English learners, skilled migrants and international students will love this chat. We break down real experiences and give practical tips for settling in, improving your Aussie accent, and feeling more confident at work and in social life. Learn Australian English in context and grow your career with cultural insight.

Key Highlights:

• ​Career journey across three continents
• ​Launching Kindle, Alexa & Prime at Amazon
• ​Reflecting on meaningful work and coaching
• ​Work culture: US vs Australia
• ​Making friends as a migrant in Australia
• ​Assimilation tips and common challenges
• ​Why many migrants struggle to grow professionally
• ​How to build connection, tell your story & stand out
• ​Final advice for migrants navigating Australian life

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversation

📲 How to Contact Aditya:

• ​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-rajagopalan/ ​

Interested to hear what other migrants in Australia are getting up to? Check out these episodes:

◦Nohely

◦Dawa

◦Leticia

◦Carol

◦Rovie

◦Daniela

◦Tom

◦Daksh

◦Mohit

◦Anish

◦Jo

From Portugal to Melbourne — Jo’s life is a masterclass in language, culture, and courage. In this Chinwag Tuesdays episode, I chat with Jo: a hyperpolyglot actress, drama teacher, language teacher, and translator who now calls Australia home.

Jo speaks six languages, has worked in international theatre and education across Europe, and shares what it’s really like performing, teaching, and living in multiple languages. We discuss identity, how language influences your personality, the challenge of switching tongues daily — and her journey learning to understand Aussie English after moving Down Under!

Jo shares what it’s like navigating accent training as a Portuguese speaker, how performing in six languages shapes her voice, and why switching between European and Antipodean English can be so tricky. We dive into speech habits, pronunciation challenges, and how learning Aussie English differs from the British and American varieties. 

I’m also proud to be Jo’s Aussie accent coach, helping her embrace the unique sounds and rhythms of Australian English. If you’re a migrant, international student, language lover or professional working on fluency, this episode is packed with relatable insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights:

• Meet Jo, the multilingual migrant from Portugal

• Growing up near Spain & early exposure to multiple languages

• Life in Belgium, France & Luxembourg: Learning through living

• Speaking Spanish & Catalan, and language overlap at the border

• French differences across Europe & discovering Australian English

• Accent confusion: Aussie vs Kiwi vs global English varieties

• Jo’s acting journey across languages & the Festival of Mother Tongue

• Teaching English and Portuguese in multicultural Melbourne

• Language identity, cultural empathy & thoughts on returning home
  

Looking to improve your own Aussie English?
I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.

📲 How to Contact Jo:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo.malta_  and https://instagram.com/@jo.littletheatre_      

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-malta-translator/

In this episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Carol, a civil engineer from Brazil living in Sydney. Carol shares her journey of moving to Australia, transitioning from construction to project management, and launching a mentoring business to help other migrants land jobs in their fields. If you're an international student or professional looking to break into the Aussie job market, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and motivation! 🎙️✨

🔑 Key Highlights:

🏗️ From Brazil to Australia – How Carol’s English skills shaped her career path

💼 Breaking Into the Aussie Job Market – Challenges & strategies for migrant professionals

📄 Resumes & Cover Letters – Common mistakes migrants make & how to fix them

🔍 The Power of Networking – How a BBQ conversation led to a full-time job

🎯 Confidence & Mindset – Overcoming self-doubt to land a job in your field

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with Chinwag Tuesdays! 👍✨

How to contact Carol: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carol.duarte/

Want to master an accent that opens doors?

This week on Chinwag Tuesdays, I sits down with Jesús Flores, an inspiring Colombian accent coach living in Michigan who helps learners transform their English pronunciation into a confident American accent. From sci-fi movies and teenage language schools to moonlighting as a pronunciation coach—this episode is full of golden insights for international students, teachers, and migrants alike.

⌛Chapters / Key Highlights

• Meet Jesús: Colombian roots & American life

• Why Jesús started teaching English

• How he discovered accent coaching

• The decision to specialise in American pronunciation

• Common issues for Spanish speakers learning English

• Thoughts on Aussie English & exposure differences

• One pronunciation tip every learner should try

• Warm-ups, anchor phrases & breathing for better speech

Learn about accent training from a Colombian perspective, how to sound more American in English, and why Spanish speakers face specific challenges in pronunciation. Jesús shares unique teaching strategies, insights into speech placement and pitch, and compares American, Australian, and British English for learners and teachers alike. Perfect for international students, ESL teachers, and professionals working on their English fluency.

📲 How to Contact Jesús

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_american_accent_playbook     

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@arknto15?si=S0FYbpcXJMna28PD

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-florez-villa-141265298

From Townsville to Shanghai and back again — Maree shares her 18-year expat journey teaching English in China.

We go deep into the reality of reverse culture shock, expat identity, starting an education business back in Australia, and how living abroad transforms your perspective forever. If you're an ESL teacher, migrant, or international student navigating life between cultures, this episode is for you.

⌛Chapters / Key Highlights

• ​Maree’s unexpected leap from Townsville to teaching in China
• ​Falling into ESL and realising “I didn’t know how to teach English!”
• ​Starting over: From managing a language school to TESOL certification
• ​Launching a curriculum company from scratch back in Australia
• ​The invisible struggles of returning home after 18 years abroad
• ​Relearning Aussie life: supermarkets, slang, and social “rules”
• ​Professional rejection: Why global experience isn’t always valued in Australia
• ​What reverse culture shock really feels like after living overseas

Looking to improve your Aussie accent or understand real Australian English?

This episode is packed with real talk on reverse culture shock, teaching English abroad, and reintegrating into Australian society. Maree's story is perfect for migrants returning to Australia, international English teachers, and anyone who's ever felt caught between two cultures. If you're aiming to learn Australian English, improve your Aussie accent, or want inspiration for navigating life transitions — you'll love this chinwag.

📲 How to Contact Maree

• Email: [email protected]
• Website:www.internationaltesolcollege.com.au
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maree-donaldson-ab452713/