Summary

Lee Lee shares her experiences of living in different countries as an expat and the challenges she faced in adapting to new environments. She discusses her first move to Belgium through a Rotary exchange program and the initial culture shock she experienced. Lee Lee also talks about her time in France as a student and later as an English teacher for the French Ministry of Education. She highlights the importance of language learning and finding ways to connect with people in a new country. Lee Lee emphasizes the value of documenting and reflecting on the expat experience through vlogs or blogs. She encourages individuals to create their own opportunities for connection and friendship while living abroad. In this conversation, James and Neelie discuss their experiences living abroad in different countries, including Sweden, France, Japan, and the US. They talk about the challenges and rewards of immersing oneself in a new culture, making friends, and learning the language. They emphasize the importance of being curious, trying new things, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with living abroad. They also discuss the cultural differences they encountered and the need to be open-minded and respectful. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of living abroad and the personal growth that comes with it.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:15 Lili's Expat Journey Begins

05:55 The Visa Process and Preparation

06:50 Seeking Opportunities to Live Abroad

13:29 Lili's Experience in Senegal

14:53 Teaching English in Japan

24:57 First Impressions of Living Abroad

25:24 Living in Belgium and France

37:13 Studying in France

39:38 Making Friends as an Expat

42:03 Creating Opportunities for Connection

43:28 Parkrun and Sports Teams: Connecting with People Abroad

44:55 Using BlaBlaCar and Transportation Experiences

47:20 First Impressions of Senegal: Welcoming People and Cultural Adjustments

52:58 Returning to France: Living with a Flatmate and Teaching

53:53 School Schedules and Cultural Differences in France

55:47 Living in Sweden: Saunas, Wild Swimming, and Cultural Norms

58:36 Moving to Japan: Language Learning and Cultural Differences

01:01:55 Meeting a Partner Online and Building a Life in Japan

01:03:17 Navigating the Green Card Process and Living in the US

01:04:16 Discovering Jiu-Jitsu and Trying New Things Abroad

01:05:14 Interacting with Locals and Expanding Cultural Immersion

01:06:12 Balancing Integration with Foreign Friendships

01:07:10 Reflecting on the Journey of Living Abroad

01:10:40 Advice for Living Abroad: Embracing the Adventure and Being Patient

01:18:14 Living Abroad: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones

Keywords

expat, living abroad, culture shock, language learning, adapting, connection, friendship, living abroad, cultural immersion, making friends, language learning, challenges, rewards, curiosity, trying new things, cultural differences, personal growth