The Expat Pod

E048 - Language Learning and Cultural Immersion: The Key to Living Abroad Practical Tips for Living Abroad

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Summary

Megan shares her experiences of living in different countries, including Paraguay, Spain, France, and the United States. She discusses her motivations for leaving the US, such as feeling unsafe and a passion for languages and cultures. Megan talks about her journey of learning Spanish and French, studying abroad, and eventually moving to France. She also shares her experiences in the Peace Corps in Paraguay and the challenges of living in a rural area. Megan emphasizes the importance of cultural immersion and finding common interests, such as dancing, to connect with locals. Megan shares her experiences living abroad, including her time in Paraguay with the Peace Corps and her current life in France. She emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and making local connections. Megan also discusses the differences she has noticed between the United States and other countries, such as healthcare accessibility and cultural norms. She offers practical advice for those considering living abroad, including checking visa requirements and learning basic phrases in the local language. Megan concludes by highlighting the enriching nature of travel and the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.

Find out more about the amazing work Megan does on https://writtenprogress.com/


Takeaways

  • Living abroad can provide a better quality of life and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Learning a new language and immersing oneself in a different culture can be challenging but rewarding.
  • Studying abroad and participating in programs like the Peace Corps can provide valuable experiences and connections.
  • Finding common interests, such as dancing, can help bridge cultural gaps and connect with locals. Living abroad provides unique opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth.
  • Making local connections and immersing oneself in the local culture enhances the experience of living abroad.
  • Understanding and respecting different cultural norms and perspectives is essential.
  • Practical considerations, such as visa requirements and language learning, are important when moving abroad.
  • Traveling and experiencing different cultures fosters empathy and a broader worldview.


    • Sound Bites

    • "Living in drastically different places...you start to realize that that's you."
    • "Dance is a language...much like a language, a dance has rules that you have to know."
    • "I learned about environmental law rather than about Spanish culture."
    • "The richest experiences are when you make local connections."
    • "The biggest culture shocks for me are economic ones."
    • "The French are notoriously direct in their language and speaking style."


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        Chapters:

        00:00 Introduction and Background

        17:08 First Impressions and Immersion in Different Cultures

        32:30 Preparing for and Living in Paraguay

        38:20 The Power of Cultural Exchange and Local Connections

        42:57 Navigating Differences in Healthcare and Cultural Norms

        53:49 Practical Tips for Living Abroad

        01:09:43 The Enriching Nature of Travel and Understanding Different Perspectives



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        The Expat PodBy James Doran
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