The Expat Pod

E054 - The Challenges of Learning Spanish and Social Integration as an Expat Finding Community and Deep Friendships

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Summary:

Mary Martha shares her experience of moving to Chile and living as an expat. She initially wanted to learn Spanish and chose Chile as her destination. She had a family friend living there, which made the decision easier. Mary Martha entered Chile with a tourist visa and later applied for a temporary work visa. She started teaching English and later transitioned to working at a digital marketing company. Mary Martha found it challenging to learn Spanish as many people wanted to practice their English with her. She also noticed that Chileans tend to hold onto their high school friends, making it difficult to integrate into social groups. In this conversation, Martha shares her experiences of living abroad in Chile for the past eight years. She discusses the challenges she faced, such as language barriers and cultural differences, as well as the rewards of immersing herself in a new culture. Martha emphasizes the importance of self-care and prioritizing personal values while living abroad. She also offers advice for those considering a move abroad, encouraging them to be compassionate with themselves and to focus on their own well-being and growth.


Takeaways:

  • Choosing a destination with a personal connection can make the transition easier
  • Learning the local language can be challenging when people want to practice their English with you
  • Integrating into social groups can be difficult in a country where people tend to hold onto their childhood friends Living abroad can be both challenging and rewarding, with language barriers and cultural differences being common obstacles to overcome.
  • Prioritizing self-care and focusing on personal values are essential for a fulfilling experience abroad.
  • It is important to be compassionate with oneself and to give oneself grace when it comes to career growth and personal development.
  • Building a community and making deep friendships takes time, and it is okay to prioritize personal well-being and maintain connections with friends and family back home.
  • Defining and aligning with personal values can guide decision-making and lead to a more fulfilling life abroad.


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      Sound Bites:

      • "I really wanted to learn Spanish"
      • "Teaching English felt like the most flexible option"
      • "It can be hard to enter a group that has their core group of friends"
      • "Being in the, I think also"
      • "This might just be cultural"
      • "We met at a barbecue, which they call a cello"


        • Chapters:

        00:00 Introduction and Connection with the Host

        01:12 The Inspiration for Moving Abroad and Choosing Chile

        05:05 Visa Process and Teaching English in Chile

        12:18 First Impressions and Settling into Life in Chile

        24:04 Finding Permanent Accommodation and Social Life

        28:49 Transitioning to a Chilean Company and Language Learning Challenges

        36:52 Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences

        38:16 Meeting Chilean Friends and Partners

        41:38 Building Relationships and Making Connections

        43:08 Professional Life and Language Use

        44:05 Exploring South America and Travel Experiences

        46:27 Maintaining Connections with Friends and Family

        49:49 Balancing Social Life and Personal Well-being

        55:05 Career Growth and Personal Development Abroad

        58:32 Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Values

        01:08:31 Aligning with Personal Values for a Fulfilling Life Abroad


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        The Expat PodBy James Doran
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