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