In this episode, I chat with Rachel Eels, an international teacher from the US who’s lived and worked across Germany, Lebanon, Congo, India, and the U.S. She shares how she’s picked up cultural habits across the countries she’s lived in, experienced cultural misunderstandings, and learned what it really takes to adapt in different cultures.

Rachel also talks about how clothing, hierarchy, greetings, and even giving directions can mean totally different things depending on where you are. We will discover how Rachel has learned to read between the lines, ask better questions, and stay curious.

If you work across cultures or are simply curious about different cultures this podcast is for you.

You can find this podcast on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more cultural insights from different parts of the world.

Chapters

00:00
Cultural Journeys: An Introduction to Rachel Eels

02:58
Adapting to New Cultures: Clothing and Traditions

06:11
Understanding Regional Differences: Work and Dress Codes

08:55
Navigating Communication Styles Across Cultures

11:58
Cultural Nuances: Conflict Resolution and Social Interactions

14:45
The Importance of Personal Connections in Different Cultures

17:57
Mistakes and Learning: Cultural Faux Pas

21:00
The Role of Formality in Communication and Dress

24:00
Conclusion: Embracing Cultural Awareness

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here:

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

In this episode I chat with a colleague from Kenya Stella Wangu Washira. We discuss insights into her personal and cultural background.

Stella talks about how names are given in Kenya and the different tribes in this country. 

She also reflects on common misconceptions about Africa. 

We talk about the cultural diversity within Kenya and Africa. 

We finish with practical advice for Westerners traveling to and wanting to work in Kenya or with Kenyans. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stella from Kenya

00:28 Cultural Significance of Names

01:09 Family and Naming Traditions

01:36 Stella's Background and Profession

02:54 Music and Cultural Exchange

03:47 Adopting Cultural Habits

04:46 Travel and Reading

06:39 Misconceptions About Africa

08:42 Language and Religion in Kenya

15:00 Impact of Colonization on Culture

18:09 The Significance of Names and Cultural Identity

20:10 Language Barriers and Cultural Contexts

22:10 Navigating Kenyan Accents and Communication

28:32 Public Transport and Travel Tips in Kenya

29:59 Work Culture and Social Norms in Kenya

32:31 Respect and Cultural Sensitivity in Kenya

33:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here:

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

In this episode, I talk with Kusshaal Polepally from Bangalore, southern India. He works for a big tech company and we connected via a common friend. His story is a fascinating one. We talk about how Kusshaal learnt to navigate and understand cultural differences when he worked in the hospitality business. He now collaborates with colleagues from everywhere. He also shares how learning French completely changed his perception of languages and cultures.

We also explore the cultural differences between India and France and some lost-in-translation moments.

Finally, Kusshaal shares great advice for anyone coming to India for work. Expect warmth, curiosity from the people you meet, and a culture where community always comes first.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:56 The Journey of Learning French

05:37 Cultural Discoveries Through Language

09:38 Exploring Indian Culture

12:21 Work Culture in India

14:07 Lost in Translation: Communication Challenges

21:12 Cultural Differences in Hospitality

22:38 Adapting to Global Communication Styles

25:44 Advice for Working with Indians

30:46 Conclusion and Reflections

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here:

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

In this episode I chat with Petra Nenning about life between Germany and India. Petra and I used to work together in Bangalore.

She shares her stories of fitting in with Indian traditions when she was living and working there. 

We also talk about how speaking different languages changes who we are, and how living abroad helps you be aware of your own country’s culture.

Chapters

00:00

Cultural Habits and Traditions

06:04

Personal Cultural Insights 

11:59

Cultural Differences and Stereotypes

17:54

Work Culture and Professional Expectations

22:54

Cultural Differences in Social Invitations

24:04

Communication Styles: WhatsApp vs. Email

25:36

Hierarchy and Directness in Professional Settings

27:27

Navigating Cross-Cultural Relationships

28:14

Time Management: German Precision vs. Italian Flexibility

31:07

Cultural Adaptation in Relationships

32:42

Language and Identity: Expressing Oneself in Different Languages

35:07

The Interplay of Language and Culture

37:48

Reflections on Living Abroad and Future Plans

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

In today’s episode, I sat down with Amy Zimmerman, an American woman, married to an Indian man.

She shares with us her experiences of moving from the USA to India.

We discuss the cultural differences in family life, relationships, and the challenges she faced in adapting to a new environment. She highlights the importance of family culture, the dynamics of her marriage to an Indian man, and the warmth and generosity she encountered in Indian society. 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

04:29
Cultural Differences in Family Life

09:57
Navigating Relationships and Family Expectations

16:59
Experiencing India: A Journey of Discovery

21:11
Marriage and Family Dynamics

28:29
Embracing Cultural Differences and Building Relationships

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

In this thought-provoking episode, I virtually sat down with Augustine Colebrook.

She is a global midwife whose work has taken her to different places around the world. 

This is a deep dive into the heart of cross-cultural communication and experiences.

💡 We explore amongst other points:

• How Americans and others living abroad face the challenges of communication across cultures.
• The subtle art of giving feedback across cultures and in the U.S.
• What it means to embrace your identity as a global citizen.

🎧 Tune in on your favourite podcast platform or YouTube. Links here: https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:00 Personal Journey and Professional Identity

11:56 Navigating Business Across Cultures

17:56 Language Learning and Cultural Integration

22:57 Feedback: Cultural Perspectives

30:09 Authenticity vs. Fitting In

36:46 Global Awareness

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you hear about the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Questions or comments? Get in touch here or on social media.

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

Follow Augustine Colebrook's journey @FlockOfNomads or visit https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ChiuKRyqm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

How do you define “home” when you’ve lived in different countries and carry multiple cultural identities?
In this episode, Janeth opens up about navigating life across Mexico, the U.S., and India.

We also see how cultural values show up in everyday life, from how we joke to how we connect with others.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating cultural identity
06:01 Understanding Mexican culture
11:43 Cultural differences at work
17:52 Experiencing culture shocks
20:56 Comparing cultures: Mexico & India

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you will discover the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Questions or comments? Get in touch here or on social media.

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

Join us for a deep dive into the world of international work. In this episode, Ravi, from India, shares his unique perspective on navigating diverse cultures—from direct communication to building trust. 
Learn his top tips for success when working with Indian colleagues and Westerners. A must-listen to understand/discover global mindset at work.

Chapters
01:00 Ravi's journey
03:00 Fast vs. Slow Living: Dining and Social Habits
05:00 Work Culture Differences: India vs. The West
07:00 Communication Styles: Directness and Trust
09:00 Multitasking and Work Ethic: US, India, Mexico
11:00 Adapting to International Teams
13:00 Advice for Working with Indian Colleagues
15:00 The Role of Culture in Tech and Business
17:00 Personal vs. Professional Boundaries
19:00 Meeting Styles: France, India, and Beyond
20:30 Leadership, Accountability, and Attitude
22:00 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you will discover the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Questions or comments? Get in touch here or on social media.

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

Today we join Sonia as she shares her stories about culture shocks and life-changing experiences from Spain to Asia. This is a real expat experience you won't hear anywhere else. 
Get ready to travel, learn about how to work and live in several countries in Asia.
This is all about cross-culture - lost in translation and decoding culture.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sonia's Journey

01:49
Cultural Shock in the US

06:01
Education Systems: Spain vs. US

08:08
Teaching Experience in the US

10:23
Life in Sri Lanka: Cultural Connections

16:04
Adapting to Japan's Rules and Culture

21:34
Working in Japan: Punctuality and Hierarchy

30:22
Experiences in Vietnam: Misunderstandings and Adaptation

37:08
Navigating Cultural Differences in India

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you will discover the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Questions or comments? Get in touch here or on social media.

Who am?

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders

Today, we meet Nena Nikolic, a Serbian educator and expat with over 20 years of international experience across Asia, Latin America, and India.

Nena shares how embracing adaptability and cultural empathy helped her succeed in different countries.

Chapters

00:00
Cultural Awareness and Communication

02:43
Teaching Across Borders

05:52
Understanding Serbian Culture

08:35
Direct vs. Indirect Communication

11:19
Language and Behavior

14:14
Cultural Adaptation and Challenges

17:20
Traveling vs. Living Abroad

Navigate Across Borders is a podcast where you will discover the real-life stories of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. Whether they’re working with international teams or living with someone from a different culture, they will explain how they build cross-cultural connections. 

Questions or comments? Get in touch here or on social media.

I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat & global educator who has lived and worked in Asia since 2004. I’m now based in Bangalore, India.

This podcast is on all major podcast platforms & YouTube. Access here: https://lnk.bio/navigate_across_borders

 https://linktr.ee/navigateacrossborders