E073 - From Chicago to Strasbourg: Jen's Expat Journey
Summary:In this episode, Jen shares her journey of moving abroad, starting from her spontaneous decision to relocate to Zurich, Switzerland, and her experiences living in various countries including France and the UK. She discusses the challenges of navigating visas, banking, and cultural differences, as well as the importance of language and maintaining relationships across borders. Jen also reflects on the food culture in France compared to the US, her experiences with reverse culture shock, and her passion for travel blogging.Takeaways Be spontaneous and open to new opportunities. Understanding visa rights is crucial for expats. Navigating banking can be challenging when living abroad. Language barriers can significantly impact your experience. Cultural differences can lead to unexpected challenges. Maintaining relationships requires effort and communication. Food culture varies greatly between countries. Living abroad can lead to reverse culture shock. Travel blogging can be a fulfilling way to share experiences. Adapting to a new environment takes time and patience.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Jen's Journey01:37 The Spontaneous Move Abroad04:14 Navigating Visa Challenges09:46 Banking and Financial Hurdles12:09 Transitioning to Paris16:12 The UK Work Visa Experience19:58 Navigating Visa Complexities21:18 Returning to France: The Family Visa Experience23:54 Integration Challenges in France25:14 Becoming a French Citizen27:30 The Relief of French Citizenship28:53 Accommodation Woes for Expats30:16 Language Barriers and Cultural Adjustments32:01 First Impressions of Switzerland and France33:50 Bureaucratic Challenges in France36:48 The Importance of Language in Integration39:07 Cultural Differences in the UK40:04 Cultural Differences in Language and Communication46:02 Navigating Long-Distance Relationships52:07 Food Culture and Culinary Differences56:55 Celebrating American Holidays Abroad59:09 Navigating Holiday Travel and Family Dynamics01:00:40 Reflections on Moving Abroad and Personal Growth01:03:42 Coping with Reverse Culture Shock01:05:52 Comparing Political Landscapes: US vs. France01:10:25 Healthcare Systems: A Tale of Two Countries01:13:11 The Importance of Cultural Exchange and Travel01:14:33 Sharing Experiences: Travel Blogging and Community Engagement