Voice of Expats

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but it can also bring great opportunities and personal growth. In this episode, I sit down with two expat parents from Mexico and Turkey who relocated to France with their families. They open up about the lessons they’ve learned and how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of building a new life abroad.

In this special edition, Hugo takes us to Taiwan, where he spent four unforgettable years working and building a life he truly loved. 

(00:53) Rate your experience living in here and why Paris?(05:08) 3 words to describe Paris in your eyes(10:27) What do you particularly enjoy about living here ?(18:11) Why did you choose France ?(28:14) Your education background (38:38) When did you meet your husband ?(41:57) What challenges do you still face today as an immigrant ?(45:24) Saint Petersburg (50:47) Cultural differences (57:24) Any advice to your younger self ?

I had the chance to invite Nupur, originally from India, to talk about her experience living in Paris and her love for the city. Since she was little, she dreamed of coming here — and for the past four years, she has been living that dream.(00:00) Why did you accept this interview ?(02:00) Rate your experience living in here and why Paris?(06:42) Your background(08:33) What is your job ?(12:08) 3 words to describe Paris in your eyes(16:07) What do you enjoy so much in Paris ?(18:09) Did you find connections with people here ?(19:27) What are the cons of living in Paris ?(20:54) Have you faced any language barriers ?(24:39) What makes a place your home ?(26:50) Do French people complain a lot ?(27:50) What challenges did you face ?(28:58) How do you maintain your relationship with family and friends in India ?(31:43) 3 words to describe your hometown ?(37:22) How did Pairs shape you ?(40:39) Cultural differences (48:52) Solo travels(54:33) What is your advice for anyone who wants to move to France ?

From our days in Paris to her new chapter in Vienna, I’m so glad to see Ari again this summer. A year into her life here, she reflects on how the city has shaped her lifestyle, the things that she appreciates, and how she’s built the connections along the way.

I met two girls in cité international universitaire de Paris—one from Japan and one from the US. It turned into an insightful dialogue about their experiences studying at Sciences Po, the cultural contrasts they've encountered, and what they love about living n Paris.

I met three Argentine exchange students in cité international universitaire de Paris. In this spontaneous conversion, they share feelings about the city, its people, and the student experience far from home.

Jiin moved to France to join her husband, and she now works as a UX designer. I was inspired by her thoughtful reflections on cultural differences. When it comes to interactions with people, she finds the French sometimes more genuine compared to the Koreans. 

Karla is from Frankfurt, Germany. She came to Paris for her work as physicist and quickly fell in love with the city. In this episode, she takes you through her experiences, sharing what she loves most about Paris—lively, beautiful and stimulating. Karla reflects on the joys and challenges of settling in a new country and why she feels at home in Paris.

Mikael moved to France for his master’s studies and has been working in Paris for over three years. Passionate about music, he found the city to be a hub of concerts, jam sessions, and vibrant events. Yet, like many expats, he’s uncertain about where he’ll be in a few years. For Mikael, being part of a strong community is important to make a place feel like home.

Genessis has been living in Paris for 7 years now. She started her expat life from being a Spanish assistant, continued her studies and now she works in an association supporting teenagers. She shares how she felt lost in the beginning, and how she navigates her personal journey and builds connections with others.