When I was back home in the USA last month, my feelings about one aspect of the living abroad experience…
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French banking oddities
French banking is very different from what I was used to in the USA. It’s less flexible, less convenient, and…
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Expat mistakes that hold us back as foreigners abroad
As a kid, I thought the adults in my life had it all figured out. I thought everyone was kind…
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I finally got air conditioning in France
As I type this at 9:56 p.m., it’s 95 F/35 C outside. Temps topped 100 F today and there’s no…
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7 Assumptions people have made about me and others who live abroad
Everyone makes assumptions and most of the time they’re harmless even if they are majorly off base. But you know what they say when you assume… Here are some things people have assumed about me over the years after moving abroad and I’m setting the record straight.
Is living abroad freeing?
A couple of months ago on Twitter, among all of the memes, political arguments and other randomness, I came across…
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How to open a French bank account as an American
If you’re wondering how to open a French bank account as an American, you’ll want to read on. It’s not as difficult as you may think! Here’s my experience along with a few tips.
My latest over on YouTube
How’s it going? I’m popping in today to say a quick hello and to share my latest French culture videos on YouTube with you. My YouTube channel is all about everyday French life and beyond and I cover French language tutorials, travel, and what it’s like as a foreigner in France (not Paris!).
The hardest parts of living abroad in France
It’s easy to find a million reasons why you should move abroad to France. But once you’re here, is life perfect? Of course not! Let’s talk about the hardest parts of living abroad in France.
The problem with fantasy worlds
A quote at the end of an article I read from a lifestyle brand that’s been a raging success, got me thinking. The article itself was super interesting and positive, and for some reason, the quote at the end left me feeling weird. And I didn’t know why. So to figure it out, I did what I often do when I feel that way. I walked the dog. Here’s the problem with fantasy worlds.
When living abroad forces you to reinvent yourself
What has shaped your identity and made you into the person you are? Maybe things like where you grew up, your career path, your role in your community, and the people in your inner circle. Identity is complicated. Living abroad complicates it further, but it’s not all bad.
Why I’m doing Facebook Live in France
You may have noticed I started doing Facebook Live broadcasts not too long ago. The response has been fantastic and I couldn’t be happier with the feedback I’ve received. Let’s talk about this Facebook Live in France thing and why I decided to try it out.
Respecting the culture and doing the right thing
Most of the time, respecting the culture and doing the right thing are one and the same. Other times, it’s not so clear. As a foreigner, it’s hard to always know if you’re doing the right thing and if the way you’ve lived you life up until now counts in the same way it did back home.
What’s surprised me the most about my life in France?
Living abroad is full of surprises big and small. Let’s talk about some of these living in France surprises including culture, food, and stereotypes.
Do you feel French?
“Do you feel French?” someone asked me recently. I had to think about it. The question of feeling French is a complicated one and makes us think about our identity as foreigners living abroad. What makes someone feel French and how long does it take for this to change? Let’s take a closer look.
Little ways to make the holiday season merry for loved ones far away
The holidays can be a challenging time for those of us who are no longer “home” and have new traditions and places to embrace. How can you reconnect with loved ones far away? I have a few simple tips.
My favorite place to buy American food in France
You don’t have to look very hard online to find a foreigner abroad looking for some of the comforts of home. Here’s where to buy American food in France. Everything from baking supplies to candy and even beverages.
6 Perks of living in small-town France
Now it’s 2016 and I find myself living in a small town once again — just across the Atlantic ocean this time. How does it compare? And what can my adult self appreciate about small-town living?
10 Ways for expats to meet new people
Making friends abroad is one of the hardest parts of expat life for me, and I’ve heard from a lot…
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6 Things to never say to an expat (and what to ask instead)
As an expat, you’ll have so many different adventures and eye-opening moments that you’ll be bursting with excitement to tell your friends and family back home. But what happens when the conversation comes to a halt because of one of these questions? I’m sure you’ve heard at least one of these things to never say to an expat.