Learn from US expat, Jay Swanson, about expat culture, becoming a French citizen, and fitting in abroad. Jay is a video creator and writer who’s been living in France for more than 7 years and recently got his dual French citizenship. Hooray Jay!

Jay is also the creator of Paris In My Pocket, an expertly curated online travel guide for anyone looking to discover Paris like a local. It contains the best bars, restaurants, and hidden gems in the city of lights!

Tune in for a gripping conversation about the dark side of expat life, the challenges of learning a new culture (especially French culture), and the best ways to experience Paris like a local. This episode also offers some incredible advice that may help you find your path in the expat way of life.

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Topics Discussed:

• Traveling to and living in Paris.
• The reality of learning a new language.
• The most important French word foreigners should know.
• Jay’s journey from film school to Mercy Ships to moving to France.
• Culture shock and adaptation.
• Pros and cons of the “expat bubble”.
• Fitting in and overcoming loneliness while living in new places.
• The challenges of leaving your home country and learning a new culture.
• The dark side of expat life.
• Dating as an expat in France.
• Paris, France travel tips.

Questions Answered:

• How long does it take to get citizenship in France?
• What are the citizenship requirements in France?
• How did you learn French at a young age?
• How does travel help you get to know yourself better?
• What are common characteristics in expats - the good, the bad, and the ugly?
• What are expats running from?
• Is there a dark side to being an expat?
• What’s your favorite neighborhood in Paris?
• What are the best restaurants and cafes in Paris?
• What’s your daily routine living in Paris?
• What’s the most underrated experience in Paris?
• What are the most overrated places in Paris?
• What is your favorite day trip outside of Paris?

Episode Resources: 

• Mercy Ships

Related Podcasts:

• Ep 116: 7 Reasons Why I’ll Never Renounce My US Citizenship
• Ep 194: Learning Languages Faster and Coping with Culture Shock in Colombia
• Ep 220: Living Like a Local in France & Italy: Language, Lifestyle, Cost of Living, and More
• Ep 252: Female Solo Traveler Finds Freedom in Paris and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
• Ep 255: Living in Europe, Side Hustle Struggles, and Remote Work Real Talk - Live Call with Kristin
• Ep 256: The Top 10 Best Places to Live in France
• Ep 260: The One Thing 97% of Expats Don't Do

Related Videos:

• How To Survive Ordering in a French Restaurant in Paris
• Feeling lonely while traveling? (Watch this)
• Top 10 Best Places To Live in France (Expats, Retirees, Digital Nomads)
• The Easiest Places for Americans To Move Overseas (VISAS & RESIDENCY)
• 10 Moving Abroad Mistakes (that you're probably making)
• 7 Things To Know BEFORE You Move Abroad
• What I Dislike About Living Abroad After 20 Years in 60 Countries
• How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK]
• 10 Best Places to Retire in 2024 (Visas, Residency, Healthcare, Taxes)

Recommended Restaurants & Cafes in Paris:

• Motors Coffee
• Miznon
• Brasserie Dubillot

Connect with Guest, Jay Swanson:

• Visit his website
• Check out Paris In My Pocket
• Follow on Instagram @jayswanson
• Follow on TikTok @jay.swanson
• Follow on Twitter/X: @jayonaboat
• Subscribe on YouTube @JaySwanson and @Paris.In.My.Pocket

Connect with Kristin and Support the Show:

*   Become a Patron

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See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.