Beyond Borders

In this episode, we sit down with a Sri Lankan couple who lived in Singapore for over 6 years, migrated to New Zealand in 2023 — and came back after just two months. They share openly about their experiences, expectations vs reality, and the dealbreakers that made them return to Singapore so quickly.We discuss everything from lifestyle differences, renting struggles, dependent work rights, cost...

In this episode, I talk with a Sri Lankan PhD student at the University of Auckland about his life and experiences in New Zealand. 🇳🇿 We dive into first impressions, culture shocks, and the differences he felt after moving from the UAE to New Zealand.We explore: • Life as a Sri Lankan PhD student in New Zealand 🎓 • Māori culture and traditions 🌀 • The friendliness (and quirks) of Kiwi people...

In this episode, we explore what it’s like to live and work in Japan as a software engineer in Tokyo. From daily life near the Tokyo Skytree to navigating Japan’s famous public transportation, we dive into Japanese culture, food, and lifestyle through real experiences of living there for three years.We talk about the work culture in Japan, the unique rhythm of life in Tokyo, and the balance...

In this episode of Beyond Borders, we dive into the vibrant culture, history, and lifestyle of Bulgaria 🇧🇬 through the eyes of a Sri Lankan living there. From the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia to the beautiful Black Sea coastline, discover what makes Bulgaria unique.We explore fascinating facts about Bulgaria, including its ancient traditions, delicious cuisine, affordable cost...

In this episode, we talk to a Sri Lankan student who completed her Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree across Hungary, France, and Sweden. She shares what it’s really like to study in Europe, win an international scholarship, and adapt to life in three different countries.Her Erasmus Mundus journey began in Budapest, Hungary, where she experienced Europe for the first time and navigated the excitement...

In this episode, I chat with my friend who moved to Korea in 2019 to pursue his master’s and now his PhD in animal science. We dive into everything — the culture shock, language barrier, academic life, Korean food, and how it feels to live in a totally different society as a brown expat.From funny stories to deep reflections, this is a chill, honest conversation about adapting to life in South...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to study in China? In this episode, I chat with a Sri Lankan girl who did her bachelor’s in Multimedia & Web Technology in Sri Lanka and is now pursuing her master’s in China. She shares her personal experience about life in China — the culture, education system, food, challenges, tech, and daily life as an international student.From adjusting to a new...

In this episode, I sit down with a Sri Lankan friend who has worked across the Middle East as a quantity surveyor. He started his Gulf journey in Qatar, then spent two years in Kuwait, and recently moved to Dubai. We dive deep into what life is really like for a Sri Lankan working in the construction field across these countries—from adjusting to different work cultures, dealing with challenges...

In this episode, I chat with my friend, a civil/material engineer who worked on one of the world’s most ambitious projects — NEOM in Saudi Arabia. 🇸🇦We dive into what it was like to work on this futuristic mega-city, the engineering challenges, and the lifestyle of expats living in Saudi. Now based in Dubai, 🇦🇪 he shares why he made the move, how life and work differ between the two...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Wishwa, a Sri Lankan software engineer who has been living and working in Amsterdam for the past 3 years. We dive deep into what it’s really like to live in the Netherlands—from job hunting and Dutch work culture to the quirks of daily life in Amsterdam.💬 He shares his first impressions of the city, cultural shocks, the reality of salaries and taxes...