Moving abroad isn’t just an adventure—it’s a full-on identity shift. In this episode, we (Emma & Celina) unpack what it’s really like to leave home and start fresh in a new country. As two-time Paris expats we share our personal stories of navigating life in a foreign country - Emma also reflects on her time living in Dubai as a teenager. We dive into the realities of the adjustment period, the unexpected challenges, and the moments that made us feel like locals. If you’ve ever moved abroad—...
Feb 03, 2025•53 min
In this episode, we dive into an honest and heartfelt conversation about death. Celina shares how her worries have been heightened recently about losing loved ones and saying goodbye to the world, while Emma offers her perspective as they unpack their evolving views on the topic. Together, they reflect on recent losses in their families, how they’ve coped, and the ways these experiences have shaped their understanding of life and death. It’s a thoughtful exploration of a topic that touches us al...
Jan 24, 2025•53 min
In this episode, we share the story behind renaming our community and podcast to "Pretend". We also dive into the ebb and flow of friendships as life takes us on different journeys. Finally, we explore how we want to carry the community that we found while abroad back home, and the bittersweet reality of returning to find that things and people have changed.
Jan 02, 2025•33 min
In this episode, we explore the bittersweet reality of having your heart split between two places after living abroad. From the joy of building a life in a new city to the challenges of returning home, we discuss the emotional tug-of-war between two worlds. Join us as we share personal stories, reflections on belonging, and how to embrace the beauty and complexity of feeling connected to two places at once.
Oct 02, 2024•31 min
If you have ever spent time living abroad, you'll know that it can be difficult to settle back in to life at home afterwards. You'll also probably know the feeling of having your heart in two places. In this episode, we discuss the adjustment period, reverse culture shock, moving back in with parents, and trying to make a new life in your old home. Sometimes we get addicted to that thrill of moving somewhere new - but what if we just focus on being in our home towns for a moment...
May 16, 2024•34 min
Welcome to our very first long distance poddy! Emma has moved back to Melbourne, Australia, while Celina continues life in Paris for now. On this episode we chat about whats been happening since our last podcast (4 months ago!).
Apr 29, 2024•28 min
On this episode, we have some big news... Emma made the decision to quit Au Pairing and LEAVE Paris. We discuss how this choice came about, mental health while abroad, the process of actually quitting Au Pairing, and everything else that comes with making the big decision to end an experience abroad!!
Jan 08, 2024•39 min
Dealing with feelings of heartbreak is sooo tough... especially when you're living abroad and away from your usual support system and comforts. On this episode we discuss how difficult these feelings can be, our own personal experiences, and types of heartbreak other than just romantic heartbreak.
Nov 02, 2023•44 min
Hey Pretend Parisiens! This week we decided to have a casual catch up chat. We talked about how life in Paris has been looking recently - what we have been up to and what we have planned. We also delved into the topic of temporary friendships, deciding what to do after a year abroad, and Emma chats a little about dating while in a temporary home.
Oct 19, 2023•29 min
In this episode we talk about how it felt initially arriving in the bustling city of Paris. It was exciting, overwhelming, and a little daunting at times. We give our tips for the main things to focus on during your first days and weeks after arriving somewhere new, to start feeling more at ease and settled.
Sep 18, 2023•19 min
It's summer time in Paris! On this episode, we talked about what it's like in this city during this period of time. We also discuss what we've been up to, our mindset recently, and whether we are feeling happy with our decision to continue our time abroad.
Aug 09, 2023•26 min
On this episode, we go over the emotions that come with building up to the big goodbye to family and friends before moving abroad. This can be scary and sad (or not at all for some people), but we think it's an important aspect of moving as you never know when you'll get time with those special people again! If you have already said your goodbyes or you're about to this episode should be especially relatable.
Jul 24, 2023•8 min
There are so many things to do and think about in the lead up to moving abroad, and a big one is... Packing! How do you even begin to pack up your life for an entire year (or more)?! In this episode, we discuss our mindset for both times that we packed to move abroad, and give advice for what we think are the most important things to consider bringing for your Au Pair / overseas experience.
Jul 10, 2023•12 min
As your departure for your year abroad as an Au Pair is approaching, you may be feeling overwhelmed with nerves, excitement, and questions. We created this episode to give you some guidance to help you get through your last few weeks at home as it can be quite stressful to go through alone. We also hope to get you pumped up for the incredible year you have ahead!
Jun 28, 2023•8 min
On this episode we chatted with our great friend Live about her time spent living in Paris. Live originally moved to Paris in 2016 to be an Au Pair and spent a year loving this vibrant city, then she moved back at the start of 2023 to do a semester of exchange at a french university and found life to be pretty different. We discussed these differences between her two experiences, the emotions of returning home / moving abroad, the expectations you hold for a city after already living there, goin...
Jun 19, 2023•45 min
Join us, Celina and Emma, as we detail our journey of a year as au pairs in the enchanting city of Paris. In this episode, we share our most memorable highlights, discuss the challenges we faced, and delve into the valuable lessons we learned along the way. From cultural immersion to personal growth, we offer valuable insights for anyone considering (or currently living) an experience abroad, as we reflect on our year in Paris. Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisiennes...
Jun 06, 2023•39 min
Travelling and living abroad obviously comes with a lot of culture shock, especially in a big city like Paris. On this episode, we discuss the most surprising and noteworthy differences we have noticed during our daily lives in Paris that we are still adjusting to. Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisiennes@gmail.com @celina.driscoll and @emmaheepseriksen Powered by EuroPair Services Website: www.europairservices.com Instagram: @europairservices Facebook: EuroPair ...
Jun 01, 2023•17 min
Going through difficulties is a part of life, but the tough feelings associated with them can be particularly hard to handle when you are away from home. Being abroad means you don't have your typical close group of people around which means you have to deep dive into your feelings and cope with them (mainly) on your own. In this episode, we open up about some of our lowest lows (break-ups, sickness, grief, FOMO, etc.) and offer some ideas on how to get through these periods. Contact us: Instagr...
May 23, 2023•40 min
It's a strange feeling coming to the end of a year living abroad. Normally, we head back to our hometown and pick things up where they left off. However, it can be weird to return to what once was 'normality' after such a life changing experience. Or what if you decide you actually want to extend that year into two... or indefinitely?! On this episode we talk all about what it was like going home after living overseas, trying to fit back into our old lives, the tough decision of staying or leavi...
May 15, 2023•31 min
On this episode we chatted with Juju, Celina's 10 year old host kid! We covered the topics of growing up in Paris, having an Au Pair, and being bilingual. Tune in to hear the magical point of view of this bright little girl who has had Au Pairs for 8 years and was born and raised in Paris! Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisiennes@gmail.com @celina.driscoll and @emmaheepseriksen...
May 08, 2023•29 min
On this episode, we discuss the different ways we made friends both times we have lived abroad in France. The experience of moving to a new city can be a lonely one, so meeting other people along the way can really help make the move easier and more enjoyable. We now have a mix of french friends, as well boyfriends, and girlfriends from all over the world - and we can't wait to share with you some ideas in case you're struggling to find your people while in a new place! Contact us: Instagram: @p...
Apr 25, 2023•14 min
This episode has us share a special story. How we became friends and why we chose to start « Pretend Parisiennes ». We bring you back to when we met, discuss the highlighted memories we share, and open up about some monumental events we’ve experienced while being by each others’ side. Tune in while we chat about our crazy friendship timeline and how we have ended up in Paris as now the Pretend Parisiennes. Disclaimer: we do touch on a couple of topics, noticeably cancer and death, in quite a lig...
Apr 11, 2023•26 min
On this episode, we discuss one of the biggest barriers when living in a foreign country - LANGUAGE! As native english speakers, we took it upon ourselves to learn french while living in Paris. We have used a range of techniques to achieve our current level of french, and in order to continue to improve our second language. Tune in as we list our top tips and discuss the challenges and breakthroughs that come when learning french! Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendpari...
Apr 06, 2023•41 min
Do you feel the need to fill up your time and always make plans, especially while living abroad? In this episode we explore the anxiety that can come with managing your time in a foreign city. We share our feelings about time slipping away in our year of Au Pairing and how we are trying to make the most of our time left in Paris while also staying present and not constantly worrying about what's next. If you're currently living abroad or planning to in the future, tune in! Contact us: Instagram:...
Mar 27, 2023•20 min
Delphine runs an Au Pair Agency called EuroPair Services, which is the agency that we have used to come to Paris. Delphine spoke about how her agency works, why you should consider being an Au Pair, and the pros of going through an agency. She also gives an insight to her own personal experience Au Pairing and living abroad. EuroPair Services have been an amazing support for both of us while we have been living abroad. They help so many girls every year during the search for a family, the proces...
Mar 20, 2023•34 min
What does it mean to feel homesick? and have we been experiencing it?? On this episode we discussed loneliness and the struggle to find a sense of belonging no matter where you are. We also gathered input from some of our friends who have spent long periods of time abroad, and asked them if they ever feel homesick, and if so - what keeps them living the expat life?! Things can get complicated once you realise you may have more than one 'home'. Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: ...
Mar 13, 2023•38 min
On this episode, Celina did some research and quizzed Emma on the top three most visited monuments in Paris. We also discussed which ones are OUR favourites and Why?! Tune in for some fun chats about the city's most famous sights and some cool facts that we found out about them along the way! Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisiennes@gmail.com @celina.driscoll and @emmaheepseriksen...
Mar 06, 2023•20 min
On this episode we chatted with our friend Antonio about his decision to move to Europe for five months in order to write his book about the journey of accepting and sharing his identity as a disabled person. Antonio shared with us the lessons he learnt during his time abroad. We also discussed the idea of trusting your intuition, going against the grain, and how these both aided him in finding his creative flow while in Europe. Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisienne...
Feb 28, 2023•41 min
Happy Valentine's Day y'all! Today we have a fun episode where we dive deep into the world of dating while living abroad. We had a super honest discussion about our thoughts on french men, stereotypes, how we met new people to date in Paris, and more! Hope you enjoy. Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisiennes@gmail.com @celina.driscoll and @emmaheepseriksen...
Feb 14, 2023•37 min
On this episode we chatted with Mia Casey, our sweet friend from Australia. Mia just spent a year travelling after her initial plans to Au Pair in France fell through. She chats to us about her first time as a solo female traveller and what lessons she has learnt along the way. Contact us: Instagram: @pretendparisiennes Email: pretendparisiennes@gmail.com @celina.driscoll and @emmaheepseriksen...
Feb 13, 2023•22 min
