The Emotional Journey of Migrating to Australia | Ep 18 S2 Chinwag Tuesdays

Moving countries isn’t just paperwork – it’s personal. In this powerful Chinwag Tuesdays episode, I’m joined by Katrina James, a Sydney-based counsellor who helps skilled migrants navigate the emotional challenges of moving to Australia. From homesickness and cultural confusion to late-night dinners and job market pressure, Katrina shares what really happens after the visa is approved. Learn how Aussie culture differs, why feeling lost is normal, and how to rebuild confidence when you're far from home. Whether you've just arrived or have lived here for years, this one’s for every migrant who’s ever felt a little stuck or misunderstood. If you're a skilled migrant in Australia struggling with confidence, culture shock or belonging or migrating to Australia soon, this episode is for you. Learn Australian English, improve your understandinf of the Aussie accent, and understand how emotions play a role in settling into your new life. Chapters ⌛ 00:00 – Meet Katrina: Sydney roots & migrant mental health 06:45 – Migration is an emotional journey: What most people miss 12:10 – Family, culture & feeling “out of place” in Australia after migrating 18:40 – Australian work culture & self-doubt for migrants 25:55 – The hidden cost of job rejection & local experience bias 33:20 – What confidence really looks like after moving 41:10 – Little things that rebuild identity & belonging 50:20 – Redefining success: What migrants often forget ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ 📲 How to Contact Katrina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reframe_counselling_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-james-reframe/ Website: https://www.reframecounselling.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reframecounsellingaus ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ 🗣️ Practise listening to real Aussie English and learn natural pronunciation in a relaxed, meaningful context. 📌 If you’re improving your Aussie accent, navigating life in Australia, or seeking inspiration as a migrant — this episode is for you. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes focused on Aussie English, Aussie accent, and real-life stories from migrants across Australia. ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ 🎙️ About Aussie English with Amanda On this channel, you’ll find practical tips to improve your Australian English, pronunciation, and cultural understanding. What you’ll learn here: ✅ How to perfect your Aussie accent & pronunciation ✅ The most useful Aussie slang & expressions ✅ How to communicate naturally in Australian workplaces and social settings 📅 New episodes of Chinwag Tuesdays every fortnight and a new video lesson every month! Subscribe now to improve your Aussie English and learn from expert guests. 🐨🇦🇺 ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ 🎓 Want to Take Your Aussie English to the Next Level? 🚀 Join my all-in-one Aussie English course - ‘Mastering Australian English!’ 👉 https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/mastering-australian-english 🇦🇺 Understand & use Aussie slang naturally with ‘The Aussie Slang Crash Course’ 👉 https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/the-aussie-slang-crash-course 📚 Explore my Aussie English eBooks! 👉 https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/store 📊 Test Your English Level Here 👉 https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/english-level-test 🎁 Get Free Aussie English Resources! 👉 https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/freebies 👩‍🏫 Work with Me! See all the ways I can help 👉 https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/ways-to-work-together ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ 📱 Follow Me for Daily Aussie English Tips! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aussie.english.with.amanda/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aussie.english.with.amanda 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aussieenglishwithamanda ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ 🔔 Don’t Forget to Like, Subscribe & Comment! 👍 If you found this lesson helpful, hit the like button and subscribe for more Aussie English accent and pronunciation lessons! #aussieenglish #aussieaccent #aussieslang #australianenglish #englishlearning #straya #aussieenglishwithamanda