From Texas to France: Dating, Culture Shock & Finding Yourself Abroad

What happens when a Texan swaps Southern hospitality for French directness?

In this episode host Celina Tolbert sits down with John Riojas, a Texas native now living in France, to talk about dating abroad, expat life, language learning, and the cultural differences between American and French relationships — especially within the gay dating scene.

John opens up about navigating dating apps in Texas (which he describes as “unhinged”), hookup culture, and shifting expectations around commitment. He contrasts that experience with dating in France, where communication tends to be more upfront and relationship intentions are often clarified earlier. The conversation explores what it means to date across cultures, how language shapes identity, and why learning French transformed John’s confidence and sense of belonging.

Beyond dating, this episode dives into expat life in France, breaking stereotypes in the classroom, Southern US vs. French communication styles, and the personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. If you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad, moving to France, or navigating love in another language, this episode offers humor, honesty, and practical insight.

Topics include: • Dating abroad and cultural differences in relationships • Gay dating culture in Texas vs. France • Language learning and identity shifts • American vs. French communication styles • Expat life and personal growth • Breaking stereotypes while living overseas

Whether you're interested in international dating, moving to France, LGBTQ+ expat experiences, or simply love conversations about cross-cultural relationships, this episode is for you. John offers both English and French classes online.

Editor’s note: In the episode, we reference the Lyonnais slang word “gone.” To clarify, “gone” means “enfant” (child) in Lyon’s regional dialect.

In this episode host Celina Tolbert sits down with journalist and content strategist Bianca Gracie for an honest, funny, and insightful conversation about dating across cultures, languages, and continents. From the fast-paced hustle of New York dating to the romanticized (and often misunderstood) realities of dating in Paris, Bianca breaks down what love really looks like when language barriers and cultural differences come into play.

Drawing from her Jamaican heritage, experiences as a Black American woman living and traveling abroad, and deep personal connection to France, Bianca shares stories of romance, miscommunication, cultural curiosity, and the fine line between admiration and fetishization. The conversation explores how language impacts dating dynamics, including humorous “lost in translation” moments, emotional disconnects, and the challenges of expressing desire, sarcasm, and boundaries in another culture.

Together, Celina and Bianca unpack what it means to protect your self-worth in dating, set clear boundaries, and reject shame around wanting love—no matter where in the world you are. As Bianca prepares for her return to Paris, she reflects on growth, identity, and the joy (and chaos) of cross-cultural relationships.

If you’re curious about dating abroad, navigating cross-cultural relationships, or redefining romance beyond borders, this episode is a must-listen. Find Bianca at her website or on Instagram

Keywords: dating abroad, language barriers, cultural differences, Paris dating, New York dating, cross-cultural relationships, self-worth in dating, Bianca Gracie, Celina Tolbert

In this episode of Dongs Without Borders, I’m joined by Mimi Fry , a UK-born, Paris-based content creator who has dated British, American, and French men; and has thoughts. From dry British banter to American clarity (or audacity) and the famous French approach to romance, Mimi breaks down how cultural differences shape dating, communication, and expectations in relationships.

We dive into what it’s like navigating love abroad as an expat/immigrant, how ambition and independence affect modern relationships, and whether French men truly live up to their romantic reputation. Mimi shares candid stories about dating in Paris, the lack (or presence) of “the talking stage,” and how moving countries can completely change what you want — and won’t tolerate — in a partner.

If you’ve ever dated outside your culture, moved abroad for love (or for yourself), or wondered how British, American, and French dating styles really compare, this episode is for you.

✨ Topics we cover:

Dating in the UK vs. dating abroad

American vs. French / UK relationship expectations

French dating culture and romantic stereotypes

Expat life, independence, and personal growth

Love, communication, and cultural misunderstandings

Find Mimi's social media agency here on Instagram, and check out her website here.