Beyond Borders
Beyond Borders is a podcast that explores the power of storytelling to connect people across cultures and geographies. Hosted by Nilanga Virajith, it delves into narratives that transcend boundaries, highlighting shared human experiences. The show aims to bridge gaps and foster understanding through compelling stories.
Episodes
Sri Lankan Student in Germany 🇩🇪 | Scholarships, Student Visa, Ausbildung | Ep 23
In this episode, we speak with a Sri Lankan student living in Bremen, Germany, about her journey from Sri Lanka to one of Europe's most attractive destinations for international students.We discuss the different pathways Sri Lankans can use to move to Germany, including university studies, DAAD and Erasmus scholarships, and the Ausbildung vocational training route. She shares practical insight
හංගේරියාවේ Student Life එක 🇭🇺 | Sri Lankan in Hungary | Ep 23
In this episode, we speak with a Sri Lankan landscape architecture graduate who is currently pursuing a Master’s in Urban Systems Engineering in Debrecen, Hungary. From adapting to life in Eastern Europe to exploring cities through the lens of urban planning, this conversation is full of insight, travel stories, and real student-life experiences abroad.We talk about what it’s like to move from Sri
කැනඩාවේ PR මාස 8න් ගත්ත path එක 🇨🇦 | Student to PR Pathway Explained | Ep. 22
In this episode, we sit down with a Sri Lankan couple living in Toronto, Canada, who share their inspiring journey from working in the IT industry in Sri Lanka to building a new life in Canada.They talk about everything — from choosing the student + spouse pathway, facing the Canadian winter and culture shocks, to dealing with job search struggles after graduation, and finally achieving Canadian P
ලන්ඩන් 🇬🇧 | Life of a Sri Lankan in London | Culture, People, Diversity | Ep. 21
What’s it really like to move from Sri Lanka to one of the busiest and most diverse cities in the world? In this episode, we talk with a Sri Lankan who relocated to London in 2021 and now works as a QA engineer. She shares her first impressions of the city, culture shocks, and how she adjusted to London life after COVID.We dive into everyday experiences — the cost of living, housing, transport, an
Melbourne වල Student Life එක 🇦🇺 | Studying in Australia as a Sri Lankan | Ep. 20
🎓 Thinking about studying in Australia? In this episode, we sit down with a Sri Lankan student living in Melbourne who shares his journey from completing his Mechanical Engineering degree in Sri Lanka to pursuing a Master’s in Melbourne.He talks openly about the challenges and realities of international student life, from managing tuition fees, balancing studies with part-time jobs, finding accomm
මාස දෙකෙන් NEW ZEALAND දාලා ආවේ ඇයි? 🇳🇿 | Why We Left NZ After 2 Months | Ep.19
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 of
නවසීලන්තය 🇳🇿 | Life of a PhD Student in New Zealand | Ep. 18
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 👫 • N
ජපානයේ ජීවිතය 🇯🇵 | Life in Tokyo, Japan with a Sri Lankan Software Engineer | Ep. 17
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 betwee
බල්ගේරියාවේ Life එක 🇧🇬 | A Sri Lankan’s Journey in Sofia, Bulgaria | Ep. 16
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 of l
රටවල් 3ක එකම MASTERS එක | Erasmus Mundus | France 🇫🇷 | Hungary 🇭🇺 | Sweden 🇸🇪 | Ep. 15
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
දකුණු කොරියාව 🇰🇷 | Life in South Korea as a Sri Lankan Student | Ep. 14
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 Kor
චීනය 🇨🇳 | Life of a Sri Lankan Student in China | Ep. 13
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 langu
Life in Kuwait 🇰🇼 | Working in the Middle East as a Sri Lankan QS | Ep. 12
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 on
A Sri Lankan Engineer’s Life in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | Inside NEOM | Ep. 10
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 countries, and
Life in the Netherlands as a Sri Lankan Expat 🇳🇱 | Ep. 6
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 (hell
ඕස්ට්රේලියාවේ Perth වල Student/Dependent Life එක 🇦🇺 | Ep. 10
In this episode, I sit down with a Sri Lankan landscape architect now living in Perth, Australia, who shares her inspiring journey of migrating with her husband—who came as an international student. We talk about what it was like moving to a completely different country, adjusting to the Australian lifestyle, and how she managed to find a full-time job in her own field within. She also opens up ab
ලංකාවේ ඉඳන්ම Australian PR apply කරමු | Skilled Migration Step-by-Step Guide | Ep. 9
Thinking about applying for Australian PR while living overseas? In this episode, I talk to a friend who successfully secured Australian Permanent Residency (PR) through the Skilled Migration Program — while living outside Australia. This is your complete beginner-friendly step-by-step guide, with all the official links, tools, and personal insights you need to get started.Don’t forget to like, su
සිංගප්පූරුව 🇸🇬 | Living in Singapore as a Sri Lankan Software Engineer | Work, Life & Culture | Ep. 7
In this episode , we dive into what life is really like for a Sri Lankan software engineer living and working in Singapore. From the initial move and job search to navigating public transport, and Singpass, we explore the full journey of adapting to life in this fast-paced city-state. We talk about our first impressions, settling into local neighborhoods, and what makes Singapore unique compared t
ෆින්ලන්තය 🇫🇮 | Finland Through Sri Lankan Eyes | Working at Nokia | Ep. 5
In this episode, we sit down with a Sri Lankan student currently pursuing her Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering at Aalto University in Finland. With a background in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and work experience at Fonterra, she shares her inspiring journey of moving from Sri Lanka to Northern Europe and adjusting to life in one of the most advanced and egalitarian so
A Sri Lankan PhD Student’s Life in the USA 🇺🇸 | Ep. 5
In this episode, I sit down with my friend, a Sri Lankan currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Florida. He’s been living in the U.S. for the past four years, and we have an open, honest conversation about what life in America is really like for an international student. From the journey of moving abroad and adapting to a new culture, to the highs and lows of PhD life, we cover it all.We
මෙල්බර්න් 🇦🇺 | Life in Melbourne Australia as a Sri Lankan expat | Ep. 3
In this episode, we sit down with a Sri Lankan project manager who shares his fascinating journey of migrating to Melbourne, Australia through the Skilled Migration Pathway. He got Australian PR while still living in Sri Lanka, moved to Melbourne, secured a job, and started a new life — including getting married after relocating.We talk about his experience with the PR process, settling in Austral
A Sri Lankan’s Journey in Germany 🇩🇪 | Ep. 2
What’s it really like living and working in Germany as a Sri Lankan software engineer? In this episode, we dive into tech, culture, and daily life in Germany, covering everything from cash usage, work ethic, and public transport to European travel experiences and cultural contrasts with Sri Lanka.Whether you're curious about moving to Germany, working in Europe, or just love cross-cultural convers
Life of a Sri Lankan in Dubai 🇦🇪 | Ep. 1
In this episode, we dive into the real-life experiences of a Sri Lankan living and working in Dubai. From job opportunities and cost of living to cultural differences and challenges faced by migrant workers, our guest shares valuable insights that can help anyone planning to move to the UAE.Host: Nilanga VirajithGuest: Rasika HerathFollow us on:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@beyondborders_slTi
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