Intercultural Surprises

About Intercultural Surprises

Intercultural Surprises is a podcast that takes you on a journey around the world and helps you better understand its diverse cultures. 🎙️ I am Charlotte Courtois, an international speaker and expert in cultural diversity and intercultural management. I am also one of UNESCO's 50 Young Leaders for Peace and the founder of Konstelacio, an NGO which educates children around the world about dialogue between cultures. Passionate about cultures, but also about storytelling of all sorts, I share anecdotes from my travels to help us decode and make sense of our cultural differences. 🌎 Intercultural Surprises is about travelling around the world, customs and traditions, discovering Others and discovering ourselves. Whether you like travelling comfortably, or a backpacker, an expat/immigrant, an HR professional or simply passionate about international mobility, this podcast is for you and anyone who is curious about the world and its people! 🗝️ What you will get from it: tips and practical advice to live and work abroad, and to explore other countries (and why not our own!) while feeling a little less lost along the way. ✔️ When we learn to understand one another, we all feel better in our societies and in our shared humanity. As it turns out, it is also good for cohesion, creativity and performance, both in everyday life and in the workplace. 🕯️ It takes a healthy dose of curiosity and vulnerability, but it is so worth it! 📅 Intercultural Surprises is a biweekly podcast, complemented throughout the year by special interview episodes featuring other travellers and expats. 🧭 Come along with me on a podcast journey around the world! Subscribe so you do not miss an episode, and share Intercultural Surprises with your friends and family so they can travel with us too! Enjoy! To find out more about my background and my other activities, visit: 👉 My website: charlotte-courtois.com/en/ (https://charlotte-courtois.com) 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: konstelacio.org (https://konstelacio.org) 👉 My LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Publisher

Charlotte Courtois

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Oct 2025

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Tunisia / France - The time we talked pee-pee poo-poo - Toilets, hygiene, culture, travel

   Toilets, hygiene, culture and travel: did you know that even the way we go to the toilet can be cultural? In this new episode of Intercultural Surprises, I take you to Brittany, where 21 Tunisian children discovered, during a school trip to France, a cultural difference that nobody had really thought about… toilets! For many of them, it was their first time using toilets without a handheld bidet spray and having to rely on toilet paper. A situation that may seem completely ordinary, but that made me realise how many habits we learn as children and eventually come to see as universal: how we wash ourselves, how we eat, how we queue, how we show respect… and even how we go to the toilet! From Tunisia to India, via Greece, Colombia, Japan and a rather memorable experience in Cambodia, I talk about cleanliness, hygiene, comfort and those small everyday habits that can suddenly take us out of our comfort zone when we travel. But I also look at what lies behind cultural practices: access to water, infrastructure, economic realities… Because not everything can be explained by culture! And when we welcome someone from another culture into our home, why not think about the small things that could help them feel more comfortable? In this episode: 🚽 toilets and cultural differences, 💧 hygiene and our relationship with water, 🌍 travel and decentring, 🏠 hospitality and welcoming others, and 👀 those everyday habits that we forget are cultural. A slightly silly, toilet-humour kind of episode (thank you to my six-year-old nephew for the idea!), but above all, an invitation to look differently at those everyday gestures that seem so obvious to us… that we sometimes forget they are not obvious to everyone. Whether you like travelling comfortably, or as a backpacker, are an expat/immigrant, an HR professional or simply passionate about international mobility, this podcast is for you and anyone who is curious about the world and its people! Enjoy! To find out more about my background and my other activities, visit: 👉 My website: charlotte-courtois.com/en/ (https://charlotte-courtois.com) 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: konstelacio.org (https://konstelacio.org) 👉 My LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy (https://ausha.co/privacy-policy) for more information.

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Canada - The time "Pas mal" meant "Good job!" - evaluation, communication and intercultural anecdote

   Evaluation, culture, communication and an intercultural anecdote: does an Australian “Good job, mate!” really mean the same thing as “You did a great job” in French? In this new episode of Intercultural Surprises, I take you to France, where I met a young English-speaking Canadian whose experience at school made me reflect on the way we evaluate other people’s work… and on the cultural meaning behind both our compliments and our criticism. When she arrived in France, Adeline was surprised to see her grades drop even though she felt that the quality of her work was comparable to what she had produced in Canada. But what really unsettled her were her teachers’ comments: whereas she was used to hearing “Great job!” or “Keep it up!”, she was now more likely to hear things like “You can do better” or “You need to develop this further.” So can the same quality of work be evaluated differently depending on the country? And, more importantly, does a compliment or a positive comment necessarily have the same impact everywhere? From school to the workplace, and from France and Canada to the United States, Australia and Colombia, I explore grades, feedback, encouragement, comparison, and, above all, those little words that do not always carry the same message from one culture to another. Because in an intercultural context, translating the words is not enough. We also need to understand the intention behind them, the implicit messages they carry, and how they are likely to be interpreted. In this episode: 🎓 evaluation and education, 🇨🇦 Canadian culture, 🇫🇷 French culture, 💬 feedback and communication, 🌍 intercultural differences, and 🧠 the cultural meaning of words. An episode to help you better decode what people are saying to you… and to think about what your own words actually communicate to others. Whether you like travelling comfortably, or a backpacker, an expat/immigrant, an HR professional or simply passionate about international mobility, this podcast is for you and anyone who is curious about the world and its people! Enjoy! To find out more about my background and my other activities, visit: 👉 My website: charlotte-courtois.com/en/ (https://charlotte-courtois.com) 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: konstelacio.org (https://konstelacio.org) 👉 My LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy (https://ausha.co/privacy-policy) for more information.

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Tunisia - The time I invented cultural generosity – hospitality, Tunisian culture, cultural anecdote

   Tunisian culture, Tunisia, generosity, hospitality and cultural anecdote: what if cultural pride was not always the best way to describe our relationship with our culture? In this new episode of Intercultural Surprises, I take you to Tunisia, where a brief and completely unexpected encounter with a Tunisian man on his lunch break profoundly changed the way I saw cultural pride. As I was showing my then-partner’s French parents around Carthage, a complete stranger came over to welcome us to his country and, quite simply and completely free of charge, shared his favourite places, landscapes, local specialities and all the spots we absolutely had to discover. Then he got back into his car and drove away, as if nothing had happened. This cultural anecdote made me reflect on a concept I eventually came to call cultural generosity: the desire to share what matters to us, not to prove that our culture is better than anyone else’s, but simply to make others feel welcome, bring them joy and create a connection. From Tunisia to Colombia, from Mexico to Brittany, I share moments when sharing our food, traditions, favourite places or heritage becomes a genuine form of hospitality. What if, sometimes, we replaced cultural pride with cultural generosity? 🇹🇳 Tunisian culture and hospitality 🌍 Intercultural encounters and travel ❤️ Cultural generosity and sharing 🍽️ Food, traditions and heritage 💬 Cultural pride, chauvinism and intercultural relations An episode that invites us to reflect on the way we share our culture with Others… and perhaps makes you want to take your next foreign visitor to discover your own favourite little corner of the world. Whether you like travelling comfortably, or are a backpacker, an expat/immigrant or an HR professional or simply passionate about international mobility, this podcast is for you and anyone who is curious about the world and its people! Enjoy! -- -- -- To find out more about my background and my other activities, visit: 👉 My website: charlotte-courtois.com/en/ (https://charlotte-courtois.com) 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: konstelacio.org (https://konstelacio.org) 👉 My LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy (https://ausha.co/privacy-policy) for more information.

4. 

   3 Mar 2026

   Spain - The time I almost scolded my rude customers - Politeness, Good Manners, and Cultural Anecdotes

   🇪🇸 In this episode set in Spain, I tell you about the time when I truly thought that I was about to straighten out my rude clients… before realizing that politeness and good manners are also a matter of culture and diversity. 😡🤬 It is not always easy to set aside values deeply rooted in us since childhood when we find ourselves abroad, as expatriates or travelers, confronted with ways of doing things that shock us… And yet… 🍫 If you are curious about the place where I was working at the time (and if you are craving kouign amann or butter croissants in Madrid!), head to Moulin Chocolat, near the Puerta de Alcalá. It still exists! Whether you’re an expat, a traveler, or simply curious about cultures and diversity, this podcast is for you. Enjoy ! --- Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey and helps you better understand cultures around the world. 🎤 I am Charlotte Courtois, an international speaker on cultural diversity and founder of the NGO Konstelacio, which raises children’s awareness of intercultural dialogue all around the world. I am also a UNESCO Young Leader for Peace. To learn more about who I am and what I do, for collaborations, or to contact me and share your own travel stories, visit: 👉 My website: ⁠www.charlotte-courtois.com⁠ 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: ⁠www.konstelacio.org⁠ 👉 My LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois

5. 

   4 Feb 2026

   India - The time I played hide and seek with a gipsy dancer

   In this episode set in India, I tell you about the time I had to play cat and mouse with a Gypsy dancer (and almost went crazy!) and ended up learning the joys of adaptability and spontaneity. Based on a very simple anecdote, I talk about one of those countries where things rarely go as planned, and about the hidden positive side of this cultural aspect that can sometimes drive us crazy. Here are the links I mention in the episode: 👉 The video recap of the Lyra project: https://youtu.be/q3_3_YBDduQ (https://youtu.be/q3_3_YBDduQ) 👉 The music video that was so complicated to shoot and that we are so proud of: https://youtu.be/wixZ93YT9TM (https://youtu.be/wixZ93YT9TM) 👉 And a little “video postcard” teaser from Jaipur: https://youtu.be/MwT0k9HHPNc?si=qmMy3_prRPSmfzvm (https://youtu.be/MwT0k9HHPNc?si=qmMy3_prRPSmfzvm) 👉 For more videos of Konstelacio’s activities, visit its YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/konstelacio (https://www.youtube.com/user/konstelacio) Whether you’re an expat, a traveler, or simply curious about cultures and diversity, this podcast is for you. Enjoy ! --- Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey and helps you better understand cultures around the world. 🎤 I am Charlotte Courtois, an international speaker on cultural diversity and founder of the NGO Konstelacio, which raises children’s awareness of intercultural dialogue all around the world. I am also a UNESCO Young Leader for Peace. To learn more about who I am and what I do, for collaborations, or to contact me and share your own travel stories, visit: 👉 My website: ⁠www.charlotte-courtois.com⁠ 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: ⁠www.konstelacio.org⁠ 👉 My LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois

6. 

   13 Jan 2026

   Tunisia - The time flip flops helped me discover Tunisia

   In this episode, set in Tunisia, I tell you the story of how a simple pair of flip-flops helped me better understand the local culture. Through a very simple anecdote, I talk about symbolism and sometimes surprising superstitions! Whether you’re an expat, a traveler, or simply curious about cultures and diversity, this podcast is for you. Enjoy ! --- Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey and helps you better understand cultures around the world. 🎤 I am Charlotte Courtois, an international speaker on cultural diversity and founder of the NGO Konstelacio, which raises children’s awareness of intercultural dialogue all around the world. I am also a UNESCO Young Leader for Peace. To learn more about who I am and what I do, for collaborations, or to contact me and share your own travel stories, visit: 👉 My website: ⁠www.charlotte-courtois.com⁠ (http://www.charlotte-courtois.com) 👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: ⁠www.konstelacio.org⁠ (http://www.konstelacio.org) 👉 My LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois (http://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois)

7. 

   23 Dec 2025

   USA - The time I strengthened my faith in humanity - Christmas episode

   🎄 A Christmas episode unlike any other. In this special episode of Intercultural Surprises, I deliberately step away from cultural differences to talk to you about something even more universal: faith in humanity. Through a personal anecdote from my very first Christmas spent away from my family, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in the United States, I share with you a formative encounter with Randa—a woman whose generosity, trust, and humanity profoundly shaped my journey and continue, to this day, to influence the way I am in the world. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why I chose not to address current events, but instead to talk about hope during the holiday season. • The concept of pay it forward. • A Christmas story experienced while traveling, made of unconditional hospitality, transmission, and bonds that transcend borders. • The faces, first names, and simple gestures that nourish my faith in humanity—from Tunisia to India, from Colombia to Patagonia. • A reflection on love for the Other, everyday generosity, and that light which exists even in a world marked by crises, violence, and doubt. This episode is an invitation to choose to see the light, to remember that hope does not always come from major political or societal decisions, but very often from the human beings who cross our path—sometimes for a few hours, sometimes for a lifetime. 🎧 An intimate, sensitive, and deeply human episode, to listen to quietly during the holiday season, to reconnect with what binds us together. Whether you are an expat, a traveler, or simply curious about cultures and diversity, this podcast is for you! Enjoy ! --- Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey and helps you better understand cultures around the world. 🎤 I’m Charlotte Courtois, an international speaker on cultural diversity and founder of the NGO Konstelacio, which raises children’s awareness of intercultural dialogue all around the world. To learn more about who I am and what I do, for collaborations, or to contact me and share your own travel stories, visit: 👉 My website: www.charlotte-courtois.com (http://www.charlotte-courtois.com)👉 My NGO, Konstelacio: www.konstelacio.org (http://www.konstelacio.org)👉 My LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois (http://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois)

8. 

   2 Dec 2025

   South Africa - The time I launched a debate in xhosa

   In this second episode of my intercultural podcast, I take you with me to South Africa for one of the most surprising moments of my solo round-the-world journey. While working in Khayelitsha, a township near Cape Town, I found myself alone on a bus, a bit nervous… until a simple question about Xhosa wedding traditions sparked a full-bus debate in Xhosa! What began as a stressful ride quickly became a timeless moment of connection, laughter, and cultural discovery. During this journey, I was collecting stories from children in seven countries—an adventure that led me to create my NGO, Konstelacio. One of the themes I explored with them was “the wedding,” and it opened fascinating conversations about rituals, symbols, and traditions. In this episode, I share what I learned about the two stages of Xhosa weddings, from the traditional ceremony and its beautiful attire to the “white wedding,” and even the tradition of pouring brandy around the house to welcome ancestors. I also reflect on three key lessons I’ve learned while traveling: relying on locals to understand safety rules, asking open questions to create genuine connections, and remembering that culture is never homogeneous—every person has their own version of tradition. If you’re curious about cultural diversity, storytelling, or solo travel, this episode is for you. I’d love to hear your reactions and your own travel stories on Instagram or LinkedIn. And stay tuned: in two weeks, I’ll take you with me to Tunisia for the next adventure! --- Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey to better understand the world’s cultures. 🎤 I am Charlotte Courtois—speaker on cultural diversity and founder of the NGO Konstelacio, which helps children around the world learn about intercultural dialogue. I am also a UNESCO Young Leader for Peace. To learn more about who I am and what I do, to collaborate, or to share your own travel stories with me, visit: 👉 My website: ⁠www.charlotte-courtois.com⁠ (http://www.charlotte-courtois.com) 👉 Konstelacio: ⁠www.konstelacio.org⁠ (http://www.konstelacio.org) 👉 My Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/charlottecourtois_off⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/charlottecourtois_off) 👉 My LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois⁠ (http://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois)

9. 

   4 Nov 2025

   Cambodia - The time I played "Don't say no or no"

   In this episode set in Cambodia, I share the story of the time I thought my tuk-tuk driver was messing with me! Among the keys to discovering others—and to intercultural management as well—what if we explored our relationship with the word “No”? I’ll tell you what happened, what I learned from it, and how you can apply those lessons in your everyday life. Whether you’re an expat, a traveler, or simply curious about cultures and diversity, this podcast is for you. Enjoy the episode! --- Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey to better understand the world’s cultures. 🎤 I am Charlotte Courtois—speaker on cultural diversity and founder of the NGO Konstelacio, which helps children around the world learn about intercultural dialogue. To learn more about who I am and what I do, to collaborate, or to share your own travel stories with me, visit: 👉 My website: www.charlotte-courtois.com (http://www.charlotte-courtois.com)👉 Konstelacio: www.konstelacio.org (http://www.konstelacio.org)👉 My Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlottecourtois_off (https://www.instagram.com/charlottecourtois_off)👉 My LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois (http://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois)

10. 

    26 Oct 2025

    Intercultural Surprises – Exploring and Understanding the Cultures of the World

    Intercultural Surprises is the podcast that takes you on a journey to better understand the cultures of the world. 🎙️ I am Charlotte Courtois, speaker and expert in cultural diversity and intercultural management. I am also the founder of Konstelacio, a UNESCO-accredited NGO which educates children around the world on intercultural dialogue. Passionate about cultures—and stories in all their forms—I share my travel experiences to help decode and understand cultural differences. 🌎 Intercultural Surprises explores global travel, customs and traditions, and the discovery of others and ourselves. Whether you are a comfort traveler or a backpacker, an expatriate, an immigrant, an HR professional, or simply curious about international mobility, this podcast is for anyone interested in the world and its people. 🗝️ Each episode provides tips and advice for living and working abroad, as well as for traveling to other countries (or rediscovering our own) with a little less confusion. ✔️ By learning to understand one another, we all feel better in society and in our shared humanity. It also proves to be beneficial for cohesion, creativity, and performance—both in everyday life and in professional settings. 🕯️ It requires a healthy dose of curiosity and vulnerability, but the rewards are immense. 📅 Intercultural Surprises is a monthly podcast, complemented by occasional special episodes featuring interviews with other travelers and expatriates throughout the year. 🧭 I invite you to join me on a podcast round-the-world trip. Subscribe so you do not miss any episode, and share Intercultural Surprises with your friends and colleagues to take them on this journey with us. For more information about my background and other activities: My website: https://www.charlotte-courtois.com/en/ (https://www.charlotte-courtois.com⁠/en/) My NGO, Konstelacio: https://www.konstelacio.org (https://www.konstelacio.org) My LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chacourtois)

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