Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
Netherlands
With a pointed question, Amsterdam city councillor and Labour Party member Lian Heinhuis is challenging both businesses and residents to rethink how expatriates fit into city life. Her proposal, Maak van Amsterdam je thuis (“Make Amsterdam Your Home”), was initially rejected. But on June 12, the city council gave it the green light. Its mission is straightforward: to help expats feel truly connected to life in Amsterdam.
Moving to a new country opens the door to fresh experiences—and that includes meeting new people. Dating apps can make it easier to connect, whether you're looking for companionship, a relationship, or just someone to explore the city with. But how can you make sure you're meeting the right person? And how do you stay safe while doing it?
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure full of opportunities. But it also means getting to know a place that may still feel unfamiliar. Unfortunately, scams are common—especially in large cities. Expats who don't yet speak the local language or understand how things work can be easy targets. To help you avoid problems and settle in smoothly, here are some key insights into the most common types of scams you must beware of.
Many aspects of life today are shaped by constant judgment and evaluation—annual reviews, performance indicators, goal assessments, skills audits, and more. But should we apply the same lens to an international relocation? Living abroad is a rich and complex experience, which raises an important question: how—and why—should we evaluate it? Is it to strengthen an application for a new role and better reflect the value of our intercultural experience? To gain clarity about future goals in an international setting? Or perhaps to make sense of the reasons behind a return?
Being an expat isn't easy. It can be fun, interesting, eye-opening – but it comes with its share of hardships and lessons. Today, we are focusing on the lessons we learn as expats at the very beginning of the journey. Here are the six lessons you will most likely learn in your first half a year abroad.
USA
Relocating from the UK to the US is more than a change of address—it's a shift in culture, language, and daily life. David and Ginge, co-leaders of Brits of Compass, know that firsthand. In this interview, they share their journeys, the story behind the group, and how shared experiences help them support others making the same move.
You've decided: retirement abroad is the plan. Whether you're relocating permanently or spending just a few years overseas, preparation is key. Many employers offer support as staff transition into retirement—but what happens when that next chapter unfolds in another country? When should you start planning? And what timeline will help you make the most of your new life abroad?
Grieving is never easy. But for expatriates, separated from family and the familiar rituals that usually accompany loss, the process can feel distant and muted. How do you come to terms with absence when life around you continues as if nothing has changed? Palliative care therapist Sophie Gidrol sheds light on the challenges of grieving from afar and offers guidance to help navigate this deeply human experience.
In the wake of Covid-19 and ongoing economic uncertainty, more people are seriously considering life abroad. For some, it's still just a distant dream. But for others, that dream becomes a lived reality. Life as an expat, however, is rarely a fairytale. Those who share their stories know the challenges firsthand. It takes persistence—and often struggle—to find one's footing in a foreign country.
Foreign retirees represent a valuable demographic for many countries. They bring steady financial resources, stimulate local consumption, invest in real estate, and sometimes contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship or volunteer work. Recognizing these benefits, many governments actively compete to attract retirees, offering special visa programs, tax incentives, and other benefits designed to make relocation easier and more appealing.
Euphoria, doubt, frustration, adjustment, motivation, hope — relocating overseas stirs a wide range of emotions, often contradictory. Leaving behind your country, your relationships, and your familiar surroundings marks a major life change. How can you navigate these emotional stages in the best possible way?
Living abroad introduces you to many new experiences: a new university, a new workplace, and new friendships. How do you navigate these changes? How do you thrive in your new life overseas? Here are some essential tips for maintaining an active lifestyle while adapting to your new surroundings.
When relocating abroad with children, we often overlook the psychological effects of such a significant transition. However, children are equally impacted by this change. What are the key considerations for preparing your children for a new life in a new country? What are your options in case of major challenges?
The rising cost of living is impacting most major expat destinations. Despite this, plans to move abroad are still rolling, although they might be slightly reviewed to address everyday challenges. We have asked expats about their strategies for settling into a new country on a limited budget.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, expats can still face discrimination in their host countries. However, as highlighted by various studies, some countries stand out for their reputation of being more inclusive and for having fewer instances of discrimination or violence against expats.
Making friends in a new cultural environment, where you don't already have an established network of childhood and work friends and where you also might face a language barrier, can be intimidating. In your quest to find friends in your new home, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
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