Work - Expat Magazine
Like millions of locals, international students often work to support their studies. While working can offer cultural insight and a chance to engage with the host country, finances are usually the main motivation. So, how can students strike a balance between work and study? And what boundaries can help them make the most of their student life?
Unlike other Erasmus initiatives limited to those under 30, the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program has no age restriction. It offers a practical pathway to professional growth: the chance to explore new business cultures, gain vital skills, and expand your international network. You don't need years of experience to apply. What matters is a clear business idea, determination, and a strong desire to learn. In this article, Enrico, a young ambassador who benefited from the program, gives you insight into the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs initiative.
Finland
Finland is introducing stricter rules for foreign workers. If you're an expat with a residence permit tied to your job, and you lose that job, you'll now have just three months to find new employment. Otherwise, you could lose your right to stay in the country.
Hong Kong
To stay competitive in today's global economy, Hong Kong is making a strategic shift in its immigration policy. The city is preparing to raise the age limit for foreign professionals looking to work there in response to an ongoing shortage of skilled workers. If you've ever dreamed of advancing your career in Asia, this could be your opportunity.
The summer job season is in full swing, and you've set your sights on working abroad this year. Whether you're seeking a short-term position or a temporary contract, making a strong impression is key to landing the job. So, how can you catch the attention of foreign recruiters? And how can you adapt to the culture of your host country? Here's what you need to know to present yourself effectively and confidently navigate your international experience.
Finding a job abroad without prior experience is becoming increasingly difficult. Learn about the current obstacles and practical solutions for starting an international career. The days when one could confidently apply for a junior position without experience are over. Several surveys highlight a growing trend: job postings for "entry-level" roles increasingly require a few years of experience. It's a paradox—how are fresh graduates expected to gain their first professional experience if even beginner roles demand one? The issue becomes even more complex for young people looking to move abroad, where they must also prove their worth beyond national borders.
Job hunting in a new country can be a minefield. You're navigating unfamiliar cultural norms, unsure of the unspoken rules in the professional world, and uncertain where to find the right contacts who can open the right doors for you. To make matters worse, in the digital age, fake job ads clutter even well-established platforms like LinkedIn. Some countries, like South Africa, are even facing an epidemic of these fake “ghost jobs” and scams. How can you avoid these traps?
Belgium
Facing deep US science funding cuts, the European Union has launched Choose Europe for Science—a €500 million plan to recruit top American researchers. Announced on May 5, the initiative highlights 15 cities, from Berlin to Helsinki, as welcoming centers for global scientific talent.
One of the biggest challenges for expatriate workers is figuring out how to present themselves to a foreign employer. Adapting to a different resume format, especially with a non-traditional background, can be tricky. But what if the resume is part of the problem? More companies are turning to resume-free recruitment to give all candidates a fairer chance. Here's what that means in practice.
Living abroad can make it harder to gauge how your work is viewed. Many expatriates feel overlooked or under constant scrutiny. Yet recognition is essential—it builds trust with managers and directly influences performance. Here's why it matters.
Canada
British Columbia is still grappling with a shortage of doctors and nurses. While the province's 2023 compensation plan has successfully brought in 1,001 new family doctors over the past year, about 400,000 residents remain without a family physician. In response, the province announced a cap on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications as of April 14.
Spain
In Barcelona, call centers are shutting down one after another. The causes: artificial intelligence and outsourcing to cheaper countries. Nearly 600 layoffs are expected by October. That's the plan announced by CPM International, a commercial outsourcing agency, for its Barcelona site. Here's what you need to know if you're planning to look for work in Barcelona.
Studying abroad opens doors to more than just academic credentials—it shapes a global outlook. But how do you turn that into a career advantage? Beyond classic international fields like diplomacy, development, and tourism, new opportunities are emerging in innovation, design, tech, and entrepreneurship. These fast-evolving sectors value fresh ideas, cross-cultural thinking, and adaptability—traits that international graduates often bring to the table. Today, standing out in the global job market means not just having foreign experience but knowing how to frame it as a competitive edge.
Czech Republic
A sweeping overhaul of the Czech Labor Code—known as the Flexible Work Amendment—is set to reshape how employees are hired, paid, and dismissed. Taking effect in June 2025, the reform targets both local and international workers. If you've recently relocated for work or are planning a move to Czechia, here's what you need to know.
Luxembourg
On March 31, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg updated its list of occupations facing severe shortages. The authorities have identified 22 sectors where Luxembourg employers are struggling to recruit.
Living abroad can sharpen the visibility of gender stereotypes, especially in professional settings. Women are often seen as following their partners overseas, expected to fill their days within expat social circles. Men face their own clichés: they are typically cast as ambitious professionals, sent abroad for a strategic career move, often into senior roles. Why do these outdated views about gender and international careers still persist?
Sick leave isn't just a policy—it's a cultural signal. While it may seem like a standard clause in an employment contract, sick leave practices reveal much about local workplace norms. In some countries, taking time off due to illness is discouraged or seen as a sign of weakness. In others, employees are trusted to manage their health, with no need to provide a medical certificate for the first few days of absence. So, how do you navigate these differing expectations when working abroad?
Lately, many large companies have considered ending or significantly cutting back on remote work. This has met with pushback from employees who have adapted their lives to work from home. How can businesses balance the needs of expatriates, facilitate their professional integration, and still accommodate remote work? How does remote working impact foreign employees' connection to their company?
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