Work - Expat Magazine

The first Monday morning in a new country is hard. Your spouse goes to the office, leaving you standing in the echoing space of your new home. Maybe you feel guilty that they have to work, while you play house? But at the same time, you've given up your job for the sake of theirs! So you make another cup of coffee and look out the window at an unfamiliar street, wondering where it leads.

Retiring abroad is a growing trend among expatriates who – after a long and successful career – feel the need for change. While it can seem to be a challenge for some, it can also be a great opportunity to enjoy better conditions and quality of life. Expat.com gives you an insight into the best countries for a fulfilling retirement.

Emerging markets represent a real potential for entrepreneurs and investors wishing to expand their activities abroad. However, venturing into an emerging market can be as risky as it is advantageous. Ian Herbison, CEO of Speyside, a consultant and emerging market specialist, talks to Expat.com about the strengths and weaknesses of key emerging markets.

If you are considering moving abroad as a woman alone, it, unfortunately, remains the case that some countries are certainly safer than others. Be it due to societal norms or levels of crime against women, certain countries can be more dangerous for a woman travelling by herself. Here are some of the safest destinations for female solo travellers.

Business leaders are looking to emerging markets as the next frontier, with a wealth of potential and opportunity to take their business to the next level. However, to do so is no easy feat, and requires leaders to be, at their heart, highly adaptable. There will be new challenges that haven't been encountered before, with solutions that are likely different to those that have been previously applied to the more developed territories.

International companies are keen on hiring employees to work abroad on long-term contracts or specific projects, and the response they receive from the candidates is rather engaging. But what are multi-national businesses looking to achieve with this practice? And why are people willing to go through the inconvenience of relocation for work? AXA, a global insurance company with 107 million customers all over the world, has asked these and more questions to senior directors in charge of global mobility at 250 multi-national companies in eight countries and to 372 people in 11 countries who are working on international assignments. Expat.com discusses the findings of this survey on global mobility.

Are you planning to move abroad for work or change your lifestyle, or is it that you are looking for a destination to visit? Depending on your motives, Expat.com takes a closer look at the results of IPSOS's 2017 survey which asked three questions to 18,557 international adults: Which city do you think is the best to live in? Visit? Do business in? Have a read and find out whether your favourite city is featured.

The term emerging markets is often used to cover countries classified as either emerging or frontier markets. There are countries from different regions and continents in each classification, from Europe to Asia, opening their doors to investment opportunities from everywhere in the world.

The idea of starting over can be daunting, and the idea of starting over in an entirely different country even more so. However, having the right attitude and approach to moving can make all the difference – particularly when challenges present themselves. No matter what your reason for moving, adopting the right attitude can make all the difference on your success as an expat.

The meaning of power has changed through time, and nowadays, in the era of digital diplomacy, in which diplomatic objectives are achieved through the internet, the stronger country is the one that collaborates, builds networks beyond geographical borders, and influences others.

On International Nelson Mandela Day, we are taking action and contribute our part to the world by making an impact — on our neighbour's child, our community, country, or, why not, in a different country. For 67 years, Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of post-apartheid South Africa, was advocating human rights, defending peace, and promoting social justice. In recognition of Mandela's heroism, simplicity, and resistance, Expat.com explores the opportunities of charitable work around the world, and ways to pass the messages of reconciliation and peace through actions. From making a new friend abroad to serving a humanitarian cause, “it always seems impossible until it's done”.

Originally from Romania, Alina moved to Denmark to pursue her education and eventually settled down there. However, she moved to Tallinn, Estonia to be with her (now) husband and give life there a try. Since moving there nine months ago, she has fallen for the country as well, and she tells Expat.com just what it is that makes Estonia so appealing.

The MSCI classification of frontier, emerging, and developed markets helps investors and entrepreneurs identify the next upcoming market and the markets with the most potential for growth. As more countries step up to the plate (with Pakistan most recently moving from a frontier to emerging market classification), there is a sea of possibilities for those looking to dive in ahead of the curve.

Ashley, an American expat in Scotland talks to Expat.com about the romantic (spoiler) reason behind her decision to move to Edinburgh, Scotland, and how she can now enjoy the best of two worlds. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road and coping with the wet and cold weather have been good enough reasons to give Ashley a cultural shock, but Edinburgh is an easy going place to live in, full of personality and genuinely nice people who will welcome you. 

Thinking about moving to Germany? You have probably started your research about the country already — the climate, the job market, the formalities, and the leisure activities. But here's some fascinating information about Germany that you may have missed (and will boost your decision making).