Education - Expat Magazine
Some of the most well-prepared expats may begin the process of learning the language of their destination well in advance of leaving for their new life abroad, but, for the rest of us, it can be hard to find the time while preparing for a big move. If you are not already fluent or knowledgeable of the language spoken in the host country you have moved to, there are many things you can do to help you pick it up as quickly as possible.
When you started your expatriation project, no one said it would be easy (but you knew it would be rewarding) — and when the rest of the family is joining in, there are more things to consider and take care of. While there are many childcare and schooling options abroad for all levels and curriculums, the adjustment period of your children first, in a foreign country, and second, in a new school might be challenging. Expat.com has put together some pieces of advice for the parents who are about to begin their expat adventurous with children at school age.
USA
Lisa originally comes from Charente Maritime, France. In her quest for new horizons, she moved to New Zealand where she spent six months before moving back to France. A few months later, she decided to move to the USA for her studies and better career prospects. Passionate about cinematography, she is now living her dream in Los Angeles and shares her enthusiasm with Expat.com.
Germany
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).
Where is everyone moving to, and why? Anyone thinking of moving abroad will, of course, have their own reasons for moving – according to MoveHub's report on global moving trends, 30% of respondents think that cost of living is the most important thing to consider before moving, with 50% claiming they moved for better employment opportunities. We look at the most popular destinations to move to.
Europe is full of cities on the move, be it improving infrastructure, to heightening inspiration. Savills Investment Management's measure of the most dynamic cities in Europe highlights the cities with the best prospects for commercial investment, though it is a good indicator of a city's development for anyone hoping to move there. London topped nearly all five of the metrics used by Savills to take the overall top spot, and the UK as a whole features strongly across the different categories.
Homeschooling is not for everyone. However, when you are faced with few options, this might be your best alternative. Such was my experience living in Guinea-Bissau from 2003-2006. When I first learned of my husband's posting to the West African nation, I was very apprehensive about going with him, along with our two young children, then aged four and six. But it was an important career move that couldn't be passed up.
More and more young people are looking overseas for their next new adventure, be it the next step in their education or in order to further their career. Though long stints of travelling have been popular for a while, young adults are increasinly looking to make a long-term move abroad. This breed of young expat is often a keen traveller (often using their new home as a base for visiting the region) with a desire to discover the nuances of their new culture. Here are our top five blogs from young expats.
Finland
You don't have to go too far from home to experience a new culture and lifestyle... sometimes your new home can be just a three-and-a-half-hour train ride away. Alexander decided to move to Finland after frequent visits for weekends away. He got the opportunity to further his career, and made the leap. Here, he talks with Expat.com about life in Finland and just what it takes to make a new start abroad.
Millennials are much maligned by older generations, but they are more open, more keen to experience the world and more mobile than those that have come before. They are also living in one of the most economically challenging times, with rent prices in many major cities becoming increasingly out of reach. Nestpick have assessed a wide range of factors to find the 100 most millennial-friendly cities, from the affordability of rent and food, to the prevalence of nightlife and – why not – Apple stores.
European Millennials seem to be keen on leaving their home country for another country within the continent in search of academic and professional experiences. Students and professionals between 18 and 28 convey an enthusiasm for learning new languages, living in different cultures, and, of course, gaining a better education or establishing an international career. Here, is an overview of the expat life in seven European countries as recorded by the Think Young think tank.
Europe is often a popular destination for students looking to broaden their horizons and study abroad. Not only is there high quality education on offer, but also the ability to travel reasonably cheaply and experience other cultures. In addition, many institutions outside of the UK offer courses in English, which continues to be one of the best languages for furthering your career internationally. In the 2017 report by Study.eu, countries were ranked according to quality of education (which made up over half of the score), cost, and life and career.
Indonesia
Wayne yearned for something bigger than the small-town life he had grown accustomed to, and decided to explore what lies beyond Canada's borders. His travels took him to Asia, where he ended up remaining, eventually settling in Surabaya, Indonesia. Here, he shares with Expat.com his thoughts about his expat journey and life in Indonesia.
If you choose city-living in a bustling metropolis, be prepared for some potentially sky-high costs. The amenities afforded are innumerable in a cosmopolitan city, but at what price? The latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit on the most expensive cities to live in across the world is out, highlighting the places with the highest cost of living. We take an in-depth look at the most expensive cities to live in, as well as hearing about the experiences of some of our own members.
England
When an opportunity comes, you better grab it. This is exactly what Swapna from the United States and her family did several months ago when they moved to Surrey, England. Nowadays, they all enjoy a new lifestyle that may not resemble what they were used to back home but teaches them a whole lot about the world and themselves. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to understand who you are and what matters to you in life.
In a world that continues to deliver bad news day after day, it seems there is just no getting away from it. With violence on the streets, political upheaval around the world and societies growing seemingly more and more frustrated – and with no signs of any of this looking to cease any time soon – the question arises for those of us who want a more peaceful life for ourselves and for our families, just what can we do?
How many times has the language barrier stopped us from developing a relationship, expressing ourselves, or resolving a misunderstanding? The English language is our best choice when it comes to integration and cross-cultural communication in diverse settings. But it is also a passport to a global network of successful and helpful people and enticing professional opportunities abroad.
Most popular destinations for expats have seen a growing inflation of international schooling prices. Some expat destinations can offer alternatives through local curriculums but some not. With no access to the local education system for some or the need to maintain their native language and curriculum for others, putting your children in international schools can be financially challenging.
Articles to help you in your expat project
Study in Mauritius
Mauritius is becoming a higher education hub for the region as it offers a great deal of options. Most Mauritian ...
Study in Mexico
If you're planning to move to Mexico with your family or choose to study there, here is all you need to know ...
Student life in Singapore
Singapore is home to four large ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian, whose influences and ...
Studying in Bahrain
Are you moving to Bahrain with your family? Or are you looking to study in a Middle-East country and wondering if ...
Study in Belgium
Belgium is an ideal destination for students worldwide. This country attracts students with its high-quality ...
International schools in Vietnam
Many families moving to Vietnam are curious about the quality of education available to their children. This ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"