Features

There is a popular misconception that foreign professionals have an advantage over other their local counterparts, that they earn more and benefit from better working conditions. Behind these misconceptions lies a still highly idealized vision of expat life. The truth, however, is less idyllic than what it looks like.

Get paid to move abroad? Yes, you read that right! The idea is gaining ground in countries faced with critical demographic decline and congestion in their megacities. This means that you can benefit from incentives to relocate to smaller towns. Where are such programs on offer, and what do they imply?

It can be more challenging for introverted expats to make new friends abroad. They can take more time adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. However, their adaptation process can be easier if they personalize their house into a safety cocoon, create comforting rituals, connect with people with the same hobbies and don't pressurize themselves to do too many things at once.

The rejection rate for student visas tends to be low compared to work, talent and investor visas. However, you can still get rejected if you neglect to submit all required documents, have suspicious financial records, show inadequate language skills, have an unclear purpose for entering the country, or fail to meet vaccination requirements. Here are mistakes you should avoid to ensure your student visa won't be rejected.

It is said that travel shapes youth, and the same holds true for adults, especially today, as many countries are actively on the lookout for international talent. Lifelong learning has become essential for building a successful career. Performing an internship abroad is another way to explore life in a new country while gaining knowledge and work experience. We are familiar with internships abroad for young students, but can adults also benefit from them? Is there an age limit? What options are available for non-students?

Language tests are often required for studying or working abroad, or obtaining a residence permit, but they are often criticized. Some people find them too numerous and costly, especially when they have already proven their language proficiency. Regardless of your reason for moving abroad, here's how you can cope with language test hurdles.

Moving to the Middle East has become a prominent trend, with the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus leading the way. A wide array of individuals, including foreign investors, executives, young graduates, and students, are now exploring opportunities in cities like Dubai or Nicosia, making it an increasingly diverse community. Some other countries in the region, like Saudi Arabia, are also making modest reforms to attract more foreign professionals.

Want to start your own business abroad? Being an expat puts you in a peculiar position as a budding entrepreneur. You have a new perspective but might be unfamiliar with the local entrepreneurial landscape and regulations. You might have a strong international network but lack a stronger local network. You feel both confident and insecure, experienced and lost. How can you gain footing as an expat entrepreneur? Here are some tips.

Since the "Covid shock" and the reopening of borders, there has been talk of this "rediscovered freedom" that gives wings to millions of new potential expatriates. The desire for freedom seems even stronger among young people. However, at the same time, soaring inflation and the economic crisis are cutting the wings of millions of others or at least delaying their living abroad plans. How challenging is it to conciliate living abroad, finances, and youth?

Being an expat, exploring new horizons and adjusting to a new environment can be both exciting and stimulating. However, when temperatures reach extreme levels, the heat can considerably challenge our resilience and adaptability. Whether you are a recently settled expat in a region with scorching summers or planning to move to a country vulnerable to heat waves, here are some tips to help you overcome such situations.

Living abroad has become an increasingly common experience for those looking for new opportunities, adventures, or personal growth. However, as expats immerse themselves in a different culture and navigate life in a foreign land, their identities also undergo a profound transformation. This raises the question: What is the impact of living abroad on one's identity, particularly in terms of national identity? To put this in simpler terms: does living in Thailand for ten years make you less British or American? And if so, is there a way to preserve your national identity while living abroad?

When choosing a study abroad destination, the language in which university courses are taught is a major consideration. It can be the only barrier to admission if you're not proficient enough in it. While Chinese and Spanish are the languages with the most native speakers, English remains the most common second language worldwide. 

Remote work is becoming increasingly popular. We now know a lot about digital nomads, independent individuals who take advantage of digital nomad visas to work abroad. But here, we are primarily interested in employees with a desire to work in another country without leaving their jobs. So how can you work remotely for your employer? Which visas, legal status, administrative procedures, and health insurance should you consider?

Retiring abroad is an appealing idea to an increasing number of seniors looking for a better quality of life. But can you retire in your host country after having spent years working there? What are your options as an expat?  

Side hustling as an international student can be an incredible adventure, offering financial independence and personal growth in a foreign country. But there are several key things to consider before starting your job hunt.

Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.

The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?

To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?