Features
Everyday life
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.
Everyday life
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.
Work
NEETs, short for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training,” refer to young people under 30 who are neither studying nor working. Many may feel trapped in a cycle they cannot escape, especially if they lack the skills and experience needed to break into their country's workforce. A stint abroad could provide the right opportunity to break free from this stagnation.
Health system
Many expatriates living abroad do not have international private health insurance; instead, they rely on local health coverage. The quality and sufficiency of this coverage can vary greatly from one country to another. Which countries are known for having the best healthcare systems?
Everyday life
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.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad isn't just about earning a degree or enjoying campus life. You will be immersed in a new culture, your ability to work or even travel will be curtailed by immigration laws, and you will be paying for groceries in another currency. These non-academic factors can shape your study-abroad experience, for better or worse. What important questions should you ask yourself before accepting an offer to study abroad?
Work
Moving abroad is frequently seen as a career boost, but it's important to recognize that skills and qualifications might not always transfer seamlessly across borders. Challenges such as language barriers, changes in status and salary, and unrecognized degrees can lead to a diminished professional identity. How can you safeguard your career value when relocating internationally?
Work
Many people dream of making a living from their passion abroad, and for a lucky few, this becomes a reality. Yet, turning this dream into reality demands careful planning. What are the pitfalls to avoid? Here are some essential tips.
Everyday life
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?
Work
Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?
Tax
The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.
Schools & studies
More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.
Work
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
Schools & studies
Your early to mid-20s can be an ideal time to embark on an expat adventure. You're young, you have a newly-minted degree in hand and a thirst for adventure and you're unlikely to have family responsibilities like kids: the world is your oyster. However, financial constraints and a lack of work experience can throw a spanner in the works. How do you go about selecting a suitable destination and crafting your first experience living abroad?
Formalities
According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of American workers aged 65 and older report high satisfaction with their jobs, surpassing the rates of their younger counterparts. Retirement age is increasingly flexible, allowing "semi-retirees" to maintain some professional activity. Additionally, this period often prompts some individuals to move abroad. How can one effectively manage this transition?
Work
In the age of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), it might seem that technical skills are crucial for job hunting, especially internationally. However, the situation is more complex, as highlighted by a recent World Economic Forum report. While technology will significantly alter the job landscape, "soft skills" are still the most in demand. In a world rapidly shaped by AI, these skills are what truly set candidates apart. What, then, do recruiters prioritize when considering applicants for positions abroad?
Everyday life
Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure, brimming with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a fresh arrival or a seasoned expat, we present ten straightforward challenges designed to enhance your experience and help you fully integrate into your new country. From mastering the local language to exploring off-the-beaten-path regions, each challenge is crafted to maximize your enjoyment of expatriate life. Are you ready to transform your daily routine?
Schools & studies
High school graduates and their parents often wonder whether investing in an international education is worthwhile, especially when their home country offers excellent universities. Is the hefty price tag of studying abroad justified when top-quality education is available locally, for free, or for low domestic fees? Here are some reasons why studying abroad might still be a valuable investment.
Other Types
Portugal
The Portuguese government is set to tighten the rules for acquiring nationality. The Council approved a draft law of Ministers on 23 June, but the reform is not yet final. For now, the measures outlined below remain proposals.
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.
Spain
Spain's sweeping immigration reform came into effect on May 20, 2025, with the aim of simplifying procedures and modernizing the system. Here are the key points to understand.
South Africa
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs continues to experience delays in processing visa applications. In response, it has issued a new exemption, valid until 30 September 2025, as outlined in Immigration Directive No. 5 released earlier this year.
Indonesia
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, the aim is to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers. Since June 14, 2025, new rules have been in place to more strictly regulate the C18 stay permit (C18 visa). Also known as the "Work Trial" visa, the C18 is intended for workers coming to Indonesia to complete a trial period with a sponsoring company—the company where the trial will be carried out.
Kuwait
Expatriates in Kuwait should prepare for stricter visa controls. This new crackdown aims to better regulate the entry and exit of foreign nationals and more effectively “secure” the labor market. Here are the key changes.
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