Features

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.

Healthcare is an important consideration if you are thinking about moving abroad, and it is nice to know there is a good system in place, should anything untoward occur. The Commonwealth Fund has assessed the healthcare systems of eleven developed nations in order to compare the top ten with last place US.

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.

If you're planning to move to the other side of the world, you better be aware of the physical risk factors and precautions to take in case of a natural disaster. Some countries are more likely to be hit by cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and wildfire, and other are more susceptible to be affected by the hazards of such phenomena. As we like to say "hope for the best, prepare for the worst".

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”.

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.

Commemorating the French National Day, July 14 is a public holiday in France. So if you have just landed in France, you would not want to miss the fireworks – which by the way are quite impressive – or the massive military march. What could be a better way to discover the French way of life than mingling in the celebrations, just like the French do?

While some people may be seeking the biggest and most modern cities to relocate to, other expats are searching for a different kind of city life — one that allows them to step back in time. If you are looking for a city with an enticing past to discover, as well as museums  and ancient ruins to wander around, look no further. We have put together some of the most historical cities, where you can experience the past while living in the now.

If you are a tea aficionado in Thailand, fear not, as it turns out Thailand has a unique tea culture — from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, there is no shortage of places and types of tea to experience. As the adoration of tea is spreading worldwide, popular culture has come to embrace teas such as the matcha green tea and the Taiwanese speciality bubble tea-based beverage. John, an American expat in Thailand, guides us through Thailand's tea culture and gives us tips on where to find the finest teas in the country.

There is nothing worse than packing an oversized and heavy suitcase during a trip. Whether you are trying unsuccessfully to fit your luggage into the overhead compartment on your 30-minute flight, pulling a clunker of a suitcase with broken wheels through the hotel lobby, or trying to carry that same suitcase in your hands as if it were an outsized toddler, not packing correctly can lead to some serious discomfort.

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).