Expat interviews
Health system
With current travel restrictions and many countries locked down a second time, many expats will have to spend the end of year alone, far from their loved ones. If you're one of them, you might be feeling anxious or depressed by this situation. Gabriela Encina, an expat coach and psychologist, talks to us about the impact of the second lockdown on mental health and gives out some tips to get over this.
USA
Mum, Sabrina and daughter Paola left Rome a year and a half ago to settle in Massachusetts, United States. They moved because Sabrina's husband, an Italo-American, has been working there for some time. And it was an important change to say the least. Both mom and daughter had to adapt to new habits and customs, and Paola joined a college in the perfect American style, like those you only see in movies.
Australia
"If Brexit is voted, we will move to Australia". With these words, Valentina chose to fly to the Land Down Under with her boyfriend in 2016. Originally from Italy, they both lived in London for six years. She talks to us about her everyday life, her plans, and the COVID-19 crisis in Sydney.
Brazil
“We sleep and wake up to the rhythm of the forest”. Lorenzo, an artist and writer and Iside, a naturopath, are an Italian expat couple. Tired of their traditional life in Italy, they chose to relocate to a small ecological village on the coast of Bahia, Brazil, with Leone, their 6-years-old son. In this interview, they talk to us about their choice, their everyday life in the heart of nature and their projects.
USA
Andrea comes from Calabria. After living and studying in Florence for many years, he booked a flight to Portland, in the United States, where he has lived for 13 years now. Driven by his passion for music, he even founded a music band there. In this Interview, Andrea talks about his everyday life and shares his views about the recent US protests and the COVID-19 crisis.
Sweden
Steffy comes from Naples. She left Italy in 2016 to settle in Sweden with her children. An avid blogger, Steffy is also the founder of a non-profit organisation that takes care of children with special needs. She talks to Expat.com about her everyday life and challenges as an expat mom of an autistic child.
USA
The USA is one of the most affected countries by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 1.4 million cases and a death toll of over 83,000. While the lockdown is being eased in many countries, it doesn't look like the situation is getting better anytime soon. Anna, a Bulgarian expat, who lives in Chicago, shares her views about the pandemic with Expat.com.
England
The coronavirus pandemic has brought many expatriates around the world on the frontline in various fields. Nilesh Sewpaul is a Mauritian doctor practising in Birmingham, UK. He talks about how the UK has been dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak and shares his personal feelings, away from his family.
USA
Like most countries around the world, the USA haven't been spared by the coronavirus pandemic. This unprecedented health crisis is having a significant impact on every sector of the US economy. Sylvain Perret, a real estate specialist from France, talks about the slowdown in the USA and gives out some precious tips for those looking to do business abroad.
Health system
The COVID-19 spreading like wildfire all over the world is taking its toll on the global economy. The unprecedented health crisis is currently paired with an economic crisis with significant repercussions on practically all sectors. Hervé Gindre, a French entrepreneur in Morocco, shares his views about the economic slowdown.
Malaysia
He left his office job to become a stay at home dad in Malaysia while his wife is a teacher in an international school. And he has been pretty busy since: from following people into supermarkets because he might have spotted new friends for his young daughter, to his very first dress up day… David tells us about being able to take his children swimming everyday and about the difficulty of not being the breadwinner anymore, among others.
USA
Francine Prewitt is the founder of Prewitt Law, a New York law firm specializing in business law and immigration law. Francine mainly helps foreign entrepreneurs and start-ups to set up their company in the United States.
Moving
A bit more than a year after moving back to France, Caroline Szipira tells Expat.com about the process of moving home from living abroad.
USA
Moving abroad on your own is no easy feat. Some might argue that it is particularly hard when you're a woman. So on this International Women's Day, Expat.com celebrates the wonderful women who have made the big move abroad. Here's Lisa… she's a French girl who pursued the dream of studying Film in Los Angeles!
USA
The American professional etiquette bears no secret for Gilbert Croze. Building on his thirty years experience in professional dealings, the French man, who started as an engineer, has even co-written a book on this subject. After a training course at Stanford, Gilbert Croze was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Matra Aerospace Inc. in Washington. Back in France, he specialises in intercultural management and has trained executives from some of the most prominent French companies.
Malaysia
What led Philippine to Malaysia is a job opportunity she could say no to. Coming from the Vosges region in France, she flew to Kuala Lumpur with her family. Both Philippine and her partner work for the same company under a local work contract. Happy about her new life in the heart of the bustling and multicultural metropolis, she talks to Expat.com about her everyday life as a mum and part-time employee far from where her home is.
China
After graduating in Northern Ontario, Carmelo wasn't very happy about career prospects in Canada. His quest for a better job led him to China where he works as a teacher. He talks to Expat.com about his new adventures and everyday life as the father of a newborn son in what he calls the "Millenials' paradise", and his passion for his work.
Chile
Meet Nina, serial expat who been living out of a suitcase since she was 18. With a background in luxury travel, she was thrilled at the opportunity to move to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Chile. Here she shares her experiences on expat life in Santiago and beyond.
Other Types
Everyday life
Moving to a new country opens the door to fresh experiences—and that includes meeting new people. Dating apps can make it easier to connect, whether you're looking for companionship, a relationship, or just someone to explore the city with. But how can you make sure you're meeting the right person? And how do you stay safe while doing it?
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.
Schools & studies
Like millions of locals, international students often work to support their studies. While working can offer cultural insight and a chance to engage with the host country, finances are usually the main motivation. So, how can students strike a balance between work and study? And what boundaries can help them make the most of their student life?
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.
Visas
It's the golden ticket to living almost like a citizen. For foreign nationals, a permanent resident card holds deep symbolic value. Many expats work hard to get it—a milestone that's often challenging. Once it's granted, maintaining that status becomes crucial, especially for those aiming to apply for citizenship later on. But what happens when your permanent resident card expires? Do you automatically lose your status?
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