Housing - Expat Magazine

From Thailand to Timor-Leste for gender equality
Timor-Leste
From Thailand to Timor-Leste for gender equality
Xian, an Australian-Chinese-Filipina, amateur photographer, badminton player, and swimmer among others, moved to the island nation of Timor-Leste three and a half years ago to continue her wonderful work on gender equality and the prevention of violence against women.  Xian has absolutely adapted to the unique style of island living, and shares with Expat.com some tips on making the most of your expat experience in Timor-Leste — spoiler alert: food and snorkelling included.
Where are you in the nationality lottery?
Where are you in the nationality lottery?
We don't choose our place of birth, and our nationality shouldn't be linked to our achievements, growth, and personal value. However, the Quality of Nationality Index by Henley & Partners has set some objective criteria to compare nationalities and measure their local and global performance.  Find out to what extent your nationality allows you to develop your talents inside and outside of your country.
The biggest relocation challenges for 2018
The biggest relocation challenges for 2018
A relocation project can be very beneficial for companies thanks to the recruitment of global talent and diversity in the working place. However, it comes with several challenges, which, if not adequately addressed, may not only cost the company a lot of money but also lead to loss of competent human force. Some of these challenges are available support to expat employees and orientation, visa acquisition, travel costs, housing, shipment of goods, and other benefits. Cartus, a provider of corporate relocation services, has assessed the global relocation trends for 2018 and the challenges that companies have to deal with when sending employees abroad.
The accomplishments of a successful expat in Lyon
France
The accomplishments of a successful expat in Lyon
Alejandra, a Colombian expat in Lyon, France has gone through different stages of life in this historical city. A language enthusiast, Alejandra initially arrived in France to learn French but she immediately fell in love with this vibrant place, and enrolled in a Master's degree before getting a rewarding full time job as a business developer. Looking always on the bright side of life, Alejandra gives us a tour around her favourite city. 
Moto rides and other adventures in the land of a thousand hills
Rwanda
Moto rides and other adventures in the land of a thousand hills
Sila, from Nigeria and Turkey, is now living and working in Rwanda after she agreed to accept a relocation job offer. In the heart of Africa, and home to the continent's largest rainforest with a third of gorillas' world population, Rwanda is one of the proudest nations regarding conservation of natural habitats. When not teaching the principles of leadership to talented, pan-African students, Sila is enjoying the variety of restaurants and the convenience of moto rides, which can take you anywhere in the country's capital city, Kigali. However, there are three things that Sila needs more time to adapt to — living without caring housemates, the lack of spicy food, and the calmness of the city.
April's expat blog: Adventures With Pete
New Zealand
April's expat blog: Adventures With Pete
We are happy to announce our April's Blog of The Month, Adventures With Pete by Eve Brickner, a twenty-something American expat in New Zealand. In 2013, Eve met her fiancé, and ever since they have been together on a journey of adventures. However, the biggest of all is living in New Zealand, and Eve blogs about the ups and downs, and the lessons learned throughout.
New Orleans: Where a French expat finds enthusiasm for life
USA
New Orleans: Where a French expat finds enthusiasm for life
Céline, a French expat in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a rewarding job and leads a full life in this historic city of jazz music and swing. She loves cycling to work, seafood gumbo, and the friendliness of the people. Follow her unique expat story in New Orleans as we unfold it, and learn more about this expat destination from someone who found home away from home in it.
Expat life at the crossroads of civilisations
Türkiye
Expat life at the crossroads of civilisations
Leonard, a writer, an educationist, a history-lover, and an avid reader and traveler, has found everything he needs to lead a fulfilled life in Turkey — where two opposite cultures meet and thrive together. He established his new home in Turkey in 2008 by some quirk of fate, and today, ten years later, he knows that his future is tied with Turkey. To find out more about his expat life in this magical country, follow us as we unfold Leonard's story.
Adventures of an American in Bogotá
Colombia
Adventures of an American in Bogotá
Sarah is originally from Maine but spent five years in New York City, where she met her Colombian husband. They decided to move together to Bogotá pending his green card approval. Fascinated by the Colombian culture, especially the music and dance as well as the hiking opportunities, Sarah talks to Expat.com about her everyday life enjoying a pleasant family-oriented lifestyle and unique cuisine.
An Indian expat in Finland finds new meanings in life
Finland
An Indian expat in Finland finds new meanings in life
Jutismita moved from the fast-paced Delhi to Helsinki as a trailing spouse. With her move to Europe, Jutismita discovered not only a different lifestyle and landscapes but also a whole new self. She talks to Expat.com about her new habits, big loves (spoiler alert: travelling included), and the challenges of expatriation to northern Europe.
Move abroad with little experience and a small budget
Move abroad with little experience and a small budget
The dream of leaving our country behind in search of exciting adventures abroad can seem unachievable, especially among the younger crowds who are finding themselves with a newly acquired degree, little to no work experience, and a limited budget. Expat.com is here to tell you that it is still possible to move to another country no matter what your circumstances are.
Escaping the cold: from Quebec to California
USA
Escaping the cold: from Quebec to California
Jenny spent most of her life in Quebec before she started feeling the need to explore other parts of the world. It was only after giving birth to her second child that her and her husband decided to move to California. Being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean she's bored. With an online boutique, a blog, and lots of family activities, she is kept busy. Now that she has obtained her Green Card, she's reminiscing about her journey with Expat.com.
6 tips for finding your home abroad
6 tips for finding your home abroad
You wish to make a home away from home, but what you should consider when choosing your house abroad? Many criteria such as the city's or town's cost of living, quality of housing, rent prices, neighbourhoods, etc. have to be taken into account – whether you're moving alone or with your family. Here are some useful tips to help you make the right housing choice.
Life is beautiful for our Russian expat in Italy
Italy
Life is beautiful for our Russian expat in Italy
Alexandra from Russia, first moved to Italy to study the language and to join her many Italian friends. Ever since she has been living in Verona with her Italian husband, and has been enjoying a balanced life that allows space for big gatherings, good food, yoga, and cycling.
The joys of being a French expat in Norway
Norway
The joys of being a French expat in Norway
Anne-Sophie comes from Ardennes, but she spent a few years in Paris before moving to Norway. Three years went by since she's living the dream with her companion in the beautiful town of Tønsberg. Looking back at her journey with mixed feelings – with sheer enthusiasm and nostalgia – here is what she has to say about Norway.
An enthusiastic expat in Belize
Belize
An enthusiastic expat in Belize
Kristin (also known as the Solar Super Mama) is an American expat in Belize — a country that she fell in love with at first sight, back in her college days. Kristin speaks to Expat.com about expat life with four kids in the picturesque Belize village of Monkey River and her wide range of passions — from nature and food to entrepreneurship, alternative ways of educating your children, and positive attitude towards life!
A detailed view of Russia: Through the eyes of a French expat
Russia
A detailed view of Russia: Through the eyes of a French expat
Diane's never-ending passion for new cultures brought her abroad years ago. Originally from Paris, Diane spent a few years in England before moving to Russia in 2013. For her, Russia is a land of opportunities – both at personal and professional levels. She shares her loving feelings for Russia with Expat.com.
Expat economics: Savings, property, and investment abroad
Expat economics: Savings, property, and investment abroad
The latest edition of the HSBC Expat Explorer survey has arrived, and with it comes some insight into expats and their finances. We have a look at the results to find out some of the places to move to if you want to boost your finances, or where the most expats are property owners.