Housing - Expat Magazine
England
When an opportunity comes, you better grab it. This is exactly what Swapna from the United States and her family did several months ago when they moved to Surrey, England. Nowadays, they all enjoy a new lifestyle that may not resemble what they were used to back home but teaches them a whole lot about the world and themselves. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to understand who you are and what matters to you in life.
France
Emily is an expat mum from the UK. She moved to Lyon three years ago with her husband who is of French origin but had never been to France before, and their two daughters. Between her remote parliamentary job and freelance journalism, Emily has a fulfilling family life. Emily shares her feelings about living in France with Expat.com.
China
Jerry comes from the USA. During a short stay in Taiwan, he fell in love with the east side of the world. He settled with his wife in Qingdao, China, seven years ago. Nowadays Jerry and his beautiful blended family are making the most of Qingdao's ocean, mountains, and oxygen. But expatriation is always an option for the future.
If you had told me five years ago that come 2016, I would be permanently swapping the wet and windy streets of my hometown Manchester in the UK for the sunshine and everyday stunning sunset views in magical Mauritius, I probably would have laughed in your face. Yet here we are, and here I am — an official expatriate now living on this glorious island, right in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
There are several ways to feel at ease in the new country you have decided to move to — finding a place that you can settle in and make it homey is maybe the predominant one.
Belgium
Charlotte comes from London. Her partner's posting brought her to Belgium in January 2016. Since then, every day is an adventure. She shares her time between work and fun wanders among the cobbled streets of Brussels where there's always a new bar or restaurant waiting to be discovered. She shares with Expat.com her life in what she describes as being a very European city with a laidback lifestyle.
France
Ashley comes from Montreal, Canada. She spent a few years in Florence, Italy during her photograhy studies. Her endless curiosity and her francophile British companion led her to France three years ago. An avid blogger and photographer, she enjoys her relaxed lifestyle in the countryside.
China
Nicole was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia. Following her studies, she started working as a journalist before her husband's posting in Hong Kong. After a few years, they moved to Xi'An in the center of China. Nicole talks to Expat.com about her life as an expat mom, an avid writer and blogger, and her passion for traveling.
Reunion Island
Catharine comes from the UK. She first visited Reunion Island in 1990 during an exchange year. After her graduation, she flew back and ever since, she has found another place to call home. She shares with Expat.com her love for the island's lifestyle, its natural landscapes, and the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity.
Greece
Linda was born in New Zealand. Feeling an urge to move and see the rest of the world, she headed to Europe back in the 1970s. Her love for Greece led her to the Greek love of her life. Today they have two children and five grandchildren. She talks to Expat.com about her life as a retired Kiwi expat on the island of Poros, Greece, and the irresistable beauties of a country with so much history, sun, culture, and many apetizing flavours.
Singapore
Milla is a mother to two — a 10-year old boy and an 8-year old girl. Originally from Finland, she moved to Singapore one and a half years ago when she decided to support her husband in his new job. Nowadays, she is a homemaker and an avid blogger.
Moving abroad involves meticulous preparation and decision making. If you are a first time expat, it's okay to feel unsure about your choises — you already have enough on your plate. Are you immersed in long conversations with your family and friends about the next steps to securing a property? Some will argue that's better to rent a home abroad while others are ardent buyers. And what about your current home? Should you let or sell?
Philippines
Gary comes from Southern California. He retired in 2013 after serving in the US Army Signal Corps and occupying several corporate executive positions in the private sector for over 35 years. Nowadays, he is enjoying a relaxed lifestyle in Tagaytay, Philippines.
Malaysia
Frank and Francien come from the Netherlands. In 1986, Frank joined an American multinational in South Africa, and for 35 years he was enjoying the prosperities of an international career. Since his retirement in 2015, Frank and his wife Francien have been living an exciting adventure in the vibrant capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Germany
Originally from the UK, Oliver spent a few years in Switzerland before moving to Frankfurt following a job offer. He shares with Expat.com his love for the city's liveliness, far from bustling Munich and Berlin, and his appreciation of Frankfurt's nice weather.
New Zealand
Dawn and Isaac traveled together to the North and the South Islands of New Zealand after university, and decided to settle in, while joining friends and family. They talk to Expat.com about the way of life in Auckland, and the sentiments of their English expat life.
USA
Sarah moved from Northern Ireland to Houston, Texas, three and a half years ago. The British expat shares her everyday life in the USA with Expat.com and talks about what makes Houston a good place to live in.
Switzerland
Kate comes from Washington. She fell in love with Switzerland 10 years ago during a train ride. Following a two years stay in London, she finally moved to Zurich in 2014 with her husband and two daughters. In this Interview, she shares her views about life in Switzerland.
Articles to help you in your expat project
Buying a property in Mauritius
The Economic Development Board reminds us that any non-citizen, whether an individual or an investor, is allowed ...
Finding accommodation in Australia
There are many types of flats, rentals, and houses in Australia, ranging from modern units to more traditional ...
Accommodation in Manila
There are lots of renting options to choose from when relocating to Manila. Most expats in the Philippines live in ...
Renting accommodation in Qatar
Due to the constant movement of expatriates in Qatar, there is a huge variety of rental options to suit all ...
Buying a property in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to a large number of expats, many of whom call the city their second home. Thus, it comes as no ...
Accommodation in Taiwan
Taiwan can be a challenging place to find affordable and suitable accommodation, being a densely populated ...
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