Features
Work
Christmas has become a popular corporate event around the world, with many companies embracing end-of-year celebrations through occasional tinsel trees and various levels of decorations, ranging from discreet to elaborate. However, when it comes to etiquette, here's what expats should keep in mind.
Leisure
The year-end sales season is full-on; temptation lurks everywhere. Even when you live in a foreign country, you might want to follow the trend. Here are some tips on how to limit or control your year-end shopping as an expat.
Health system
You have been living in your new country for a few months now, but you are dealing with allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or specific foods. Adjusting to your new environment is thus becoming challenging. How can you enjoy your expat experience fully? Here are some tips.
Cost of living
The inflationary economy is forcing us to reconsider our choices when it comes to living abroad. Although you might think that relocating alone will always cost less, this might not always be the case. Couples are advised to consider their plans by using comparison tools instead of just saying goodbye to their partners to move alone.
Work
The end-of-year bonus is commonly known as the “13th or 14th month” or the “Christmas bonus”. This financial aid is helpful, especially amid the current economic crisis. In which countries can you expect to receive an end-of-year bonus? Are expats eligible?
Work
You've just arrived in your host country or lived there for some time. You feel comfortable in your new job and looking forward to a long stay in your host country. Still, there's one important area in which you still have a lot to learn: cultural nuances. A glance, a smile, or a hug may carry diverse meanings depending on the context and cultural background. Here are some tips for adapting and integrating them into your daily routine.
Work
What will the work organization of the future look like? Amidst the options of 100% in-person and 100% remote work, alternative work forms are gaining popularity. Many employees advocate for increased flexibility but seek flexibility that ensures their protection. But what about expats?
Cost of living
You're in the midst of planning to move abroad, but how can you ensure that your budget will cover your expenses in the host country? What exactly does the cost of living entail, and how can you grasp its intricacies?
Schools & studies
Universities in leading study destinations rely on international students to get tuition fees and fill research positions. This is especially the case for postgraduate and STEM (science and technology) courses, which remain more popular among international than domestic students.
China
Caught in an unprecedented housing crisis, China's economic growth is stumbling. The shift from the Covid zero policy hasn't resulted in a significant economic rebound or a widespread return of expatriates as expected. On the contrary, the situation is becoming more challenging.
Work
There is a continuous and concerning shortage, raising the question of whether academic careers are in decline. The field of teaching is becoming less appealing to individuals, and this issue is becoming more prevalent in numerous countries worldwide. Interestingly, this situation might offer a chance for people looking to boost their careers overseas.
Tax
When planning their relocation, few people take into consideration the tax system of the host country. Yet it impacts the payment of tax, the tax situation, the management of income in the host country, and, if any, in the home country.
Work
Job stability is essential for everyone, but it may be even more important for expats whose residence status depends on their work visa. In some countries like the US and Gulf countries, the massive layoff of expats has threatened both their livelihood and residence status.
Formalities
When you have recently moved to a new country, and you believe you've completed all the necessary paperwork, there is one more thing you might need to do: register with your local municipal office. And this can actually be quite beneficial.
Everyday life
There are lots of reasons to visit a new city. However, few are more compelling than really great food. Locating these special destinations is rarely easy. That is unless you have a handy list to go by. Here are the best cities in the world to plan your next dinner.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad can come with a hefty price tag, especially in countries where tuition fees for out-of-state and international students are high or in countries with a strong local currency. Getting a scholarship can alleviate the financial stress that many international students and their families feel. What are some of the most popular scholarships for them?
Work
Choosing to relocate to an emerging economy is a bold decision for anyone seeking to navigate environments undergoing rapid growth, often characterized by robust economic dynamics but slower social changes. Before getting started, it is crucial to understand what 'emerging economy' truly means and how these swiftly evolving countries present unique opportunities and stimulating challenges for prospective expats.
Health system
Since November set in, one Pumpkin Spice Latte at a time, many of us in the Northern Hemisphere may have started to feel that familiar autumn crisp that makes us want to dig into a warm blanket and watch the world from behind a large window. But beyond the cozy comforters and heaps of colorful leaves, there is more to autumn when it comes to our emotions. And not all of it is pleasant.
Other Types
Everyday life
We rarely consider our gut health and diet when moving abroad. Before leaving, our minds are consumed with travel preparations. The initial phase of expat life often coincides with a honeymoon period. Then comes the necessary adaptation, where daily life takes over. "The Expat Gut Health Survey: How Symptoms Can Impact Life Abroad," a study by Allianz Care, published on May 29, surveyed over 3,000 expats worldwide and unveils the link between gut health and quality of life.
England
The current British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, called for a snap election on July 4. People were expecting the general election to happen in October or November, not in two months, reports the BBC. How can British expats abroad vote? And which expats in the UK have voting rights? Many Commonwealth and Irish expats in the UK are unaware that they are eligible to vote even if they don't have indefinite leave to remain.
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Work
Despite tighter reforms in global powers, immigration remains a vital engine for growth. This is the conclusion of the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the issue. Let's break it down.
Work
The latest trends in international mobility present a paradox. Restrictive immigration policies do not deter foreign applicants; on the contrary. The strong economic health of traditional lands of immigration and the positive image of economic powers are among the factors that encourage workers to try their luck abroad. Here's an analysis.
Everyday life
One of the top destinations for expats from around the world for decades, Canada continues to welcome foreign nationals despite its recent immigration reforms. However, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to move abroad. While this is not a new trend, it has been steadily increasing, which is quite troubling for a nation grappling with an aging population and seeking to retain its citizens. So why are more and more Canadians moving abroad?
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