Expat interviews
Schools & studies
Homeschooling is not for everyone. However, when you are faced with few options, this might be your best alternative. Such was my experience living in Guinea-Bissau from 2003-2006. When I first learned of my husband's posting to the West African nation, I was very apprehensive about going with him, along with our two young children, then aged four and six. But it was an important career move that couldn't be passed up.
Germany
Krisa decided to pack up and move to Braunschweig, Germany to follow her heart and to embark on a new adventure. She had begun working in fashion design in Wisconsin after graduating from university, and continues to do so in Germany, which she has successfully adopted as her new home thanks to its rich history and culture. She shares her love of all things German with Expat.com.
Qatar
After spending time working with her parents, Maria took the opportunity to move to Qatar to join her husband and further her career. Originally from the Philippines, Maria hopes to return home in the future to raise her family, but, for the time being, she is enjoying life in Qatar with her husband. She tells Expat.com about her life in Qatar.
Finland
You don't have to go too far from home to experience a new culture and lifestyle... sometimes your new home can be just a three-and-a-half-hour train ride away. Alexander decided to move to Finland after frequent visits for weekends away. He got the opportunity to further his career, and made the leap. Here, he talks with Expat.com about life in Finland and just what it takes to make a new start abroad.
Singapore
Aspiring writer Ellie's boyfriend received a job offer in Singapore, and they jumped at the chance to live in one of the world's financial capitals. Ellie speaks with Expat.com about how she has adjusted to life in Singapore, how she spends her time, and what her favourite things are about her new home.
Tanzania
After leaving England to travel the world, Ali Dunnell settled on Tanzania as her latest adventure. When she isn't teaching English and Art, she is producing artwork for her blog and spending time with her three children. She gives https://www.expat.com some insight into life in the country famed for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and indigenous animals.
Guatemala
Expat and author David Anicetti expatriated in Guatemala 24 years ago from the US to set up his business. But the country of the epic Mayan civilisation and scenic nature made an impact on David, and he has called it home ever since. He talks to Expat.com about the country, its people and the lifestyle, and how he conceived the idea for his book 'Living in Guatemala', a practical guide to the country. Join us in a journey to Central America to find out more about the everyday life of a long-term expat in Guatemala.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the 13th largest country in the world by area and the largest country without a river. But we all know the country better for it being the holy land for Muslims with the most sacred mosques. After six months in Saudi Arabia, Sumreen, a Pakistani expat, has already found many reasons to love the country. Here, she touches on the sensitive topic of clichés, and lists six misconceptions in Saudi Arabia, hoping to break the country's stereotypical image.
Indonesia
Wayne yearned for something bigger than the small-town life he had grown accustomed to, and decided to explore what lies beyond Canada's borders. His travels took him to Asia, where he ended up remaining, eventually settling in Surabaya, Indonesia. Here, he shares with Expat.com his thoughts about his expat journey and life in Indonesia.
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.
Italy
Jessica comes from Florida. Following her studies, her Italian boyfriend proposed to her, and they got married in Italy. She has been living in Puglia for over five years, and is the happy mum of a little boy. She shares with Expat.com her exciting life as a navy wife and entrepreneur in one of Italy's best locations for a life close to the sea.
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.
England
When Takahiro first arrived in Brighton in 2009 for his Master's degree, he couldn't imagine that seven years later he would still live there — now completing his PhD. It's been a rewarding journey — academically and personally — with its ups and downs of course.
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.
Italy
Who hasn't looked at Italy as the country of arts and architecture, family and food, of a powerful empire, and the center of the Renaissance? Rebecca, a Scottish expat in Veneto, is feeling totally at home in Italy, and makes the most of the uniqueness this country has to offer – full of history museums, off the beaten track villages waiting to be explored, and traditional cuisine. Italy inspires!
Switzerland
When Ashleigh met her lovely Swiss man, she didn't know what the future holds — a marriage, settlement in a new country, and a rewarding work life. Ashleigh and her husband are now living in Geneva, and as a first-time expat, she had a lot on her plate at the beginning. But almost two years after, the culture shock and feelings of loneliness have lightened, and Ashleigh enjoys the charms of Switzerland, plans a family, and can't be happier with her online projects.
Other Types
Accommodation
There are lots of reasons why you may be considering purchasing property abroad. First, owning property comes with stability and security, which is something expats often long for after relocation. You will also finally be able to style your home as you like, bringing in the little decor elements that you hold dear.
Everyday life
Are you thinking about living abroad? Perhaps you've considered it for a long time but haven't dared to take the plunge. It never seems like the right time due to inflation, rising living costs, and the fear of failing. But you could see these challenges as opportunities instead. Here are 50 reasons (and there are many more!) to live your dream of expatriation at least once.
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.
Formalities
One of the most anticipated elections of the year is approaching. Will the European Union (EU) emerge from these elections more divided, or will it strengthen its unity? As we await the final predictions and, more importantly, the first results, let's examine the voting procedures. What conditions must expatriates meet to vote in the European elections? Are European expatriates living within or outside the EU treated the same way?
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.
Everyday life
When living abroad and planning to have a child, many factors come into play: healthcare, maternity support, parental leave, daycare, and more. This wonderful life event requires good organization, especially when you're an expat. One important aspect to consider (if you choose to) is breastfeeding, particularly in public spaces. While natural, breastfeeding can be controversial, heavily criticized, discouraged, or even banned in some countries.
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