The magazine for expats

Digital nomadism: The reality beyond dreams
Work
Digital nomadism: The reality beyond dreams
Digital nomads are reshaping the world with their dream-like, flexible working style. You could think they are living life to the fullest, with plenty of time for vacations and leisure. However, practical realities tend to put the ideal of digital nomadism into perspective.
Testing the waters: A crucial step before relocating abroad
Everyday life
Testing the waters: A crucial step before relocating abroad
Moving abroad is not necessarily a one-off experience; it can be done in several steps at different times, as long as you're able to adapt to life in your chosen destination. That's what a prospecting trip is all about. But how do you get started? Here are some tips and advice.
How countries are luring expats with low-priced properties
Japan
How countries are luring expats with low-priced properties
Abandoned houses, dilapidated properties, low-cost apartments, etc., for sale. While many countries are affected by housing, some of them, like Japan, are offering abandoned properties at very low prices. Does this attract expats?

Expat news

Unlocking Africa's investment potential: Opportunities and challenges
Work
Unlocking Africa's investment potential: ...
Africa, overall, is open to foreign investment. But what are the most prominent sectors? This question lies behind the new mega investment projects across the continent. Thanks to their natural resources, African countries are attractive to foreign investors. However, as we face climate change, investing in environmental-friendly projects is more crucial than ever.
Morocco earthquake: Expats share tales of tragedy and resilience
Morocco
Morocco earthquake: Expats share tales of ...
Morocco has caught the world's attention following the deadly earthquake it was struck by last Friday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremors were of magnitude 6.8, while the Moroccan Geophysical Center recorded the magnitude at 7.2. The local media points out that this is the strongest earthquake the country has experienced in over 120 years. Expats who have been in Morocco for several years have seen their lives turn into a nightmare in just a few minutes.
Ireland: A growing haven for international job seekers
Ireland
Ireland: A growing haven for international ...
As one of the world's most open economies, Ireland is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign workers. The island nation's assets include double-digit growth and hiring sectors. Let's look at what makes it one of the most attractive countries in Europe for building a career.

Content from our partners

Finding and financing a home in Spain is easier than you think
CaixaBank
Finding and financing a home in Spain is ...
Here are the most important factors to consider when it comes to financing your new home in Spain: researching the property market, contacting local professionals, keeping up to date on current laws in the country, taking into account additional costs and, last but not least, financing options.
Barcelona: A major hub for startups in Europe
Barcelona City Hall
Barcelona: A major hub for startups in Europe
We had the opportunity to speak with Xavier Mayo Torres, Head of Foreign Economic Promotion, who gives us the keys to understanding the success of a city whose appeal continues to grow.
Finding a job abroad: The MBA programs for an international career
IU International University of Applied Sciences
Finding a job abroad: The MBA programs for ...
The international business landscape can be intricate and difficult to navigate. If you are looking to make a name for yourself in the realm of global business careers, however, you cannot limit yourself to the traditional finance, marketing, HR and operations degrees. German University, IU International University of Applied Sciences, has analyzed the trends and here are some of the specialized MBA programs that are likely to land you your dream job abroad.

Features

International mobility: Is the pandemic behind us?
Work
International mobility: Is the pandemic ...
After a challenging period during the health crisis, international mobility is back on track and even on the rise in many countries facing severe labor shortages. But does this mean that the Covid pandemic is now part of history? How are economies faring?
How important is workplace engagement for expats?
Work
How important is workplace engagement for ...
In today's global work world, being engaged at work is really important for success. For foreign professionals who have moved to a new country to work, workplace engagement takes on an even more significant role. Imagine stepping into a new job in a new place with different customs, language, and work methods. Training helps you understand your role better, learn about the company's culture, and become skilled at using the tools and systems specific to that workplace.
Understanding allowances and compensation for expats
Everyday life
Understanding allowances and compensation ...
Often, your eligibility for allowances and compensation depends on your place of residence, and therefore, they cannot be "exported" when you move abroad. However, expats can still enjoy certain benefits while living in their host countries. Here's how it works.
Rising cost of healthcare around the world: Implications for expats
Health system
Rising cost of healthcare around the world: ...
Healthcare costs are going up. A report from PwC says that in 2024, the cost of medical care is expected to go up by 7%. This is because of things like prices going up and not having enough workers. This affects not only people without good insurance but others too.
Moving abroad: Between personal choice and the global political context 
Everyday life
Moving abroad: Between personal choice and ...
Political instability in a country may prevent or restrict international travel. Laws enacted by a particular state may limit or relax immigration rules. Other policies, such as environmental and economic laws, also influence the individual conscience. Can you relocate to any country? What are the obstacles that might jeopardize your moving abroad plans?
Choosing the perfect location for your overseas property investment
Accommodation
Choosing the perfect location for your ...
In 2023, real estate remains one of the preferred investments of expats. Inflationary trends and housing crises in several major economies do not undermine the confidence of the investors. Real estate property is considered a secure investment. But how to choose the right place to invest in? Should you buy property along the coast or inland?

Expat interviews

Explore, learn and grow abroad: Camille's thirst for adventure
Netherlands
Explore, learn and grow abroad: Camille's ...
Originally from Picardy, France, Camille is an adventurer at heart. Attracted to travel from an early age, she had the opportunity to visit several European countries as part of the Erasmus program, and Asia before settling in Amsterdam, where she now enjoys a fulfilling personal and professional life. But one thing's for sure: this isn't her last adventure! Camille talks to us about her journey, her challenges, but also her successes with a head full of dreams and projects.
From Iran to Rome for better opportunities
Italy
From Iran to Rome for better opportunities
It has been nearly four years since Sara, a young Iranian expat, settled in Rome. Originally in Italy to pursue her higher education, she eventually landed her dream job in the city after graduating. She shares her experience and talks about the myriad of opportunities that the eternal city of Rome has offered her.
From Botswana to Mauritius: An expat's reflections on the challenges faced by international students
Schools & studies
From Botswana to Mauritius: An expat's ...
Bokamoso is a young international student from Botswana. She moved to Mauritius in June 2022 after being awarded the prestigious Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme. While she recognizes that adapting to a new country takes a lot of effort, Bokamoso agrees that Mauritius has a lot to offer, from its beauty and diversity to the quality of its higher education system. She shared her view with us in this Interview.

Expat stories

Entrepreneurship in the USA: The E2 visa amid the Covid-pandemic
USA
Entrepreneurship in the USA: The E2 visa ...
As the year 2021 comes to an end, we're hoping for this very stressful period for expatriates all over the world to be over. Expats living in the USA on an E2 visa have been faced with a particularly complicated situation. In addition to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, they will also have administrative difficulties obtaining visas or even their renewal.
Life as an expat in South Africa
Everyday life
Life as an expat in South Africa
From October 1, 2021, South Africa moved to Alert Level 1 after multiple Covid-19 peaks, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Hannah, an expat from the UK, was lucky enough to relocate to Cape Town in September following her husband's intra-company transfer. She shares her views about expat life in the country she now calls home.
Opinion: Does being an expat mean I'll always be the outsider?
Everyday life
Opinion: Does being an expat mean I'll ...
Does being an expat mean always being the outsider? Not quite at home in your host country and a little bit of a stranger to your home country. Stephanie discusses how she navigates this identity as a Brit living in Paris.
Please, don't ask me these expat-related questions again
Moving
Please, don't ask me these expat-related ...
Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.
Moving countries: Why I am more with less
Moving
Moving countries: Why I am more with less
I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.

Expat of the month

Expat life in the UK between the Brexit and the pandemic
Everyday life
Expat life in the UK between the Brexit and the pandemic
Angelica is originally from Verbania, Italy. It's been nearly ten years since she moved to the UK, hungry for independence and new experiences. She has also spent a year in Germany for her studies before going back to the UK and is currently in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She talks to us about living in London as an expat between Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

Articles from our local editions

October's agenda: Are you ready for island-style Halloween?
Mauritius
October's agenda: Are you ready for ...
Halloween is just around the corner, and you're still unsure what to do? Look no further! We've got you covered with the latest events happening on the island in Expat.com's October diary.
A practical guide to filing taxes in Mauritius
Mauritius
A practical guide to filing taxes in ...
It's that time of year again in Mauritius as the tax year comes to a close, and it's time for everyone to file their tax returns on the MRA website. If you're an expat and this is your first time, we've got all the answers to your questions.
Optimize your student budget in Mauritius: tips and tricks
Mauritius
Optimize your student budget in Mauritius: ...
Faced with inflation and soaring prices, it can be difficult to keep a firm grip on your budget, especially when you're an international student in Mauritius. However, you can still find your way through by adopting the right habits.