Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
The memory of your last family holiday abroad might still make you sweat. So, how could you possibly handle a complete relocation overseas, for months or even years, alongside your children? The thought alone may bring visions of stress and chaos. And yes, those challenges are real. But surprisingly, they can become a meaningful part of your family's journey abroad. It's not wishful thinking: life overseas with your children can be deeply rewarding, sometimes even joyful. So, what are the real benefits of moving abroad as a family? Here's what expat parents have learned from their own experiences.
Living abroad often means becoming the person who reaches for words. Behind every pause and stumble lies something more profound than learning — a kind of emotional exposure. Speaking another language lays us bare to others' perceptions, reveals our limits, and demands that we accept vulnerability. It can also stir a quieter shame: the fear of not saying things “right,” of not quite measuring up.
Moving abroad is often painted as the ultimate adventure — a bold leap into new possibilities for personal and professional growth. You pack up your life, leave behind familiar faces, routines, and even your language, to dive headfirst into a culture that feels both thrilling and unknown. Curiosity, ambition, and the urge to start fresh are what usually drive that leap. Yet beneath the excitement lies a quieter truth — one of emotional shifts and questions of identity. Expat life isn't just about changing countries; it's also about navigating an inner journey, often invisible to others, that deserves just as much attention and care.
Japan
A new development plan has divided opinions in the quiet town of Kutchan, bringing immigration debates back into the spotlight. At the same time, a recent incident has fueled fresh controversy. What does this mean for expatriates in Japan?
Spain
For many, moving abroad is a leap into the unknown. For Doug Underwood, arriving in Mallorca in 2019 turned into a journey of building community, adapting to island life, and finding a true sense of home. What started as a work opportunity grew into something much bigger, from professional projects to co-hosting Curiosity Night, a monthly gathering for expats and locals alike. In this interview, Doug shares the rewards and challenges of expat life in Mallorca, his advice for newcomers, and what makes the island such a unique place to live.
Moving abroad is a thrilling adventure—but safety should never be left to chance. Just as you wouldn't travel without a first-aid kit, you also need a digital “safety kit” to protect yourself in daily life. So, what essentials should every expat have on hand? Here's a practical checklist of tools and apps designed to keep you safe, wherever your journey takes you.
There are parts of expat life people don't mention at first. Most of the time, you'll hear about the excitement of adventure, the new flavors, the breathtaking landscapes. But few talk about the moment, months or even years later, when it hits you: you're no longer fully “from here,” yet you're not completely “from there” anymore either. This is the true reality of long-term life abroad. It isn't only about adapting—it's about blending. Day by day, your life becomes a patchwork of languages, habits, and cultural references. You catch yourself starting a sentence in your host country's language and finishing it in English, French or Spanish without even realizing. That's when you understand what it really means to live between two cultures.
Moving across borders is never just about changing your address — it's about reshaping your identity, navigating new beginnings, and learning to find “home” wherever you are. For Roberta Maretti, author of Where the World Took Me, the expat life began as a teenager in Tokyo and soon became a lifelong journey spanning continents, cultures, and countless reinventions. From raising children in Asia and the Caribbean to returning to Europe after years abroad, her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and the search for belonging. In this interview, she reflects on the challenges and gifts of a globally mobile life, the friendships and food that anchored her along the way, and the lessons she hopes to share with other expats carving out their own paths.
The expat adventure becomes meaningful once people grow a sense of attachment to the new place they live in. While charming villages and tranquil small towns are popular with expats seeking a slower pace of life, other expats are drawn to the energy, career opportunities, and vibrant social scene of cities. To learn more, we've asked members of Expat.com what makes them happiest about the cities they've chosen as their second home.
Culture shock is a well-documented experience among travelers and expats. Popularized by anthropologist Kalervo Oberg in the 1950s, the concept describes the feelings of distress and frustration that can arise in an unfamiliar environment. These reactions can be particularly strong during short-term assignments, such as a study-abroad semester or a temporary professional posting.
Moving abroad often means mastering the art of resourcefulness. Why spend a fortune on furnishings you could get for cheap—or even for free? Here's your savvy expat guide to creating your own “home sweet home” without draining your budget.
Moving abroad to work isn't always about excitement and adventure. For many, embarking on an expat journey comes with its fair share of anxiety, confusion, fear and even guilt. Expats may feel guilty about leaving their families, especially their elderly parents, behind. They may feel guilty about missing milestones back home, like 10-year high school reunions and the birth of nephews/nieces. How can they learn how to cope with this guilt and compensate for their absence in a positive way? Here are some tips.
Even in 2025, relocating abroad remains possible. However, global instability is pushing expats to take additional precautions. Which countries are still considered safe? What risks should you assess before making the move? Here's a complete update.
Climate hazards, political instability, armed conflicts, and civil unrest—these are not just headlines for many expatriates. For those living in high-risk countries, these realities shape their everyday routines, decisions, and long-term plans. How do they adapt to this tension?
Welcoming loved ones when you're living abroad is a delicate mix of hospitality, planning, cultural awareness, and a touch of diplomacy. With everyone bringing their own expectations — plus the jet lag, mismatched schedules, sightseeing marathons, and maybe a few upset stomachs from unfamiliar food — what should be a relaxing family visit can quickly feel like a full-scale expedition. This practical guide, shaped by real-life expat experiences, is here to help you turn those family visits into meaningful memories — not survival tales.
Giving birth is one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences a woman can have. Doing it abroad? That adds a whole new layer of emotion and complexity. From navigating childbirth in a foreign language to adjusting to unfamiliar medical practices and postnatal care, expat parents often find their resilience and adaptability pushed to the limit. So how can you prepare for this pivotal moment while living overseas — and what should you be aware of?
Netherlands
With a pointed question, Amsterdam city councillor and Labour Party member Lian Heinhuis is challenging both businesses and residents to rethink how expatriates fit into city life. Her proposal, Maak van Amsterdam je thuis (“Make Amsterdam Your Home”), was initially rejected. But on June 12, the city council gave it the green light. Its mission is straightforward: to help expats feel truly connected to life in Amsterdam.
Moving to a new country opens the door to fresh experiences—and that includes meeting new people. Dating apps can make it easier to connect, whether you're looking for companionship, a relationship, or just someone to explore the city with. But how can you make sure you're meeting the right person? And how do you stay safe while doing it?
Make your relocation easier with our expat guides
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