Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
Finding fellow expats in a new country may be a dream come true — at first. However, if your expat circle prevents you from experiencing life in your new destination, you may want to start planning your escape. Here's what you should know.
France
It's all over the news: France, especially Paris, is said to be infested by bedbugs. In fact, since September, not only households but also cinemas, trains and underground trains in the French capital have been badly infested, as reported on social networks and in the media.
Returning home after a long time abroad can be a truly rewarding and much-awaited experience. However, it can also pose several distinct challenges, from reverse culture shock to even a new language barrier. Let's see what can be done to make the transition easier.
Moving to a new country can be an exciting and challenging experience, with many opportunities to explore a new culture and way of life. One of the most exciting aspects of settling into a new country is discovering the local cuisine. Trying new foods and flavors is a fantastic way to immerse oneself in a new culture and create lasting memories. However, with new cuisines come new challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.
Approaching a passerby on the street, speaking up in a business meeting, negotiating a promotion, going out at night, developing your business, and interacting with men are things that may seem normal for women, but they can be significantly different in a foreign country. How do expatriate women deal with these cultural differences and subtleties?
Many destinations have programs in place that help expats adapt to a new life and better integrate into society. However, some countries go the extra mile to make newcomers feel especially welcome. Here are a few destination options if you are looking for that extra warm welcome.
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.
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.
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?
Exploring a new country as an expat comes with exciting discoveries and cultural nuances. And this is true for most aspects of our lives – even something as mundane as taking out the trash. From unusual restrictions to quirky regulations, here are some of the most peculiar garbage disposal laws around the world that expats should keep in mind.
Morocco
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.
Workplace socialization has significantly evolved in recent years, especially with new technologies, societal changes and events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which have compelled companies and employees to adapt to remote working. However, although remote working is a growing trend, it significantly impacts expats' everyday lives.
Moving abroad as a family can be the adventure of a lifetime, a couple's or personal challenge, a choice for the two or not, with or without each others's support. The couple can sometimes bear the brunt of this choice unless their life abroad has further fractured an already fragile relationship. When it's no longer possible to pick up the broken pieces and stick them back, divorce seems to be the last resort, but an expat woman can be in an even more precarious situation between legal considerations and the weight of culture and tradition.
Canada and Australia are well-known to be the powerhouses of immigration of the moment, and the United States and the United Kingdom have always been popular with immigrants too. However, other countries, including smaller ones, are trying to position themselves as attractive expat and immigrant destinations. The labor shortage in these countries has forced their governments to relax immigration laws in recent years.
Every country has its own traditions, symbols and cultural practices. These are particularly evident on special occasions such as weddings. A unique day that calls for unique traditions that you need to be aware of to avoid offending families and making a blunder. Here's an overview of the different rites around the world, which you need to know if you're planning to get married abroad or if you've been invited to a wedding ceremony in your host country.
Netherlands
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.
Italy
Italy, which already has one of the strictest laws on surrogacy, is taking another historical turn. Does this imply new challenges for parenthood and abortion rights? What is the situation like in other countries?
It can be more challenging for introverted expats to make new friends abroad. They can take more time adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. However, their adaptation process can be easier if they personalize their house into a safety cocoon, create comforting rituals, connect with people with the same hobbies and don't pressurize themselves to do too many things at once.
Make your relocation easier with our expat guides
Retiring in Tunisia
Sun, a relaxed lifestyle, traditional souks, incense, modernism, an effective health system, etc. All these are ...
Getting married in Bahrain
For expats, moving to Bahrain often involves navigating new experiences, and marriage is one of the most ...
Getting married in Morocco
If you want to get married in Morocco, there are different steps and a variety of procedures to follow. These can ...
Getting married in Panama
If you dream of getting married in a tropical paradise, Panama may be the spot. Even non-residents can tie the ...
Getting married in Qatar
Getting married in Qatar could be a hassle for newbies. However, knowing the right procedure and information ...
Marriage in Brazil
Brazil can be a romantic country, and you may want to marry here. Perhaps you even want to remain in Brazil ...
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