Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
Australia
Language tests are often required for studying or working abroad, or obtaining a residence permit, but they are often criticized. Some people find them too numerous and costly, especially when they have already proven their language proficiency. Regardless of your reason for moving abroad, here's how you can cope with language test hurdles.
Moving to the Middle East has become a prominent trend, with the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus leading the way. A wide array of individuals, including foreign investors, executives, young graduates, and students, are now exploring opportunities in cities like Dubai or Nicosia, making it an increasingly diverse community. Some other countries in the region, like Saudi Arabia, are also making modest reforms to attract more foreign professionals.
Netherlands
Immigration remains a central topic of debate in the European Union. As France tries to heal the wounds of a week of riots (late June to early July), discussions about immigration have fueled debates, even though the perpetrators of violence were French citizens. During the same period, the European Commission published its Eurobarometer, analyzing the perception of immigration among Europeans.
Being an expat, exploring new horizons and adjusting to a new environment can be both exciting and stimulating. However, when temperatures reach extreme levels, the heat can considerably challenge our resilience and adaptability. Whether you are a recently settled expat in a region with scorching summers or planning to move to a country vulnerable to heat waves, here are some tips to help you overcome such situations.
Living abroad has become an increasingly common experience for those looking for new opportunities, adventures, or personal growth. However, as expats immerse themselves in a different culture and navigate life in a foreign land, their identities also undergo a profound transformation. This raises the question: What is the impact of living abroad on one's identity, particularly in terms of national identity? To put this in simpler terms: does living in Thailand for ten years make you less British or American? And if so, is there a way to preserve your national identity while living abroad?
China
A new law was enacted in China on July 1, 2023. It broadens the scope of what is considered espionage and grants the Chinese government increased authority to address perceived threats to national security. Here's what it means for expats.
Italy
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.
Thailand
In 2023, IQAir, a website that measures air quality worldwide, ranked Chiang Mai in Thailand, closely followed by Bangkok, among the world's most polluted cities. The northern city of Thailand has been facing significant smog clouds for several years, which are affecting the health of its residents and have repercussions on the tourism industry, already weakened by Covid.
The 17th edition of the Global Gender Gap, released on June 20, 2023, examines the progress of gender equality across four key areas: health and survival, education, the economy, and empowerment. Established in 2006, the Global Gender Gap Index is the longest-standing measurement of its kind. What insights can we gather from this latest edition? What transformations are occurring in various countries? Are we observing positive advancements or a concerning decline in the overall situation?
Moving overseas often entails discovering a new culture and way of life, but it also involves encountering a new religious environment. The contrast may be even more striking if you are relocating miles away from your home country. Whether you are a believer or not, you might need an adjustment period to understand the functioning and significance of religion in everyday life in your expat country. Furthermore, finding a place to practice your own religion amidst this whirlwind of new experiences is crucial.
Are you looking to move abroad? The 2023 ranking of the world's most livable cities might give you some ideas. Last month, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the sister organization of The Economist newspaper, published its annual "Global Liveability Index," which ranks the friendliest cities to live in. The top 10 cities include destinations expatriates already appreciate for their living environments. However, this year's results are full of surprises, particularly in Europe and Asia. What has led to these changes?
As an officially bilingual country, Canada must ensure that French doesn't fall behind English in all of its provinces, not just in Quebec. In June, the Canadian government adopted a new bill to foster the immigration of francophone expats as well as promote the use of French in federal institutions.
Often, expatriation is understood to be one big adventure about which one can tell many stories back home. However, the truth is that repatriation (returning home) is often more difficult than expected.
All countries are patriarchal to some extent, so it's often more challenging for expat women to adapt to their new professional lives abroad. There exist NGOs that can support them, but in some countries, notably Canada, the state itself has also created programs to facilitate the professional integration of women expats and immigrants. They provide training, develop the women's confidence and help them build networks.
If you're currently 65 years old and living in the United States, you have another 20 years ahead of you — at least according to the US Social Security Administration. But here's the deal: this newfound longevity comes with some interesting twists and turns. Unlike your grandparents, today's pre-retirees and retirees are facing a totally different retirement landscape.
Last week, some countries in Northern Europe experienced smoke originating from numerous wildfires in Canada, following its widespread coverage over provinces and extensive regions of the United States earlier in the week. Although the dense smoke gradually diminished over the northeast during the past few days, the fires continued to present a significant hazard.
Bali remains open to tourists and expatriates but in compliance with certain rules. I Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, has issued a new circular to clarify things. Effective May 31, it sets out new rules for international tourists and expatriates alike. According to the governor, who has observed a "growing laxity" among some foreign visitors, this measure is essential.
People often tend to think that all countries have the same rules in this area (or rather, they don't ask themselves the question). But when it comes to moving abroad, it's essential to find out about your host country's culture. Can you live as a couple in another country without being married? Which countries do not recognize live-in relationships?
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