Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
As a new year has just begun, you might be tempted to fulfill your dreams and projects, like moving abroad to reunite with the love of your life. Long distance relationships are a hard thing, whether you have met your soul mate online or during your travels or a semester abroad. However, before taking the leap of faith, make sure to find the answer to all the questions that you might have. To help you choose wisely, let's have a look at some of these questions together.
From breathtaking firework shows and lively street parties to live music and parades, New Year's Eve across the globe is about finishing off the year in high spirits. Here, we have put together a list of the best destinations in the world to start the new year countdown. As clocks will be striking midnight, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of success with your 2019 expatriation projects!
December is all about excitement, anticipation, and high levels of energy, which are required to get us through all the shopping and cooking frenzy of the festive season. Then, Christmas Day comes and along with it the pick of our happiness. Wherever we are, and whoever is surrounding us, we are doing our best to make our Christmas special. But the day is over, and on the 26th we wake up underwhelmed. If we have spent the holidays in our host country, far away from family and close friends, this is usually a day of nostalgia and heavy symptoms of homesickness. Don't shut your emotions down, but do small things instead to boost your spirits again. After all, you have the New Year to get you going.
You have so many options for your Christmas shopping — from bursting department stores and cosmopolitan shopping streets with spectacular festive window displays, to local boutiques and the internet, of course. However, for fairy-tale-like Christmas shopping experiences, we encourage you to head to the closest Christmas market, where you will find anything from handcrafted toys and ornaments, to fashion items and food (so much food!). Let the sounds of Christmas carols and the aromas of warm mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts guide you to one of our favourite European Christmas markets, and indulge into the holiday spirit!
Gender equality might not be one of your main concerns if you're looking to settle and work abroad. However, it's a crucial issue for women who are planning to work or study, adapt more easily, and even join politics. Have a look at some of the world's best countries for gender equality according to the latest World Economic Forum report.
The end of the year is an exciting opportunity to assess your career and all that you've done in the past few months and to take new decisions regarding your future. Moving abroad, whether for work, studies or setting up a business, might be one of those decisions. Here's an insight into some cities around the world where you can make the most of a range of opportunities according to a study by Movinga.
Bermuda
A new business opportunity is what made Adrian, a British expat, want to move to Bermuda. Passionate about travelling and sailing, he decided to take the leap of faith with his wife and kids. Bermudian Life is his blog where he talks about his everyday life as an expat and things to see and do in Bermuda.
Digital nomadism isn't just about flexible working and travelling around the world. Some factors like the cost of living, access to coworking spaces, internet speed, as well as integration have to be considered. Have a look at some of the best destinations for digital nomads according to a recent study by Spotahome.
Malaysia
What led Philippine to Malaysia is a job opportunity she could say no to. Coming from the Vosges region in France, she flew to Kuala Lumpur with her family. Both Philippine and her partner work for the same company under a local work contract. Happy about her new life in the heart of the bustling and multicultural metropolis, she talks to Expat.com about her everyday life as a mum and part-time employee far from where her home is.
Solidarity and generosity say a lot about a country's population, society and environment that expatriates are going to experience. During the past year, which nations have made the most significant efforts in helping the needy by either volunteering, donating money to a charity or helping a stranger? Since the holiday season also means supporting and sharing, let's have a look at the world's most generous nations according to a study by the Charities Aid Foundation.
Choosing your new city is a crucial step if you're looking to move abroad, whether alone or with your family. Regardless of your motivation – for work, studies or setting up your business – the society, environment and economic opportunities will have an impact on your stay. The Sustainable Cities Index 2018 by Arcadis assesses cities around the world according to the quality of life, job and business opportunities and the environment they provide to their inhabitants. Let's have a look at these sustainable cities.
China
After graduating in Northern Ontario, Carmelo wasn't very happy about career prospects in Canada. His quest for a better job led him to China where he works as a teacher. He talks to Expat.com about his new adventures and everyday life as the father of a newborn son in what he calls the "Millenials' paradise", and his passion for his work.
USA
As one of the most popular expat destinations in the world, the USA is an ideal place to work or start a business in. Besides a wide range of economic prospects and fair working conditions, what employees seek is a healthy and happy workplace where they can stay motivated and be productive – and that should speak to employers as well. Let's have a look at what defines a happy workplace in the USA.
London is without any doubt a favourite destination for those looking to live, study, work or set up a business in the United Kingdom. However, life in the UK doesn't revolve around London since many other cities – some of which you might not have considered till now – provide a range of opportunities for expats, regardless of their long-term plans. Have a look at the most dynamic and promising cities in the UK according to the Good Growth for Cities 2018 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
During the World Cup this past summer, Stefanie, a Belgian/Australian dual national (a "Belgalian" or "Austrelgian" if you will) had to divide her time and support to, not one or two, but three countries. Now living in France and married to a Frenchman with two little ‘Fraussie' children, the challenge of being a citizen of more than one country was no longer limited to the football fan-zone. Stefanie tells us some of the challenges of dual nationality that span beyond choosing which team to support.
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance highlights the strengths and weaknesses of all African countries according to different categories, including safety and the rule of law, participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunities and human development. If you're planning to study, work, invest or expand your business in Africa, have a look at the best performing countries regarding good governance.
Australia
Wendy comes from Mississauga, Canada. After travelling around Europe, including France, the UK and Sweden, she finally moved to Australia where she is a teacher, with her husband. Today, Wendy is a happy mom of two children: Ella who is three and Oliver who is six months old. Wandy McNoble Down Under is her blog where she talks about her day to day life and travels around the land down under.
Chile
Meet Nina, serial expat who been living out of a suitcase since she was 18. With a background in luxury travel, she was thrilled at the opportunity to move to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Chile. Here she shares her experiences on expat life in Santiago and beyond.
Articles to help you in your expat project
Getting married in Qatar
Getting married in Qatar could be a hassle for newbies. However, knowing the right procedure and information can ...
Marriage in Brazil
Brazil can be a romantic country, and you may want to marry here. Perhaps you even want to remain in Brazil ...
Getting married in Greece
Dreaming of getting married in Greece? Whether you're a foreigner or a Greek citizen, tying the knot in this ...
Getting married in Vietnam
Have you met that perfect someone who you want to spend the rest of your life with? Luckily, getting married in ...
Getting married in the Philippines
Getting married in the Philippines provides a backdrop of immense beauty through stunning beaches, tropical ...
Marriage in Hong Kong
There are many reasons why you may want to get married in Hong Kong. You could be a long-term expat and have ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"