Lifestyle - Expat Magazine

COVID-19: The alarming situation in the USA and Brazil viewed by expats
COVID-19: The alarming situation in the USA and Brazil viewed by expats
The situation in America is more than alarming, with more than 4.3 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 150,000 deaths in the USA, followed by Brazil with more than 2.4 million cases and over 87,000 deaths. Citizens of these two countries are currently banned from entering many countries, especially in the European Union. This is a major concern for expatriates living there while governments are advising them to return at the soonest. Some expats in the USA and Brazil share their views about the crisis and talk to us about their new routine.
EU Summit: €750 billion as grants and loans to member states
EU Summit: €750 billion as grants and loans to member states
After four days of negotiations, EU leaders have reached an agreement on how $ 869 billion package will be spent amongst member countries. The summit was the first following the COVID-19 pandemic and its aim was to decide on how the fund would be used to help member states counter the effects of the health and economic crisis. Grants and low interest loans will be available to countries most hit by the pandemic.
Making my intercultural relationship work
Making my intercultural relationship work
Long before Nia Vardalos starred as a girl who created a stir within her traditional Greek family, in the 2002 hit comedy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, romances have blossomed across international borders. Intercultural relationships can be enchanting as two people, brought up in a different set of cultural beliefs, learn to navigate the romantic minefield… Often, though, people assume everything will be great — just as long as two people are happy together. The truth can be different. Even with the Internet, the world is still a mixing bowl and culture shock and cultural clashes still happen. It's more than just language barriers, ideology, and social norms which cause challenges. Even with all of that in the mix, it's still possible to make it work.
Updates on the pandemic situation around the world
Updates on the pandemic situation around the world
South Africa, Melbourne and several cities across the world are going back into lockdown. At the same time, other countries are reopening their borders. Here's an update on the pandemic situation across the world…
Expatriation: Myth vs reality
Expatriation: Myth vs reality
For family and friends left behind, an expat's life can seem glamorous and daring. The kind of life they wished they could enjoy if they weren't stuck in the 9 to 5 routine. There are benefits to being an expat, but the reality does not always meet the perception. Jerry Nelson, an American expat in Buenos Aires tells us why.
Being gay, married and an expat in Brazil !
Being gay, married and an expat in Brazil !
Last week, Thailand's Cabinet approved a draft bill aiming at recognising same-sex civil partnerships. If this bill is passed into law, Thailand would be the second country in Asia to back same-sex unions after Taiwan. Russia, for its part, publicly announced the prohibition of same-sex marriages. But how does it feel to be a same-sex couple abroad? Al, an American expat in Brazil, talks to Expat.com about LGBT rights and his everyday life in his host country.
Expat Blues: Being ‘the other half’ in an expat couple
Expat Blues: Being ‘the other half’ in an expat couple
When a couple moves abroad for career reasons, this can sometimes mean that one person is quickly immersed in a demanding new job, and the other suddenly finds themselves in the role of a 'support act'. How come some people can adapt to this transition to 'the other half' with ease, while for others, regrets and resentments begin to surface? And how can we deal with this? London-based psychotherapist Paul Carslake offers some ideas.
How to socialise after the COVID-19 pandemic
How to socialise after the COVID-19 pandemic
For most of us, the past few months practically translated into isolation. Not being able to have a drink or grab a bite with friends, go clubbing, or chat-chat with people at the park has been a real challenge for some. Now that the lockdown has come to an end in most countries, even though we still have to take precautions, it's high time to socialise. Here are some tips for getting started.
Countries with the best response to the COVID-19 crisis
Countries with the best response to the COVID-19 crisis
It wouldn't be wrong to say that the coronavirus pandemic hasn't spared any country. Today, we have more than 9 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world and a death toll of nearly 500,000. On the other hand, you will agree that some countries had a better response than others. Let's take a look at the measures they took to protect their populations.
Opinion: Will the COVID-19 crisis completely change global mobility?
Opinion: Will the COVID-19 crisis completely change global mobility?
This week, the Expat Mag is offering you a special dossier. Our team has attempted to anticipate the new expatriation trends imposed on us by the COVID-19 crisis. Julien, the founder of Expat.com, gives us an insight of what could be the changes over the next few months...
Survey: More than 80% of expats chose to stay in their host country during the COVID-19 crisis
Survey: More than 80% of expats chose to stay in their host country during the COVID-19 crisis
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Expat.com and April International set out to find out what expatriates' responses to the crisis was. We found that while most expats chose to remain in their host country ahead of the crisis, 18% did fly home and another 38% will be heading home once the crisis is over. Find out what else our survey reveals.
Five ways to reinvent your expatriation
Five ways to reinvent your expatriation
You will agree that moving abroad, whether alone or with your family, has never been an easy thing. It's, therefore, crucial to have proper planning, but above all, keep in mind that things won't always turn out as planned. If the global health crisis has compromised your stay abroad, here are some tips for survival.
The top 10 questions that expats are tired of hearing when they announce they are moving abroad!
The top 10 questions that expats are tired of hearing when they announce they are moving abroad!
Do you remember that day when you finally decided to be brave enough to pack up your things and move to a new place? You were all excited and pumped and couldn't wait to tell your friends and family. In the end, many of them were probably very happy for you, but still asked a lot of things you cannot stand hearing anymore.
Can you travel again?
Can you travel again?
Life is slowly going back to normal in several countries around the world. Although cautiously and with different rules, borders are reopening and commercial airlines are starting to fly again. An update on the situation.
Learning the language of your host country: A few tips
Sweden
Learning the language of your host country: A few tips
Thibauld, who lives and works in Stockholm, has written a guide to help expats learn the language of their host country. He tells Expat.com about what he has learnt and gives us a few tips.
Cabin or Prisoner syndrome: What is it and how to get over it?
Cabin or Prisoner syndrome: What is it and how to get over it?
After having been on lockdown for several months, you might find it harder to go back to work or experience serious distress or anxiety about things as trivial as going to the supermarket. Do not panic! This is absolutely normal. Here is what Giuditta Petrella, psychologist and psychotherapist, has to say about what is called the Cabin syndrome.
COVID-19: What happens if your visa has expired
COVID-19: What happens if your visa has expired
Today, many expats around the world are worried about their stay abroad, especially those whose visa expires soon or has already expired. Given the current travel restrictions, they are not able to go back home. Many countries have thus resolved to grant visa extensions and other benefits to foreign nationals who are already on their territory, but this comes with certain conditions. Here is what you should know.
How different countries are managing the end of lockdown
How different countries are managing the end of lockdown
After being locked down for two months, many countries around the world have begun to breathe again. Let's have a look at how some of these countries are dealing with the end of lockdown.