Housing - Expat Magazine
USA
Jenny spent most of her life in Quebec before she started feeling the need to explore other parts of the world. It was only after giving birth to her second child that her and her husband decided to move to California. Being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean she's bored. With an online boutique, a blog, and lots of family activities, she is kept busy. Now that she has obtained her Green Card, she's reminiscing about her journey with Expat.com.
Canada
Laurene comes from Marseille. Passionate about discovering new cultures and photography, she decided to move to Montreal where she has been living for four years now on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). Laurene is quite happy with her new life in Montreal – even though she's had a couple of hard times – and speaks to Expat.com about her plans to become a permanent resident.
You wish to make a home away from home, but what you should consider when choosing your house abroad? Many criteria such as the city's or town's cost of living, quality of housing, rent prices, neighbourhoods, etc. have to be taken into account – whether you're moving alone or with your family. Here are some useful tips to help you make the right housing choice.
Italy
Alexandra from Russia, first moved to Italy to study the language and to join her many Italian friends. Ever since she has been living in Verona with her Italian husband, and has been enjoying a balanced life that allows space for big gatherings, good food, yoga, and cycling.
Norway
Anne-Sophie comes from Ardennes, but she spent a few years in Paris before moving to Norway. Three years went by since she's living the dream with her companion in the beautiful town of Tønsberg. Looking back at her journey with mixed feelings – with sheer enthusiasm and nostalgia – here is what she has to say about Norway.
Belize
Kristin (also known as the Solar Super Mama) is an American expat in Belize — a country that she fell in love with at first sight, back in her college days. Kristin speaks to Expat.com about expat life with four kids in the picturesque Belize village of Monkey River and her wide range of passions — from nature and food to entrepreneurship, alternative ways of educating your children, and positive attitude towards life!
Russia
Diane's never-ending passion for new cultures brought her abroad years ago. Originally from Paris, Diane spent a few years in England before moving to Russia in 2013. For her, Russia is a land of opportunities – both at personal and professional levels. She shares her loving feelings for Russia with Expat.com.
The latest edition of the HSBC Expat Explorer survey has arrived, and with it comes some insight into expats and their finances. We have a look at the results to find out some of the places to move to if you want to boost your finances, or where the most expats are property owners.
Canada
Marine comes from Paris. Following her first experience in Quebec in 2012, as an intern, she decided to move back to Canada, and see what the future beholds. Marine is now enjoying a fulfilling experience in Montreal and speaks to Expat.com about how she arrived to Canada for a second time and her day-to-day life in the country.
USA
Lisa originally comes from Charente Maritime, France. In her quest for new horizons, she moved to New Zealand where she spent six months before moving back to France. A few months later, she decided to move to the USA for her studies and better career prospects. Passionate about cinematography, she is now living her dream in Los Angeles and shares her enthusiasm with Expat.com.
Canada
Ferdy grew up in Paris. Seizing an opportunity abroad, she flew to Morocco where she spent two years before moving to Canada to be with her husband, who was a university student. Both decided to live in Quebec before they realised that Canada has more to offer. Their quest for a better life lead them to Edmonton in Alberta province.
Germany
Cyril Anne met her husband on a work trip to Germany, where she then moved to continue their life together. She has developed a love for all things German, from the cuisine to warm and friendly people, and she tells Expat.com about some of her favourite things about living in Frankfurt.
International companies are keen on hiring employees to work abroad on long-term contracts or specific projects, and the response they receive from the candidates is rather engaging. But what are multi-national businesses looking to achieve with this practice? And why are people willing to go through the inconvenience of relocation for work? AXA, a global insurance company with 107 million customers all over the world, has asked these and more questions to senior directors in charge of global mobility at 250 multi-national companies in eight countries and to 372 people in 11 countries who are working on international assignments. Expat.com discusses the findings of this survey on global mobility.
Originally from Romania, Alina moved to Denmark to pursue her education and eventually settled down there. However, she moved to Tallinn, Estonia to be with her (now) husband and give life there a try. Since moving there nine months ago, she has fallen for the country as well, and she tells Expat.com just what it is that makes Estonia so appealing.
Scotland
Ashley, an American expat in Scotland talks to Expat.com about the romantic (spoiler) reason behind her decision to move to Edinburgh, Scotland, and how she can now enjoy the best of two worlds. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road and coping with the wet and cold weather have been good enough reasons to give Ashley a cultural shock, but Edinburgh is an easy going place to live in, full of personality and genuinely nice people who will welcome you.
Europe is full of cities on the move, be it improving infrastructure, to heightening inspiration. Savills Investment Management's measure of the most dynamic cities in Europe highlights the cities with the best prospects for commercial investment, though it is a good indicator of a city's development for anyone hoping to move there. London topped nearly all five of the metrics used by Savills to take the overall top spot, and the UK as a whole features strongly across the different categories.
Mercer's latest cost of living report has revealed the most expensive and the most affordable cities for expats. This year Asian cities took the most places in the top ten most expensive cities, along with several European cities. However, some of the cheapest cities can also be found in Europe and Asia. The rankings were assessed as per the cost of living for an expat working abroad.
If you are getting ready to move abroad, preparation is key, and part of that is insuring against the unforeseen. From your health to your belongings, you will need to find the right kind of insurance to protect against any accidents or unpredictable events. Before you part with your money, make sure you are thoroughly informed of the available options.
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