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Everyday life
Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try, you just can't integrate into the new culture? And even after living in the country for a long time, learning the culture, and speaking the language, do you still feel like an outsider? Unfortunately, this feeling is not uncommon among expats. But where does it come from? And why?
Everyday life
Food habits in a new country can be fascinating and sometimes challenging for expatriates. It's often the aspect of home that people miss the most when they move abroad. What are the surprises awaiting expatriates in terms of "exotic" dishes and local dining etiquette?
Visas
This past year has been pivotal, marked by significant elections, sweeping immigration reforms, persistent labor shortages, and evolving demographic trends. Additionally, we saw notable shifts in expatriation patterns. Let's delve into these major developments that shaped 2024.
Expat news
Visas
As countries finalize their budgets for 2025 and evaluate their needs, they are preparing to unveil new initiatives to attract foreign talent and investors. This comes in response to ongoing labor shortages. Here's an analysis of the latest developments.
Visas
As Spain grapples with the aftermath of severe storms, the cost of reconstruction still needs to be determined. Despite government promises of aid for individuals and businesses, providing reassurance remains a challenge. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is actively making announcements to highlight Spain's resilience.
Cost of living
Bad news for expats living in Europe or planning on moving there – the cost of living across the continent has risen by 5% in a year. The sharpest increases have been in rent and utilities, with Ireland, Spain, and Italy seeing the largest hikes. London and Dublin are now the most expensive cities in Europe for expats, while cities in Eastern Europe remain relatively affordable.
Content from our partners
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Germany Pension Refund
Did you know that expats who have worked in Germany can often claim a refund for their pension contributions? If you've left Germany and currently live in a non-EU country, you might be eligible for this significant financial benefit.
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LUXURIA Residence
Choosing a residence as an expat is a significant decision. Your new home should be a sanctuary—safe, comfortable, and harmonious, offering a place to recharge after demanding days. This guide from our commercial partner, LUXURIA Residence, aims to assist those seeking a duplex apartment in Bucharest that truly feels like home.
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Adeslas
Are you dreaming of studying in Spain? Whether you're preparing to apply for a student visa or navigating the process of regularizing your documents, there are essential steps to take before starting this exciting journey. Understanding the process can be overwhelming, so Adeslas, a local health insurance provider, has compiled a concise guide to help you get started.
Features
Everyday life
In today's interconnected world, understanding the varying rhythms of life across countries is crucial, especially if you're considering moving abroad. Some nations are celebrated for their laid-back lifestyles, while others are famous for their fast-paced environments.
Everyday life
As the crackdown on drug trafficking ramps up, what steps are states taking to control drugs and alcohol? Since these substances are regulated differently, let's dive into how different places are handling them.
Work
Recent geopolitical events have underscored companies' precarious situations when sending employees abroad. Operating in high-risk countries presents unique challenges. How do companies manage international mobility under these conditions? How do they fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers?
Work
A study by RSM UK, a British accounting firm, reveals that 33% of companies permit their employees to work remotely from locations outside the United Kingdom. Despite this flexibility, many companies remain cautious due to the potential legal complexities involved. If you're considering working remotely from abroad, here are several essential tips to consider.
Everyday life
Montaigne viewed friendship as a profound union where "souls unite and merge so fully that the seam that once joined them vanishes." Although expats might not seek such intense bonds, forming lasting friendships, especially with locals, can deeply enhance the experience of living abroad. Yet, forging these connections can be challenging. Unseen cultural norms can complicate matters, although making friends doesn't typically demand strict etiquette. Still, what are the faux pas that should be avoided?
Everyday life
An increasing number of individuals are opting to retire abroad, drawn by lower living costs, favorable weather, and a change of pace. However, as they age and become more vulnerable, this dream retirement can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. A recent testimony highlights the risks involved and underscores the need for careful planning.
Expat interviews
Everyday life
Meet Barbara Boyle, a former Creative Director and writer who has worked with global brands and lived in major cities worldwide. Now retired in a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte, Italy, Barbara shares her journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to a serene life amidst vineyards and orchards, and discusses her latest writings on her life in Italy.
Everyday life
Meet Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 32 years in marketing. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Jen now lives in Mérida, Yucatán, where she helps others find their perfect home abroad through the innovative Expatsi Test. In this interview, Jen shares her experiences and insights on living overseas, adjusting to new cultures, and finding joy in the expat lifestyle.
USA
Umberto's journey from the serene town of Bolzano, Italy, to the bustling streets of New York City is both inspiring and captivating. With roots tracing back to Naples and a familial connection to Brooklyn, Umberto's path to America was driven by a profound desire to connect with his heritage and make his mark in the land of opportunities.
Insights from professionals
Everyday life
Moving to a new country won't solve your problems, but should you do it anyway? Well, it depends. It depends on you and your mindset. It is easy to imagine that relocating overseas will transform us into better versions of ourselves.
Work
The first day at a new job is always daunting. Stress, exhaustion, loneliness and nervous excitement are all common emotions but add on top of that, culture shock, language barriers and trying to settle your family into their new life abroad, it can all get overwhelming.
Everyday life
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of discomfort for expatriates, not only because of the distance from their loved ones but also due to lockdowns and health restrictions. Emanuela Brusadelli, a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the Deputy Director of the Professional and Clinical Psychology Programs at Wollongong University School of Psychology in Australia, tells us more.
Expat stories
USA
As the year 2021 comes to an end, we're hoping for this very stressful period for expatriates all over the world to be over. Expats living in the USA on an E2 visa have been faced with a particularly complicated situation. In addition to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, they will also have administrative difficulties obtaining visas or even their renewal.
Everyday life
From October 1, 2021, South Africa moved to Alert Level 1 after multiple Covid-19 peaks, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Hannah, an expat from the UK, was lucky enough to relocate to Cape Town in September following her husband's intra-company transfer. She shares her views about expat life in the country she now calls home.
Everyday life
Does being an expat mean always being the outsider? Not quite at home in your host country and a little bit of a stranger to your home country. Stephanie discusses how she navigates this identity as a Brit living in Paris.
Moving
Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.
Moving
I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.
Expat of the month
Everyday life
Angelica is originally from Verbania, Italy. It's been nearly ten years since she moved to the UK, hungry for independence and new experiences. She has also spent a year in Germany for her studies before going back to the UK and is currently in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She talks to us about living in London as an expat between Brexit and the Covid pandemic.
Articles from our local editions
Mauritius
In the vibrant heart of Mauritius, the island's biodiversity extends beyond its lush landscapes to include its bustling streets and scenic beaches. Here, the stray dogs, affectionately known as "Maurichiens," are an omnipresent part of the scenery, from sandy shores to city sidewalks. This article delves into the lives of these roughly 300,000 ownerless dogs, examining the challenges they endure and the animal welfare efforts underway to enhance their living conditions. Let's explore the struggles and interventions aimed at supporting these often overlooked animals.
Mauritius
This week in Mauritius, several significant initiatives were launched that directly impact daily life. These include measures to enhance purchasing power, protect our beaches, manage water resources effectively, and promote Creole culture.
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