Features

Born in Argentina, Vanessa has always been passionate about her Italian roots. This led her to Rome in 2015, the same year when she met the love of her life. In 2021, she decided to follow him to Barcelona, where they now enjoy a fulfilling expat life. Being a freelance translator, Vanessa shares her story of why she chose to move to Europe and all that comes with it.

Language barriers can be a concern when embarking on an expatriation project or considering a potential stay abroad. Which languages should you focus on when moving abroad, especially if you are going to work? Of course, learning the host country's language is always advisable, but how can you prepare if you are not sure about the host country? Are some languages more influential than others? Should you prioritize specific languages?

Moving abroad comes with a lot of surprises, good or bad, and sometimes unique discoveries when coming from a different culture than that of the host country. This leads many foreigners to film or photograph certain situations or places in their daily lives because "it's funny", and share it on social media. Unfortunately, this is sometimes a very (very) bad idea that can lead to a hefty fine. In this article, we look at the things an expat should avoid posting on social media.

The Coronation of the new King of England, Charles III, took place over three days and was celebrated throughout the United Kingdom. The festivities began with a ceremony in Westminster Abbey, which was broadcast worldwide on the internet and television, attracting an estimated 14 million viewers, according to the BBC. Every aspect of the event was meticulously planned to leave no stone unturned. How did expats in London experience the event? Some of them shared their thoughts with us.

International students' mobility has been on the rise since the reopening of borders following the Covid-19 pandemic. China, one of the last countries to resume the delivery of all types of visas, is looking to enhance its image among international students. The benefits of studying abroad are many, such as discovering a new country and new cultures, learning a new language, acquiring new skills, making new friends, etc. But behind all those pluses lie many hardships that we cannot ignore. Work, accommodation and socialization are some of the challenges faced by international students.

Rather than be a simple line on a CV, an internship abroad is a gateway to an international career. It also allows for more self-awareness and offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about a foreign country. The intern can thus discover a new language, entrepreneurial culture, and work organization and improve their knowledge and skills. What are the best countries for internships? Here are some tips and practical advice on maximizing your chances of obtaining an internship abroad.

If you're looking to broaden your horizons by immersing yourself in different cultures and gaining work experience simultaneously, working abroad is an excellent option. Fortunately, there are plenty of overseas jobs available that do not require prior experience. These roles not only allow you to travel to new places but also improve your professional skills. By researching these job opportunities, you can narrow down your search and move closer to landing a job overseas.

Should you wear suits, jackets and ties, wide-legged jeans, slim-legged jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, with or without a plunging neckline, with or without printed patterns, with bright or more neutral colors? The matter of dressing in a foreign country is more important than one would have thought. The host country has its own culture and dress codes, which expats need to follow. How to dress outdoors or for work? Let's discover the appropriate dressing habits for expats to avoid any fashion faux pas.

It is common knowledge that degrees in medicine, computer science, law and finance give international students high-paying jobs abroad. However, there are also other degrees/diplomas which can lead to great salaries. Culinary arts, nursing and paramedical professions, business combined with IT skills, and human resources are underrated specializations that can lead to fulfilling and high-paying careers.

Moving abroad with a family can be a different challenge from moving abroad alone or as a childless couple. School, extracurricular activities, spaces to play, safety, allowances and child-friendly policies are all issues that these parents have to take into consideration. Some countries, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, have a reputation for being child-friendly expat destinations.

In 2023, the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons can no longer be ignored by institutions. Sadly though, many countries still challenge their very existence, questioning their preferences and not respecting their well-being or even their life. In certain places, you can pay a hefty price for just being who you are, a price with fatal consequences in some cases.

Remote working has become popular since the pandemic, but expat workers might still be unsure about how to request it. Are there labor laws that lay down rules for remote working? If you plan on working from abroad as an expat, what issues should both you and your employer take into consideration?

For many international students, a degree abroad is part of a larger immigration plan. They invested in these studies with the hopes of getting a job as an expat after graduating. Some countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, offer a specific work visa for international graduates of their institutions. They allow them to work temporarily in the country for 1-6 years. After this period, they can apply for a more long-term work visa.

This crisis has been lurking for years, but it is rarely discussed. Overshadowed by unemployment, growth, or inflation rates, the demographic crisis is a growing threat to world economies. This is particularly true in the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, or South Korea. More than ever, active young populations are needed in order to sustain growth, be it today or tomorrow. In this context, many major powers are competing among themselves to bring in young international talents. Is immigration the key to finding a solution to the demographic crisis? 

Despite the promised advantages, the French government's recent move to raise the retirement age (62 to 64) has not been well received by the population. A similar appalment has been noted toward South Korea's proposal of raising the work time to 69 hours per week. All the bitterness caused raised a legit question; can one handle a career at a moment so close to retirement? Are global labor shortages a sign that you can start a career overseas at 60?

The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?

To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?

Looking for a new real estate investment? Futuristic cities, artificial islands, and self-sustaining megacities await you as the Gulf States roll out the red carpet for wealthy expatriates. Competing with each other, they are embarking on mega-projects to attract foreign investors. Here's an overview.