Features

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.

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.

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? 

Since the start of 2023, there have been over 150 shootings in the United States. Some of the biggest ones include the assault at a 16th birthday celebration in Alabama, resulting in four fatalities, the school shooting in Nashville where three children and three adults lost their lives, and the mass shooting in Kentucky that claimed the lives of four individuals.

Various studies have shown that studying abroad increases your chances of getting a high starting salary upon being hired. Back home, employers will value the language, intercultural and problem-solving skills you learned abroad. If you choose to remain in the foreign country where you studied, your experience as a student will likely also help you transition into the country's work culture.

Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.

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?