Features
Leisure
The end of the year is a time for conclusions, resolutions, and celebrations. As an international student abroad, celebrating the New Year in a new environment can be one of the most exciting things ever. New people, new locations, and newly gained independence — all of this sounds like the perfect setup for the end-of-year bash. But, like most things in the life of an expat, it's not that simple.
Everyday life
Expat life can be a fantastic adventure, but it often demands extra organization and adaptation, especially during the holiday season. For those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, embracing foreign culinary traditions can be rewarding and challenging. Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy the festive season while living abroad and staying true to your dietary preferences.
Leisure
For many expats, the end of the year means celebrations with family and/or friends. Many take this opportunity to return home and enjoy the traditions they grew up in. Others choose to stay in their host country or are compelled to do so, and also take advantage of these festivities to spend time with their new friends or family. In all cases, the end of the year is mainly a time for celebration, joy and good food! Here's what expats have planned for this year.
Leisure
During the festive season, and especially on December 31, many countries have a tradition of lighting fireworks at midnight to welcome the New Year. While many people look forward to this, other concepts, such as drone shows, have surfaced recently and are both praised and criticized.
Everyday life
Expats heading home for the festive season know that this is also the perfect time to fill their luggage with gifts for friends and family. If you're a new expat spending your first Christmas abroad and you're planning to return for the holidays, you might be wondering what you could bring back and how to do it sustainably to minimize the environmental impact. Your questions will be addressed in this article.
Leisure
Celebrating Christmas in a new country as an expat can bring up a really eclectic blend of feelings and challenges. On the one hand, being in a new country during the holidays grants you the joy of discovering new traditions and adds an interesting new flavor to the holiday season. On the other hand, it presents you with a unique set of challenges, including missing familiar customs and coping with the nostalgia of home.
Leisure
You're now used to celebrating Christmas in your host country. It doesn't feel "foreign" anymore, and you're eagerly looking forward to another Christmas. Filled with creativity, you understand that the best moments are often the simplest, and throwing a great party doesn't necessarily require spending your entire salary from the last three months. There are plenty of clever ideas for a festive celebration.
Leisure
Celebrating traditional family holidays abroad is rarely easy. But there's something about Christmas that makes it particularly challenging. Today, we'll try to unpack what it is that we miss about Christmas away from home and look into ways to “manufacture” Christmas spirit in a foreign country.
Leisure
Relocating to a neighboring country or moving to the opposite side of the world are two distinct experiences. With the radical changes in climate, food, product availability, and cultural practices, preparing for Christmas becomes an adventure in itself. And let's not forget about family members back home or spread across different countries… How do expatriates stay organized in such situations?
Leisure
As the magic of Christmas slowly embraces the world, every corner of the globe adds its charm to this festive season. Expat.com is delighted to present your first gift: a global tour of the essential events for anyone celebrating Christmas abroad! Come along as we wander through the brilliant streets of Europe, explore the unique traditions of Asia, and immerse ourselves in the festive fervor of celebrations across America.
Leisure
The season is upon us. And no matter how many exciting plans you have for this holiday season, there will probably be a time in your busy schedule when you will want to have some cozy TV time. Here's where we have you covered. Here are the best Christmas movies to keep you entertained this holiday season.
Leisure
An expat's life is punctuated by significant milestones – the initial month in a foreign land, the inaugural birthday, and the first Christmas. These milestones become even more important when children are part of the adventure. In many countries, Christmas remains a family celebration. So, how do you celebrate your first Christmas abroad, and how do you get your children involved?
Everyday life
Spending the holidays away from home can be a uniquely challenging experience. Moreover, the holiday season often heightens homesickness and loneliness as traditions and family gatherings take center stage. Today, we will look into ways to address these feelings so that your holidays in a new location are a source of positive memories you will want to keep.
Leisure
Christmas, filled with warm traditions, sparkling lights, and a festive spirit, is a magical time for children all around the world. Yet, in a country where Christmas celebrations are uncommon, how can you ensure you keep the magic of this season for your little ones? This article proposes various creative approaches to revive the Christmas magic for your children while living abroad.
Work
Is the professional world adapting to the rise of digital nomadism? While many sectors maintain their conventional work structures (as not everything can be digitized), others are embracing fully remote work setups. Whether they are freelancers or work for a company, digital nomads are reshaping the fundamental concept of work. This transformation is especially true in the office environment, which is now portable alongside the worker. The question arises: where should you choose as your remote work base? Here's a glimpse into the benefits of budget-friendly destinations for remote work.
Leisure
This article is particularly intended for foodies and people seeking a culinary adventure! As the festive lights sparkle everywhere, the streets come alive with celebrations, and tempting aromas fill the air, we're gearing up for a culinary journey around the world. Forget about borders, leave your passport behind, and allow yourself to be carried away by the mouthwatering traditions that captivate the world during this magical holiday season. From Finland's gratins to the USA's roast beef and the delights of Mexico, let's explore the dishes that make Christmas truly memorable. Hold on tight for a gourmet journey!
Leisure
As the festive season sets in, finding the perfect gift for loved ones abroad can become quite a challenge, if not a headache. How can you capture the holiday spirit across borders? Expat.com gives you unique ideas for end-of-year gifts that blend a touch of life abroad with local warmth, making it easier to send a meaningful present to your loved ones back home.
Work
Christmas has become a popular corporate event around the world, with many companies embracing end-of-year celebrations through occasional tinsel trees and various levels of decorations, ranging from discreet to elaborate. However, when it comes to etiquette, here's what expats should keep in mind.
Other Types
Work
Although they are not often ranked among the top countries for expatriates, Malta and Hungary can boast more straightforward entry and residence requirements compared to more popular destinations like the United States and Canada. How is moving to Malta or Hungary easier, and what are the benefits for expats and prospective expats?
Formalities
Labor shortages and ongoing housing crises are heating up immigration policies. Should work permits be extended, or should there be a cap on the number of foreign nationals? It's a significant challenge for countries, with each one trying to introduce new policies to attract expatriates while combating rising living costs. Here's an overview of the latest changes.
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KLforExpats
If you're planning to move to Germany, you've likely heard that Germany's healthcare system is one of the best in the world and is renowned for its efficiency, accessibility, and high standard of care. However, if you're new to Germany, understanding the nuances of its health insurance system can be confusing and complex - especially if you don't know the language!
Visas
As tourism industries continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit slowly, Southeast Asian nations are exploring the implementation of a visa system modeled after the European Schengen Area. This initiative aims to revitalize tourism and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Cost of living
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.
Work
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?
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