Features

The life of an expat is full of surprises. New countries come with new cultures, rules, traditions, food, work schedules, and much more. Where most expats generally don't expect surprises is in the bathroom. After all, how strange can things get in a water closet (WC)? Turns out, the life of an expat is, indeed, full of surprises – and nowhere is an exception. 

It's often assumed that being born in a particular country automatically confers citizenship to a child. That isn't entirely true. For the children of expats born abroad, their nationality often depends on one or both parents' citizenship status as well as the number of years the parents have been expats.

Should this be seen as a government strategy to attract foreigners? Here's some great news for people who love adventure, thrills, challenges and new experiences. You can move abroad and even get paid for it. Here's how.

Today, we are looking into digital nomad visas that have minimal requirements. This means that even if you are just starting out in an office-free adventure and still developing your client base, you may be able to find a stable temporary base with digital nomad perks.

Dual work-study programs are distinctly German qualifications, although there do exist industry-oriented degrees elsewhere that are similar to them. As the name says, they are Bachelor's and Master's degrees, which include practical experience at a company in conjunction with academic classes on campus. They are particularly useful for subjects that are in themselves very vocational, such as business, design, engineering, technology and social work. 

While many countries are experiencing a brain drain, some are also facing a female brain drain. Graduated and experienced women professionals no longer hesitate to leave their countries to pursue careers abroad. Moving to a foreign country sometimes sounds like an obligation for those who want to enjoy complete freedom.

Life insurance is deemed to be one of the preferred financial investments for expatriates, along with real estate investment, and it offers a number of advantages. Besides the financial aspect, how important is life insurance for short- or long-term plans to live abroad? What factors should be taken into account? 

Mental health and depression are topics that have become more popular in recent years, and expatriates are not spared by this disorder. According to the WHO, this mental illness affects 300 million people worldwide. On the occasion of the World Depression Day observed on 27 October, we examine the main causes of depression among expatriates from a psychologist's point of view.

In some countries, there are talks about a "brain drain". This is another major challenge for developing countries whose health systems are still reeling from the Covid pandemic. How can countries attract and retain health workers? The shortage of health workers affects countries worldwide, even the wealthiest. 

Moving abroad as a couple, finding love in a foreign country, and building a life together isn't always easy. And when you're an expat, feelings can be even more complicated. Sometimes, the journey together doesn't turn out as expected, and divorce becomes the only option. What can you do if you live in a country where getting a divorce is difficult?

Is the rise in student mobility a result of the inflationary crisis? Rising prices in many countries are putting a strain on students' budgets. Many have already suffered the consequences of the health crisis, with the difficulty of keeping a small job and, therefore, saving money. With the ever-increasing cost of education, should you move abroad to study? Can it be cheaper? How do students balance cost and quality of life?

Working abroad can be psychologically daunting. Culture shock, homesickness, different corporate norms, and even different weather can easily lead expats to depression and burnout. This is why it's important to choose an employer who values your mental health and has implemented workplace policies that give you a great environment to thrive in.

Workations are short-term or mid-term trips that combine work and holidays. They're an excellent solution for expats who can't afford to take a few weeks completely off work but do need a change of environment. The difference between “workations” and “digital nomadism” can be fuzzy, but it's generally assumed that digital nomadism tends to be more long-term. Many expats think that workations help them avoid burnout and make them more creative at work, but it can also put them under stress about how to manage their time and budget while doing two things at a time.

Finding fellow expats in a new country may be a dream come true — at first. However, if your expat circle prevents you from experiencing life in your new destination, you may want to start planning your escape. Here's what you should know.

Managing your finances as an expat can sometimes be challenging. Fortunately, online banking offers a practical and beneficial solution for expatriates worldwide. In this article, we will explore the benefits of online banking and see whether required to open a local bank account in their host country.

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.

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?