Features
Schools & studies
Have you been accepted into a university abroad? Congratulations! You are about to experience one of the most meaningful adventures in your life and reach a huge milestone. But don't let other people's “been there, done that” attitude predetermine your journey. The only preconception you should carry with you is that this will be a second to none experience. With September and the beginning of the term being just around the corner, we have composed a helpful guide on everything you should do before your departure to set the base for a fulfilling time abroad as an international student.
Moving
Have you just heard the news of an awesome job offer abroad? This is everything you wanted to progress your career and rediscover yourself through the challenges and rewards of expatriation. Thankfully, you aren't alone in this project; your partner is determined to travel the extra miles and start anew with you. However, evidence shows that overseas contracts are very likely to break due to the accompanying spouse's and the dependents' lack of adjustment. We believe that with an honest pre-departure conversation and ongoing support during the assignment, expat life can be accommodating and exciting for everyone involved.
Everyday life
For the 18th year in a row, Edelman has published the latest trust and credibility survey, which measures the population's trust in institutions and sectors in 28 countries around the world. The most common worries among international respondents are fake news and the lack of credibility of media organisations, which are the least trusted institutions for the first time in the Trust Barometer history. On the other hand, the opinions and knowledge of journalists, analysts, and entrepreneurs are gaining credibility among the general population.
Leisure
Your expatriation can be the perfect motivation for some of your very good (and not so good) friends and family members to travel abroad. Depending on your host country and living conditions, it can be either easy for you to receive guests or slightly challenging. However, regardless of your current circumstances, with some good organisation, a big smile, and enthusiasm, you can turn visits of friends and family into a memorable holiday! Plus, remember that this is an excellent opportunity to create some new memories together until the next time you meet again.
Germany
Are you trying to decide on your next expat destination as a digital nomad? Or have you just been offered a job in Germany, and you wish to know more about your future host country? Germany is split into 16 federal states, each of which has its policies and laws regarding education and culture. Europe's largest economy is a major exporter of heavy equipment, vehicles, and chemicals, and has a highly-skilled labour force. Despite the low fertility rates and increase in immigration, Germany can still afford a generous social welfare. Expat.com shares the top reasons you should move to the country of Goethe, Bach, and Beethoven.
Russia
As we're just a day away from the World Cup 2018 kick-off, the whole world is focused on Russia who is hosting the much-awaited event. You probably know Russia, the largest country in the world by size, for its rich culture and history, and especially for its Soviet heritage. Many of you are probably planning to fly to Russia to support your favourite football team. Before you do, here are some interesting facts about Russia that you might have never have heard about.
Everyday life
Peace is a factor that should not be overlooked by people seeking to move abroad, regardless of their motivation. Today, many countries are suffering from a significant deterioration of peace – which without a doubt has an impact on the population and quality of life. Which are the world's most peaceful nations? Where are you the most likely to enjoy a serene expat experience? Expat.com gives you an insight into the latest Global Peace Index to help you choose your next destination.
Everyday life
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the international migrant population is steadily growing as the movement has become easier thanks to the digital revolution and more affordable travel costs. In 2015 there were about 244 million international migrants — 89 million more than the number of migrants in the year 2000. In most cases, people are moving to high-income countries for work in the service sector. If done in a humane and orderly way, IOM believes that migration is beneficial for both the society and migrants, and can boost the global social and economic development.
Everyday life
Research shows that spending time by the ocean is beneficial both for our physical and mental health. Some expats are consciously in search of seaside destinations to fill their life with joy and fresh sea air while others accidentally find themselves on the shore, only to ask how on earth were they living before without the breathtaking sea view. Today, on World Oceans Day, Expat.com celebrates the future of our oceans with a few points which commemorate the best aspects of expat life by the ocean.
Work
Both expat and local entrepreneurs contribute to national economies and the global economy to make the world a better place through unique products and excellent services. But where in the world are the best places to set up your business or join a charismatic team of changemakers? Startup Genome, a solid support system for technology organisations in forward-looking cities, has composed a geographic and sectorial report, which signals the beginning of a new technological era. We present the startup environment in some of the most entrepreneur-friendly cities.
Italy
Education will without a doubt be one of your main concerns if you're an expat looking to move to Milan with your family. The International School of Milan provides tailor-made programs so your children can benefit from quality education. Here are some tips for studying in Milan.
Moving
Expat life can be equally intimidating and interesting. You are filled with motivation to start afresh in a foreign land, which is exhilarating and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, you may even think about moving back home, either out of homesickness, or after having spent a considerable time abroad exploring new cultures and experiences.
Children
Pregnancy can be a fascinating process yet a very stressful one. Preparation is key to ensure a smooth and uneventful birth and to welcoming your child merrily. Delivering in a foreign country can cause further anxiety due to the many unfamiliar circumstances. Check out our compiled guide to giving birth abroad, and get organised well in advance for the most important event in your life.
Pets
How exciting — you are about to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity abroad with all its challenges and rewards. But you are not alone in this expatriation journey; your four-legged friend is family to you and is joining the adventure. Before you get your pooch a passport and make the first steps towards your dog's transportation, take a look at the list we have prepared with some of the world's greatest places to be a dog.
Everyday life
Moving abroad may mean changing almost every aspect of your life, depending on how far your host country is from your home culturally. Adjusting to a different lifestyle and bringing in your day-to-day a new etiquette and mode of operation requires an open mind. However, at Expat.com we understand that tolerance isn't always enough, and often, regardless of your willingness to adapt to your new environment, it may just be impossible or not as easy as it was during your previous expat project. On average, you should be able to say whether you feel comfortable or not in your host country after the first half of a year's stay. Use our checklist to see how far you are in your adaptation process.
Work
Are you one of these professionals who aspire to work free from the rules of the nine-to-five office environment? Or does the company you work for encourage remote working? Gig economy, which is based on freelance work and short-term contracts, empowers you to apply creativity to your work and lifestyle. If you want to expatriate and experience a new culture while earning a living, you may wish to consider one of the cities below for your freelance career along with some additional information about this satisfying yet challenging field.
Children
Globally, parenting aims at nurturing responsible and productive members of society. But the definition of a kind and successful citizen differs from culture to culture, depending on the ethics and moral values. Is your child-rearing flexible or do you implement discipline? Do you impose your ideas or let your child to discover their talents creatively? Expat.com has put together some of the most interesting parenting practices to show you child raising from a different perspective.
Health system
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a report with the most polluted cities in the world based on several-years thorough research. Ideally, the safest way to fight pollution is to prevent it via political, economic, and environmental measurements. However, if you are an expat in a country with high levels of pollution, there are some easy actions you can take to help your body cope with the added stress. But not all cities are polluted — smaller and more conscious cities are offering a healthy environment to their inhabitants.
Other Types
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If you've been searching for a stable, profitable, and strategically located country to grow your business or diversify your investment portfolio, Panama should be at the very top of your list. Panama is not just a country with a famous canal. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, a regional financial hub, and a proven gateway for companies looking to expand across North and South America. With a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system, world-class logistics infrastructure, and investor-friendly immigration policies, Panama offers a unique combination of advantages that few countries in the world can match.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
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