Features
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.
Leisure
The year-end sales season is full-on; temptation lurks everywhere. Even when you live in a foreign country, you might want to follow the trend. Here are some tips on how to limit or control your year-end shopping as an expat.
Health system
You have been living in your new country for a few months now, but you are dealing with allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or specific foods. Adjusting to your new environment is thus becoming challenging. How can you enjoy your expat experience fully? Here are some tips.
Cost of living
The inflationary economy is forcing us to reconsider our choices when it comes to living abroad. Although you might think that relocating alone will always cost less, this might not always be the case. Couples are advised to consider their plans by using comparison tools instead of just saying goodbye to their partners to move alone.
Work
The end-of-year bonus is commonly known as the “13th or 14th month” or the “Christmas bonus”. This financial aid is helpful, especially amid the current economic crisis. In which countries can you expect to receive an end-of-year bonus? Are expats eligible?
Work
You've just arrived in your host country or lived there for some time. You feel comfortable in your new job and looking forward to a long stay in your host country. Still, there's one important area in which you still have a lot to learn: cultural nuances. A glance, a smile, or a hug may carry diverse meanings depending on the context and cultural background. Here are some tips for adapting and integrating them into your daily routine.
Work
What will the work organization of the future look like? Amidst the options of 100% in-person and 100% remote work, alternative work forms are gaining popularity. Many employees advocate for increased flexibility but seek flexibility that ensures their protection. But what about expats?
Cost of living
You're in the midst of planning to move abroad, but how can you ensure that your budget will cover your expenses in the host country? What exactly does the cost of living entail, and how can you grasp its intricacies?
Schools & studies
Universities in leading study destinations rely on international students to get tuition fees and fill research positions. This is especially the case for postgraduate and STEM (science and technology) courses, which remain more popular among international than domestic students.
China
Caught in an unprecedented housing crisis, China's economic growth is stumbling. The shift from the Covid zero policy hasn't resulted in a significant economic rebound or a widespread return of expatriates as expected. On the contrary, the situation is becoming more challenging.
Work
There is a continuous and concerning shortage, raising the question of whether academic careers are in decline. The field of teaching is becoming less appealing to individuals, and this issue is becoming more prevalent in numerous countries worldwide. Interestingly, this situation might offer a chance for people looking to boost their careers overseas.
Tax
When planning their relocation, few people take into consideration the tax system of the host country. Yet it impacts the payment of tax, the tax situation, the management of income in the host country, and, if any, in the home country.
Work
Job stability is essential for everyone, but it may be even more important for expats whose residence status depends on their work visa. In some countries like the US and Gulf countries, the massive layoff of expats has threatened both their livelihood and residence status.
Formalities
When you have recently moved to a new country, and you believe you've completed all the necessary paperwork, there is one more thing you might need to do: register with your local municipal office. And this can actually be quite beneficial.
Everyday life
There are lots of reasons to visit a new city. However, few are more compelling than really great food. Locating these special destinations is rarely easy. That is unless you have a handy list to go by. Here are the best cities in the world to plan your next dinner.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad can come with a hefty price tag, especially in countries where tuition fees for out-of-state and international students are high or in countries with a strong local currency. Getting a scholarship can alleviate the financial stress that many international students and their families feel. What are some of the most popular scholarships for them?
Other Types
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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?
Schools & studies
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?
Accommodation
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.
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