Expat interviews
Singapore
Aspiring writer Ellie's boyfriend received a job offer in Singapore, and they jumped at the chance to live in one of the world's financial capitals. Ellie speaks with Expat.com about how she has adjusted to life in Singapore, how she spends her time, and what her favourite things are about her new home.
Tanzania
After leaving England to travel the world, Ali Dunnell settled on Tanzania as her latest adventure. When she isn't teaching English and Art, she is producing artwork for her blog and spending time with her three children. She gives https://www.expat.com some insight into life in the country famed for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and indigenous animals.
Guatemala
Expat and author David Anicetti expatriated in Guatemala 24 years ago from the US to set up his business. But the country of the epic Mayan civilisation and scenic nature made an impact on David, and he has called it home ever since. He talks to Expat.com about the country, its people and the lifestyle, and how he conceived the idea for his book 'Living in Guatemala', a practical guide to the country. Join us in a journey to Central America to find out more about the everyday life of a long-term expat in Guatemala.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the 13th largest country in the world by area and the largest country without a river. But we all know the country better for it being the holy land for Muslims with the most sacred mosques. After six months in Saudi Arabia, Sumreen, a Pakistani expat, has already found many reasons to love the country. Here, she touches on the sensitive topic of clichés, and lists six misconceptions in Saudi Arabia, hoping to break the country's stereotypical image.
Indonesia
Wayne yearned for something bigger than the small-town life he had grown accustomed to, and decided to explore what lies beyond Canada's borders. His travels took him to Asia, where he ended up remaining, eventually settling in Surabaya, Indonesia. Here, he shares with Expat.com his thoughts about his expat journey and life in Indonesia.
Spain
Having visited the country before they met each other, American couple and business-owners Amalia and Eric decided to move to Spain together, thanks to a shared love of the culture, the cuisine and an ancestral connection to the country. They speak to Expat.com about their love of all things Spanish and how they've come to adapt to life in the idyllic town of Dénia.
England
When an opportunity comes, you better grab it. This is exactly what Swapna from the United States and her family did several months ago when they moved to Surrey, England. Nowadays, they all enjoy a new lifestyle that may not resemble what they were used to back home but teaches them a whole lot about the world and themselves. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to understand who you are and what matters to you in life.
France
Emily is an expat mum from the UK. She moved to Lyon three years ago with her husband who is of French origin but had never been to France before, and their two daughters. Between her remote parliamentary job and freelance journalism, Emily has a fulfilling family life. Emily shares her feelings about living in France with Expat.com.
China
Jerry comes from the USA. During a short stay in Taiwan, he fell in love with the east side of the world. He settled with his wife in Qingdao, China, seven years ago. Nowadays Jerry and his beautiful blended family are making the most of Qingdao's ocean, mountains, and oxygen. But expatriation is always an option for the future.
Italy
Jessica comes from Florida. Following her studies, her Italian boyfriend proposed to her, and they got married in Italy. She has been living in Puglia for over five years, and is the happy mum of a little boy. She shares with Expat.com her exciting life as a navy wife and entrepreneur in one of Italy's best locations for a life close to the sea.
Belgium
Charlotte comes from London. Her partner's posting brought her to Belgium in January 2016. Since then, every day is an adventure. She shares her time between work and fun wanders among the cobbled streets of Brussels where there's always a new bar or restaurant waiting to be discovered. She shares with Expat.com her life in what she describes as being a very European city with a laidback lifestyle.
England
When Takahiro first arrived in Brighton in 2009 for his Master's degree, he couldn't imagine that seven years later he would still live there — now completing his PhD. It's been a rewarding journey — academically and personally — with its ups and downs of course.
France
Ashley comes from Montreal, Canada. She spent a few years in Florence, Italy during her photograhy studies. Her endless curiosity and her francophile British companion led her to France three years ago. An avid blogger and photographer, she enjoys her relaxed lifestyle in the countryside.
Italy
Who hasn't looked at Italy as the country of arts and architecture, family and food, of a powerful empire, and the center of the Renaissance? Rebecca, a Scottish expat in Veneto, is feeling totally at home in Italy, and makes the most of the uniqueness this country has to offer – full of history museums, off the beaten track villages waiting to be explored, and traditional cuisine. Italy inspires!
Switzerland
When Ashleigh met her lovely Swiss man, she didn't know what the future holds — a marriage, settlement in a new country, and a rewarding work life. Ashleigh and her husband are now living in Geneva, and as a first-time expat, she had a lot on her plate at the beginning. But almost two years after, the culture shock and feelings of loneliness have lightened, and Ashleigh enjoys the charms of Switzerland, plans a family, and can't be happier with her online projects.
China
Nicole was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia. Following her studies, she started working as a journalist before her husband's posting in Hong Kong. After a few years, they moved to Xi'An in the center of China. Nicole talks to Expat.com about her life as an expat mom, an avid writer and blogger, and her passion for traveling.
Everyday life
Mark Twain rightfully said that heaven was copied after Mauritius — its mountains, forests, infinite horizons, and underwater life are out of this world. But it's up to us to protect this (and every other) habitat, and to keep paradises around the world alive. Romina, a Mexican entrepreneur, saw in Mauritius more than luxurious resorts and short-term beach holidays — she saw an opportunity to raise awareness among Mauritius' visitors and residents for a conscious way of living and travelling. Romina shares with Expat.com her aspirations for Mauritius Conscious and her highlights in her adopted island.
Reunion Island
Catharine comes from the UK. She first visited Reunion Island in 1990 during an exchange year. After her graduation, she flew back and ever since, she has found another place to call home. She shares with Expat.com her love for the island's lifestyle, its natural landscapes, and the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity.
Other Types
Work
It's no secret that landing a job abroad takes more than just qualifications—you'll need intercultural skills, strong adaptability, and a solid dose of determination. But even with all that, the competition can be fierce. So, how do you make yourself stand out to international recruiters? Here are some practical tips to help you prepare your applications and interviews with confidence and clarity.
Everyday life
Giving birth is one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences a woman can have. Doing it abroad? That adds a whole new layer of emotion and complexity. From navigating childbirth in a foreign language to adjusting to unfamiliar medical practices and postnatal care, expat parents often find their resilience and adaptability pushed to the limit. So how can you prepare for this pivotal moment while living overseas — and what should you be aware of?
Formalities
Sponsoring a relative comes with many rules. Can your current status allow you to sponsor someone? Who are you actually allowed to sponsor? And what should you keep in mind before starting the process? Expat.com breaks it down for you.
Work
Whether we embrace it with excitement or cautiously, artificial intelligence (AI) has become inseparable from our current and future world. The latest World Economic Forum report makes that clear: AI is reshaping the job market. This shift is especially significant for expats aiming to build an international career. So, what skills are recruiters looking for?
Formalities
Latin America as a region has become one of the most popular hubs for expats, digital nomads, and international entrepreneurs. The escalating prices, the rising taxes, and stricter immigration laws in Europe and North America are forcing people to seek alternatives, and many are finding Latin America's relative affordability, vibrancy, and diversity an ideal combination.
Leisure
Major urban centers continue to draw foreigners for a simple reason: they offer more jobs and housing. The global housing crisis hasn't changed that. Life in the city feels familiar and secure. But stepping away from crowded megacities can be just as comforting. It's a chance to enjoy fresh air and open space. Here are five ideal destinations where you can breathe deeply and live closer to nature.
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