Expat interviews

Andrew:
Malaysia
Andrew: "Malaysia is a salad bowl - there are hundreds of ethnicities and sub-ethnicities, religions, cultures and influences"
Andy describes himself as a third culture kid, born in the Philippines to Scottish and Filipino parents. He grew up in Saudi Arabia and studies in Scotland, and then went to teach in Vietnam following his studies. Nowadays, he lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Rey in Yokohama:
Japan
Rey in Yokohama: "The Japanese are the epitome of living a disciplined lifestyle"
Rey comes from New Jersey but has lived in different States. Following his retirement, he moved to Yokohama three years ago with his Japanese wife. Nowadays, he enjoys writing and publishing his articles about Japan online.
John in Kanchanaburi :
Thailand
John in Kanchanaburi : "Often I live completely to my own schedule"
Expat in Thailand since 14 years, John decided to live far from the coast and set his luggages next to River Kwai, in Kanchanaburi. In this interview, he gives us his feelings about living as an expat in this country where culture and way of living are completely different.
Karin in Fort Wayne:
USA
Karin in Fort Wayne: "The amount of vast, open space in the USA still is the most impressive experience for me"
Karin was born in Germany but traveled the world with her parents during her childhood. Many years later, she met an American national to whom she got married. Both now live in Fort Wayne where she works as a Senior Programmer Analyst.
Heather in Galicia:
Spain
Heather in Galicia: "Get ready for delicious food, beautiful weather, and an all-around great place to live!"
Since she was 13 and her first trip in Europe, Heather knew that she will live on the old continent. She's now living in Galicia, Spain, with her boyfriend, teaching english and living. She gives us her US expat feelings about this delicious country.
Danica in Cuenca:
Ecuador
Danica in Cuenca: "Ecuadorians are very family, community, and church oriented"
Danica comes from Canada. She has stayed in the USA and in Mexico for several years before traveling Europe. Retired, she now lives in Ecuador with her husband. In this Interview, she talks about her everyday life in Cuenca.
Oman
Phillip in Oman: "It is a beautiful country with many hidden gems"
Phillip comes from South Africa. He moved to Muscat four years ago following a job offer. In this Interview, he talks about his everyday life in Oman and shares his passion for traveling and photography.
Emma in Dubai:
United Arab Emirates
Emma in Dubai: "Just embrace the region and learn as much as you can"
Emma and her husband landed in Dubai since one year. Working in the airline industry, this Australian expat gives us her sincere testimony about a country in constant evolution.
Karen in Pune:
India
Karen in Pune: "People are so warm, welcoming and caring"
Karen was born in Ireland but has lived for long in Stratford upon Avon, England. She moved to India, 18 months ago, with her husband following his job posting. Nowadays, she teaches voluntarily in Pune.
Jane in Yangon:
Myanmar
Jane in Yangon: "If you love to travel to see nature, travel everywhere in Myanmar!"
Indonesian and married to a Burmese man met in U.S, Jane decided to live in Myanmar with him. From the economical capital, she gives us her vision of this multicultural country and unfortunately too much unknown.
Jane in Mersin:
Türkiye
Jane in Mersin: "The locals are still the most welcoming people on earth"
Jane comes from Sydney. Married to a Turk, she has been visiting their family in Turkey for years before finally deciding to move to Mersin in 2012. In this Interview, she tells us about her daily life in her new home.
Mandi in Bremen:
Germany
Mandi in Bremen: "There is more concern for taking care of the environment and saving energy"
Teacher and researcher in one of Bremen's universities, but also blog writter, Mandi lives in Germany since 2008. She gives us her vision, as an American expat, about the country of Goethe.
Hayley in Vancouver:
Canada
Hayley in Vancouver: "There is a love for nature and outdoor living here"
Hayley comes from Townsville, Australia. Following her trip to Canada back in 2013, she moved to Vancouver a month ago. She works in the hospitality sector and is a part-time journalist.
Kevan in Brno :
Czech Republic
Kevan in Brno : "The Czech Republic has a lot to offer"
When he arrived in Czech Republic from Canada, where his girlfriend lives, Kevan didn't know that the country will be his new home. Living there since 2004, now in Brno, the second largest city, the canadian gives us his vision of this country of Central Europe.
Timothy in Nice:
France
Timothy in Nice: "I am amazed by the high quality of life in France"
Tim comes from the USA where he used to be a development and finance specialist. In 2005, he moved to France with his partner Michael. He settled in Nice in 2013 after spending a few years in Paris.
Rebecca in Fiji:
Fiji
Rebecca in Fiji: "We fell in love with the place, the people and the rural atmosphere"
Rebecca discovered Fiji Islands during her honeymoon and fell literally in love with this paradise on earth. Since 20 years, she lives there, on Taveuni, the third largest island over the 300 that compose the country. She gives us her expat testimony through this interview.
Ina Schumann: the testimony of a serial-expat
Spain
Ina Schumann: the testimony of a serial-expat
"Slow-travel" lover since more than 10 years and expat since 2000, Ina lived in seven different countries! Now, she set her luggages in Barcelona with her boyfriend, learning spanish and writing for her blog. She gives us her feelings about how a serial-expat way of life looks like, between France, UK, Ireland, Spain and Australia.
Lisa in China:
China
Lisa in China: "The locals are very friendly, family-oriented and welcoming"
Lisa comes from South Africa where she worked as a teacher. In 2013, she was offered a new job in China. She stayed in Rizhao for three years until she moved to Shenzhen recently.

Other Types

Student visa fees soar: Is studying in Australia still worth it?
Australia
Student visa fees soar: Is studying in Australia still worth it?
For years, Australia has been one of the world's most sought-after destinations for international students. Its world-class universities, high standard of living, and generous post-study work opportunities have attracted hundreds of thousands of young people hoping to build a future abroad. But that appeal is beginning to fade. As the government continues to tighten its immigration policy, it has once again increased the cost of its post-study work visa, making it one of the most expensive of its kind in the world. Combined with stricter eligibility rules and fewer pathways to long-term residency, the changes are forcing many prospective and current international students to rethink their plans. Is Australia slowly becoming a study destination reserved for those who can afford to pay the price?
Can you still afford to retire abroad?
Everyday life
Can you still afford to retire abroad?
Are retirees really the "wealthy elite" they're often portrayed as? In reality, retirement incomes vary widely, and so do living standards. For expat retirees, the picture is even more complex. Beyond everyday expenses, they must also navigate inflation, hidden costs, rising healthcare bills, and policy changes that can all have a significant impact on their budget.
Buying property abroad: How your relationship status can affect your purchase
Accommodation
Buying property abroad: How your relationship status can affect your purchase
Buying your own property is a major milestone, and for many expats, an exciting new chapter. But purchasing a home abroad involves more than finding the right property. Your relationship status can have a significant impact on your rights as a buyer and the legal protections available to you. Whether you're married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, are you equally protected when buying property overseas?
Best sectors to invest in Panama in 2026: Your gateway to Latin America
JJ Associates
Best sectors to invest in Panama in 2026: Your gateway to Latin America
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.
How to spot international employment scams
Work
How to spot international employment scams
Imagine that after months of frustrating job search, you finally get an offer that can change your life. Not only is it the perfect match for your skills and experience, but it is also coming from a different country. The pay is great, and relocation expenses are covered. You are excited, you are making arrangements to leave. And, most likely, you are not at all ready for one of the following scenarios.
Does motherhood affect careers abroad?
Work
Does motherhood affect careers abroad?
Parenting is one of the most (if not THE most) life-changing experiences one can go through. But as much as this responsibility is shared, it is often the mothers who experience this change tenfold. And if you experience motherhood whilst working abroad, this transformation can feel even more profound. And for many expat women, motherhood in a foreign country marks a professional turning point.