Expat interviews
Netherlands
Stuart is originally from England. He accidentally landed in the Netherlands in 2001 following a job offer. He now lives in Friesland with his Dutch wife and daughter.
Italy
Debra comes from Brisbane. She moved to Bagni di Lucca twelve years ago with her husband. Former fashion designer, she now enjoys the Italian climate and working in her garden.
Germany
Passionate about soccer, Jackie left California, her home city, five years ago for Germany. She now lives in Erfurt with her boyfriend, who also plays soccer, and his two cats.
Morocco
British expat, Lynn moved to Essaouira more than three years ago to be with her Moroccan partner. Freelance author and travel writer, she particularly enjoys the sun, the beach and the relaxed pace of life in the country.
Ecuador
US national, CC used to work in the media and casino gaming. In June 2013, he relocated in Quito as a real estate investor. He particularly enjoys the local weather, gardens and parks.
China
Californian expat, Irai settled in China in 2007. She opted for a change in her life and seized a job opportunity. She now lives in Changchun, where she enjoys teaching English.
China
Laurence originally comes from Canada. Basketball coach, he has stayed in several countries before moving to China 12 years ago. He now lives in Chongqing with his Chinese wife.
Australia
Rosy comes from South Africa. She moved to Melbourne six months ago with her husband. She is a dietitian and is currently involved in the sales of medical equipment.
South Africa
Agnieszka comes from Poland. She moved to Johannesburg 8 years ago following a job offer. She particularly enjoys the outdoor scene, green spaces, restaurants and the weather.
New Zealand
Kimberly and Tyler left Southern California for Tauranga three months ago with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). The particularly like the beaches in the area and the proximity with Auckland.
Spain
Lottie was born in London. She moved to Granada with her husband three years ago following their stay in Indonesia. She particularly enjoys painting, drawing and printmaking.
Belgium
Kerry-Ann comes from Mauritius. She moved to Leuven more than six months ago following her postgraduate studies to be with her boyfriend. She particularly enjoys biking and exploring the city.
Seychelles
Corina comes from Switzerland. She settled in Praslin seven months ago with her Seychellois boyfriend. Corina particularly appreciates the beauty of nature and beaches and the local relaxed lifestyle.
Canada
Melissa comes from Helsinki. She moved to Canada five months ago following her graduation to be with the love of her life. She has now settled in Quebec and enjoys the old town and the surrounding nature.
South Korea
Laura comes from Ontario. She moved to South Korea with her boyfriend more than a year ago. Following their stay in Suwon, they moved to Seoul where Laura is an online English instructor.
Morocco
Per comes from Stockholm. He moved to Marrakech in January 2015 with his partner and their dog. Per is involved in local charity activities. He also enjoys learning Arabic, working out and hanging out with friends.
Hungary
Kevin comes from the US. He moved to Hungary with his Swiss-Hungarian wife in 2007. Fond of vineyards, he has settled in the village of Hegymagas, near Lake Balaton. Kevin enjoys, above all, looking after their vineyard.
Thailand
Shawn and Katie come from Canada. They moved to Phuket in December 2014 following their stay in Cayman Islands and Europe. Both particularly enjoy going to the beach, water sports and the local cuisine.
Other Types
Australia
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?
Everyday life
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.
Accommodation
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?
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Work
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.
Work
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.
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