Expat interviews

Rene in Estoril:
Portugal
Rene in Estoril: "I love the freedom and of course the weather"
Rene is originally from South Africa. In April 1997, she left the country with her Portuguese husband to settle in Portugal. They now live in Estoril, in central Lisbon district...
Chams:
Singapore
Chams: "Singapore is a melting pot"
After a first expat experience in Canada, Chams decided to explore other countries. She left her hometown, Manila, Philippines, to settle and work in Singapore...
Barbara in Wellington:
New Zealand
Barbara in Wellington: "It is a nice compact city that is easy to get about"
Barbara grew up in Scotland. She lived in Copenhagen with her Swedish husband before settling with him in Wellington, New Zealand, in January 2013...
Philip in Halifax:
Canada
Philip in Halifax: "I love the beauty that surrounds this place"
Five years ago, Philip was offered a position in Canada. He seized the opportunity and left Malaysia, his home country, with his wife to settle in Halifax, Nova Scotia where they now live and enjoy their expat experience...
Steve:
Thailand
Steve: "Chiang Mai is an oasis of tranquility"
Steve, a retired Canadian mathematics and chemistry teacher, moved to Thailand 6 years ago. Having settled in Chiang Mai with his wife, Nancy, he enjoys his leisure time by mingling with the Thai society and culture...
Stuart in Xi'an:
China
Stuart in Xi'an: "There are always fun things to do here"
British expat, Stuart comes from Brighton. He moved out to China in 2002 as an English teacher. He lives in Xi'an where he runs a recruitment agency for English teachers.
Sanne:
England
Sanne: "London life is a roller coaster"
An interesting job offer in a pleasant lifestyle. Sanne, Dutch expat, just couldn't refuse the offer. More than a year ago, she packed up her bags to settle in Notting Hill, London. She enjoys her expat life there, as much as she can...
Felicitas in Beijing:
China
Felicitas in Beijing: "It's easy to navigate through the city"
Felicitas comes from Indonesia. Five years ago, she went to China to learn the language and finally decided to stay as she got a job opportunity in Beijing...
Greg in San Miguel de Allende:
Mexico
Greg in San Miguel de Allende: "The maƱana attitude is very much alive"
Five years have gone by since Greg, a US citizen, has settled in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Realtor by profession, he says to be always busy. But he manages to spend his leisure time in writing novels, newspapers columns, photography, etc.
Chris in Shenzhen:
China
Chris in Shenzhen: "It's a beautiful, clean bright and very safe city"
Originally form Malone, NY, USA, Chris moved several times between the US and Canada before heading to South East Asian countries. He visited several cities and settled in the one he liked the most, Shenzhen...
Laura in Jaipur:
India
Laura in Jaipur: "Besides the hospitality, I love the food!"
American expat, Laura was living in the Twin Cities, MN, teaching fourth grade at an urban public school when she decided with her husband to make the move. They now live in Jaipur, India, and they share with us their expat experience...
Sam in Glasgow:
Scotland
Sam in Glasgow: "I like living at the doorstep to the Highlands of the north"
Born in Germany, Sam grew up in the US. In January 2014, he settled in Anniesland, Glasgow, Scotland, with his wife and is now studying (and experiencing!) the trailing spouse situation for his PhD's academic research...
Gary:
China
Gary: "Chinese people are very friendly, hospitable, and giving"
Two years ago, Gary, a 63 years old retired American citizen, settled in Tianjin, China, with his wife. Nowadays, he keeps himself busy reading, cooking and gardening...
Kimilena in Wellington:
New Zealand
Kimilena in Wellington: "The pace of life is very pleasant"
Kimilena first moved to New Zealand in 1995. After an overseas experience in East Africa and back to the UK, she came back to Wellington in 2013, where she now lives with her husband and children...
Amanda in Nepal:
Nepal
Amanda in Nepal: "This little country captured my heart"
Retired American widow, Amanda fell in love with Nepal at the first sight! She settled in an ancient city near Kathmandu and enjoys everyday like a treasure...
Roz in Kunming:
China
Roz in Kunming: "if you put a smile on your face, you can solve every problem"
Canadian expat, Roz decided to move to China at the age of 58 for a great job opportunity in the education field. After working in Beijng and Qingdao, she settled in Kunming where she now lives as a retiree "with a zest for life", pursuing her passion for writing and food...
Heather in Muscat:
Oman
Heather in Muscat: "I was surprised at just how warm and friendly the locals can be"
Heather is a Scottish expat in her twenties. Her husband was offered a position in Oman and they settled in September 2012 in the capital city, Muscat.
Rob in Shanghai:
China
Rob in Shanghai: "Come here with an open mind"
Born and raised in Australia, Rob moved to Hong Kong in 1974 before settling in Shanghai in 2002. He has been pursuing a variety of business interests, related to the teaching of English and has just co-written a book on living in China...

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.