Expat of the month
Children
Moving abroad with your children can be one of the most fulfilling and life-changing decisions you have made for your kids — new experiences, exposure to different cultures, and maybe acquiring a new language are just some of the benefits. But if you are overwhelmed by questions, such as how will my child cope in the new country and how to choose the right school abroad, here are five expat parenting blogs to help you and your family smoothly settle in your new home.
Leisure
More and more young people are looking overseas for their next new adventure, be it the next step in their education or in order to further their career. Though long stints of travelling have been popular for a while, young adults are increasinly looking to make a long-term move abroad. This breed of young expat is often a keen traveller (often using their new home as a base for visiting the region) with a desire to discover the nuances of their new culture. Here are our top five blogs from young expats.
Italy
Are you about to move abroad and make the tough decision to leave your many cookbooks behind? Never mind, because Expat.com — with this selection of five expat bloggers pouring love and care in their dishes — is bringing an infusion of faraway flavours into your kitchen. Join us for an international feast — a celebration of life in foreign lands!
Moving
What do Dublin, London, The Hague, Parma, and Galicia have in common? — Sorry, all being European cities, even though it is the right guess, doesn't count. Okay, we will save you the hustle — here it is, they all have good expat bloggers! Expat.com brings them to you to introduce you to the expat life in the city they have decided to make a home (for now).
Germany
Germany with its thriving economy, robust democracy, and liberal outlook is one of Central Europe's most inviting expat destinations. Whether you are a student, professional, or entrepreneur, you will have no difficulty adjusting to the well-organised and efficient lifestyle — maybe with the help of a few words in German for a start. But wouldn't it be great to have an ally while living in Germany? We have selected five expat bloggers in Germany, whom we think you will appreciate for their experience and eagerness to share.
Children
From having your baby abroad, to moving in a foreign country with one or more children, expat parents have loads to think and plan about — healthcare, schooling, leisure activities, accommodation. We understand that all this is overwhelming. So, we come to your rescue with a list of five blogs managed by expat mothers, who have travelled that road before.
South Africa
My name is Heather Mason and I'm from Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States. I've been living in Johannesburg, South Africa for the past six years and I write a blog, 2Summers.
Mexico
We are Lynda & Lawrie Lock. We have lived on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico since October 2008. Seven kilometers long and a kilometer wide the island is a fifteen-minute boat ride from the large tourist mecca of Cancun.
Portugal
My name is Gail, I was born in the Philippines but immigrated to Canada as a young child with my family. I currently live in Porto, Portugal's second-largest metropolitan area, located in the north on the Atlantic coast. Spain is an hour to the north and about two hours to the east.
China
I'm Marta. I'm originally from Spain and now I live in Suzhou, China. Previously I also lived in Beijing and Shanghai. I work as a translator and mobile game tester for a Chinese company.
Australia
I am a small town girl from Arkansas/Texas that wants to explore the world one memory at a time. After I got married I was blessed with the initials EAT, so there the idea for my blog. My blog is all about our adventures, packing up, exploring, and learning other cultures.
United Arab Emirates
My name is Grace and I currently live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I was born in the Philippines but moved to Japan when I was 19 and lived there for more than 10 years before relocating to Dubai with my family in 2007.
Colombia
I was born in Portland, Oregon but spent 2005-2014 in San Diego, California. I moved to Colombia in May of 2014 when my husband received a two year assignment in Bogotá.
Hungary
Born in Dublin, Ireland, when Tayto crisps were the only crisps worth eating, I've been flitting around the Northern Hemisphere for what seems like a lifetime.
Vietnam
I am Lyra from the Philippines. We moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2009. My husband's company set up their site in Vietnam and so, we moved.
Germany
Hi! My name is Diana, I am from Mexico moved abroad thanks to a scholarship my husband received to study his masters over here. We moved to Germany in 2012.
South Africa
Hello, Hi, Howzit. I'm Nicola. I'm originally from the UK, but have had the good fortune to live in a few different countries. Currently our family of four is getting cosy in Jozi, the City of Gold.
India
My name is Carissa and I'm originally from the Canadian prairies - Winnipeg to be precise. I first came to India on a study-abroad program in 1990, returned as a student from 1995-96 and then moved back in 2003.
Other Types
Banks and finance
If you are like most expats looking to purchase a home overseas, you will probably need a mortgage. This typically means applying to a bank or lender in the country where the property is located. The process can be different and more complex than in your home country, especially for non-residents, as financial institutions are cautious about lending across borders. In some places, the route from application to approval is relatively straightforward, but in others it can be much more challenging.
Schools & studies
There is so much more that goes into the choice of a university today than even a decade ago. International students especially have the whole world to choose from. And while before students were more focused on the theoretical benefits of a certain degree, today, with so many less traditional options for learning (online, via social media, private tutoring, etc.), there is a lot more a traditional institution has to offer, especially given the price of formal education.
Work
You may be dreaming of managing your team abroad or opening or taking over a business overseas. But already, a thousand questions are challenging you. Are you really cut out for a leadership role, especially in another country? Here's some practical advice to build your confidence before embarking on the expat project that's right for you.
France
The French government has recently decided to reconsider its announcements regarding differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students. What should they expect?
South Korea
Last March, the South Korean Ministry of Justice announced the easing of conditions for issuing certain visas in order to tackle the labor shortage. On May 12, the Ministry of Employment and Labor unveiled a new strategy aimed at boosting the employment of foreign workers, while also supporting that of local workers.
Work
More young professionals than ever are choosing to start their careers abroad. Driven by the rise of digital nomadism, economic uncertainty, and the promise of new opportunities, they are increasingly willing to cross borders in search of a better future. But what do young expats really expect from their first job overseas? And how do their career goals compare with those of earlier generations?
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