Insights from professionals
Everyday life
There is an African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But what happens when there is no “village”? Bringing a child into the world or raising one far from home means facing the expectations of family and one's social group while choosing a solitary path. It is a path marked by loneliness, where we confront the ongoing exile of being a foreigner, even as we create a “symbolic, bodily, and mental territory of belonging to that other being who has come into life.”
Everyday life
Congratulations. You've decided to move abroad. Whether you are relocating alone, as a couple, or with your family, choosing to live in another country is often a courageous step, sometimes a dream that has been years in the making. Yet behind the excitement of departure, many expats quietly experience something else: the feeling that they are not truly legitimate, that they do not deserve their place, or that others are overestimating their abilities. There can be a persistent fear that one day, people will discover that you are “not really up to the task.” This feeling has a name: impostor syndrome.
Health system
Travel insurance often feels like a box to tick before a family trip. It is not. It is financial protection against events that can change your life in a single day. Many parents assume that “comprehensive” cover is enough. It is only enough if you declare every medical condition, list every destination, and understand the small print. Even a minor omission can invalidate your policy. Medical care abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of euros. The difference between being protected and being financially exposed comes down to what you declare and the cover you choose.
Everyday life
Some expats immerse themselves in the local language from day one. Others get by without it for years. Both happen all the time, but what actually makes the difference? A new international research project is digging into exactly that, and your experience matters.
Everyday life
Humans have been nomads since prehistoric times, over two million years ago. Men and women moved across territories in search of food, most often following animal migrations. Back then, we were hunters and gatherers. Socially, we lived in tribes or small clans, bound by meaningful connections. We've changed a lot since then… or have we?
Work
Authenticity has become one of the most important values in modern life, and for all good reasons. And these kinds of values and trends tend to spread very quickly and strongly among expats, across geographies. However, these trends, when not put in the right context, are actually eroding influence and confidence in expats' lives. At this point, “Just be Yourself” is a perfect example.
Children
Growing up as an expat child means learning, very early on, how to navigate different worlds. For some, it's a profoundly enriching experience. For others, it can raise difficult questions: Who am I, really? Where do I belong? For parents, supporting this identity-building process can feel like a real challenge, especially when a child's reference points are constantly shifting between home, school, the home country, and the host country. Cécile Solar, a certified coach and co-author of the Objectif Orientation guidebooks published by Hachette, helps us better understand what these children living “between two cultures” go through.
Everyday life
From diplomatic tensions to sudden policy changes, geopolitical events are increasingly felt far beyond headlines. For expatriates, they can affect everything from job security and mobility to personal safety and well-being. Yet these everyday impacts remain largely undocumented. Researchers are now gathering firsthand accounts from expatriates to understand how global political shifts are playing out on the ground.
Everyday life
Expat life is often associated with openness, new encounters, and discovery. Yet, paradoxically, it can also bring a deep sense of loneliness. Even when surrounded by others, expats may feel isolated, out of step, or unseen. This experience is not a weakness. It reflects a fundamental human need: the need for meaningful connection. In a professional setting, this loneliness can quietly but significantly affect mental health. Preventing distress, therefore, also involves learning how to nurture relationships, create spaces of belonging, and recognise that well-being depends largely on the quality of our connections.
Everyday life
Street lights glowing, children on school holidays, shops packed with last-minute shoppers, and crowds of travellers filling airports… yes, Christmas is here again. It is one of those times of year that tends to divide people evenly: some love it, others can't stand it. And if you live abroad, there is often an added layer to this season. You may go through a transitional phase marked by a sudden longing to go back home to home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and traditional celebrations. Or you may feel exactly the opposite: a strong dislike for this time of year and a wish to go into “hibernation mode” from 1 December to 8 January. Both reactions are perfectly valid.
Everyday life
When we talk about expats' mental health, we often focus on the risks: isolation, stress, and the loss of familiar bearings. But prevention is not only about avoiding discomfort. It also involves nurturing what supports us. In a life that can feel unstable or unpredictable, small wins become the quiet foundations of well-being. Noticing them, celebrating them, and giving ourselves time to appreciate them builds the resilience we need to face future challenges.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often depicted as an adventure—new languages, new foods, new friends, and so many opportunities. And why wouldn't it? The photographs on social media show the sun-drenched piazzas, the lively markets, the innovative workplaces, and the thrilling sense of adventure that comes with travelling. Yet for many expats, behind the carefully curated snapshots is another, quieter story, one that revolves around loneliness, isolation, and the struggle to feel truly at home.
England
For many expats, managing money can feel like a balancing act, from switching currencies, sending money home, to wondering where to put their hard-earned cash so it grows rather than shrinks. During my time living and working in Bangkok, I found myself hopping from stocks to ISAs to crypto, chasing the next big thing. Looking back, those trends changed as quickly (and as chaotically) as the monsoon downpour, and so did my confidence in where my money was going. However, one wealth-building strategy that has stood the test of time across generations and borders is property. Whether you plan to stay abroad forever or eventually return home, property can provide a powerful way to grow your net worth, generate income, and create long-term security.
Everyday life
Living abroad often means becoming the person who reaches for words. Behind every pause and stumble lies something more profound than learning — a kind of emotional exposure. Speaking another language lays us bare to others' perceptions, reveals our limits, and demands that we accept vulnerability. It can also stir a quieter shame: the fear of not saying things “right,” of not quite measuring up.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often painted as the ultimate adventure — a bold leap into new possibilities for personal and professional growth. You pack up your life, leave behind familiar faces, routines, and even your language, to dive headfirst into a culture that feels both thrilling and unknown. Curiosity, ambition, and the urge to start fresh are what usually drive that leap. Yet beneath the excitement lies a quieter truth — one of emotional shifts and questions of identity. Expat life isn't just about changing countries; it's also about navigating an inner journey, often invisible to others, that deserves just as much attention and care.
Formalities
For today's expat, mobility means freedom, security, and opportunity. A well-structured passport portfolio safeguards your movement and places you among global citizens who live, work, and invest across continents. Whether protecting assets or chasing global mobility, building a passport portfolio is a smart investment. Multiple methods exist: fast-track naturalization, citizenship by investment, descent-based claims, and birth tourism. Different pathways suit different goals and situations. This guide walks you through the ways to build a passport portfolio and shows you the most accessible options for acquiring new citizenships in 2025.
Work
Working abroad is often viewed as a privilege, a career-defining opportunity. The expat is seen as the adaptable, globally minded professional. Yet behind this polished image lies a more complex reality: a silent, internal pressure that can slowly erode mental health, often without being noticed. Preventing this begins with recognizing its presence, then finding healthy ways to manage it.
Spain
On Saturday, October 25, the Maritime Museum of Barcelona will open its doors to the annual gathering of choice for international professionals living and working in the city. Admission is free of charge. All you need to do is register on the event website. This year marks the 12th Barcelona International Community Day. Organised by Barcelona City Council, the initiative has become the leading event for welcoming, integrating and networking with the international community, especially newcomers to the city.
Other Types
Costa Rica
It is the 4th-happiest country in the world. For the first time, Costa Rica has broken into the top 5 happiest countries on the planet, and it is the first Latin American nation to reach the upper ranks of the list. This strong showing mirrors Costa Rica's reputation among expats: the country consistently ranks among the best places to live abroad. So what makes Costa Rica so appealing? And how do you go about settling there as a foreigner?
Sponsored
Santa Fe Relocation
Moving abroad is often described as one of life's most stressful events, ranking right up there with starting a new job or getting married. Whether you are moving to the tech hubs of Zurich, the bustling streets of Singapore, or the sun-drenched coasts of Australia, the secret isn't just a better packing list - it's a better partner. For those navigating the complexities of international borders, Santa Fe Relocation has become the gold standard for moving. With a global footprint spanning 47 countries and nearly 100 offices, we don't just move your boxes; we move your life. Here is how to master your relocation, regardless of your destination.
Work
Starting a business abroad and turning a profit. Between the two lies a series of steps to get right, and pitfalls to steer clear of. Culture, cash flow, investment… Here's an overview of the most common mistakes to avoid when building a successful business overseas.
Tax
Tax season is just around the corner. While most people refer to it as "filing taxes," what you're actually doing is declaring your income. This process can quickly become complex when you live abroad: which fiscal year applies to you? What is the filing deadline? And what happens if you move overseas partway through the tax year?
Schools & studies
When planning to study abroad, most people focus on choosing a destination or comparing universities. Yet these are only part of the picture. Other factors deserve just as much attention: how resilient your future career is to market shifts, the long-term value of your degree, and the level of competition from locals, fellow expats, and new graduates. Here's what you need to consider.
Work
What if the solution was to leave everything behind and start over abroad? The World Health Organization has been sounding the alarm for years: in 2025, more than one billion people worldwide were living with mental health disorders. Young professionals are among the most affected and the most under pressure. They are expected to work harder, go further, and constantly prove themselves. More and more are now calling for a necessary pause to regain balance. But could moving abroad really be an effective way to escape burnout?
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