Veedushi Bissessur

Facing one of the lowest adult literacy rate in Central America, Guatemala's higher education system has many challenges to tackle, and its universities might not yet be fit to compete with the likes of the MIT or Harvard. Yet the country has specialised into a niche to attract foreign students: language courses. As a result, thousands of students, from northern America and further, flock to Guatemala to study there.

Guatemala being a country of stark contrasts, the choice of a place to live deserves careful thinking. The accommodation in Guatemala is plentiful, and the country's housing market has hidden gems. As many other commodities in Guatemala, housing is very affordable by Western standards.

Guatemala has a stable economy driven by the primary and tertiary sectors. Although foreigners are only rarely employed in agriculture and industry, expats are in high demand in specific market segments such as tourism, language teaching and volunteering work.

Although a legal loophole allows foreigners to legally stay in Guatemala beyond the 90-day period without a residence permit, most expatriates elect to apply for one. Guatemala offers a two-tier residence system whereby first-time applicants are only entitled to a two-year temporary permit, which can be converted into a permanent one upon renewal.

The nationals of 86 countries can stay in Guatemala for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa of any kind. If you are a passport holder of one of the countries which are not exempted from the necessity to present a visa when entering Guatemala, here is an overview of the main visas available to foreigners willing to travel to Guatemala.

Probably one of the most underrated expatriation destinations, Guatemala is a culturally rich and stunningly beautiful country. Although the country’s image has suffered from security concerns over the past years, Guatemala all in all remains very welcoming to newcomers.

The State of Israel was created in order to establish a Jewish homeland, and while everything is made to facilitate the immigration of overseas Jews to Israel, non-Jews may find it more difficult to obtain a permanent residence permit.

Israel is a small Middle-Eastern country boasting both an incredibly rich historical and religious background and a buoyant contemporary scene. An overwhelming majority of Israelis are Jews who immigrated from all around the world to the country, bringing along their respective cultural heritage.

The family being a central institution and the cornerstone of the society in Nigeria, you should find the country quite welcoming if you move to Nigeria with children. Yet finding quality education services can be a bit of a challenge.

The numerous attractions, places of interest and cultural opportunities that Nigeria has to offer are apt to fulfil anyone's tastes. In addition to wonderful natural endowments, the country boasts quality cultural institutions, ensuring there are plenty of leisure activities to enjoy in Nigeria.

Phone and internet access in Nigeria typically goes through mobile networks, which offer relatively fast and reliable connection. Obtaining a functioning landline for fixed phone and internet is yet another affair but should not prove so big a deal as long as you live in a urban centre, where the telecommunications network is more developed.

Nigeria enforces stringent shipping and import regulations that will require some planning and preparation from you in order to ensure a smooth relocation to the country.

Given the unreliable nature of public transportation in Nigeria, having a car in Nigeria is deemed essential by a number of expats. Here is what you need to know about driving in Nigeria.

Getting around Nigeria can prove to be quite a challenge. Although transport infrastructure exists and is relatively well-developed, their overall state of neglect make them somewhat unreliable: driving on the derelict road network requires you to know your way around as well as to exercise caution, while public transportation means leave much to be desired. Here are a few tips you may find useful.

While competitive enough to bolster the country's appeal to foreign investors and skilled expats, Nigeria's tax system is also tasked with the responsibility of providing the government with enough resources to finance the country's development - company tax and petroleum royalties in fact account for the primary source of government revenue. Here is an overview of the main taxes in Nigeria.

Nigeria might not be the country that first pops into mind at the mention of studying abroad, but it has a lot to offer to potential international students. One of the most dynamic countries on the African continent, Nigeria actually represents the perfect study destination for open-minded students willing to discover and experience a new, different culture, and a stay in the country can represent a life-changing experience.

Nigeria suffers from a stark housing deficit, and only few of the units available meet Western expat standards. Accordingly, the cost of quality housing is quite high, and finding accommodation in Nigeria without the help of a corporate sponsor can be challenging. Here is a walk-through of Nigeria's housing market.

Nigeria allows foreign nationals to stay and work on its territory under certain conditions and dictates specific procedures for obtention of a residence permit, about which you can find information in this article.

Unless you are a passport-holder of one of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Togo, you will need to apply for a visa in order to enter Nigeria. Here is how to proceed.

Sitting on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is one of the largest countries in the continent. Politically stable for almost 20 years now, this federal republic proudly features amazing geographical and cultural riches.

Every country regulates what can and cannot cross its borders to prevent the spread of disease, adhere to local laws, and protect its citizens, industries, and farms. Some things are outright prohibited, while others require a license or for you to pay import duties.

If you have pets and are planning to move to Belize or make an extended visit, you will almost certainly want to bring along your pets. They can accompany you as long as you follow the rules, which are relatively simple compared to other countries. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority handles the applications and processes for importing pets, agricultural animals, meat, and plants.

Sport has always been a part of Belizean life. Although the country does not have a lot in terms of professional sport competitions, mostly because of financial limitations, Belizeans are very active and regularly play and watch different types of sports. Belize simply does not have significant financial means and quality sports infrastructures. Many of the more popular sports in Belize derive from necessary every day activities, like cycling and fishing.

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia, Limited, and several mobile phone companies providing fairly good coverage.

Belize enjoys decent internet coverage. Unfortunately it is slow and expensive. The country has many internet service providers which offer various services. Hopefully this will result in increased speeds and lower prices.

In Belize, you can drive with an international driver's license, and you can often drive with a license from your country of origin. Eventually, however, a Belizean driver's license will be required.

Taxes get a bad rap, but every country needs them to sustain infrastructure and government functioning. Unfortunately, they tend to be complicated. Most people barely understand the tax systems of their home country. Here's what you need to know about taxes in Belize.

Belize can be an ideal destination to pursue your higher education. The ecological, anthropological, and archaeological richness here is hard to match. The country offers various opportunities for studies. Indeed, studying in Belize provides many benefits. The country's biological, cultural, and historical wealth is only the beginning. The subtropical climate, beautiful mountains and rivers, friendly people, and sandy beaches are an important bonus!

If you want to settle in Belize, finding housing will be one of your priorities. There are different types of housing in the country, suiting all preferences and budgets.

Setting up a physical business or an offshore company in Belize offers many advantages, particularly in terms of tax.

You must have a work permit in order to work or operate a business in Belize unless you are a permanent resident. Here you will find all necessary information on the related formalities for obtaining one.

How can I obtain permanent residency in Belize? Finding accurate information about permanent residency can be very frustrating. Here are the answers to all your queries, but it is wise to talk to the supervisor at the Department of Immigration in Belmopan as things change periodically.

Many expats have chosen Belize for retirement. The many benefits of Belize include: year-round warm weather, official language of English, numerous opportunities for adventure, warm and laid back culture, and a beautiful, bio diverse landscape.

Belize is a developing country, so it can be challenging to find accurate information on travel requirements online. Contradictory information abounds, and the Immigration Department in Belize has been known to have elements of corruption. Hopefully, that is all in the past.

Belize is an ideal wedding location. Whether you are looking for palm trees, sea, mountains, Mayan ruins, or waterfalls as your backdrop, Belize has no shortage of scenic views. The process is simple, and with some planning, you can have a beautiful wedding in a lovely Caribbean or jungle location.

This article covers important information on authorised and prohibited products in South Korea.

Moving back home isn't as easy as it seems, especially if you've been away for a couple of years or more. People who repatriate are often likely to feel different – and even uncomfortable with many social aspects of their home country. Virginie, a French expat who had been living in Turkey, talks to Expat.com about the reverse culture shock she experienced when moving back to Paris, and gives out some tips on how to cope with it.

Guatemalans tend to have large families, especially in rural areas, so your children will not lack company, and moving there as a family can even help you feel even more welcome! However, finding reliable, quality daycare and primary education services in Guatemala can require a lot of research and often involves turning to the private sector.

Mauritius seems more than ever determined to attract talents from around the world. If you're looking to work, invest, or retire abroad, why not make this paradisal island in the middle of the Indian Ocean your new home? The Mauritian government recently introduced – via its new Budget 2017-2018 – a series of financial and tax incentives as well as new criteria for the issue of resident permits. Let's explore in more detail.

Wayne yearned for something bigger than the small-town life he had grown accustomed to, and decided to explore what lies beyond Canada's borders. His travels took him to Asia, where he ended up remaining, eventually settling in Surabaya, Indonesia. Here, he shares with Expat.com his thoughts about his expat journey and life in Indonesia.

Having visited the country before they met each other, American couple and business-owners Amalia and Eric decided to move to Spain together, thanks to a shared love of the culture, the cuisine and an ancestral connection to the country. They speak to Expat.com about their love of all things Spanish and how they've come to adapt to life in the idyllic town of Dénia.

When an opportunity comes, you better grab it. This is exactly what Swapna from the United States and her family did several months ago when they moved to Surrey, England. Nowadays, they all enjoy a new lifestyle that may not resemble what they were used to back home but teaches them a whole lot about the world and themselves. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to understand who you are and what matters to you in life.

Emily is an expat mum from the UK. She moved to Lyon three years ago with her husband who is of French origin but had never been to France before, and their two daughters. Between her remote parliamentary job and freelance journalism, Emily has a fulfilling family life. Emily shares her feelings about living in France with Expat.com.

Jerry comes from the USA. During a short stay in Taiwan, he fell in love with the east side of the world. He settled with his wife in Qingdao, China, seven years ago. Nowadays Jerry and his beautiful blended family are making the most of Qingdao's ocean, mountains, and oxygen. But expatriation is always an option for the future.

Family planning abroad can be quite challenging, especially if both parents are working full time. In general, expecting expat parents are entitled to parental leave just like any other citizen of the country where they live. However, not all countries have a mandated policy. Paternity leave, for example, isn't granted everywhere in the world. Expat.com takes you through the countries that provide the best parental leave policies to their workforce.

Jessica comes from Florida. Following her studies, her Italian boyfriend proposed to her, and they got married in Italy. She has been living in Puglia for over five years, and is the happy mum of a little boy. She shares with Expat.com her exciting life as a navy wife and entrepreneur in one of Italy's best locations for a life close to the sea.

In a world that continues to deliver bad news day after day, it seems there is just no getting away from it. With violence on the streets, political upheaval around the world and societies growing seemingly more and more frustrated – and with no signs of any of this looking to cease any time soon – the question arises for those of us who want a more peaceful life for ourselves and for our families, just what can we do?

Charlotte comes from London. Her partner's posting brought her to Belgium in January 2016. Since then, every day is an adventure. She shares her time between work and fun wanders among the cobbled streets of Brussels where there's always a new bar or restaurant waiting to be discovered. She shares with Expat.com her life in what she describes as being a very European city with a laidback lifestyle.

Are you moving abroad? You have probably already considered the career opportunities, the housing, quality of life, and cost of living. But what about the cost and quality of healthcare? To help you make the best decision for you and your family, and to give you a heads-up on what to expect in your destination, Expat.com offers an insight into the countries with the best healthcare systems in the world.

Ashley comes from Montreal, Canada. She spent a few years in Florence, Italy during her photograhy studies. Her endless curiosity and her francophile British companion led her to France three years ago. An avid blogger and photographer, she enjoys her relaxed lifestyle in the countryside.