Lifestyle - Expat News

Lifestyle - Expat Magazine

Adopting the right dress code when living abroad

Should you wear suits, jackets and ties, wide-legged jeans, slim-legged jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, with or without a plunging neckline, with or without printed patterns, with bright or more neutral colors? The matter of dressing in a foreign country is more important than one would have thought. The host country has its own culture and dress codes, which expats need to follow. How to dress outdoors or for work? Let's discover the appropriate dressing habits for expats to avoid any fashion faux pas.

Challenges and consequences for LGBT rights around the world in 2023

In 2023, the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons can no longer be ignored by institutions. Sadly though, many countries still challenge their very existence, questioning their preferences and not respecting their well-being or even their life. In certain places, you can pay a hefty price for just being who you are, a price with fatal consequences in some cases.

Demographic crisis: Immigration could be a short-term solution

This crisis has been lurking for years, but it is rarely discussed. Overshadowed by unemployment, growth, or inflation rates, the demographic crisis is a growing threat to world economies. This is particularly true in the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, or South Korea. More than ever, active young populations are needed in order to sustain growth, be it today or tomorrow. In this context, many major powers are competing among themselves to bring in young international talents. Is immigration the key to finding a solution to the demographic crisis?

Has gun violence in the US deterred the dreams of expats?

Since the start of 2023, there have been over 150 shootings in the United States. Some of the biggest ones include the assault at a 16th birthday celebration in Alabama, resulting in four fatalities, the school shooting in Nashville where three children and three adults lost their lives, and the mass shooting in Kentucky that claimed the lives of four individuals.

How to deal with burnout as an expat?

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle can also take a toll on an expat's mental health. In this article, we will explore practical strategies for identifying and coping with burnout as an expat, so you can stay healthy and enjoy your international experience to the fullest.

Expat blues when being away from your family

Separation from loved ones, especially family members, can lead to homesickness. Some expats find it so unbearable that they decide to return to their home country. Indeed, the distance can deter your plans, cause distress and lead to an urge to return. Returning expats have shared their expat blues with 天美麻豆.

China

How will Shanghai's expat exodus affect the local economy?

At the end of March 2022, Shanghai went under a stringent lockdown. Its 25 million citizens were then unaware of what they would endure for more than two months, even when the authorities announced that they had come to terms with the COVID pandemic. It was mostly the morale of the inhabitants that got affected. Among them were expats who were increasingly worried about their future in the cosmopolitan Chinese city. One year later, China is back on the international scene. Tourists are expected to flow in again. But will the expatriates come back to Shanghai? Many observers believe that the wound will be hard to heal.

Overcoming the sense of non-belonging as an expat: Tips from expats

The journey of an expat is often filled with excitement, adventure, and opportunities for personal growth. However, amidst the allure of new experiences, there is an unspoken challenge that many expats face - the sense of not belonging. As they embark on this global odyssey, expats must grapple with a complex array of emotions and challenges, which include adapting to new cultures, languages, and social norms.

What are the challenges for expat women around the world?

Embarking on an expat journey as a woman can be more challenging than for men. The level of safety and the stubbornness of patriarchal norms varies between countries. When women move abroad, they need to consider how this new country treats women and what gender norms reign in its corporate culture. Networking with both expat and local women can give them an emotional support system to navigate life there.

In what countries do expats get the most public holidays?

When considering public holidays, all countries are not on the same page, and expats do not benefit from all of them in the same way. Between religious festivals, national days, commemorations, and lunar or solar calendars, let's explore the countries with the world's highest numbers of public holidays and see where expats can get the most out of these holidays.

Is relocating overseas a good idea during an early midlife crisis?

Moving to a new country won't solve your problems, but should you do it anyway? Well, it depends. It depends on you and your mindset. It is easy to imagine that relocating overseas will transform us into better versions of ourselves.

Gender parity around the world: What should expats expect?

International Women's Day, observed on March 8, was yet another opportunity for worldwide mobilization. Spain seized this opportunity to unveil its new bill that aims at accelerating parity at decision-making levels. But what about other countries? Which ones have laws and/or quota systems to promote the presence of women in decision-making instances? Are we moving towards a breakthrough in women's rights? What are the implications for expatriate women?

England

Positive perception of immigration in the UK stands in contrast with government policies

As reported by The Guardian, a recent study of the World Values Survey Wave found that among 24 countries, the UK's population has the most positive view of immigration. 71% of the British population doesn't think that locals should be prioritized over expats in hiring practices. At the same time, part of the UK government is keen on restricting immigration – a position that is in opposition to wider public opinion.

Experiencing Ramadan as an expat in a Muslim country

Considered the month of peace, serenity, sharing and good deeds, this year, Ramadan is starting on the night of Wednesday, March 22, or Thursday, March 23, depending on the countries where it is celebrated. The month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. Therefore, Muslim countries pay special attention to the rules surrounding this solemn period. So, what should expat in Muslim countries look out for during this important time of the Islamic calendar?

Germany

Why is Germany struggling to retain foreign talent?

In early March, the German federal government officially introduced its new bill to attract international talent and, more importantly, to retain them in Germany. Because while they enjoy living in the country – especially students who love Germany – expats usually don't stay in the long run. Germany has a severe shortage of international talent. The country's growth is threatened by labor shortages and an aging population. But why don't foreigners settle in Germany permanently, and how can the government make the country more attractive?

Family reunification: Middle East countries' new bid new retain foreign talent

The first months of the Covid pandemic raised much concern regarding global mobility. Yet, it survived and has even been reinforced. Countries affected by unparallel labor force shortages are fighting to attract foreign talent. The competition for attractiveness stretches from Japan to the UK, including Australia, Germany, Canada, and many other countries. Middle East countries are playing the family card to attract and retain foreign talent. Let's have a closer look at these measures.

How do strikes affect the lives of expats?

For several months now, the Netherlands has experienced a series of public transport strikes due to the inability of unions and public transport operators to come to an agreement regarding salaries, work contracts, and employee workloads. In this context, we've decided to look into how strikes may affect the lives of expats and what they can do to plan their everyday life in the new circumstances.

How important is quality of life for expats?

For prospective expats, the quality of life is a crucial factor when deciding to move abroad. In this article, we will explore what quality of life means for expats, how it can impact their decision to move abroad, and how they can evaluate the quality of life factors when considering a new destination. Whether you're planning to move abroad or are already an expat, these pointers will help you better understand what quality of life means and how it can affect your experience living abroad.