Work - Expat News

Work - Expat Magazine

Finland

The active lifestyle of an expat family in Finland

Paola, a wife and mother of two, lives and works in the tech sector in the capital area of Finland. Besides her full-time job, which she loves, Paola is a dedicated blogger. Today, she talks to 天美麻豆 about her expat life as an Italian in the Nordic world, and her appreciation about Finland's natural beauty, as well as the country's socioeconomic security — aspects which nurture a happy family life.

Russia

Ten interesting facts about Russia

As we're just a day away from the World Cup 2018 kick-off, the whole world is focused on Russia who is hosting the much-awaited event. You probably know Russia, the largest country in the world by size, for its rich culture and history, and especially for its Soviet heritage. Many of you are probably planning to fly to Russia to support your favourite football team. Before you do, here are some interesting facts about Russia that you might have never have heard about.

The global migration picture

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the international migrant population is steadily growing as the movement has become easier thanks to the digital revolution and more affordable travel costs. In 2015 there were about 244 million international migrants — 89 million more than the number of migrants in the year 2000. In most cases, people are moving to high-income countries for work in the service sector. If done in a humane and orderly way, IOM believes that migration is beneficial for both the society and migrants, and can boost the global social and economic development.

5 things only an expat who has lived by the ocean will understand

Research shows that spending time by the ocean is beneficial both for our physical and mental health. Some expats are consciously in search of seaside destinations to fill their life with joy and fresh sea air while others accidentally find themselves on the shore, only to ask how on earth were they living before without the breathtaking sea view. Today, on World Oceans Day, 天美麻豆 celebrates the future of our oceans with a few points which commemorate the best aspects of expat life by the ocean.

The top high-performance startup hubs in the world

Both expat and local entrepreneurs contribute to national economies and the global economy to make the world a better place through unique products and excellent services. But where in the world are the best places to set up your business or join a charismatic team of changemakers? Startup Genome, a solid support system for technology organisations in forward-looking cities, has composed a geographic and sectorial report, which signals the beginning of a new technological era. We present the startup environment in some of the most entrepreneur-friendly cities.

Seven things expats should consider before moving back home

Expat life can be equally intimidating and interesting. You are filled with motivation to start afresh in a foreign land, which is exhilarating and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, you may even think about moving back home, either out of homesickness, or after having spent a considerable time abroad exploring new cultures and experiences.

Top cities for successful freelancers

Are you one of these professionals who aspire to work free from the rules of the nine-to-five office environment? Or does the company you work for encourage remote working? Gig economy, which is based on freelance work and short-term contracts, empowers you to apply creativity to your work and lifestyle. If you want to expatriate and experience a new culture while earning a living, you may wish to consider one of the cities below for your freelance career along with some additional information about this satisfying yet challenging field.

The top 5 biggest economies in the world for 2018

The annual GDP of a country doesn't only define the economy of a place but also the quality of life and living standards among its population. According to the World Economic Forum and data provided by the International Monetary Fund, there aren't significant changes in the world's leading economies when comparing the current rankings with the rankings of the previous years. The strongest economies are the usual suspects with some emerging markets reluctantly joining the game.

Which nations work the longest hours?

When you find yourself in an international group of expats, conversations tend to turn into some competition about whose country has the best national dish and which is the most hardworking nation. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) debunks any myths that expats may have created with a thorough survey, which has measured the annual working hours in 35 OECD member states. Most of the countries ranked are developed, and some fall under the category of developing countries.

Essential technology for expats

Expats have special needs due to the unique lifestyle that they lead — from packing and travelling to moving and recreating the comforts of home in a new environment. Technology, if chosen and used wisely, can help expats of all types to enjoy a comfortable, efficient, and fun expat life in their new country. We have composed a handy list of our favourite tech products and apps to ease your transition from native to expat life.

Timor-Leste

From Thailand to Timor-Leste for gender equality

Xian, an Australian-Chinese-Filipina, amateur photographer, badminton player, and swimmer among others, moved to the island nation of Timor-Leste three and a half years ago to continue her wonderful work on gender equality and the prevention of violence against women. Xian has absolutely adapted to the unique style of island living, and shares with 天美麻豆 some tips on making the most of your expat experience in Timor-Leste — spoiler alert: food and snorkelling included.

France

The accomplishments of a successful expat in Lyon

Alejandra, a Colombian expat in Lyon, France has gone through different stages of life in this historical city. A language enthusiast, Alejandra initially arrived in France to learn French but she immediately fell in love with this vibrant place, and enrolled in a Master's degree before getting a rewarding full time job as a business developer. Looking always on the bright side of life, Alejandra gives us a tour around her favourite city.

The countries with the biggest brain drain

Brain drain is the phenomenon during which young, highly skilled, and competent professionals leave their home country for better professional and financial opportunities abroad. This international movement of talent is usually from developing or small nations where unemployment and political oppression are through the roof, or business opportunities are limited, to richer and predominantly democratic countries. We look at six countries that appear to suffer the most from the side effects of human capital flight.

Top five African countries for business

Often portrayed as an impoverished and underdeveloped continent, Africa has a more significant wealth than you could ever imagine. Its openness to the global market, along with its economic dynamism and some of its politically and socially stable nations, Africa holds many business prospects for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. For those looking to set up their business abroad, here are the top five countries where to invest in Africa according to the African Investment Index 2018.

Pros and cons of hiring an expat

Are you thinking to recruit global talent to help you set up your business abroad or establish your brand in a foreign market? International recruitment can help you achieve your business objectives and boost your company's performance on an international level. However, before you rush into sourcing global talent, why not weighing first the pros and cons of working with people from overseas? We have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an expat to help you make a well-informed decision.

Rwanda

Moto rides and other adventures in the land of a thousand hills

Sila, from Nigeria and Turkey, is now living and working in Rwanda after she agreed to accept a relocation job offer. In the heart of Africa, and home to the continent's largest rainforest with a third of gorillas' world population, Rwanda is one of the proudest nations regarding conservation of natural habitats. When not teaching the principles of leadership to talented, pan-African students, Sila is enjoying the variety of restaurants and the convenience of moto rides, which can take you anywhere in the country's capital city, Kigali. However, there are three things that Sila needs more time to adapt to — living without caring housemates, the lack of spicy food, and the calmness of the city.

USA

New Orleans: Where a French expat finds enthusiasm for life

Céline, a French expat in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a rewarding job and leads a full life in this historic city of jazz music and swing. She loves cycling to work, seafood gumbo, and the friendliness of the people. Follow her unique expat story in New Orleans as we unfold it, and learn more about this expat destination from someone who found home away from home in it.

What are the qualities of a successful expat?

Whether you become an expat because you crave change, build an international career, or follow your spouse, expatriation comes with certain, and sometimes somewhat unexpected challenges. To find out how likely you are to cherish your new life abroad or how much of a devout expat you are, see how many qualities and skills you can check off our list. But, don't despair if you are not acing the test because, as long as it does your heart good, you can learn some of these skills.