Features
Everyday life
Making friends in a new cultural environment, where you don't already have an established network of childhood and work friends and where you also might face a language barrier, can be intimidating. In your quest to find friends in your new home, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad isn't just about earning a degree or enjoying campus life. You will be immersed in a new culture, your ability to work or even travel will be curtailed by immigration laws, and you will be paying for groceries in another currency. These non-academic factors can shape your study-abroad experience, for better or worse. What important questions should you ask yourself before accepting an offer to study abroad?
Work
Moving abroad is frequently seen as a career boost, but it's important to recognize that skills and qualifications might not always transfer seamlessly across borders. Challenges such as language barriers, changes in status and salary, and unrecognized degrees can lead to a diminished professional identity. How can you safeguard your career value when relocating internationally?
Work
Many people dream of making a living from their passion abroad, and for a lucky few, this becomes a reality. Yet, turning this dream into reality demands careful planning. What are the pitfalls to avoid? Here are some essential tips.
Everyday life
Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?
Work
Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?
Tax
The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.
Schools & studies
More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.
Work
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
Schools & studies
Your early to mid-20s can be an ideal time to embark on an expat adventure. You're young, you have a newly-minted degree in hand and a thirst for adventure and you're unlikely to have family responsibilities like kids: the world is your oyster. However, financial constraints and a lack of work experience can throw a spanner in the works. How do you go about selecting a suitable destination and crafting your first experience living abroad?
Formalities
According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of American workers aged 65 and older report high satisfaction with their jobs, surpassing the rates of their younger counterparts. Retirement age is increasingly flexible, allowing "semi-retirees" to maintain some professional activity. Additionally, this period often prompts some individuals to move abroad. How can one effectively manage this transition?
Work
In the age of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), it might seem that technical skills are crucial for job hunting, especially internationally. However, the situation is more complex, as highlighted by a recent World Economic Forum report. While technology will significantly alter the job landscape, "soft skills" are still the most in demand. In a world rapidly shaped by AI, these skills are what truly set candidates apart. What, then, do recruiters prioritize when considering applicants for positions abroad?
Everyday life
Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure, brimming with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a fresh arrival or a seasoned expat, we present ten straightforward challenges designed to enhance your experience and help you fully integrate into your new country. From mastering the local language to exploring off-the-beaten-path regions, each challenge is crafted to maximize your enjoyment of expatriate life. Are you ready to transform your daily routine?
Schools & studies
High school graduates and their parents often wonder whether investing in an international education is worthwhile, especially when their home country offers excellent universities. Is the hefty price tag of studying abroad justified when top-quality education is available locally, for free, or for low domestic fees? Here are some reasons why studying abroad might still be a valuable investment.
Work
Planning vacations is often challenging for expatriates, particularly in countries with fewer rest days or stricter leave policies. This article provides practical strategies to help you make the most of your time off, ensuring you enjoy well-deserved breaks, even while far from home.
USA
With Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, expatriates, particularly entrepreneurs, anticipate new immigration policies. Reflecting on Trump's initial term characterized by stringent immigration limits, many wonder if his 'America First' stance will persist throughout his second term. Insights from the 天美麻豆 community highlight these concerns.
Formalities
As digitalization advances relentlessly, an intriguing development has emerged: the possibility of becoming an "e-resident" in certain countries. This status allows individuals not residing within the nation to access a suite of online services, including business establishment. This officially sanctioned program is designed to facilitate digital entrepreneurship without serving as a conduit for tax evasion. Estonia, a leader in this initiative, has welcomed over 120,000 e-residents from 170 countries. Here's how it works.
Everyday life
With reductions in "golden packages," ongoing political and economic instabilities, and the rise of remote working, recent studies suggest a decrease in international mobility's appeal in the post-COVID era. But what about 2025? Are we seeing a renewed interest in working abroad? The benchmark report "Decoding Global Talent" offers insights into these trends.
Other Types
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
USA
Another blow for foreigners in the United States. On May 22, a memo from the US immigration services introduced a new rule aimed at limiting legal immigration. Apart from a few exceptions, Green Card applications will now have to be filed from the applicant's country of origin. What is the current situation?
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