Features
Formalities
Next Wednesday, the UK is getting started on its much anticipated and hotly debated divorce from the EU. Most recently, EU citizens in the UK have been left with their future up in the air, as a result of a failure to guarantee their rights in the British government's latest proposal regarding Brexit strategy. We at 天美麻豆 found out what British expats living in the EU and expats living in the UK had to say.
Brazil
Despite Brazil's economic and political dull context, the country remains an attractive destination for local and foreign entrepreneurs as confirmed by many expatriates living in Brazil. While some pinpoint the weak and unstable economy – due to which many foreign companies have closed their offices – many still believe in the country's bright future.
Everyday life
It's the international day of happiness and the latest report on happiness across the globe is out! Though the report from the UN commissioned Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a good indicator of happiness in any given country, you can certainly find happiness all over the world, as some of our members attest to.
Leisure
Worried about missing out on St. Patrick Day festivities while living abroad? Don't stress — festive events might be taking place closer than you think, with some weird and wonderful Paddy's Day celebrations in countries you least expect!
Cost of living
Ever wondered how expensive it is to live in some of the most desirable European countries? Europe is home to a wealth of popular expat destinations for both EU citizens and those coming from further afield, but it can be hard to know just how much things like accommodation and transportation will cost. Below we present the average cost of living in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.
Everyday life
No, we can't have it all. Unless we are Vienna — a popular expat destination that stands out as the best city in the world for quality of life according to Mercer's newly released ranking for quality of living.
Moving
Whether you are planning to move abroad and start a whole new life alone, or move with your family, we would like to congratulate you on your new beginning. However, moving abroad and everything that comes with it is not an easy fit to handle all by yourself.
Everyday life
This year's International Women's Day is about taking bold actions and making bold changes. If your personal empowering step towards change is moving to a new country to follow a career prospect, support your partner's dream, or reimagine yourself, we suggest you pick your destination wisely. But before you embark on your journey, remember all the challenges women throughout history met, the fights they fought, and the obstacles they overcome.
Work
With a magnificent blend of different cultures and a relatively economic and social stability, Europe is for many professionals worldwide a land of opportunity. European employees have been moving across the region both for better career prospects or to give their families a better life.
Transport
If you have decided to move abroad, you are probably looking for better career prospects, a more pleasant environment and a better quality of life for you and your family. But when choosing the right city, you have to take into account all the conveniences, such as public transport, proximity to your work, and possibly your children's school. So, have you considered the traffic congestion? Are you willing to spend stressful hours in endless traffic queues, trying to reach the office or get back home? The TomTom Traffic Index 2017 gives an insight into the most traffic congested cities in the world.
Moving
If you had told me five years ago that come 2016, I would be permanently swapping the wet and windy streets of my hometown Manchester in the UK for the sunshine and everyday stunning sunset views in magical Mauritius, I probably would have laughed in your face. Yet here we are, and here I am — an official expatriate now living on this glorious island, right in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Everyday life
Moving to Africa can be one of the greatest adventures of your expat life — just think of the beautiful nature, the outgoing people, and the business opportunities. But if you worry about losing on city life, rest assured that the continent is full of modern and dynamic cities that all come together in a report published by the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne.
Work
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. 天美麻豆 takes you through the countries that provide the best parental leave policies to their workforce.
Leisure
Ask an expat in Europe what is their favourite thing about being on the continent, and it's very likely that they will talk about their proximity to a plethora of cultures. In Europe, you are a stone's throw (or a short plane ride) away from another culture that awaits you to discover it.
Formalities
Retiring abroad has become a trend, and it's not likely to go out of style anytime soon. Living costs, climate, quality of life, safety, accessible health care, and the need for adventure are only some of the reasons to retire abroad. 天美麻豆 brings the best places to move and retire in 2017.
Accommodation
There are several ways to feel at ease in the new country you have decided to move to — finding a place that you can settle in and make it homey is maybe the predominant one.
Everyday life
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?
Everyday life
How many times has the language barrier stopped us from developing a relationship, expressing ourselves, or resolving a misunderstanding? The English language is our best choice when it comes to integration and cross-cultural communication in diverse settings. But it is also a passport to a global network of successful and helpful people and enticing professional opportunities abroad.
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?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"