Features
Leisure
"Mom, does Santa know our new address too?" This is a common question among expat parents. For single-parent families living abroad, the holiday season adds another layer of complexity: creating a festive atmosphere and maintaining the magic of Christmas while juggling daily life on their own, far from familiar surroundings. Balancing everyday responsibilities with holiday preparations may seem daunting. Yet, this unique circumstance can also provide a beautiful chance to design personalized holidays and create lasting memories for the children.
Formalities
Retiring abroad is more popular than ever. But it's not all about warm climates and beach getaways. As it's becoming increasingly expensive to retire in the United States (and several other high-income countries), a lot of people are seeking other location options for a more relaxing and low-cost time off.
Everyday life
Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try, you just can't integrate into the new culture? And even after living in the country for a long time, learning the culture, and speaking the language, do you still feel like an outsider? Unfortunately, this feeling is not uncommon among expats. But where does it come from? And why?
Everyday life
Food habits in a new country can be fascinating and sometimes challenging for expatriates. It's often the aspect of home that people miss the most when they move abroad. What are the surprises awaiting expatriates in terms of "exotic" dishes and local dining etiquette?
Visas
This past year has been pivotal, marked by significant elections, sweeping immigration reforms, persistent labor shortages, and evolving demographic trends. Additionally, we saw notable shifts in expatriation patterns. Let's delve into these major developments that shaped 2024.
Everyday life
In today's interconnected world, understanding the varying rhythms of life across countries is crucial, especially if you're considering moving abroad. Some nations are celebrated for their laid-back lifestyles, while others are famous for their fast-paced environments.
Everyday life
As the crackdown on drug trafficking ramps up, what steps are states taking to control drugs and alcohol? Since these substances are regulated differently, let's dive into how different places are handling them.
Work
Recent geopolitical events have underscored companies' precarious situations when sending employees abroad. Operating in high-risk countries presents unique challenges. How do companies manage international mobility under these conditions? How do they fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers?
Work
A study by RSM UK, a British accounting firm, reveals that 33% of companies permit their employees to work remotely from locations outside the United Kingdom. Despite this flexibility, many companies remain cautious due to the potential legal complexities involved. If you're considering working remotely from abroad, here are several essential tips to consider.
Everyday life
Montaigne viewed friendship as a profound union where "souls unite and merge so fully that the seam that once joined them vanishes." Although expats might not seek such intense bonds, forming lasting friendships, especially with locals, can deeply enhance the experience of living abroad. Yet, forging these connections can be challenging. Unseen cultural norms can complicate matters, although making friends doesn't typically demand strict etiquette. Still, what are the faux pas that should be avoided?
Everyday life
An increasing number of individuals are opting to retire abroad, drawn by lower living costs, favorable weather, and a change of pace. However, as they age and become more vulnerable, this dream retirement can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. A recent testimony highlights the risks involved and underscores the need for careful planning.
Formalities
The justice system is increasingly detailed to enhance the protection of minors. To ensure peace of mind when traveling with your child, familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations in both your home country and the destination. Here are some practical tips.
Accommodation
Despite the global real estate downturn, property investment continues to be popular among expatriates. The enduring need for housing ensures its appeal, with the main question being the investment method. Should you build a custom home or opt for a ready-to-move in property?
Schools & studies
As signs of global inflation begin to wane, expatriate families still find their expenses climbing. The financial strain of educating children intensifies with higher living costs and tax increases due to government reforms. How can you secure a quality education for your children in this challenging financial landscape? What alternatives exist to traditional international schools?
Work
Intercultural training aims to ease the transition into a new work environment abroad, yet many expatriates underestimate the extent of change they will encounter. What aspects of different professional cultures worldwide are most surprising?
Leisure
As the holiday season nears, many expatriates face a common dilemma: should they return home to family traditions or embark on a new adventure? Deciding between the comfort of familiar festivities and the thrill of exploring unknown places is challenging. This article offers insights to help you decide and plan your vacation, even at the last minute.
Everyday life
Housesitting and petsitting have become popular solutions for expats looking to address three common travel challenges: saving money, securing their homes, and caring for their pets. But how do you find the best deals during holiday seasons, and how can you ensure that the person you're entrusting your home and pets to is reliable? Here are some useful tips to guide you.
Pets
Animal defense groups are ramping up their awareness campaigns in response to the harsh treatment some pets endure. Many expatriates, touched by the situation of stray animals, are eager to adopt. However, the complex administrative processes required prospective adopters to be well-informed about the specific procedures in their host countries. Here are some practical tips.
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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