Features
Accommodation
Are you looking to rent or buy a house in a new country? You might be in for a few surprises when it comes to the real estate market and how people live on your house-hunting journey. Here are some ways homes differ around the world.
Everyday life
We all move for different reasons. Once we do, after some time passes, we often want to come back. But this is not always the case. Some expats love their lives in their new countries so much that they don't even want to consider the option of going back. Today, we talk to some of them.
Everyday life
One might romantically (tragically or not, depending on the perspective) claim that roots will always remain independent of human will. These internal roots manifest externally—language use, cultural habits, family, memories... Does your history come to an end when you move to a foreign country, or does it keep growing regardless of where you are?
Work
The remote work boom has been hard to miss. Fairly discreet before the global health crisis, it has now become an essential part of work organization. This setup has inspired workers tempted by expat life and workation dreams. However, there's a tendency to confuse remote work and extended vacation. How do you manage your relationship with your manager? Here's how to find the right balance between expat life and remote work.
USA
Living the American dream is a goal for many around the world. While the US promises a lot and offers a unique experience for those who venture there, it's important to remember that settling in the US is more challenging than it seems, especially regarding healthcare. If you come from a country with easily accessible healthcare, adjusting to the American health system will take some time. Here's everything you need to know!
Work
You've made up your mind; you're moving abroad to build a career. Whether it's a long-cherished dream, a desire to reinvent yourself elsewhere or to challenge yourself—many reasons might make you want to move to a foreign country. However, beware of pitfalls. Here are our tips to maximize your chances of getting hired overseas.
Schools & studies
Some parents are very hesitant to let their child study abroad. They may be concerned about the financial burden of funding an international education. Conservative or deeply religious parents may fear their child could be influenced by a foreign culture and "forget" their roots. It can have an element of sexism, for some parents harbor these fears more about their daughters. They might also be concerned that their child will experience loneliness or face racism and xenophobia. If your parents share these concerns, how can you convince them to let you study abroad? Here are some tips.
Banks and finance
Coming back home after having lived abroad can be both exciting and overwhelming. But let's put emotions aside for a second and focus on the practical side of things. Namely, finances. Let's start at the beginning.
Formalities
Many retirees opt to move to countries where the cost of living is lower than in their home country. Often, their retirement pensions do not meet expectations, leading some retirees to continue working, either out of necessity or personal preference. However, living abroad introduces specific rules related to various types of visas, which may not always permit additional employment alongside retirement. Let's have a detailed look at the situation.
USA
If you are an American living abroad, did you know you can deduct up to US$126,000 from the income you earn from outside US territory? The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, or FEIE, is an IRS provision designed for Americans who live and work in another country.
Work
The topic is seldom discussed among expats, yet job dissatisfaction also affects them. Whether it's a need to change careers, feelings of stagnation, or discomfort at the office, what should you do when you realize that the job you're doing isn't the right fit for you? What should you consider before leaving your job, returning home, or shifting to a new country?
Schools & studies
You envisioned "living your best life" as an international student. You had chosen your dream university in your dream country. But the dream abruptly stopped upon arriving in the host country. The selected program was far from what you had imagined, and nothing seems right. How do you face the year under these conditions? Is it possible to switch majors?
Work
Summer job season is in full swing, and the tourism market is vibrant again. Many countries are rejoicing about the return to or near pre-COVID levels—a boon for foreigners seeking part-time jobs to explore the local job market while boosting their income. Here are tips for finding a summer job and practical advice to avoid scams.
Health system
Adjusting to new food abroad involves more than just overcoming a psychological barrier or embracing an adventurous spirit. Your body may be sensitive and resistant to unfamiliar foods. How can you take care of your health while adjusting to a new culinary landscape? Here are some tips.
Transport
Moving abroad often serves as the perfect moment to change your habits: expanding your social circle, improving lifestyle choices, and altering your modes of consumption and transportation. Have you been primarily dependent on cars until now? Why not take the opportunity of moving to a new city to make a radical shift towards better health and the environment by adopting walking and biking? These modes of transportation are increasingly popular in large international cities and are indeed driving their development.
Health system
One of the main concerns when moving abroad is what kind of medical follow-up one can expect. Health systems vary (private or public insurance) and offer different medical follow-up and prevention services. So, how do you navigate these to ensure you won't miss any steps, from vaccination schedules to routine exams and recommended consultations for specific age groups?
Work
International students are desperately seeking ways to earn a living. Although essential for their daily survival, part-time jobs are becoming increasingly scarce. In major destinations, international students are being penalized by restrictive reforms and a job crisis. So, how can you find a student job in this context, and what types of jobs can you expect?
Work
So you've decided to embark on a digital nomad adventure. You've chosen your destination and completed the formalities. You can already picture yourself as an adventurer for a day. But primarily, you're there to work. What kind of workspace should you choose? How should you choose it? Here are our top 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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