Features
Everyday life
While planning your move to a foreign country, you may wonder about your host country's sign language. Whether you are deaf or hard of hearing, you might question how to communicate using sign language there. It's often emphasized that learning the local language is essential, and by “language,” this includes both spoken and visual languages, such as sign languages. Here's a comprehensive guide to learning them while living abroad.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad is a bold move. You will be putting yourself in an entirely new environment while trying to handle the pressures of higher education. But it's also a bold move that tends to pay off. Studying abroad can open doors to new professional opportunities, enrich you culturally and socially, and even help you learn a new language.
Transport
In a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, more travelers are choosing slower, greener travel options. Rather than racing against time, many are embracing longer train journeys over quick flights. Could the train be poised for a resurgence? This trend is especially notable in Europe, where alternatives to flying are being actively explored.
Visas
Visa applications can be time-consuming, costly and stressful. To prevent complications and additional stress, ensure you are not stumbling into common pitfalls that could lead to your visa being rejected. Reapplying is a hassle, will delay your plans, and even give you a bad immigration track record, so it's crucial to get it right the first time. Here are some tips.
Work
Flexible or non-flexible work, remote or in-person, after-work gatherings or solo meals... The corporate world is unique. That being said, expatriates need time to integrate into the business culture of the foreign country and establish their work rhythm.
Formalities
Retiring overseas is increasingly appealing, but it also raises many concerns. Administrative issues such as receiving a pension, health insurance, or a residence permit can make retirement abroad seem daunting. Is it a lifelong commitment?
Banks and finance
Living abroad isn't always smooth sailing. Job loss, health problems, and unexpected life events can strike at any time. When tough times hit, where can you turn for help? How can you get through these challenges?
France
Surprising results in the European elections. Unexpected statement from President Macron. A swift campaign amidst summer holiday plans and the Olympics. Another surprise was the Left's victory in the anticipated legislative elections. The past few weeks in France have been full of twists and uncertainties. Will the outlook finally become clearer? As the first speeches and negotiations unfold, let's review the elections and the reactions from expatriates. What will the new face of French immigration policy look like?
Formalities
The loss of a loved one brings emotional pain, compounded by legal and administrative complications. When an expatriate with a primary visa passes away, their dependents often face significant legal uncertainties. What happens to their visa status? What are their options for remaining in the host country?
Work
Using personality and skills tests during the recruitment process is now a common practice. Gone are the days when only a resume and a loosely structured interview were enough. Today, several tests are available and utilized by nearly 72% of hiring companies, according to a recent study by People Management.
Cost of living
The rising cost of living in the world's biggest cities is forcing companies to think twice before sending employees abroad. This financial strain demands careful budget management. How are employers approaching international mobility in an economic crisis?
Children
Companies are increasingly aware that offering childcare services to their employees is a significant advantage in attracting young parents, especially expats. Many major cities around the world are facing a shortage of public nursery and kindergarten places, making the balance between work and personal life even more challenging. But innovation doesn't stop there: some employers now offer "overnight nannies" to their employees! Discover the employer-sponsored childcare systems that stand out for their originality.
Everyday life
Love knows no boundaries. Love is stronger than anything. We love to recall these beautiful expressions, promising to do everything to keep the flame alive even when we live miles apart. However, it can be quite challenging in practice. How do you make a long-distance relationship work despite everything? Here are our tips.
Work
More and more expatriates are becoming aware of the importance of mental health preservation. Rather than seeing "career" and "mental health" as opposing forces, they recognize the importance of well-being at work. But how can working abroad impact your mental health? How can you prepare for and protect yourself while working overseas? Let's find out.
Work
Global mobility in 2024 is navigating through a challenging economic climate. Despite significant variations between countries, strong common trends are affecting major recruiting nations. Housing and purchasing power crises have become a severe issue for governments, prompting measures to continue attracting foreign workers while striving to emerge from these crises.
Everyday life
Retiring abroad is a dream for many and a reality for those who have taken the plunge. However, the health and economic crises have significantly impacted plans to move abroad. Amid a rising cost of living, inflation, tax benefits for retirees, and new legislation, how do you consider your international retirement plans?
Formalities
Starting in January 2024, elections are taking place almost every month, with significant events impacting the global economy. These include the European elections (held from June 6 to 9) and the U.S. presidential elections (scheduled for November 5). Can expatriates vote in these elections? How can they participate in the civic life of their host country? Here are the main steps to gaining voting rights in popular destinations.
Everyday life
When your fantastic adventure in a foreign country takes a wrong turn, the entire dream of living your expat life to the fullest can crumble. Discrimination can taint the entire experience, making your everyday life unbearable. What should you do about your professional ambitions and thirst for discovery? Does discrimination compromise your stay in the country as a whole? Should you stay or leave?
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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