Features
Banks and finance
Since the "Covid shock" and the reopening of borders, there has been talk of this "rediscovered freedom" that gives wings to millions of new potential expatriates. The desire for freedom seems even stronger among young people. However, at the same time, soaring inflation and the economic crisis are cutting the wings of millions of others or at least delaying their living abroad plans. How challenging is it to conciliate living abroad, finances, and youth?
Everyday life
Being an expat, exploring new horizons and adjusting to a new environment can be both exciting and stimulating. However, when temperatures reach extreme levels, the heat can considerably challenge our resilience and adaptability. Whether you are a recently settled expat in a region with scorching summers or planning to move to a country vulnerable to heat waves, here are some tips to help you overcome such situations.
Everyday life
Living abroad has become an increasingly common experience for those looking for new opportunities, adventures, or personal growth. However, as expats immerse themselves in a different culture and navigate life in a foreign land, their identities also undergo a profound transformation. This raises the question: What is the impact of living abroad on one's identity, particularly in terms of national identity? To put this in simpler terms: does living in Thailand for ten years make you less British or American? And if so, is there a way to preserve your national identity while living abroad?
Schools & studies
When choosing a study abroad destination, the language in which university courses are taught is a major consideration. It can be the only barrier to admission if you're not proficient enough in it. While Chinese and Spanish are the languages with the most native speakers, English remains the most common second language worldwide.
Work
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular. We now know a lot about digital nomads, independent individuals who take advantage of digital nomad visas to work abroad. But here, we are primarily interested in employees with a desire to work in another country without leaving their jobs. So how can you work remotely for your employer? Which visas, legal status, administrative procedures, and health insurance should you consider?
Work
Retiring abroad is an appealing idea to an increasing number of seniors looking for a better quality of life. But can you retire in your host country after having spent years working there? What are your options as an expat?
Work
Side hustling as an international student can be an incredible adventure, offering financial independence and personal growth in a foreign country. But there are several key things to consider before starting your job hunt.
Banks and finance
As an expatriate, using your credit card for daily transactions is an essential part of your daily life. But what if your host country lacks a secure banking system? In this case, you will need to make sure you are aware of the potential risks associated with credit card use.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad is a dream for many students as it provides a great opportunity to enrich their resumes, prepare for future careers, and explore new countries. How has preparing to study abroad changed in 2023? Keystone Education Group's study sheds light on their aspirations amidst a turbulent global context. The study addresses important questions such as financing study abroad, selecting university programs, and finding motivation to pursue studies overseas. Here's an insight into how students are approaching these aspects.
Thailand
In 2023, IQAir, a website that measures air quality worldwide, ranked Chiang Mai in Thailand, closely followed by Bangkok, among the world's most polluted cities. The northern city of Thailand has been facing significant smog clouds for several years, which are affecting the health of its residents and have repercussions on the tourism industry, already weakened by Covid.
Work
In an era where artificial intelligence poses a growing threat to various professions and disrupts work structure, how does one select a sustainable career? Indeed, we are still far from the time when AI will be capable of teaching or handling all accounting tasks. Nevertheless, an increasing number of individuals considering working abroad, both prospective candidates and current expatriates, are reevaluating their career plans with a fresh perspective.
Work
When it comes to choosing a host company or organization for your internship abroad, there are various factors to consider, such as multinational versus local companies, internship duration (long or short-term), assignment details, and whether the internship aligns with your academic curriculum. How can you avoid negative experiences as an intern abroad? How can you ensure that the work you'll be doing aligns with your expectations? While there isn't a foolproof formula for finding the perfect company, here are some tips to help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Work
The labor market is undergoing rapid transformations, with increasing flexibility, the emergence of the 4-day week, international telecommuting, digital nomadism, artificial intelligence, and various approaches to working more, working less, and working better. These changes are driving the formation of new organizational structures and reimagining the way work is distributed. How do these transformations impact professional mobility? Do individuals tend to have the desire to work less when moving abroad?
Everyday life
Moving overseas often entails discovering a new culture and way of life, but it also involves encountering a new religious environment. The contrast may be even more striking if you are relocating miles away from your home country. Whether you are a believer or not, you might need an adjustment period to understand the functioning and significance of religion in everyday life in your expat country. Furthermore, finding a place to practice your own religion amidst this whirlwind of new experiences is crucial.
Work
Entrepreneurship is an exciting and risky endeavor anywhere. In a new country, it's even more so. The different legal, economic and cultural milieu and expats' status as non-nationals require us to consider additional factors. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when launching your own business abroad.
Banks and finance
When planning a move abroad, you need to start working on your budget. Besides the necessary plane tickets, how much money do you need for the different steps of your move? Here's a list of the main expenses you should consider, so you can be well-prepared.
Everyday life
Often, expatriation is understood to be one big adventure about which one can tell many stories back home. However, the truth is that repatriation (returning home) is often more difficult than expected.
Cost of living
Inflation has been a significant worry in 2022 and the first half of 2023, impacting various countries, including Europe. However, there is a glimmer of hope as recent estimates indicate that inflation is now declining and reaching its lowest points in certain European nations.
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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