Features
Everyday life
During the early days of the COVID pandemic, some were betting on the end of expatriation. Governments were taking steps to promote the employment of locals, as in Singapore, where companies were encouraged to favor nationals. Did that mean that foreigners were no longer welcome? Did that point to a place where local policies would dictate the future of national economies? Obviously not! Actually, moving abroad plans only changed their form. Digital nomadism, entrepreneurship, professional opportunities, and studying abroad are as many facets of post-COVID moving abroad plans. So, why should you move abroad in 2023, and how?
Leisure
There are many expat blogs on the Internet, but many have, in some ways, run out of steam over time. The reasons for this are numerous, including the lack of interest and inspiration, fewer visits, too much competition, or a return to the country of origin. Let's try to find an explanation as to why expat blogs have been on the decline lately.
Everyday life
As expats enter a new year of living abroad and others are considering a move, it's high time to think ahead. Some destinations, for instance, Canada, are predicted to be very popular in 2023 because they appeal to many expats' current priorities. Furthermore, surveys reveal that lifestyle and cost of living are likely to be expats' priorities in 2023. The average age of expats is also predicted to keep getting younger.
Everyday life
Like other festivities, the New Year varies between cultures. In some countries, it is celebrated with pomp and splendor, while in others, the celebrations are toned down or focused on shopping. The Northern Hemisphere is in winter and the Southern Hemisphere is in summer on December 31, which also creates very different experiences. Many non-Western countries use another calendar than the Gregorian one and have another much more culturally significant “New Year” than December 31.
Everyday life
In many EU/EEA countries, there exist cultural integration programs to ensure that long-term expats learn the local language and understand the country well. France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden and Estonia all offer such programs. Outside of the EU, the Canadian province of Quebec offers a similar program.
Everyday life
Going abroad is exciting, but going green abroad is even better. How about making it your new year's resolution? Expats are increasingly concerned about the environment. But how to adapt your lifestyle in a foreign country? What are the best ways to consume less and in a responsible way? In other words, how to become an eco-expat?
Leisure
Whether with family, friends, or on your own, the transition to the new year is a unique and often awaited moment. From South Africa, France, China, to Spain, each country has its own traditions and its own way of celebrating the New Year's eve. But does everyone celebrate the New Year on January 1? Between customs, challenges, rituals and history, here is an overview of some unique New Year traditions.
Banks and finance
Have you always dreamed of building wealth when living overseas? COVID, the economic crisis and inflation having made our lives miserable over the past two years, more and more of us are considering new ways of having a better life, especially in terms of finances. So how do you become a rich expat.
Everyday life
Every expat has probably been surprised or even shocked by some aspects of the way of life in their host country. Food, work relations, culture are some of the small everyday particularities that one needs to learn to live with. But sometimes, some things won't pass... others are incompatible with our values. What should you do when you're not able to downsides of your expat country's culture?
Leisure
As 2022 ends, most expats are gearing up for the holiday season. What should you look out for if you're away from home? What are the best practices for expats? From local invitations to parties and nightclubs, here are some tips for enjoying the holiday season as an expat.
Everyday life
These last two years have been quite challenging for expatriates. Some of them have not been able to return home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year for almost two years. From restrictions in the host country to last-minute cancellations due to the pandemic, expats have not been spared.
Leisure
Living abroad has a lot of perks and drawbacks, especially when it comes to end-of-year celebrations. For many, it is often not easy to return home for Christmas or New Year's Eve. And when you happen to be abroad for the first time, you obviously need to be well prepared. Expats who will be celebrating Christmas and the New Year away from home shared their thoughts with 天美麻豆.
Leisure
Are you a solo expat, and you don't know what to do in your host country during the festive season? Or maybe you are just not keen about the phone calls and wishful thinking messages you might be getting from anxious relatives, especially with their night-time videocalls. Anyways, don't panic! Here are some ideas for spending the holiday season alone abroad with stars in your eyes.
Leisure
Christmas and New Year's Eve are just around the corner! For many expats, this means returning to their home country to spend this traditional time of year with family and friends. As a matter of fact, every year, airports around the world are packed with expats, with their luggage full of gifts for their loved ones.
Everyday life
With the oil crisis consequently affecting the price of kerosene, a critical factor for air travel, in addition to inflation and new environmental standards, air ticket prices have been soaring to unprecedented heights this year. The situation is as bad around the world, leading to rises in air ticket prices for the end-of-year holidays. To avoid saturation and stress a few days before Christmas, here are some tips to make the most of your flight.
Work
Many digital nomads came back to their countries during the pandemic, and some have been hit harder than others by the new economic realities, particularly those with work related to or directly centered around travel. But how do digital nomads deal with leaving their lifestyle? Are they willing to return to their home countries?
Everyday life
When invited to a dinner party, some questions will inevitably come to your mind. Should you arrive on time, early or late? With or without a gift? Will you be sitting on a chair or on the floor? Shall you eat with your hands? In silence? What to say, what to do, when, how, and in what tone? Presented in this way, a simple meal with all the daunting etiquette that goes with it can become a real brainteaser.
Everyday life
Are you planning to study abroad and are not going alone? What status should you and your dependents have? How to plan your move abroad? From choosing a country to sorting out aid organizations and visas, here's a review of all the aspects you need to consider before your move.
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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