Features
Work
Building your career in the country where you studied is a bit like finding a job in the company where you did your internship: it is easier, there are more advantages, and you are already integrated... In this article, we will review the concrete benefits of staying and working in the country where you studied.
Visas
Since the pandemic, embassies are overwhelmed. As a result, formalities are taking more time, and people must often be very patient. That's especially the case in some countries, where obtaining a visa is a real obstacle course. Which countries have the longest delays in granting visas or visa interviews? How does this affect moving abroad plans?
Everyday life
Adjusting to life abroad means adapting to not only a new culture but also to a new natural environment, including its risks. How should you prepare yourself when you move to a country which often experiences natural disasters? Where to look for information and help in case disaster strikes?
Work
With the end of the pandemic in sight, countries compete to attract qualified foreigners. Canada stands out as a favorite expat destination and keeps on highlighting its immigration policies. Other countries follow suit, with new visas and policies targeting foreign talent. So why are countries focusing on selective immigration, and how does it help economies?
Banks and finance
Economic uncertainties are driving more and more expats to invest abroad. How to manage your money? Which bank to choose? What are the best investments for expats?
Everyday life
Rising inflation, the Ukraine war, not to mention other wars and conflicts which aren't in the limelight of international media, have been affecting energy costs over the past months. Is it still safe to plan a move abroad under these conditions? How are expatriates affected by such rises?
Everyday life
"Who will pay?" For some, this question ruins the beauty of the moment. For others, it simply solves a practical issue. We just surely pay before leaving the restaurant. What are the different approaches in various countries? What is women's stance on this? How is the practice of going Dutch perceived?
Accommodation
That's it. You're moving abroad. What should you do with your current home, whether it's a house or an apartment? Should you sell it or let it? Should you rather invest in property abroad? Here is a roundup of your various options.
Work
The International Workplace Group (IWG) surveyed over 1000 hybrid workers about their work expectations. Nearly 60% reported that they are planning to work from anywhere around the world this year, with two-thirds saying their productivity doesn't depend on location. Since Covid, remote working and digital nomadism have soared. Hyper flexibility and workforce dispersion are becoming normalized within companies.
Everyday life
The profound changes experienced by the whole world since the pandemic have made some well-established expat destinations lose their appeal, and new ones become more attractive. The strictness of sanitary measures, political stability, and the cost of living during a period of worldwide inflation are all factors affecting this change in the choice of destination. Bloomberg published a list of six cities that are emerging as expat hotspots: Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Dubai, Bangalore, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro.
Schools & studies
Summer schools are back. Their winter counterparts, called winter schools, are also preparing to welcome back international students. What are the perks of these programs? Who are they intended for, and what types of courses are provided?
Banks and finance
Many expats move abroad not only to have a new experience in a different culture but to save money. However, life as an expatriate might mean having a lot of expenses, especially for those coming from Southern countries where the currency is devalued compared to the Dollar, Euro and Pound, for instance.
Cost of living
The quarterly survey of Totaljobs' Hiring Trends Index indicates that the rising cost of living in the UK, especially an upcoming 80% hike in energy bills, is making Britons keener to move abroad. 13%, who represent 4.5 million people, responded that they are strongly considering leaving the UK. Young people and Londoners are keener on relocating abroad. They cite a lower cost of living, career opportunities, a better quality of life and a desire to travel as motivating factors.
Work
Finance firms in Hong Kong are prioritizing the recruitment of Chinese speakers over English speakers, reports eFinancialCareers. This might come as a surprise to those who assume English to be the most important lingua franca for working abroad. As a matter of fact, the rise of strong regional economies and the localization experienced by these economies during the pandemic has increased the importance of other languages like Chinese, French and Arabic.
Work
Canada, the United States, Australia, Switzerland, Finland, Japan, France, etc. Since last year, countries have started recruiting foreign talent again following the crisis. So if you're looking for new work opportunities abroad, here's how to build your career and grow as an expat.
Formalities
The Financial Times (FT) recently published a list of issues British expats have to consider before moving back to the UK. If expats are uninformed and unprepared, they risk facing “astronomical” visas, shipping, tax and housing costs in the process of returning home. By choosing the right time to move back, becoming tax-compliant and dealing with their overseas assets and benefits in an informed way, they can make their transition back home smoother and more affordable.
Children
As of August 2, all new parents in the Netherlands are now legally entitled to nine weeks of paid parental leave. It applies to both mothers and fathers, biological and adoptive parents, who will receive 70% of their wage from the Employee Insurance Agency during the leave. This legislation reinforces the Netherlands' reputation as one of the best places for expats to raise a family.
Work
Many expatriates teach their native language in their country of residence. It is essential to have diplomas to teach in schools or institutions of any kind. Still, it is also possible to do some tutoring, and this does not require any certificate, even if it is recommended. Many learners wish to speak with a native speaker about any subject, thus learning the language and the culture, without going through theoretical courses or working on the basics in an academic way.
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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