Features
Schools & studies
Including students with disabilities is a significant challenge for education systems everywhere. What conditions help these students feel welcome? How can teaching adapt to better support them? Different countries take very different approaches depending on their beliefs, resources, and cultures. Here's a quick look at how it varies around the world.
Work
Sick leave isn't just a policy—it's a cultural signal. While it may seem like a standard clause in an employment contract, sick leave practices reveal much about local workplace norms. In some countries, taking time off due to illness is discouraged or seen as a sign of weakness. In others, employees are trusted to manage their health, with no need to provide a medical certificate for the first few days of absence. So, how do you navigate these differing expectations when working abroad?
Everyday life
Living abroad introduces you to many new experiences: a new university, a new workplace, and new friendships. How do you navigate these changes? How do you thrive in your new life overseas? Here are some essential tips for maintaining an active lifestyle while adapting to your new surroundings.
Formalities
Statelessness, while not widely recognized, is often mistakenly viewed as an issue affecting only undocumented individuals who flee to another country. However, various circumstances can lead to statelessness. What measures do governments take to prevent such situations and safeguard affected populations?
Work
Lately, many large companies have considered ending or significantly cutting back on remote work. This has met with pushback from employees who have adapted their lives to work from home. How can businesses balance the needs of expatriates, facilitate their professional integration, and still accommodate remote work? How does remote working impact foreign employees' connection to their company?
Accommodation
Renting accommodation is an essential step when settling abroad. However, understanding local practices is crucial to avoid pitfalls when renting in a foreign country. Whether you are already in the host country or not, what should you consider before signing a rental agreement? What are the differences between short-term and long-term rentals?
Visas
Many popular expat destinations have recently ended or restricted their Golden Visa programs, which were often criticized. However, several countries still use these programs to attract affluent foreigners. In 2025, what are the available investment programs? Can one immigrate with their family through these programs?
Telecommunications
With around 1.95 billion registered users, Skype has significantly impacted and served expats and others who previously faced high international call charges. However, Microsoft has announced that it will be shutting down this trailblazer in video calling and communications on landlines and mobiles. What will be the consequences for people living abroad who need to stay connected with their family and friends? What are the top alternatives to Skype's services?
Everyday life
When relocating abroad with children, we often overlook the psychological effects of such a significant transition. However, children are equally impacted by this change. What are the key considerations for preparing your children for a new life in a new country? What are your options in case of major challenges?
Health system
Moving to a new country often involves fleeting romances and serious long-term relationships. Whether these relationships last or not, it's crucial for expats to safeguard their well-being. This protective measure should begin even before departing for a new country. How can you look after your sexual and reproductive health?
Everyday life
The rising cost of living is impacting most major expat destinations. Despite this, plans to move abroad are still rolling, although they might be slightly reviewed to address everyday challenges. We have asked expats about their strategies for settling into a new country on a limited budget.
Everyday life
Unfortunately, in this day and age, expats can still face discrimination in their host countries. However, as highlighted by various studies, some countries stand out for their reputation of being more inclusive and for having fewer instances of discrimination or violence against expats.
Work
NEETs, short for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training,” refer to young people under 30 who are neither studying nor working. Many may feel trapped in a cycle they cannot escape, especially if they lack the skills and experience needed to break into their country's workforce. A stint abroad could provide the right opportunity to break free from this stagnation.
Health system
Many expatriates living abroad do not have international private health insurance; instead, they rely on local health coverage. The quality and sufficiency of this coverage can vary greatly from one country to another. Which countries are known for having the best healthcare systems?
Everyday life
Making friends in a new cultural environment, where you don't already have an established network of childhood and work friends and where you also might face a language barrier, can be intimidating. In your quest to find friends in your new home, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad isn't just about earning a degree or enjoying campus life. You will be immersed in a new culture, your ability to work or even travel will be curtailed by immigration laws, and you will be paying for groceries in another currency. These non-academic factors can shape your study-abroad experience, for better or worse. What important questions should you ask yourself before accepting an offer to study abroad?
Work
Moving abroad is frequently seen as a career boost, but it's important to recognize that skills and qualifications might not always transfer seamlessly across borders. Challenges such as language barriers, changes in status and salary, and unrecognized degrees can lead to a diminished professional identity. How can you safeguard your career value when relocating internationally?
Work
Many people dream of making a living from their passion abroad, and for a lucky few, this becomes a reality. Yet, turning this dream into reality demands careful planning. What are the pitfalls to avoid? Here are some essential tips.
Other Types
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?
France
The French government has recently decided to reconsider its announcements regarding differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students. What should they expect?
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