Features
Moving
When you move to a country for the first time, you are always learning new things about the place, such as how the system works, how the people act, and what social norms are acceptable. Finding your feet in a new environment will often mean that you make mistakes —from finding accommodation and meeting new people to knowing your employment rights and budgeting your money.
Moving
Unless you are a serial expat, moving abroad with just a couple of suitcases can seem daunting, or even impossible! If hiring a moving company to ship your belongings abroad isn't an option, then you may have to resort to making a long-term move with just your luggage. However, with some preparation, you can ensure that you take all your necessities and do your utmost to make sure that they get to your destination safely.
Work
There's nothing quite like a nice holiday, or even just a few days break from work to help recharge the batteries, but not all countries agree. While some are incredibly generous with their annual leave policies, some offer their workers far less time off. Though where you decide to move to will not be based on the amount of annual leave alone, it's certainly a factor to bear in mind if you are considering moving abroad to work.
Moving
Millennials are much maligned by older generations, but they are more open, more keen to experience the world and more mobile than those that have come before. They are also living in one of the most economically challenging times, with rent prices in many major cities becoming increasingly out of reach. Nestpick have assessed a wide range of factors to find the 100 most millennial-friendly cities, from the affordability of rent and food, to the prevalence of nightlife and – why not – Apple stores.
Moving
A big part of making your move abroad successful is making your new house feel like home. Whether you are renting or buying a property abroad, being able to quickly make your new house feel like home can help get you through any initial homesickness. This is obviously no easy feat, but there are ways to make it easier!
Everyday life
Earth Day is only a few hours away, and we at 天美麻豆 are getting into the spirit of the day. If you want to be an environmentally-friendly expat, the information below about the world's greenest countries may help you find your ultimate destination.
Visas
Australia and New Zealand have long been popular destinations for graduates looking to travel abroad, who may then decide to live in the respective country. Professionals are also increasingly looking to the two nations for employment opportunities, with a growing influx of workers from South Asia. However, recent announcements that came almost back-to-back seek to restrict access to the job market for both of the aforementioned groups, continuing the general nationalistic rhetoric that has emerged from a number of countries of late.
Leisure
“April showers bring May flowers”, the saying goes, and we here at 天美麻豆 got a bit excited about what else April brings — that is a ton of festivals around the world! So, if you are looking to join in on the fun with locals and expats alike, we are presenting you with an international calendar to celebrate culture this month in your host country. Take your seat upon the grass, find yourself in the heart of the celebrations, and enjoy a unique cultural experience.
Formalities
Obtaining residency as an expat can sometimes be an arduous and time-consuming process. Often countries require long periods of residence, along with a range of other criteria that must be met before you can acquire a residency permit, even if you're ready to call your new country home. However, if you have a few $100,000 burning a hole in your pocket, or you are looking to invest in your latest destination anyway, you may want to consider the countries which allow foreign investment in property in addition to offering residency above a certain level of investment.
Banks and finance
European Millennials seem to be keen on leaving their home country for another country within the continent in search of academic and professional experiences. Students and professionals between 18 and 28 convey an enthusiasm for learning new languages, living in different cultures, and, of course, gaining a better education or establishing an international career. Here, is an overview of the expat life in seven European countries as recorded by the Think Young think tank.
Cost of living
For those looking to move to some of the world's leading financial centres, the cost of living will play a very important part of your decision. If you will be working in the financial sector in a big city, you will likely want to live close to the city centre, but rent can be pricey. So where are the cities where you can get better value for money? Just how much does it cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment? Recent research has revealed where you can get the best balance of location and rent price.
Singapore
Block 71 has been a home to startups in Singapore for some time, but with this new announcement from the country's minister for trade and industry, Singapore is seeking to invite more new talent than ever onto its shores. Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Dr Koh has announced a new startup regime aiming to simplify its awarding of grants with an umbrella brand (Startup SG) and other strategic changes.
Schools & studies
Europe is often a popular destination for students looking to broaden their horizons and study abroad. Not only is there high quality education on offer, but also the ability to travel reasonably cheaply and experience other cultures. In addition, many institutions outside of the UK offer courses in English, which continues to be one of the best languages for furthering your career internationally. In the 2017 report by Study.eu, countries were ranked according to quality of education (which made up over half of the score), cost, and life and career.
Work
As an entrepreneur, you may want to expatriate for business or personal reasons, and whether you are taking your business with you, expanding your current operations, or looking to start from scratch in your new home, there are some steps you can take to ensure the most successful migration abroad.
Cost of living
If you choose city-living in a bustling metropolis, be prepared for some potentially sky-high costs. The amenities afforded are innumerable in a cosmopolitan city, but at what price? The latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit on the most expensive cities to live in across the world is out, highlighting the places with the highest cost of living. We take an in-depth look at the most expensive cities to live in, as well as hearing about the experiences of some of our own members.
Work
Social entrepreneurship is a relatively new concept that has become an increasingly popular form of business creation, particularly amongst young business owners. Some consider the new wave of socially conscious businesses to be a sort of ethical capitalism, flying in the face of what we know about capitalism and globalisation. Sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes to spot a social need, so expats can take advantage of their observance, and address issues with a business plan that will bring them close to many social entrepreneurs around the world.
South Africa
Questions and some concern have arisen following the South African government's proposed amendment to its taxation of residents who are working overseas. The proposed amendment suggests removing the exemption for those earning an income abroad and working in a foreign country for more than 183 days a year, in order to prevent expats potentially paying very limited or no tax.
Work
If you're considering a career in nursing or are currently working as a registered nurse and beginning to look for opportunities overseas, the big question is, where should you start looking? While careers in corporate or creative sectors may not require any additional qualifications, certain jobs in medicine, for example, require local licenses and registration. Add that to global differences in salary, and finding a destination that suits your personal and professional needs can become a difficult feat! Here are some of the best destinations for nurses or would-be nurses looking to move abroad.
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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