Expat of the month
Children
Moving abroad with your children can be one of the most fulfilling and life-changing decisions you have made for your kids — new experiences, exposure to different cultures, and maybe acquiring a new language are just some of the benefits. But if you are overwhelmed by questions, such as how will my child cope in the new country and how to choose the right school abroad, here are five expat parenting blogs to help you and your family smoothly settle in your new home.
Leisure
More and more young people are looking overseas for their next new adventure, be it the next step in their education or in order to further their career. Though long stints of travelling have been popular for a while, young adults are increasinly looking to make a long-term move abroad. This breed of young expat is often a keen traveller (often using their new home as a base for visiting the region) with a desire to discover the nuances of their new culture. Here are our top five blogs from young expats.
Italy
Are you about to move abroad and make the tough decision to leave your many cookbooks behind? Never mind, because 天美麻豆 — with this selection of five expat bloggers pouring love and care in their dishes — is bringing an infusion of faraway flavours into your kitchen. Join us for an international feast — a celebration of life in foreign lands!
Moving
What do Dublin, London, The Hague, Parma, and Galicia have in common? — Sorry, all being European cities, even though it is the right guess, doesn't count. Okay, we will save you the hustle — here it is, they all have good expat bloggers! 天美麻豆 brings them to you to introduce you to the expat life in the city they have decided to make a home (for now).
Germany
Germany with its thriving economy, robust democracy, and liberal outlook is one of Central Europe's most inviting expat destinations. Whether you are a student, professional, or entrepreneur, you will have no difficulty adjusting to the well-organised and efficient lifestyle — maybe with the help of a few words in German for a start. But wouldn't it be great to have an ally while living in Germany? We have selected five expat bloggers in Germany, whom we think you will appreciate for their experience and eagerness to share.
Children
From having your baby abroad, to moving in a foreign country with one or more children, expat parents have loads to think and plan about — healthcare, schooling, leisure activities, accommodation. We understand that all this is overwhelming. So, we come to your rescue with a list of five blogs managed by expat mothers, who have travelled that road before.
South Africa
My name is Heather Mason and I'm from Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States. I've been living in Johannesburg, South Africa for the past six years and I write a blog, 2Summers.
Mexico
We are Lynda & Lawrie Lock. We have lived on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico since October 2008. Seven kilometers long and a kilometer wide the island is a fifteen-minute boat ride from the large tourist mecca of Cancun.
Portugal
My name is Gail, I was born in the Philippines but immigrated to Canada as a young child with my family. I currently live in Porto, Portugal's second-largest metropolitan area, located in the north on the Atlantic coast. Spain is an hour to the north and about two hours to the east.
China
I'm Marta. I'm originally from Spain and now I live in Suzhou, China. Previously I also lived in Beijing and Shanghai. I work as a translator and mobile game tester for a Chinese company.
Australia
I am a small town girl from Arkansas/Texas that wants to explore the world one memory at a time. After I got married I was blessed with the initials EAT, so there the idea for my blog. My blog is all about our adventures, packing up, exploring, and learning other cultures.
United Arab Emirates
My name is Grace and I currently live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I was born in the Philippines but moved to Japan when I was 19 and lived there for more than 10 years before relocating to Dubai with my family in 2007.
Colombia
I was born in Portland, Oregon but spent 2005-2014 in San Diego, California. I moved to Colombia in May of 2014 when my husband received a two year assignment in Bogotá.
Hungary
Born in Dublin, Ireland, when Tayto crisps were the only crisps worth eating, I've been flitting around the Northern Hemisphere for what seems like a lifetime.
Vietnam
I am Lyra from the Philippines. We moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2009. My husband's company set up their site in Vietnam and so, we moved.
Germany
Hi! My name is Diana, I am from Mexico moved abroad thanks to a scholarship my husband received to study his masters over here. We moved to Germany in 2012.
South Africa
Hello, Hi, Howzit. I'm Nicola. I'm originally from the UK, but have had the good fortune to live in a few different countries. Currently our family of four is getting cosy in Jozi, the City of Gold.
India
My name is Carissa and I'm originally from the Canadian prairies - Winnipeg to be precise. I first came to India on a study-abroad program in 1990, returned as a student from 1995-96 and then moved back in 2003.
Other Types
Australia
For years, Australia has been one of the world's most sought-after destinations for international students. Its world-class universities, high standard of living, and generous post-study work opportunities have attracted hundreds of thousands of young people hoping to build a future abroad. But that appeal is beginning to fade. As the government continues to tighten its immigration policy, it has once again increased the cost of its post-study work visa, making it one of the most expensive of its kind in the world. Combined with stricter eligibility rules and fewer pathways to long-term residency, the changes are forcing many prospective and current international students to rethink their plans. Is Australia slowly becoming a study destination reserved for those who can afford to pay the price?
Everyday life
Are retirees really the "wealthy elite" they're often portrayed as? In reality, retirement incomes vary widely, and so do living standards. For expat retirees, the picture is even more complex. Beyond everyday expenses, they must also navigate inflation, hidden costs, rising healthcare bills, and policy changes that can all have a significant impact on their budget.
Accommodation
Buying your own property is a major milestone, and for many expats, an exciting new chapter. But purchasing a home abroad involves more than finding the right property. Your relationship status can have a significant impact on your rights as a buyer and the legal protections available to you. Whether you're married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, are you equally protected when buying property overseas?
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Work
Imagine that after months of frustrating job search, you finally get an offer that can change your life. Not only is it the perfect match for your skills and experience, but it is also coming from a different country. The pay is great, and relocation expenses are covered. You are excited, you are making arrangements to leave. And, most likely, you are not at all ready for one of the following scenarios.
Work
Parenting is one of the most (if not THE most) life-changing experiences one can go through. But as much as this responsibility is shared, it is often the mothers who experience this change tenfold. And if you experience motherhood whilst working abroad, this transformation can feel even more profound. And for many expat women, motherhood in a foreign country marks a professional turning point.
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