Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
The US is witnessing a close battle between Democrats and Republicans. On Tuesday, November 8, American voters were called to the polls for the midterm elections. They had to vote for the renewal of the entire House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, a series of local elected positions; they also had to decide on referendums. The results begin to fall on November 9. There was no red wave but a fierce struggle between the two camps. The proclamation of the final results is likely to take a few more days, but here's what we can already deduce from these elections.
Whether you're seeking a great adventure, new career prospects and a professional challenge or to fulfill a childhood dream, so many reasons can lead one to want to move abroad. But what is it about a culture that attracts individuals to the point of motivating them to move abroad? What are these inspiring cultures?
Canada is set to welcome 450,000 immigrants yearly by 2024. The country is looking to keep attracting international talent and is counting on its excellent track record to stay on top of the list of the most popular expat destinations. Which other countries have the highest immigrant populations and what are their current policies?
With the midterms just a few days away, the Democratic party is holding its breath. Will the Biden administration keep the majority? What is the performance of the Biden administration like when we look back on the infrastructure bill, student debt, inflation, and abortion rights, amongst other issues? How do expatriates in the US feel about the current policies?
While Switzerland's great quality of life keeps attracting new expats, a new study by the Federal Statistical Office reveals that most are likely to leave within a decade. This might partly be explained by how integrating into Swiss culture in the long-term presents many challenges.
Montenegro
In recent years, Montenegro has become one of the most popular destinations for Cubans. Why is this so? What are the procedures for moving and settling there for work? Is it hard to adapt there? Yanexis, who recently moved there, tells us about her experience.
Albania
Two years of pandemic and scarce career opportunities in Italy convinced Anna and her husband to move to Durrës in Albania, where they have been living for a few months already. She believes that if she could have gone back in time, she would have made this choice earlier. Anna talks to Expat.com about everything she loves about this beach town.
When you have been living abroad for years, and you are fully integrated into your new country, it can be difficult to stay in touch with your native culture. As the years go by, you become more and more detached from the current events in your country of origin, you watch fewer and fewer films or series produced there, you see less and less of your compatriots, and sometimes you barely speak your native language. So, what can you do to avoid searching for words in your native language and feeling completely disconnected from your former life?
On November 1, Canada will announce its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan. Each year, this plan resets permanent immigration targets for the next coming years. It gives a breakdown of how many newcomers of each migration class the country wants to welcome. The federal government is also intent on increasing immigration in Quebec despite the Quebecois government's opposition to it.
Martinique
We are in 2018 when Monica and her husband, along with their children, decided to go on a trip. They were both employed in the retail industry in Italy and wanted to take charge of their lives and experience new sensations. So, they moved to Malta, and then to Spain amidst the pandemic. Then, one day, an unexpected opportunity came knocking at their door: a job in Martinique! They didn't waste any time and rushed to this island in the West Indies, a French overseas department.
Portugal
Carla and Walter are an Italian expat couple who now live in Portugal. Retired, they left the gray of Alexandria to settle in Coimbra. They talk to Expat.com about what makes their new home a great place to live in.
In late November, Qatar is set to become the smallest country to ever host the FIFA World Cup. This exciting sporting event is being marred by international boycotts over the treatment of workers who built the World Cup facilities. The event is also affecting accommodation prices, visa issuance, and the school calendar for expat families.
The Netherlands' population grew by over 250,000 in 2021, and this trend might be set to persist due to a rising number of non-EU immigrants. However, the Dutch government is looking to temporarily curb immigration, especially among asylum seekers, because it puts unsustainable pressure on this small country with limited housing.
Denmark
Eliska is a young expatriate who has been traveling abroad since the age of 18. After staying in London and other countries, she finally moved to Denmark, where she owns a business helping people in their moving abroad plans. She talks to Expat.com about her expat life in this Nordic country.
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?
Portugal
Diva is originally from Milan. After retiring, she moved to Braga, a city in the northwest of Portugal, alongside her partner. “This is a country we've fallen in love with,” she writes, “because life here has a rhythm and flavors which remind us of our youth.” Enjoy the read!
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?
"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?
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