The magazine for expats

More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.

Work

How different countries approach midday breaks

Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.

Everyday life

Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity

Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.

Expat news

Visas

Visas, work permits, study visas: What are the latest changes?

Different countries adopt unique strategies to manage their workforce needs. Many are continuously revising their immigration policies to favor local employment. Despite these tighter regulations, effective collaboration between local and expatriate workers is achievable and essential. Given the persistent labor shortages, the reliance on foreign workers remains a practical necessity. Here's an insight into the latest changes in popular global destinations.

Tax

Should you be concerned by global tax changes?

With each new year, we see shifts in taxes, savings rates, consumer costs, and governmental allowances. This year also introduces significant tax changes that will affect both current expatriates and those considering a move. Below, we provide a detailed look at the most favorite expat countries.

USA

Trump's return: Assessing the impact on international talent in the USA

Images of the newly re-elected president signing numerous executive orders have been seen worldwide. Many of these orders directly address immigration policies, signaling significant impacts on the employment landscape. This will affect both international workers and domestic companies. How will these changes influence the recruitment of international talent? Is the American Dream still accessible for those looking to build their careers in the US?

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Content from our partners

Features

Schools & studies

Fresh graduates: A guide to finding your perfect country

Your early to mid-20s can be an ideal time to embark on an expat adventure. You're young, you have a newly-minted degree in hand and a thirst for adventure and you're unlikely to have family responsibilities like kids: the world is your oyster. However, financial constraints and a lack of work experience can throw a spanner in the works. How do you go about selecting a suitable destination and crafting your first experience living abroad?

Formalities

How to successfully transition to semi-retirement overseas

According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of American workers aged 65 and older report high satisfaction with their jobs, surpassing the rates of their younger counterparts. Retirement age is increasingly flexible, allowing "semi-retirees" to maintain some professional activity. Additionally, this period often prompts some individuals to move abroad. How can one effectively manage this transition?

Work

Top skills you need to work abroad

In the age of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), it might seem that technical skills are crucial for job hunting, especially internationally. However, the situation is more complex, as highlighted by a recent World Economic Forum report. While technology will significantly alter the job landscape, "soft skills" are still the most in demand. In a world rapidly shaped by AI, these skills are what truly set candidates apart. What, then, do recruiters prioritize when considering applicants for positions abroad?

Everyday life

10 challenges for a thriving life in a new country

Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure, brimming with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a fresh arrival or a seasoned expat, we present ten straightforward challenges designed to enhance your experience and help you fully integrate into your new country. From mastering the local language to exploring off-the-beaten-path regions, each challenge is crafted to maximize your enjoyment of expatriate life. Are you ready to transform your daily routine?

Schools & studies

Top reasons to study abroad

High school graduates and their parents often wonder whether investing in an international education is worthwhile, especially when their home country offers excellent universities. Is the hefty price tag of studying abroad justified when top-quality education is available locally, for free, or for low domestic fees? Here are some reasons why studying abroad might still be a valuable investment.

Work

How to extend your annual leave using public holidays

Planning vacations is often challenging for expatriates, particularly in countries with fewer rest days or stricter leave policies. This article provides practical strategies to help you make the most of your time off, ensuring you enjoy well-deserved breaks, even while far from home.

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Expat interviews

Everyday life

Barbara Boyle: A journey from advertising in the US to the Italian countryside

Meet Barbara Boyle, a former Creative Director and writer who has worked with global brands and lived in major cities worldwide. Now retired in a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte, Italy, Barbara shares her journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to a serene life amidst vineyards and orchards, and discusses her latest writings on her life in Italy.

Everyday life

Interview with Jen Barnett: Insights on living abroad and cultural integration

Meet Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 32 years in marketing. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Jen now lives in Mérida, Yucatán, where she helps others find their perfect home abroad through the innovative Expatsi Test. In this interview, Jen shares her experiences and insights on living overseas, adjusting to new cultures, and finding joy in the expat lifestyle.

USA

Chasing the American dream: Umberto's journey from Italy to NYC

Umberto's journey from the serene town of Bolzano, Italy, to the bustling streets of New York City is both inspiring and captivating. With roots tracing back to Naples and a familial connection to Brooklyn, Umberto's path to America was driven by a profound desire to connect with his heritage and make his mark in the land of opportunities.

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Insights from professionals

Everyday life

Is relocating overseas a good idea during an early midlife crisis?

Moving to a new country won't solve your problems, but should you do it anyway? Well, it depends. It depends on you and your mindset. It is easy to imagine that relocating overseas will transform us into better versions of ourselves.

Work

6 ways to successfully integrate into the workplace as an expat

The first day at a new job is always daunting. Stress, exhaustion, loneliness and nervous excitement are all common emotions but add on top of that, culture shock, language barriers and trying to settle your family into their new life abroad, it can all get overwhelming.

Everyday life

Tips from an expert: Taking care of your mental health as an expat amid the pandemic

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of discomfort for expatriates, not only because of the distance from their loved ones but also due to lockdowns and health restrictions. Emanuela Brusadelli, a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the Deputy Director of the Professional and Clinical Psychology Programs at Wollongong University School of Psychology in Australia, tells us more.

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Expat stories

USA

Entrepreneurship in the USA: The E2 visa amid the Covid-pandemic

As the year 2021 comes to an end, we're hoping for this very stressful period for expatriates all over the world to be over. Expats living in the USA on an E2 visa have been faced with a particularly complicated situation. In addition to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, they will also have administrative difficulties obtaining visas or even their renewal.

Everyday life

Life as an expat in South Africa

From October 1, 2021, South Africa moved to Alert Level 1 after multiple Covid-19 peaks, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Hannah, an expat from the UK, was lucky enough to relocate to Cape Town in September following her husband's intra-company transfer. She shares her views about expat life in the country she now calls home.

Everyday life

Opinion: Does being an expat mean I'll always be the outsider?

Does being an expat mean always being the outsider? Not quite at home in your host country and a little bit of a stranger to your home country. Stephanie discusses how she navigates this identity as a Brit living in Paris.

Moving

Please, don't ask me these expat-related questions again

Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.

Moving

Moving countries: Why I am more with less

I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.

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Expat of the month

Everyday life

Expat life in the UK between the Brexit and the pandemic

Angelica is originally from Verbania, Italy. It's been nearly ten years since she moved to the UK, hungry for independence and new experiences. She has also spent a year in Germany for her studies before going back to the UK and is currently in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She talks to us about living in London as an expat between Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

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Articles from our local editions

Mauritius

From Annecy to Mauritius: Meet Lionel, a digital expert

Originally from Annecy, Lionel discusses his evolution from an early career in sales to his current role as an expert in optimizing online processes for French SMEs. Currently based in Mauritius, he explains how he merges technological innovation with personal connections to transform business strategies and why he chose this tropical paradise as his new home.

Mauritius

Tips to navigate traffic for drivers in Mauritius around Maha Shivaratree pilgrimmage

Maha Shivaratree is one of the most significant religious festivals in Mauritius, drawing thousands of pilgrims who embark on foot pilgrimages to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao). While deeply spiritual for devotees, the event also brings disruptions for those not directly involved in the celebrations. Heavy traffic, road closures, and slowed public services can create logistical challenges. Here's how to navigate this period with minimal inconvenience.

Mauritius

Myriam Blin, Head of the Charles Telfair Centre: Championing inclusive leadership and diversity

Join us for an in-depth discussion with Myriam Blin, Head of the Charles Telfair Centre, a key institution in the Western Indian Ocean dedicated to addressing regional challenges and enhancing collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and business leaders. She leads training initiatives focused on gender transformation leadership to meet the growing need for inclusive leadership. In this interview, she emphasizes the vital importance of diversity and inclusion in the current professional landscape and explores the distinctive challenges encountered in Mauritius.