In recent decades, capitals and the world's largest cities, such as New York, London, Paris, or Beijing and Tokyo, have been the most appealing to professional looking to boost their career overseas. While they do have their charm and assets, many other cities offer a range of benefits, especially in the COVID-19 era that has transformed labour market needs.
Lisbon - Portugal
Capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon needs no introduction. It holds a range of benefits both for Europeans and non-Europeans. With Brexit, coupled with the pandemic, Lisbon has become an unquestionable choice for people who are looking for sunny days in a mild Mediterranean climate but also for those who are looking to start a business abroad. Lisbon has come a long way in recovering from the 2010 financial crisis. Today, the Portuguese capital represents a considerable technological centre, making a special place for young professionals. Foreign entrepreneurs are the most welcome to Lisbon thanks to its bubbling startup ecosystem, which is growing faster than the rest of Europe. Lisbon is currently home to around fifty co-working spaces and thirty incubators and startup accelerators. So if you have an innovative project in mind, Lisbon might be the ideal place to get started!
Toronto - Canada
One of the most multicultural cities in Canada, Toronto is currently facing a labour shortage in various sectors, as is the rest of Ontario. This city is highly dependent on foreign labour in many areas, including technology. Toronto aims at becoming a smart city, offering the most outstanding comfort to all of its citizens. Moreover, Toronto is growing rapidly, be it in economic, urban or artistic terms. While other cities and countries are keeping their international borders closed, Canada has never really closed its own. Toronto thus keeps on attracting the best talents worldwide to meet its market needs. Since Toronto is a multilingual city, you shouldn't find it hard to adapt and find a job. It's worth noting that Toronto is home to the largest urban innovation centre in North America. MaRS spans across 1.5 million square feet and is home to more than 1,200 science and technology companies. This is just another significant project aside from Evergreen Brick Works.
Atlanta - United States
When we talk about career prospects in the United States, New York and the famous Silicon Valley in California, obviously, cross our minds first. But the USA isn't just about these cities. Others, such as Atlanta, have developed significantly in recent years. Today, Atlanta's tech scene has grown exponentially and is now home to a lot of small, medium and large businesses. The city can also boast a thriving entertainment industry and a booming innovation and startups ecosystem. Huge technological centres are currently being built across the city besides those that are already operational, such as Tech Square Labs, the newly built CODA, or Waffle House. Atlanta is also home to some of the best engineering schools across the country, including the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is a hub for arts and creativity.
Da Nang - Vietnam
Vietnam is far from being a top choice for those who are looking to work abroad. But it has nothing to envy bigger cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho-Chi-Minh City. Da Nang has a tremendous wealth that you might not be aware of. Did you know that this city used to be an American aerial base during the Vietnam War? Today, it has transformed into an innovation and startups hub? If you're finding it hard to believe, just take a look at its majestic infrastructure, which is now home to large multinational companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses. And despite the COVID-19 pandemic, its strategic location on the Pacific coast makes it a promising hub for investment and growth. One of the favourite spots for digital nomads in Asia, Da Nang is about to become a technological pillar with the capacity of creating at least 25,000 jobs and generating an income of at least $ 1.5 billion per year.
Dundee - Scotland
Formerly famous for the production of jam and jute, not to mention the media headquarters, Dundee, one of Scotland's major cities, has transformed significantly over the decades. Today, it is known as a technology hub specializing in video games. You probably know games like Grand Theft Auto or Lemmings. Well, these games have been designed in Dundee. Abertay University in Dundee was the first in the world to offer a degree in this field. Besides its technological hub, Dundee can also boast of being a centre for design and creativity, as evidenced by its rich cultural scene. With the highest concentration of scientists in the whole of the UK, Dundee has been named the UNESCO City of Design for its contributions to the arts and sciences, including the invention of aspirin and many anti-cancer drugs. Over the years, Dundee has also become a huge biomedical research centre.
Lagos - Nigeria
Nigeria is far from being a top expat destination, especially for those who are looking for new job opportunities. Yet Lagos, its capital, is rapidly developing into an African economic powerhouse. With its 21 million inhabitants, including its local tribes, Lagos is currently rich in work and business opportunities. Its entrepreneurial scene is booming with many small and medium-sized enterprises, including startups and incubators. Over the years, Nigeria has come to understand that its future relies on technology. Today, Lagos is considered the 4th most prosperous city in Africa thanks to its developed infrastructure. The Computer Village is just one of its many technological achievements. The capital is also home to some forty technological startup poles beside the gigantic companies blending national and international investments. Lagos is a crucial cultural pillar in Africa, thanks to its entertainment scene. Nollywood, Nigeria's film industry, has been gaining in popularity over the past few years.
