For those planning an international relocation, quality of life is a crucial element to consider. But how important is it to you, and how do you know when it's time to pack your bags and leave? Expats and future expatriates have shared their thoughts with us.
In this pandemic era, most of us are looking for a better quality of life, regardless of where we live. The hope of a more promising future is slowly coming back as borders reopen and international flights gradually resuming with new health protocols. Indeed, many have been compelled to postpone their move or travel plans due to health restrictions around the world. For example, Michelle, from France, was waiting for Mauritius to reopen its borders and the easing of entry conditions to relocate there finally.
"I have been on vacation to Mauritius several times, and I fell in love with this island, especially for its quality of life, its rich culture and its warm population", she says. Even though Mauritius doesn't rank among the best countries for quality of life, it provides many benefits to expats who wish to study, live, work, invest, or retire there under the tropics.
This year, Auckland, one of New Zealand's largest cities, ranks as the world's most liveable city, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). And that's not even surprising, considering how the country has handled the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand is also world-famous for its excellent health system, stability and security, environment, cultural heritage, etc.
Besides Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand, Osaka, Tokyo, and 4 Australian cities, namely Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane, and 2 European cities, namely Zurich and Geneva, also top the Global Liveability Index 2021. It's worth noting that all of these cities have relatively well managed the health crisis by meeting the demand for health care, setting up health restrictions, etc. Besides, most of them are already favourite expat destinations.
For Liliane, who is looking to relocate to Switzerland very soon, several aspects define the quality of life. “The reason why we want to settle in Switzerland is not only to stay close to my children but above all because our values match: mutual respect, self-respect, respect for the community and for the laws. Safety for our children and for us is another key factor”. Switzerland is definitely the ideal place to live for Liliane, who loves beautiful landscapes, nature, and the outdoors.
Alain is an expat in Spain, more precisely in Alicante. He explains: “Quality of life was our top priority. I had already retired and my wife was about to retire too. We no longer wanted to rack our brains to save a few pennies or live in a place where people are always stressed. We also wanted the sea and the sun". But when did Alain actually decide to move? "Once we started planning our retirement, we had to face the facts: we could either be poor in our country or have a more affordable life overseas”. Alain points out that overseas retirement requires proper planning but that you should not be afraid of change.
Is quality of life the key to happiness?
The answer is definitely yes for Smail, who is looking to relocate to Tunisia. “I think we're all looking for the same thing: happiness. We can only be happy in a country where there is respect for people, laws, institutions, etc., and where we are respected regardless of our skin colour, our beliefs, our origin or our culture, ”he says. Freedom is equally important to Smail. "How can we be happy in a country where freedom of expression has become the way to say anything about everyone? In my opinion, these are some of the reasons why people go abroad. My dream is to live in a multicultural country, where cynicism is not the norm, where human values are real and where people honour what they say ”. But Smail is neither naive nor idealistic. He admits that things are not so simple as they seem.
How about creating your own quality of life?
Canada is another very popular expat destination attracting foreign professionals and students and working-holidayers, etc., with a wide range of benefits, including permanent residency and citizenship opportunities. Today, most major Canadian cities are home to large expat communities of various origins. But for Luc, who is a long-time expat in Canada, Quality of life is something that you need to achieve. "It doesn't just fall from the sky when you arrive in another country. You have to create it. Sure, you will feel happier and safer here, but for the rest, you will need to make an effort", he admits.
Luc left his country for several reasons “Our country began to drift away from the values that we had always cherished (Schengen area, Europe), and this wasn't a good sign in our opinion. We have been here for more than 20 years and time proved us right. We had just been working to pay tax and other things. We had been working more to earn less, and more often, confrontation with institutions was necessary for people to assert their rights. In the end, it only drains your energy, ”he believes. According to Luc, restricted freedom of expression, inequality, etc., are other good reasons for seeking a better life abroad.
What about you? What made you want to settle abroad, and what are you looking for in another country?
