Ameerah Arjanee

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.

The Henley Passport Index 2025 was recently released. Singapore's passport remains the most powerful in the world, followed by Japan's. The American and British passports have declined slightly in strength, while passports from war-torn countries, such as Afghanistan, remain the weakest. How important does it remain in 2025 to have a powerful passport to be able to travel and become an expat?

Language barriers and communication challenges may be small inconveniences in some aspects of expat life, but in high-stakes contexts like health communication, they can pose serious, even life-threatening risks. If you're not fluent in the local language of your expat country, how can you ensure your health concerns are accurately conveyed to the doctor and that you fully understand your prescriptions and discharge instructions?

Bad news for expats living in Europe or planning on moving there – the cost of living across the continent has risen by 5% in a year. The sharpest increases have been in rent and utilities, with Ireland, Spain, and Italy seeing the largest hikes. London and Dublin are now the most expensive cities in Europe for expats, while cities in Eastern Europe remain relatively affordable.

On November 5, millions of Americans will head to the polls to choose the US president for the next four years. The primary choice is between Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party and Donald Trump for the Republican Party. Their different policies, especially on immigration, foreign policy, and other key issues, will likely affect the lives and plans of both expats living in the US and American expats abroad. 

We are all guilty of being glued to our phones and laptops all day (sometimes even night!). For expats, who have to keep track of the news in two countries and keep in touch with loved ones abroad, the temptation to remain chronically online is even stronger. Every now and then, a "digital detox" can do wonders for your mental health. But how can you take a break from the digital world?

War in the Gaza Strip, Israel and Lebanon has plunged the Middle East into a state of instability and uncertainty. In recent weeks, several countries, from the UK to Turkey, have evacuated their expat citizens from these affected areas. How is this volatile situation influencing the plans of expats across the region?

In the last decade, the number of Americans who have moved abroad to spend their retirement days has skyrocketed by 150,000. Many are fleeing expensive healthcare, a rising cost of living and unwalkable cities in the US. However, they need to remain aware of the bureaucratic barriers and tax implications of this decision. 

Studies show that Chinese and Indian international students make up the largest portion of the student population in top study-abroad destinations, outnumbering students from other countries. While students from countries like South Korea, Nepal, and Nigeria also study abroad in significant numbers, their totals fall short of reaching the hundreds of thousands of students from China and India.

After spending a few exciting years studying abroad, some international students decide to return home to work. What should they anticipate upon their return? What practical matters must they address, and what challenges and opportunities await them?

In late July, far-right and anti-immigrant riots erupted across the UK following the spread of fake news claiming that an asylum seeker was responsible for a mass stabbing incident. Far-right mobs started attacking people of color and those they suspected of being immigrants. While arrests were quickly made in response to the violence, many expats and even British people of color remain shaken by the riots.

Are you looking to rent or buy a house in a new country? You might be in for a few surprises when it comes to the real estate market and how people live on your house-hunting journey. Here are some ways homes differ around the world. 

Some parents are very hesitant to let their child study abroad. They may be concerned about the financial burden of funding an international education. Conservative or deeply religious parents may fear their child could be influenced by a foreign culture and "forget" their roots. It can have an element of sexism, for some parents harbor these fears more about their daughters. They might also be concerned that their child will experience loneliness or face racism and xenophobia. If your parents share these concerns, how can you convince them to let you study abroad? Here are some tips.

If you are an American living abroad, did you know you can deduct up to US$126,000 from the income you earn from outside US territory? The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, or FEIE, is an IRS provision designed for Americans who live and work in another country.

Adjusting to new food abroad involves more than just overcoming a psychological barrier or embracing an adventurous spirit. Your body may be sensitive and resistant to unfamiliar foods. How can you take care of your health while adjusting to a new culinary landscape? Here are some tips.