Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
France
With less than three months until the start of the Paris Olympics, expatriates are feeling a mix of excitement and concern, especially those currently living in the capital or planning to move there during this period. The media predictions are unanimous: the event will affect the daily lives of all residents. But what will the actual impact be, and how can one prepare?
You've likely seen this trend on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. These punchy, satirical videos challenge users to portray exaggerated aspects of their personality, their activities, or the most stereotypical elements of a particular theme. At Expat.com, we've joined the fun by sharing a series on our Instagram. Plus, we're unpacking the common stereotypes associated with expat living.
At first glance, we might not see a real connection between moving abroad and cigarettes. But if we look closer, they are actually kind of closely related for many. First, financially, as due to inflation, packs of cigarettes can be expensive. The bill can be even higher because of the various anti-tobacco measures that countries can take.
Expat bashing seems to have become a real trend in the Netherlands, according to one article published in DutchNews.nl. Driven by historical grievances and the more recent issues related to the housing and economic impact that expats have, some local residents have expressed strong concern about expat presence in their country. Local publications have joined in by frequently portraying the expats in the country as overprivileged and out of touch.
Taking a sabbatical year abroad is considered a character-building experience that fosters personal growth and prepares young people for the working world in a unique way. It can also be their first time living in another country. While popular in some countries, the concept of a sabbatical year is far from universally embraced. Some countries worry about the "gap" it creates on a resume and other negative impressions it might leave with recruiters. Let's have a closer look.
Switching between summer and winter times is an unavoidable step in many countries worldwide, especially in Europe, where the change has been the subject of much debate for several years. So, how do you adjust if you've just moved from a country where it's not the norm?
Relocating to a new country means plunging into the unknown, often without knowing anyone and, often, hardly knowing the local culture and language. Fortunately, there's always an expatriate community ready to welcome you and offer the best advice for this new beginning. Discover ten good reasons to join an expatriate community abroad.
Happiness is a complicated matter. Philosophers have tried to define it, economists have tried to measure it, and expats, well, expats are trying to find it. Several surveys look at happiness from a geographical angle. Their goal is to determine whether location has an impact on your emotional well-being. And, as it turns out, it does. But the rest isn't that clear.
Air quality might not be a priority for every expatriate right now, but that could shift soon. Expatriates and those considering relocation are becoming more conscious of environmental and ecological issues. Of course, nobody enjoys living in a city with poor air quality; the problem just needs to be acknowledged. Hidden pollutants, such as fine particles, significantly degrade urban air quality and pose health risks. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
USA
Get ready for a coast-to-coast American adventure with Marine and Sylvain, a dynamic French couple! They ditched the charming landscapes of Alsace, France, for the vibrant shores of Los Angeles and then Miami's Latin flair. Their story, unfolding over the past six years, is a captivating tale of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities.
Netherlands
Join Laura's journey as she explores life in Scotland and the Netherlands. Discover her experiences, challenges, and the key to finding her ideal quality of life. This interview is packed with valuable tips for anyone considering expat life, whether you're drawn to charming Edinburgh or vibrant Amsterdam.
The 27 European Union member countries voted on December 30, 2023, for the partial entry of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen area, effective from March 31. What does this mean for current and prospective expatriates?
In today's globalized world, many couples choose to relocate overseas at some stage in their lives. Whether driven by career prospects or a thirst for adventure, such a move can offer remarkable and fulfilling experiences. The key to success in such endeavors is treating it as a shared project. Each person should have a vested interest and feel actively involved in the decision-making process.
You could argue that it's unrealistic to relocate to a new country without knowing its language, as integration would be challenging. However, learning a language without physically being in the country is also possible. Language enthusiasts often support this notion. Finding a balance between the two is crucial for a successful move abroad. What factors should you consider when preparing to move to a country where you're not fluent in the language?
More and more cities are taking steps to make themselves more accessible. Infrastructure, signage and specific markings are designed to enable everyone to get around. Indeed, moving abroad should be an option for everyone, whether or not you have an illness or disability. But what is the reality like? The first obstacles are not always where we imagine them to be. Even before considering the accessibility of cities, administrative constraints make moving abroad more difficult for travelers with disabilities or pathologies.
While laws authorizing same-sex marriage have been enacted in many countries, discrimination against LGBTQI + couples persists. Although some nations promise further LGBTQI + rights, they often backtrack or maintain an unsteady status quo. However, progress has been made, and it's worth examining the current landscape.
Living in countries where tattoos and piercings are easily visible can make us overlook the fact that this isn't the norm everywhere. In many countries, such body modifications are either formally or morally prohibited. If you're planning a move to a country where such practices are frowned upon, here's what you should consider.
The voting rights of overseas citizens have often been a contentious issue. For many, it is an inalienable right as a citizen that should not be affected by moving to a foreign country. Others, meanwhile, think that because expats are not affected by most policies back in their home country, especially if they've been abroad for a very long time, it's not important or even ideal for them to vote.
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