Expat of the month
Everyday life
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.
Tanzania
Virginie, a French expat, has an uncommon story. In 2020, she decided to follow her heart to Tanzania, which opened the doors for her to a world of opportunities. Having a rich career in many fields, Virginie is now happy to run her own business and enjoys the "hakuna matata" lifestyle.
Everyday life
Originally from England, Kim had never heard of El Salvador before moving there. It is her love, met online, that led her miles away from her country. Today, they have three children and a cosy family life in Latin America. Kim talks to ½ûÂþÌìÌà about her adventure.
Everyday life
Originally from Ecuador, Andrea is a mom and lawyer who has been living in the Netherlands for nine years now. After the country introduced a travel ban for family members from outside the European Union, she started a campaign for helping expat children in the Netherlands reunite with their parents and grandparents. But in May 2021, the government finally lifted this entry ban under certain conditions. Andrea talks to ½ûÂþÌìÌà about the impact of this campaign and expat children's rights in the Netherlands.
Everyday life
It's been more than a decade since Marcie, a US expat, has been following her spouse around the world for his career. The COVID-19 pandemic has got her stuck in California as her husband prepares for a solo move to Shanghai. Marcie talks to us about her adventures around the world and a book she recently wrote about marriage and compromise for trailing spouses.
Everyday life
It's been more than a decade since Laura, who is of Spanish origin, relocated abroad. She currently lives in Australia, a country she fell in love with during a trip from New Zealand. Today, Laura is a Purpose Coach & Expat Mentor in Sydney. She talks to us about her new expats adventure amid the pandemic.
Everyday life
Originally from Spain with German roots, Anja has been travelling since her early childhood. Growing up in Kenya, she studied in the UK before relocating to Chile, a country she had good memories from. Today, Anja von Dessauer is an Expat Life and Mindset Coach. She talks to us about culture shock and the challenges of making a new country your home.
Work
Navine Eldesouki, founder of Coffee with Expat Women: "I am happiest when I help and support others"
Navine Eldesouki is the amazing soul behind Coffee with Expat Women, a group providing support to expat women around the world. As an expat woman who built her life and family in different countries, leaving Australia at the age of 20, she is more than aware of the challenges faced by expat women around the world. So she decided to create a space where they can express themselves, share experiences, and get support and advice.
Everyday life
Marina is an adventurous expat from Russia. Mum of two bi-cultural children, she has travelled and lived in many countries before relocating to French Guiana in January 2021, amid the pandemic. She talks to us about her quest for a better life for her family and herself.
Everyday life
Originally from Russia, Pyotr has been travelling the world since he was a baby. Today, he lives in the US after visiting some 80 countries around the world. What's special about Pyotr is his concept of sustainable living as an expat.
Everyday life
Candice Smith is originally from Ohio, in the US. Her journey as an expat started at a very young age. Since then, she has been travelling the world, exploring cultures and learning languages. Today, she lives in Istanbul with her mum and daughter, with a rich career as an entrepreneur and beauty professional. She is also the author of two published books "The Black Girl's Guide to Being Blissfully Feminine" and "A Girl's Guide to Being A Lady in Waiting". Meet this passionate and determined Afro-American expat woman.
Everyday life
It was a rather unfortunate turn of events that pushed Vernon and his wife, both American citizens, to move to Belize in 2001. But it was never a decision that they regretted. In fact, the couple put their time, knowledge and resources into helping others build a better life for themselves. First with inmates at the Belize Central prison and today with blind, unemployed young people in Panama. Here is his story.
Chelsea has been living in London for just over a year now but she has been dreaming about this life since she was a little girl. Europe has always been Chelsea's place to be. Our American girl documents her life abroad on her blog The Portable Wife.
The blogger behind Taiwan Foreigner initially left the USA for a semester abroad. It has been over a year and he is not planning on going back soon. The young Jacob fell in love with life in Taiwan and shares his love for the country on his blog.
Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore became an expatriate at just two months old. This economist turned expat writer is now inspiring others while raising two multicultural and multilingual kids...
Everyday life
Last month, Katariina celebrated the first anniversary of her baby, her blog- Kata Writes! A blog about taco diapering, drinking real Tequila for the first time and all sorts of anecdotes about a Finn in Mexico... (there are many!)
Today, Maya, an LA girl, is living with her husband in Singapore and expecting her first child. But Maya has not always had a companion on her Expat adventures. Indeed, a few years ago, right after college, young Maya left the US to teach in the Philippines, satisfying an urge to live abroad she's always had. In an interview to ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, Maya tells us all about her expat adventures and her blog Maya the Explorer.
Australia
Behind the blog Londoner in Sydney, is Annabel Symonds. Seven years ago, travel enthusiast Annabel followed the love of her life to Sydney. Since then, the pair have travelled the world, taken Londoner in Sydney to new heights and attempted to move back to England. Annabel's blog has been featured in the Top 25 Expat blogs in the World by Feedspot and Top 10 Australia Expat blog by International Money Transfers. She tells us all about her thrilling expat life in the Land Down Under!
Other Types
Saudi Arabia
Renewing your iqama (residence permit) will now be easier. The General Directorate of Passports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for expatriates.
New Zealand
Faced with ongoing labor shortages, New Zealand is simplifying the process for obtaining a residence permit. Published in April, the updated list of critical skills highlights many opportunities for foreign talents, particularly in healthcare, telecommunications, and engineering.
Everyday life
Foreign retirees represent a valuable demographic for many countries. They bring steady financial resources, stimulate local consumption, invest in real estate, and sometimes contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship or volunteer work. Recognizing these benefits, many governments actively compete to attract retirees, offering special visa programs, tax incentives, and other benefits designed to make relocation easier and more appealing.
Everyday life
Euphoria, doubt, frustration, adjustment, motivation, hope — relocating overseas stirs a wide range of emotions, often contradictory. Leaving behind your country, your relationships, and your familiar surroundings marks a major life change. How can you navigate these emotional stages in the best possible way?
Luxembourg
On March 31, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg updated its list of occupations facing severe shortages. The authorities have identified 22 sectors where Luxembourg employers are struggling to recruit.
Sponsored
The British School of Brussels
The British School of Brussels (BSB) is thrilled to invite prospective families to an open morning event showcasing its exceptional Primary programme. On 9 May 2025, parents will have the opportunity to explore the school's innovative approach to education through presentations, guided tours, and interactions with BSB's passionate staff and leadership team. This event is a unique chance for families to witness the school's dedication to inspiring young minds and hear directly from educators who nurture and guide students at every stage of their learning journey.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"