There are many types of transitions in life, from the smallest to the most significant. Moving abroad is one such significant change which brings with it multiple levels of stress, fears and worries. The way we manage this change can strengthen and prepare us for a new future.
Moving to a different country is an exciting adventure for many. But when the excitement fades, what is left is often loneliness and feeling out of place. InterNations member Maggie knows these feelings all too well and has some advice on how to overcome them.
Matters of international taxation can involve twice as many pitfalls as your usual tax return. Plenty of expatriates shy away from this issue with good reason. But if you start dealing with taxes for expats before you actually move, you’ll save plenty of time later on – and perhaps some money, too!
While most expats rent an apartment or house during their stay, you might be considering buying your own property abroad. InterNations has collected a number of tips for you on how to buy property overseas and what you, as a foreign buyer, might need to especially look out for.
Most expats don’t just deal with the stress of moving abroad and the subsequent culture shock, but also with learning a new language. This is especially daunting when throwing oneself on the job market. Our member Gabrielle is sharing her language learning experience and has some advice for you.
When I first arrived in Australia at the age of 16 to go to High School for one year and live with a host family I was completely over the moon with everything — and I mean everything! When the plane finally touched down in Sydney I was so excited and exhilarated that I was finally in Australia, something we had been planning for many months.
Did you grow up in one culture, your parents came from another, and you are now living in a totally different country? Then you are a third-culture kid! Yet being a third-culture kid is not always easy; in fact many hardships may arise from this culture-hopping phenomenon.
Long-distance relationships are challenging and can often put a damper on expat life. InterNations member Maggie tells us how, after falling in love with another expat, she and her partner made it work anyway and how you can also manage to overcome the hurdles of a long-distance relationship.
The signals were all around me. After a few months of being in India, my wife and I were invited to a dinner with a group of other expats. We had intentionally avoided these kinds of gatherings at first because we knew they could be addictive and also prevent us from really diving into the culture.
Your application is an essential first step on the way to your dream job abroad. After all, this is the first impression your future employer will get of you. InterNations gives you an overview of what you need to keep in mind when planning your career overseas.
Students move abroad for their education and are very eager to learn the local language. While they’re highly educated and satisfied with their career prospects, their financial situation doesn’t seem too bright.
When you’re planning for your assignment abroad, you will be confronted with many questions about the best way to manage your financial affairs. What new kinds of banking services will you require? Our article on international banking will help you ask the right questions so that you can have hassle-free access to your money.
Chances are that no matter whom you talk to about your pension plans, they will tell you something that boils down to “you cannot start planning for your retirement too early”. You might be rather hard pressed to find another statement that sums up the topic as concisely and truthfully.
Is international health insurance the right choice for you? What factors should you consider when choosing a company and policy? How can you tailor your plan to fit the specific needs of you and your family? And most importantly: don’t forget to read the fine print!
Marie Troisonne
"Via the InterNations forum we've finally managed to find a French-speaking domestic help here in Alexandria. "
Pascal Tremblay
"The Alexandria community is like a big expat family, everyone is willing to help. This made us feel comfortable in Egypt very quickly."