Global Expat Guide

Top Articles

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  How to Organize Your Overseas Move

  Moving homes is never an easy task but moving overseas is even tougher! In this article I will share some of my key learning from our preparations for our overseas move from California to Shanghai.
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  Living in Another Country: Blending in

  Expats often struggle to completely adjust to living in another country. But sticking exclusively with the expat community may ultimately prevent you from really understanding and immersing yourself in the local culture. InterNations helps you leave your comfort zone!

  • The Expat Bubble
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  Self-Employed Expats

  Self-employment remains a popular alternative to traditional expat assignments. It is the dream of many expats to open a successful business overseas. However, being a self-employed expat involves a lot of preparation, paperwork and financial know-how.

  • A Business Plan for Your Life Abroad
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  Expat Life, Bilingualism and your Cultural Identity

  Every expat guide, including our own, will tell you that adapting to the culture of your home abroad is important. But how does one do so without losing their cultural identity at the same time. InterNations member Mathew has some thoughts on that aspect of the expat experience.
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  Fiscal Residency

  Before moving abroad for the first time, you may never have even heard of fiscal residency. However, this concept affects almost everyone working or just living abroad. The following information explains the basics behind tax residence, helping you to find out what to take into account.

  • Further Info on Tax Residence
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  How to Survive A Long Distance Relationship

  I used to have a romantic notion about long-distance relationships. I blame it on the movie “Going the Distance”, in which the lead characters, San Francisco native Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett from New York City (Justin Long) fall in love, pursue a long-distance relationship, and — what do you know — have a happy Hollywood ending.

  • Making It Work and Planning for Your Future
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  Tips for Buying Property Abroad

  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.

  • Attitudes towards Foreign Buyers
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  Expat Health Insurance

  Should you decide on public or private health insurance, or even an international plan? Choosing the right kind of expat health insurance for you and your family can be overwhelming. We’re here to help! With our guide, you can learn about the different options and find out what you should consider when making your choice.
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  Expatriate Benefits: Perks of an Expat Job

  Many an expatriate benefits greatly from the time he or she has spent abroad. Not only do foreign language skills and intercultural competence make them a valuable employee – expatriate assignments can also bring financial benefits. We tell you what you can get out of being an expatriate.

  • How to Benefit from Your Expat Status
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  Going Back Home: Easier Said Than Done?

  Going back home can be difficult for both you and your family. Not only do you have to deal with reverse culture shock, you may also be met with disbelief and confusion. With our help, you will learn how to deal with reverse culture shock as well as your relatives and friends when going back home.

  • The Repatriation Process
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  Following Your Spouse Abroad? Reinvent Yourself

  In a recent article, Global Expat Quenby Wilcox described trailing spouses as “the unsung heroes of an international relocation”. I agree! Finding the right job in a new context requires time, perseverance, self-esteem, and patience. What is very difficult is to remain resilient and to remember that trailing spouses have acquired real valuable skills that can be transferred to many markets.
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  How to Keep Safe Abroad

  Making your way as a stranger in a strange land is often a challenge, and you may get into sketchy situations at times. Scammers try to profit from new expats’ lack of experience, and some places require you to take additional safety precautions. Stay alert and keep the following measures in mind!
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  Expat Partners

  Many expatriates take their spouse or family along when moving abroad. Are you one of them? You may have noticed yourself that working expats have a career to distract them from culture shock, but partners often struggle with the situation. InterNations offers tips on coping with this change.

  • Temporary Separation and Partners' Needs
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  When Love Crosses Continents

  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.
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  How to Survive Your Visa Interview

  Obtaining a visa is often the biggest hurdle expats have to take before moving abroad. And the visa interview can be particularly daunting. InterNations member Iryna has some great advice on how to prepare your visa application and survive your visa interview.

  • The Visa Interview – Be Prepared