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Expatriate life
Destination Guides
Living abroad or moving to a new country? Sending employees on international assignments? Use our country guides to discover information about living and working in some of the world’s top destinations.
Finding a job abroad: The importance of health care
Expats across four countries have told us what aspects of health care people should consider when looking for work overseas.
COVID-19 and expat confidence
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, how are expats feeling about returning to their international lifestyles? We surveyed expats from four locations around the world to find out.
Physical and mental well-being for expat workers
We asked expats about their expectations of physical and mental health care benefits at work. Has this changed since the pandemic and what other factors are at play?
Expat Family Wellness Survey 2020
From anxiety around medical appointments to accessing health care in their host country, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many challenges for expats. We surveyed 1,000 expats in the UK, US, Singapore and UAE to learn more.
Expat Experiences Survey 2020
We surveyed 1,000 expats from the U.S., UK, Singapore and Dubai to discover the current challenges of expat life. Through the lens of mental health and COVID-19, the report explores the unique attitudes and experiences of expats in 2020.
Life in Saigon: An American expat’s journey to Vietnam
We speak to America-born Laura, who moved to Vietnam after holidaying there, to find out what she considers to be the ups and downs of expat life.
Expat friendships: Keeping connected and meeting new people
Moving away from family and friends is a difficult aspect of life as an expat. Explore our list full of ways to keep in touch with loved ones, form new connections, and keep homesickness at bay.
An expert expat's experience of life in the Netherlands
We interviewed U.S born Rachel, who has now lived in the Netherlands for 21 years, to hear about her experience of expat life.
Life abroad: A New Zealander on relocating to the UK
We speak to Emma, a New Zealand expat who originally visited the UK on a working visa. Her trip was extended when she met her future husband who she now lives with in the capital. We find out the challenges she faced.
Life abroad: an American's journey to Australia
We spoke with Tara Foster to find out what it’s like to be offered a job whilst on holiday, and subsequently leave an American life behind, for one in Sydney.
Life in Thailand: An expat couple on relocating to the ‘Land of Smiles’
We speak with US couple, Chris and Angela, about quitting their 9-5 and moving abroad to a quieter life in Thailand. Was it as they’d imagined?
Life abroad: A Canadian expat on relocating to Italy
We spoke with Alexandra, who moved from Canada to Italy in 1999, about what life is like living in Florence as an expat.
A Spanish expat’s journey to Singapore and beyond
We speak with Mar- a globally-mobile individual originally from Spain, to find out how living in various countries has impacted her lifestyle.
How to age well: A guide for expats and globally mobile employees
How you choose to live your life has a huge impact on its quality and longevity. This article gives practical steps you can implement and habits you can adopt to ensure you build a healthier, longer life.
31% of people say they feel like a better person since moving abroad
New survey: Feelings of ‘homelessness’, culture shock, personal identity, self-esteem — How they can be affected by moving and living abroad.
356 expats speak: “What I wish I’d known before moving abroad!”
Find out what the expats we interviewed wish they’d known before moving abroad, to best prepare yourself for an international relocation.
What do expats really think of Dubai?
The UAE’s buzzing emirate draws people from around the world but what do Dubai’s resident expats really think of it?
The 2018 Aetna International Expat Experiences Survey: The results
What do expats think the locals think of them? What are the hardest aspects of moving abroad? And how do expats feel in their new home? These and more questions answered.
How expats think they’re viewed by locals
We asked 500 expats what they believe the locals think of them to see how perception affects expats’ ability to build happy lives abroad
Life in the Lion City: An American expat on relocating to Singapore
We speak to Sarah, an American expat who has lived and worked in London and Singapore, to find out more about international living in one of the world’s most popular expat destinations.
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: A British expat compares the emirate cities
We speak to Lindsey, a British expat who has lived in Australia and the UAE, to find out more about the perks and challenges of expat living
Life in Dubai: A British expat living in the UAE
We speak to Dannielle, a Brit who lived and worked Dubai, to ask what is life really like in the expat hotspot?
Most common expat accidents while abroad
What are the most common accidents, injuries and ailments that happen to people while abroad? And what are the risks of various nations?
Safety and security abroad: How to increase your situational awareness
Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, knowing the potential risks is crucial for your peace of mind, safety, and the safety of your family.
How is ‘wellness’ influenced by weather, culture and quality of life?
How do the weather, the local culture and quality of life impact an individual’s overall sense of wellness? Find out in the words of these expatriate families.
The most popular sports with expats
People are passionate about sports and expats are no exception. Our business is built on understanding what expats need to be happy, healthy and productive. That’s why we decided to find out for ourselves what sports expats are most excited about.
Sports around the world
70% of expats are interested in sports, but which ones are they interested in? How genuine is their interest in those sports and does a sporting interest help expats settle into life abroad? Find out more about expats and their favourite sports here.
The influence of health, safety and security on ‘wellness’
How much does our quest for health and health care, and being safe and secure impact our overall sense of wellness? Take a look at our infographic to find out what expatriate families say.
The influence of family and friends, nutrition and mental well-being on ‘wellness’
How do expats rate the influence of their family and friends, their mental health and their diet and nutrition on their overall sense of wellness? We examine these contributing factors in this short infographic which considers what wellness means to expatriates and the globally mobile.
The benefits of being a third culture kid – a reality check
A lot has been written about the benefits and challenges of being a third culture kid (TCK), but we wanted to ask some real TCKs what they thought of the ‘received wisdom’ — whether their experiences corroborated or refuted it.
Expat life with a newborn
Living abroad and pregnant or planning to start a family? There are lots of ways to help with the common worries pregnant expats face.
Life hacks for expats with kids AND a newborn
Living abroad with family and expecting another child? Here are a few tips to make life easier with a growing family no matter where you are in the world
Expat family time: Tips for stress-free meals
Living abroad with family can cause upheaval, making dinner time an enjoyable time can help with settling in.
Five quick questions (and answers) about health care in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about medical insurance and accessing health care in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you’re planning a move to either emirate, read on…
What do American expats miss about home?
Leaving the familiar behind and moving to a foreign country - either alone or with a family - can be a stressful process. There are many benefits to acknowledging this and to planning ahead for the challenges that might arise on arrival. Of course, different nationalities and personality types will process opportunities and challenges differently. Find out what American expats miss the most about the United States while living abroad.
Maintaining good mental health for teenagers when you’re moving abroad
How to spot stress and anxiety in teenagers, understand its root causes, and help them through the complexities of international relocation.
A comprehensive expats’ guide to getting medical treatment in Dubai
When planning an overseas move, it’s not long before people’s thoughts turn to the practicalities of everyday life, such as education for the children, the best places to live and meet likeminded people, and health care access. If you’re moving to Dubai, get the key facts about health care in the emirate.
The rise of the expat-preneur
Learn more about the expat-preneur with this infographic, which combines expat expertise and research to chart this pioneering group.
Five easy ways to save money when you’re working abroad
Ensure your new life abroad goes smoothly by doing your homework and planning your finances before you make the move. Take note of these five simple finance tips.
Health care in Canada: Getting the best for you and your family
If you’re considering relocating to Canada to live and work, among your concerns will be ensuring you understand the health care system and knowing you’ll have access to all its services.
An expat guide to health care in Bahrain and Oman
No matter where you’re thinking of moving, access to quality health care should be a priority. So, to help you decide whether Bahrain or Oman are the right destination for you, we’ve put together this easy guide to health care in these countries.
Five quick points to note about health care in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
If you’re moving to one of these two emirates, you’ll likely be investigating what education, housing, and health care are like there. Get quick answers to some commonly asked questions about health care in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
10 must-have iPhone apps for Dubai expats
From shopping and cinema to taxis and the metro, these useful apps are essential for any Dubai expat
Thriving on your doorstep: Staying healthy in Dubai
Moving to Dubai means adjusting to an exciting new culture, lifestyle and climate. Discover how to make the most of your surroundings, ensuring that you live a healthy, happy life in the emirate.
Malaria and Dengue Fever: risk to expats
What’s the real threat to expats, and what can you do to reduce your risk of contracting these life-threatening diseases?
Overseas assignment success: adapting to new cultures
Moving overseas on assignment poses challenges to employees and their organisations. Understanding the culture of the destination country, and the health and wellness support employees might need before, during and after their trip can help assignments succeed.
