Living abroad

First coined in 1929 by an Austrian psychologist, the term ‘lifestyle' reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group, which includes social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. Being an expat, of course, is a lifestyle in and of itself, and Expatica has all the articles you need when it comes to sculpting the expat life that's good for you.

Expat lifestyle: The chameleon wanderer

Expat life engenders an international outlook coupled with an ability to blend relatively ‘seamlessly' into other cultures. "Members" of the expat culture club are hard to spot; after all, expat living is an experience, not an identity. Even though the expat lifestyle can become exhausting, from dating to home living, Expatica has tips for men and women on how to make it work.

Your lifestyle as an expat might also encompass children, and Expatica Germany offers help with keeping your family healthy and positive. According to recent research, third culture kids (TCKs, or children who have grown up living abroad) "hide themselves in an attempt to blend into constantly changing surroundings." And don't be surprised if you find repatriating the most difficult acceptance of all for your kids. Learn how to make expat life enjoyable and comfortable for your TCK's present and future.


Shopping and fashion

How you shop and what you buy certainly helps to define your ‘image’, and expats will be influenced by what’s on offer in Germany, no matter how much they resist. In East Germany,  the fashion subculture became liberated well before the Berlin Wall fell and  Berlin’s fashion scene is hip, hot and above all, sexy.   And for expats looking to make a fashion statement on the road, buying a German car could give your lifestyle a little lift.

Making green choices

Green living is a lifestyle and organic clothing is coming of age. Organic, recycled 'recessionista chic' has hit Berlin’s catwalks, and across Europe eco-friendly can only add value to a label.   Thinking green is growing trend throughout Germany and even a brothel in Berlin is offering discounts to clients who visit them using public transport or bicycles.  

Lifestyle article 'Beat the crunch: Make it and mend it' offers tips on making good use of the things we would normally throw away (but if you must dispose, then do it responsibly says blogger Auslaenderin in Berlin).

Relationships and networking

Flirting across cultures requires just a little thought, and in the era of text messaging and social networking the approach has changed somewhat. Read ‘Love in the age of Facebook’ and ‘Breaking up in the time of Twitter'. What is love? The marketplace of Eros for a look into the web dating world, while YouTube reports and articles on how teens consume media and internet tell more about online connections globally. Join Expatica’s dating site to increase your chances of meeting like-minded internationals in Germany. Or keep your eye out for Expatica events such as Speed Dating, or social networking events. Click here for a listing of  groups and clubs in Germany.

Ask Expat Aunt in Germany

Expatica has introduced new online experts, Expat Aunt & Uncle to help you tackle the day-to-day issues of living abroad.  (Visit our Ask the expert section and go to the Expat Aunt & Uncle category to see all experts.)

Write to Expat Aunts in Germany Doris Fuellgrabe,Jamie Muller and Elouise Taylor and Gesa Kramer on Expatica’s new Expat Aunt/ Uncle section to seek advice and tips on how to make the best of life abroad.