Integration

Expat Guide

Cultural Integration Abroad

Life as an expat can be challenging, especially when it comes to integrating with the locals. But make your new life that little bit easier by checking out our expert guides to cultural integration abroad, from how to make friends to dealing with culture shock.

Greeting customs Greeting customs

To kiss or not to kiss? Greeting customs around the world

 From kisses and handshakes to bows and nose rubs, we explain greeting customs around the world to help you avoid faux pas as an expat.
Moving to a new country Moving to a new country

The first week abroad: 10 tips on moving to a new country

 The first weeks and months in a new country can be exciting yet disorienting as you adapt to your new life abroad. Here are 10 tips that will make moving...
Being a black woman abroad Being a black woman abroad

Being a black woman abroad

 The United States has a futile and destructive obsession with race, which holds back minorities and people of color. But the reality of being a black woman abroad suggests that...
Expat wife Expat wife

The 10 best things about being an expat wife

 Few acts signal your undying support for your partner more than moving abroad as they chase a career goal. But it isn’t all about them, either; being an expat wife...
Losing friends Losing friends

How to avoid losing friends when moving abroad

 Leaving behind friends is one of the biggest downsides to moving abroad, but these tips will help your relationships survive the distance.
Friendship Friendship

The best and worst of expat friendship

 Should foreigners avoid joining expat bubbles and dive headlong into the local culture? Every expat ought to make every effort to integrate into their new home, but sometimes an expat...
Homesick Homesick

Homesick: the best cure is extra attention

 After the excitement fades from moving to a new country and starting a new life as an expat, it’s possible that you’ll feel homesick from time to time. There’s nothing...
Culture shock Culture shock

How to manage culture shock

 Whether it’s a workplace disagreement or the local sense of humor, a bout with culture shock can dampen your experience living abroad. What are the best culture shock management strategies...
Expat problems Expat problems

How to overcome the most common expat problems

 Regardless of where you move, some expat problems always seem to pop up. But knowing how to overcome them will help you embrace your exciting new life.
Third culture kids Third culture kids

Why being third culture kids sucks (sometimes)

 Growing up abroad opens many doors for the entire family, but it poses unique difficulties for third culture kids in particular.
Effects of living abroad Effects of living abroad

The effects of living abroad: the good, the bad, and the ugly

 The expat lifestyle can be challenging for families. But are the effects of living abroad good or bad? Read more about why everyone should consider moving their family abroad.
Being shy Being shy

Being a shy expat

 The stereotypes of the expat lifestyle usually involve plenty of after-work social activities, but the reality is that many expats are introverts. Being shy doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle...
Lonely Lonely

The modern expat: less homesick, more lonely

 Today’s expat can connect with family and friends back home whenever they want, which helps stave off feelings of homesickness. But does constant contact with home increase isolation and make...
Trailing spouse Trailing spouse

What to do when you’re the male trailing spouse

 Moving abroad to further your spouse’s career can be exciting, but it can cause anxiety for a male trailing spouse. Do you have your elevator speech ready for the dreaded...
Living abroad Living abroad

Enjoy living abroad: tips for being an expat

 Want to feel at home in another country, whether you’re there for a weekend, a year, or a lifetime? This guide to living abroad is for you.
Expat living Expat living

Adapting to expat living the right way

 Relocating to a new country is not a tough decision for those who have always wanted to live abroad. But moving from expat living to assimilating into a new country,...
Movies expats need to watch Movies expats need to watch

10 movies every expat must watch

 Are you looking to move abroad? Want to get a glitzy taste of what the expat life is like through the silver screen? Make some popcorn and watch a few...
Expat woman Expat woman

Tips for expat women

 For an expat woman, moving abroad can be exciting but scary. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your adventure.
Refugees Refugees

How you can help refugees

 You hear about the plight of refugees around the world, but you don’t know how to help. Here’s how to do your part, globally and locally.
Moving to a new country alone Moving to a new country alone

Moving to a new country alone

 Making the decision to move abroad on your own is a big step. It’s the perfect opportunity to go off and explore the world, boost your self-confidence, and make new...
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