by Expat Focus columnist, Piglet in Portugal

As more people either work or retire abroad I often wonder how expats managed to survive in a pre-internet world. How did they communicate with family and friends back home, or research different aspects of life in their new country?

I can’t even begin to imagine life abroad without the internet. Can you imagine being totally reliant on the long drawn out process of sending letters by snail-mail when you can now send emails in seconds? Or the cost of using a standard telephone when you can use VoIP (Skype) or even better two-way interactive video calls for free?

Article continues here

• Posted by: Carole
• Topic: All
• Score: 0 / 5

• comments?
• Printer Friendly Page
• Send to a Friend

by Expat Focus columnist, Evelyn Simpson

The initial flurry of unpacking and getting settled has passed, the excitement of the holidays is over and a more normal routine has begun to prevail.

For many accompanying partners, the realisation of what “normal” life will entail in a new country comes hand-in-hand with a true understanding of what overseas relocation means for their lives on a personal day-to-day basis. Many, even the strongest proponents of the decision to move, find that reality significantly different from expectations and many may doubt the wisdom of their decisions...

Article continues here

• Posted by: Carole
• Topic: Articles
• Score: 0 / 5

• comments?
• Printer Friendly Page
• Send to a Friend

by Expat Focus columnist, Toni Hargis

Many expats venture abroad without really thinking too far into the future. “I’m taking a job for a couple of years in (insert far-flung place). It’ll be a great adventure for the kids.” That’s fine, and indeed, planning too far ahead is just asking for trouble in my opinion. However, a surprising number of expats end up “trapped” abroad for various reasons...

Article continues here

• Posted by: Carole
• Topic: All
• Score: 0 / 5

• comments?
• Printer Friendly Page
• Send to a Friend

by Expat Focus columnist, Stephanie Angulo

When my husband and I moved to Panama last January, we were looking forward to a slower pace of life. Considering that we were only 30 and 32 at the time, we weren’t looking for retirement. We knew we were interested in business opportunities available in Panama, but the last thing we ever thought of opening was a Mexican restaurant in La Chorrera, Panama (a city about 30 minutes outside of Panama City).

Article continues here

• Posted by: Carole
• Topic: All
• Score: 0 / 5

• comments?
• Printer Friendly Page
• Send to a Friend

I guess you could call me a professional trailing spouse. I was born and raised in the UK and unwittingly married a Third Culture Kid. Soon after, we immigrated to Canada where I built a successful career in real estate. When my son was 9 years old my husband’s job took us to Azerbaijan just after its independence from the Soviet Union, which was a huge culture shock, but also a life-changing experience (in a good way!)...

Interview continues here

• Posted by: Carole
• Topic: Interviews
• Score: 0 / 5

• comments?
• Printer Friendly Page
• Send to a Friend