Expat News - EasyExpat blog

Full update on the guide for expatriates in Montreal (and Quebec)

We have now fully updated our guide for Montreal (and Québec). After London and Paris, our Montreal guide has been fully reviewed and extended, and with 179 pages (PDF) of information you will read the most complete guide to prepare your expatriation to Canada (Québec) and to Montreal.

Some people in North America say, "If you can't go to Paris, go to Montréal". But that is unfair to a city that is great in it's own right. It combines the enchanting old world charm of Europe with innovation all of its own. The city is an eclectic mix of French, English, native, and immigrant roots into something which embodies the height of culture. The island metropolis has a world-class music scene, divine cuisine, and vibrant arts community. This city of duality equally embraces the old and the new.

Natives are incredibly proud of their bilingual city and immigrants from around the world are drawn to it's flame. Artists, university students, working professionals, and tourists all flock to the largest city (second largest metropolitan area) of Canada. The city is Canada's leading commercial, industrial, service, cultural, and intellectual center. Montréal just has "je ne sais quoi" (An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive).

The economy of Montréal is the second largest in Canada (largest is Toronto) and the first in Québec. The city is a centre for commerce, industry, technology, culture, finance, and world affairs. Its economy is highly diversified with a strong French-speaking base. Many Francophone-owned corporations have headquarters there.

You will find the usual articles in our guide to prepare your expatriation to Montreal (and Quebec) and manage your life once in there: Overview, Job, Passport, Visa & Permits to go to Canada, International Removal Companies, Finding Accommodation in Montreal, Work, Benefits and Tax, Moving in, Education in Quebec/Canada, Health, Practical Life (banks, transport, shopping...), Entertainment...

You can also discuss and share experience in Montreal and Canada in our forum.

Last but not least, you can download the full guide in PDF format, in order to read quietly and maybe to upload on your mobile or tablet PC/iPad.

How Racially Tolerant is your Country?

Upon arrival in a new location, expats can be shocked by vastly different surroundings and attitudes which can result in a real sense of dislocation. On top of this, they may experience upsetting changes in political and social views. This can be not just disconcerting, but outright dangerous for some people of color and specific heritage. As we explored in our post "Gay Rights Movement Around the World", equal rights are not afforded to all people in all places.

Racism and discrimination can be a powerful tool in controlling populations and spreading hate. Understanding these dynamics helps us better understand the world around us, and our place in it. These factors can help determine where you move as an expat, the world you want to raise your children in, and your safety moving abroad.

The World Values Survey measures global attitudes and opinions with a series of survey questions. Two Swedish economists, Niclas Berggen and Therese Nilsson, used the answers to determine Racial Tolerance in a paper published in Kykklos. Respondents in more than 80 different countries were asked to identify kinds of people they would not want as neighbors, including a choice of "people of a different race". The more frequently people in a given country say they don't want neighbors from other races, the less racially tolerant the society appeared to the researchers. The Washington Post published a response and interpretation of these results, complete with map.

Most and Least Tolerant Countries

This map displays the study's findings. Countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Scandinavia, and much of Latin America appear deep blue to represent they are among the most tolerant. Other highly tolerant countries included Pakistan and Belarus with Russia and China appearing in the middle. India, Bangladesh and Jordan appear dark red as they were ranked as the most racially intolerant. A regional round-up appears below.

Africa

Few African nations were ranked because of a lack of data. Some data was displayed, such as South Africa in light blue (highly tolerant) with Nigeria appearing light red (highly intolerant).

Asia

Racial tolerance was found to be low in diverse Asian countries. This meant that Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Kyrgyzstan were less receptive of diversity. South Korea appeared as not very tolerant, which was unusual for it's high degree of wealth, education, peacefulness and ethnically homogenous people. India is ranked as the least tolerant by far.

Australia

Australia ranks as tolerant in dark blue in the 0-4.9% range.

Europe

Europe, as a whole, offers little consensus. There are broad variations with surprising findings, such as richer, better-educated Western European nations not necessarily more tolerant than in Eastern Europe. For example, former Soviet states such as Belarus and Latvia scored more tolerant than France. France appeared to be one of the least racially tolerant countries on the continent, with 22.7 percent saying they didn't want a neighbor of another race. Albania appears to be the least tolerant on the European continent in the second lowest 30-39.9% range.

North America

The United States, somewhat surprisingly, ranked among the most tolerant on the globe with only 0-4.9% percent stating they would not embrace another ethnicity in a neighbor.

Middle East

The Middle East did not appear very tolerant. Immigration is a major issue, particularly in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan appeared as an outlier with high tolerance at only 6.5 percent of Pakistanis objecting to a neighbor of a different race. Jordan is ranked as the least tolerant.

South America

Generally, the nations of South America are quite tolerant. The only major exception is Venezuela, where income inequality sometimes breaks along racial lines. The Dominican Republic also ranks lower than it's neighbors.

Significant Critiques

Obviously race and tolerance are sensitive issues and critiques about the survey, the interpretation, and the findings offer further information and understanding. The author of the Post article notes factors like there are always exceptions to any rule, the survey only measures isolated personal experiences, and the fact that people can lie in a survey. Basically, while the results are indicative of racial tolerance, there are no hard answers here.

Also - the World Values's data for Bangladesh and Hong Kong were inverted, with in fact only 28.3 and 26.8 percent, respectively, having indicated they would not want a neighbor of a different race.

Below you can read a summary of the most significant critiques from Steve Saideman, a professor at Carleton University who studies ethnic conflict. (Read the full findings on his blog Saideman's Semi-Spew).

Difficulty with the metric
Measuring tolerance is complicated and by using just one metric an accurate statement is hard to assess. Other metrics could return very different results. For example, Saideman asks whether the map might look different if we asked people whether they would be okay with a member of a different race marrying into their family.

Different people may interpret the question differently
People are amazing at hearing the same thing and coming to very different understandings. Saideman writes, "In some places, when one is asked this question, they may think of a single race, perhaps the Vietnamese think of the Chinese but not of other races. So it may not be that the people are very racist in general — they just hate one group that is defined by race."

Possible Link between diversity and conflict
A landmark 2002 study on ethnic diversity found that there may be a correlation between countries that are ethnically diverse and have internal conflict. This makes a negative response more understandable.

Concentration versus Fractionalization
Saideman explains, "The one consistent finding for ethnic conflict is not about fractionalization but about group concentration. That where ethnic groups have distinct areas apart from each other within a country, there is more conflict. Why? Well, partly because it facilitates separatism. Partly because groups that are separate have a secure base from which to launch attacks. Partly because intermingled groups may be deterred from attacking since they themselves are vulnerable (kind of like mutual assured destruction)."

Difficulty estimating Somalia
The article states that contrary to other points, Somalia actually became more ethnically diverse as a result of conflict. As fighting and resource scarcity divided the country, people narrowed down their identities. For example, someone who might have said "I'm ethnic Dir" before the war may now say "I am Issa" afterwards (Issa is a sub-clan of the Dir). Saideman disagrees, stating,

"Fisher cites the article discussing how Somalia's identity politics changed after the civil war in 1991...People think that Somalia could be the one African country that could support secession and even be irredentist (seeking to annex neighboring territory inhabited by kin) because of its homogeneity (unless they have read my stuff). Somalis speak the same language, are all Muslim, are of the same race, and so on. But they were always divided by clan identity (kinship), which meant that the irredentism was always inconsistent. The leaders in Mogadishu would support the claims of some of the kin in some of the neighboring countries, depending on whether the kin had ties to politically relevant kin in Somalia. Lots of irredentism, targeting Somalis in Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti in the early 1960s because the electoral system required playing to a wider audience. In the mid to late 1970s, the irredentism only focused on the Ogaden clan residing in Ethiopia because its kin was a key partner in the authoritarian regime while the clans tied to the Somalis in Kenya and Djibouti were not in the regime.

It appears that surveys and interpretations like this one are more of a jumping off point than a conclusion. That doesn't make them any less interesting and valuable as we discover more about evaluating the world around us. We also recommend checking out a map of the world's most and least diverse countries, and this short video from the Understanding Race project from the American Anthropological Association.

Have you experienced racial discrimination abroad? Agree or disagree with the map? Share your impressions and experiences in the comments below.

Expat Twitter Round-Up: May 20th, 2013

Expats are a worldly crew, generally knowledgeable about the world around them from local, everyday happenings to major international news. We have collected some of the top tweets of the week for expats, travelers, and those interested in the global pulse.

Expat News

@openculture
Henry Miller Talks Writing and the Expat Life with Anaïs Nin, Lawrence Durrell, and Others (1969) http://www.openculture.com/2013/05/henry_miller_talks_writing_and_the_expat_life_with_anais_nin_lawrence_durrell_and_others_1969.html

@WorldLillie
We Can Finally Reveal the Happy News: I'm Pregnant! http://www.aroundtheworldl.com/2013/05/19/revealing-pregnancy/

@huffpost50
Retiring Overseas: You Say Go, She (Or He) Says Stay... How to Overcome The Objections Of Your Reluctant Spouse http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzan-haskins-and-dan-prescher/retiring-overseas-with-spouse_b_3148449.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

@nytimes
The Health Toll of Immigration http://nyti.ms/10aK6R7

@young_germany
Expat Life: A Birth Abroad and Other Paperwork: http://blog.young-germany.de/2013/05/expat-life-a-birth-abroad-and-other-paperwork/ #expat in #Germany

@BellaKay
Tourist or #expat drinking in the UAE? Here's what you need to know. My Telegraph - Expat: http://my.telegraph.co.uk/expat/annabelkantaria/10150455/drinking-in-the-uae-what-you-need-to-know/

@Jalopnik
The Ten Most Expensive Airline Tickets You Can Buy http://jalopnik.com/the-ten-most-expensive-airline-tickets-you-can-buy-508196565

@xoJanedotcom
Moving To America (Almost) Gave Me An Eating Disorder http://jane.io/19AqNF4

@BBC_Magazine
German dialect in Texas is one of a kind, and dying out http://bbc.in/13jpIy4

@expats
We're finding love and sea turtles in #Dominica on the newest episode with @SavannahBuffett http://ow.ly/kSeQV @ReserveChannel

@HarvardBiz
How to Network Across Cultures http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/01/how_to_network_across_cultures.html

Tweets from our Featured Bloggers

@WhoaImInJapan
Expat in Toyko
NEW BLOG POST: Funny Stories on Being a FOB in Japan http://wp.me/p16yh3-Jp

@dubaiunveiled
Expat in UAE
Oh so Dubai: The blinged-out craft box http://wp.me/p1vx4A-1B6

@sthieme
Expat in Johannesburg, South Africa
#expat in #South Africa movie recommendation: White Wedding http://www.joburgexpat.com/2013/05/white-wedding.html

@YoungAdventures
Expat in Spain
How Blogging Saved Me - http://t.co/yIJmwTxjWr #TTOT #Travel

@BornAgainBrazil
Expat in Sao Paulo, Brazil
American Exbrat in São Paulo http://t.co/XnhlXviyGb

@definingmoves
Expat in San Francisco, California
A welcome change to financial requirements for expat partners! #expat #trailingspouse #relocation http://ow.ly/kFV8o

@PinchMom
Expat in France
New blog post on expat life, family and unemployment http://crystalgoestoeurope.blogspot.fr/2013/05/im-backnow-what.html

@Hoeferle
Expat in Southeast Tennessee, USA
What you should know about Germans before doing business with them http://southeastschnitzel.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/what-you-should-know-about-germans-before-doing-business-with-them/

@uberlinblog
Expat in Berlin, Germany
Berlin Portrait: Luci Westphal @luciwest http://www.uberlin.co.uk/berlin-portrait-luci-westphal/

@elevtrstories
Expat in China
Chinese mother concerned that her son might not find a suitable match: http://chinaelevatorstories.com/2013/05/12/id-like-to-find-my-son-a-foreign-wife

@MovingOnUpAway
Expat in Malta
Buskett Gardens in Rabat, Malta http://wp.me/p13a7I-16z

@RivieraGrape
Expat in Nice, France
This weekend! Pique-Nique chez le Vignéron Indépendant – Your Guide to What’s On in the Var http://bit.ly/126ihLc #var

@SixtineATLT
Expat in PEI, Canada
Introducing French Blossom: Celebrating French Fashion For Children http://wp.me/p2c2Xb-zc #frenchfashion #childrenfashion #frenchblossom

@ConnerGo
Expat in Havana, Cuba
Pushing Your Luck in Cuba http://hereishavana.com/2013/05/04/pushing-your-luck-in-cuba/

@OvidPerl
Expat in Paris, France
Find a job teaching English at a French University http://www.overseas-exile.com/2013/05/teach-english-at-french-university.html #expat

@deletia
Expat in Ubud, Bali
Poverty, Entrepreneurship and the Third World Myth http://www.howtoescape.co.uk/2013/04/poverty-entrepreneurship-and-the-third-world-myth/

@GvafamDiaries
Expat in Geneva, Switzerland
Les Grandes Medievales in Andilly are coming up on the 18th-19th and 25th-26th of May - we took our boys a couple... http://fb.me/1qPMLaZPS

@sunshinesiestas
Expat in Andalucía, Spain
My Biggest Medical Mishaps in Spain http://wp.me/p2ELma-1r4

@ciftcitfw
Expat in Turkey
How to make Yufka (Turkish Bread) http://wp.me/p11yaH-pS #turkishfood #Turkey #TravelPorn

You can follow our news on Twitter with: @EasyExpat
Blog news and interviews of expat bloggers are also on Twitter: @BlogExpat

You can now find us also on Expatsradio.com with our weekly programme talking about expat tweets.

Expats radio provides people already living or contemplating moving abroad with information on important issues like finance and law, compiled by their team, experts or the listeners themselves. Regular topics include gardening, cookery, horoscopes and news.

Infograph: Expat Population of the World

The word "expat" has been discussed at length, by us on ExpatsRadio, by expats, and by the world at large. What does the word mean? From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary,

Expat: an expatriate person

transitive verb

1. to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country

intransitive verb

2. to leave one's native country to live elsewhere; also : to renounce allegiance to one's native country

While interesting, this doesn't really help illustrate what an expatriate looks like. Where do we live? How many of us are there? What makes us a group?

Feedbacq's latest infograph, World Expat Population – The Number, provides fascinating data about expats as a society and helps illuminate what being an expat means.

Top 3 Highlights:

Total number of expats in the World: 230 Million!
If all the expats of the world were to form an imaginary country, it would be the 5th most populous country in the world.
The top recipient countries of expat remittances are India, China, Mexico, Philippines and Nigeria.

To hear more expat stories, explore expat blogs around the world, or follow along with our Content Manger's series "American Expats in the News".

What does the word mean "expat" to you? Do you use this word, or another? What do you find most interesting about this infograph?

Expat Twitter Round-Up: May 13th, 2013

Expat News

@young_germany
A German Au Pair in America http://www.young-germany.de/topic/work/jobs-career/a-german-au-pair-in-america #AuPair #Expat #Exchange

@StateDept
Ten amazing photos taken by @StateDept officers around the world are now on #DipNote. Which one do you like best? http://go.usa.gov/T6QW

@sandalroad
Volunteer abroad: WWOOFing and other options http://sandalroad.com/travel-tips/wwoof/volunteer-abroad-wwoofing-and-other-options/

@sickontheroad
Tips for visiting the dentist while abroad http://sickontheroad.com/2013/05/09/tips-for-visiting-the-dentist-while-abroad/

@YouGov
Survey Expat Explorer 2013 - the largest global survey of expats in the world https://survey.yougov.com/vygGtcKYW8hNgF

@LauraJStephens
Don't say it! http://wp.me/pyYGO-6v

@GirlGoneIntl
Week 1 | I am a GGI because... http://girlgoneinternational.com/ggi-quotes/

@IrishTimes
Bringing a taste of home to expats in Toronto http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/generationemigration/2013/05/10/bringing-a-taste-of-home-to-expats-in-toronto/

@WhatsupwithA
6 Myths about #Holland. True or not true? #holanda #travel http://www.whatsupwithamsterdam.com/2013/03/07/6-myths/

@HuffPostParents
Have American Parents Got It All Backwards? http://huff.to/18SAtdz

@TheMorningNews
Leaving NYC? Here's a guide to neighborhoods in other cities that feel like New York's own. #tmn http://ow.ly/kCaEC

@GOOD
Helping design an intro to American life for refugees. @mica_news #socialdesign http://bit.ly/16eRm5M

@irishpolyglot
Why moving to a country may not lead to learning the language & what learners & expats CAN do http://www.fluentin3months.com/move-country/

@WSJ
Hong Kong Lays Out Welcome Mat for More French Expats - China Real Time Report - WSJ http://on.wsj.com/YEzRZX by @tepingchen

@expathub
Top Tips for running a #BedandBreakfast http://www.theexpathub.com/top-tips-for-running-a-bed-and-breakfast/1049/ #expat #emigrate #work

@ExpaticaDE
Expat kids: Who are they? Blogs & photos | Expatica Germany http://www.expatica.com/de/lifestyle_leisure/blogs_photos/Expat-kids-Who-are-they_18568.html

Tweets from our Featured Bloggers

@spanishsabores
Expat in Madrid, Spain
10 Things to do in Northern Navarra: http://spanishsabores.com/2013/05/06/10-things-to-do-in-northern-navarra/

@part_of_myworld
Expat in London
What I love about Lisbon and what the tourist books don't tell you #lp #travel #Portugal http://wp.me/p1SeFV-M2

@NewGirlNewYork
Expat in New York City
New Girl in New York: Fit for Cirque Du Soleil http://www.newgirlnewyork.com/2013/05/fit-for-cirque-du-soleil_8.html?spref=tw

@delapuravida
Expat in Costa Rica
Answers to more questions about teaching English in Costa Rica http://www.delapuravida.com/2013/more-questions-about-teaching-english-in-costa-rica/

@RamblingEpicure
Expat in Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
Food Art: Azulejos 2, food photography by Mónica Pinto - http://www.theramblingepicure.com/archives/15848

@SaraLouiseLPV
Expat in Alpes de Haute-Provence, France
Sara in Le Petit Village: stung http://www.sarainlepetitvillage.com/2013/05/stung.html?spref=tw

@mdmaurer
Expat in Asia
An Expat Special Needs TCK Parent http://wp.me/p1BY7J-dl

@namatovu
Expat in Bremen + Berlin, Germany
Nobel Peace Center | No Apathy Allowed http://noapathyallowed.com/2013/05/01/nobel-peace-center/

@TheOtherEurope
Expat in Sofia, Bulgaria
My big #familytravel takeaway from spring break in #Bulgaria: find a beach! And pasta. http://theothereurope.wordpress.com/ #travelwriting #photography

@ednacz
Expat in Paris, France
#Paris in bloom, a photo essay: http://expatedna.com/2013/05/06/photo-essay-paris-in-bloom/

@SteveWBT
Expat in Beijing, China
Sea Dragons at Monterey Bay Aquarium http://wp.me/p102ak-2Qk

@3rdCultureChild
Expat somewhere below the Equator!
Between Us: An Open Letter to the Disney Channel http://t.co/7me0AZAp3a

@la_pasera
Expat in Asturias
Tales from Toriello: Slow Worm: Anguis fragilis - Coitus Interuptus http://ianandluis.blogspot.com/2013/05/slow-worm-anguis-fragilis-coitus.html?spref=tw

@HoneyTrek
Expat/Travelers
Konichiwa Hokkaido! http://honeytrek.com/konichiwa-hokkaido/

@eatrio_net
Expat in Rio de Janeiro
I got a nice surprise when I was in #Copacabana recently. It pays to keep your eyes open! http://eatrio.net/2013/05/photo-post-vhils-in-rio.html … #vhils #streetart

You can follow our news on Twitter with: @EasyExpat
Blog news and interviews of expat bloggers are also on Twitter: @BlogExpat

You can now find us also on Expatsradio.com with our weekly programme talking about expat tweets.

List your social networks in your Easy Expat profile

We have just released a new feature on EasyExpat.com: you can now list all your social media within your expat profile!

It follows a similar functionnality that we have implemented for our blog directory on BlogExpat.com (currently both accounts are not linked, we encourage you to register on EasyExpat.com to become part of our expat community!)

Within your EasyExpat.com profile information, you can list your networks on:

Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Pinterest
Instagram
Flickr
Linkedin
Viadeo
YouTube
Dailymotion

It's very simple to update your profile:

Leave the field empty if you don't have a profile in the social network, or if you don't want to display it.
Please put the full URL, except for Twitter (where you just need to put your login name, such as EasyExpat with no @) and Google+ (where you just need to put your 21 digits ID number such as 116250370408066279364).

Icons with you social media will be displayed in all the messages you post:

And of course it will also be visible in the Contact tab of your profile:

If you are already registered with EasyExpat.com, just update your profile here.

If you are not yet registered, you should! It's easy and you can be part of the expat network interacting with the other expat members and sharing your experience. Become a member here.

And if you are also a blogger, don't forget also to add your blog to BlogExpat.com!

See you soon on EasyExpat.com and BlogExpat.com

Finding Health Insurance for The Move to America

In a new series, we are following the story of future expat Molly, a Brit who seeks to join her American husband in Ohio. At EasyExpat we try to provide you all the latest and greatest in Expat News and Resources, but sometimes a personal journey can best explain the unique challenges and triumphs involved in moving abroad. Meet Molly and follow along on her adventure in the Move to America.

One of the key things I have been looking into, with regards to my eventual move to the US, has been health insurance. It is not a requirement of my Spousal Petition to the US, but it is a vital part of US life as everyone at some point will need medical care. It is a very different system to the NHS in the UK and I needed to understand, as best I could, how the US system works.

I found that breaking it down into 'bite sized' information helped me sort it out in my mind. The basics, as I understand them, are as follows:

In the US, healthcare is mostly provided by private hospitals and clinics.
To have access to and pay for this private healthcare, you need health insurance.
Health insurance is often covered by an employer (exactly how and what is covered is dependent on what an employer offers).
Health insurance, as offered by an employer, usually extends to the employee's immediate family.
If health insurance is not offered by an employer and you are not an immediate family member of someone who is covered, you have to get it yourself through a private health insurance company.

This is by no means a comprehensive explanation, and is only based on what I understand (always research your own information as everyone's needs and experiences are different) but it helped me get to grips with it a little better.

Once I had got to grips with it, the next step was to get covered (insured). In my case, this is done through my husband's health insurance policy which is provided by his employer. Employers usually offer health insurance coverage after a certain period of employment, in my husband's case he had to be working for them for a period of 90 days before he could access it. Once the 90 days were up he was given some paperwork to fill out and make sure that he named his immediate family members (me) that were to be covered. The information the form required included his SSN (Social Security Number) and Driver's License details plus a basic health questionnaire. Once this was handed in, we were insured.

Our particular policy covers dental, vision, general (like GP visits in the UK) and emergency treatment, but not every employer or health insurance company offers the same coverage. A top tip is to always check what you will be covered for. Read all the paperwork to understand the necessary contributions as a lot of employers require employees to make a weekly contribution from their wages. My husband, for an example, pays a little over $48 a week out of his wages towards our insurance.

As part of my husband's everyday life he has been lucky enough to never have had any major problems with how health insurance is issued and what it covers, and from my perspective, I am happy with the comprehensive cover we have. My only concern is if the employer's situation changes or my husband finds a new job - this would mean a new, and more than likely, different policy which may not cover the things we have used or needed in the past. As is the case all over the world, jobs can suddenly be lost so health insurance, and subsequently medical care is not always guaranteed - it is this that is the key difference to the UK.

Overall, getting covered as a (future) expat was fairly simple for me as I am the spouse of a US citizen. That is why I am making the move to the US - to be with my husband. If you are an expat for different reasons, health insurance may not be accessed or covered in the same way so always do your research and see what different policies are offered through insurance companies or your employer (if you have one).

I hope you found my experiences of getting health insurance useful. If you have any questions or experiences to share, please leave a comment here or visit my blog http://themovetoamerica.wordpress.com/ and leave a response on there.

Health insurance is indeed a thorny issue for many expats. Molly’s experience helps highlight some of the option - and challenges - of establishing health insurance abroad. There are some public health insurance services such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Veterans Health Administration. However, most of the population under 65 is insured by their or a family member's employer. Some purchase private health insurance and an alarming amount are uninsured.

For more information about healthcare, refer to EasyExpat’s expat articles on health, as well as our comprehensive city guides with sections on “Health" including How to find a General Practitioner, doctor, physician, Medicines and Hospitals, and International healthcare and Medical Insurance.

Follow along for Molly's post next month on Social Networking Abroad...

Expat Twitter Round-Up: May 6th, 2013

Expat News

@xoJanedotcom
Despite Being British Born And Raised, People Are Always Asking Me Where I'm From http://jane.io/120ZgKo

@PolicyMic
Meet Adam Hogue - Artist Expat and Our Pundit Of the Week http://www.policymic.com/articles/39397/meet-adam-hogue-artist-expat-and-our-pundit-of-the-week @CairaConner @Hoguie

@BKK_POST
An expat's views | Bangkok Post: lifestyle http://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/book/348612/an-expat-views

@AnnieAndreHacks
15 School Lunches Around The World: Which Would You Eat http://www.annieandre.com/2013/05/15-school-lunches-around-the-world/

@nytimes
Dying Long Distance http://nyti.ms/ZVYdwn

@WhatsupwithA
10 Facts about Dutch gin http://whatsupwithamsterdam.com/2013/04/27/10-facts-about-dutch-gin/ @WynandFockink #amsterdam #holland

@expats
"Quit your office job and move to paradise to make beer?!" http://youtu.be/mT4NkvH2E_s via @SavannahBuffett

@RawLangs_Blog
Why learning a #language is like meeting the in-laws. Unfamiliar nuances, expressions and conventions: http://wp.me/p303fY-nt #polyglot

@Postmasculine
10 Things Most Americans Don't Know About America http://postmasculine.com/america

@Gawker
Mark Zuckerberg's Self-Serving Immigration Crusade http://gawker.com/mark-zuckerbergs-self-serving-immigration-crusade-484912430

@YourLivingCity
Lonely in the city? Dealing with loneliness in a foreign country: ways of breaking the isolation. http://ow.ly/kyKJA

Tweets from our Featured Bloggers

@ThePinesOfRome
Expat in Rome, Italy
My latest #blogpost wherein I extol the virtues of #Vine, my new addiction. http://bit.ly/11HNcgJ #Rome #travel #Italy

@TropicalPenpals
Expat in Cebu, Philippines
Olio Restaurant,Cebu,Philippines http://nblo.gs/KWqML

@TheAsianPersuas
Expat in Seoul, South Korea
7 More Images of Random Weirdness in Korea http://wp.me/p3d5bt-XN #konglish #lifeinkorea #expatlife #theasianpersuasion

@DenaBarrie
Expat in Dusseldorf, Germany
#Whereintheworld #answer is http://itsabouttakingthejourney.blogspot.de

@missfootloose
Expat in the USA for now
How (not) fabulous is the South of France in April? Paradise or not? http://t.co/x33rFJmCXD #expatlife #france #expat

@traineecloggie
Expat in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Carnival: Party Like You're King (or Queen) http://s.shr.lc/10BipQf

@penguinbennett
Expat in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
Looking to teach in China? A fairly comprehensive list of places to start looking #China #TEFL #teaching #expat http://thefurtheradventuresofbennett.com/how-to-find-an-english-school-in-china/

@Kim6Bougies
Expat in Dakar, Senegal
New on the blog.... Life updates now that I'm home in #senegal for a whopping three weeks, http://6bougies.blogspot.com/2013/03/life-lately-home-in-senegal.html

@HonourableHusba
Expat in Genteel Bogenhausen, Munich
English on the March: Push-Up http://bit.ly/16eCVMi

@AbroadWithKids
Expat in Panama
An overseas trip to the emergency room for under $5.00! http://movingabroadwithchildren.com/an-overseas-trip-to-the-emergency-room-for-under-5-00/

@AsturianDiary
Expat in Spain
It´s been one of *those* Mondays... http://wp.me/pdLdw-QR

@hayyitslaur
Expat in Tokyo, Japan
Getting robbed in Tokyo http://www.penniestoyennies.com #Tokyo #Japan

@BrazGringo
Expat in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
How to Speak to Beginner English Students http://www.braziliangringo.com/speak-beginner-english-students/

@MilstersMac
Expat in Paris, France
NEW POST : Review of our delicious #Dinerdes3Découvertes at #LeChapeauMelon! http://bit.ly/Zig1lE @danielleabroad @rasket

@mummigrants
Expat in Australia
Reaching your destination... http://wp.me/p2PyML-mw

@travelsofadam
Expat in Berlin, Germany
Check out my vlog from the first of May here in Kreuzberg! http://fb.me/1fQbyCUgh

You can follow our news on Twitter with: @EasyExpat
Blog news and interviews of expat bloggers are also on Twitter: @BlogExpat

You can now find us also on Expatsradio.com with our weekly programme talking about expat tweets.

Gay Rights Movement Around the World

In mid-April, France passed legislation to become the 14th country to legalize gay marriage. This is another sure sign that the movement is gaining momentum, but the march of progress is frustratingly slow. For every country that has recognized important rights for same-sex couples, there are areas of the world that do not acknowledge these rights with conditions that are outright dangerous.

France's Bill 344 was introduced to the National Assembly on November 17th, 2012, it was passed on February 12th, 2013 in a 329-229 vote, and on April 23rd, 2013 the law was approved by the National Assembly in a 331-225 vote. At this time, the Constitutional Council has one month to rule on whether the law conforms to the Constitution. The same-sex marriage bill that also permits gay couples to adopt children must be signed by President Francois Hollande and published in the Official Journal before the new legislation is instated.

As usual with controversial legislation, extreme reactions were immediate. This legislation still faces difficulties as the right-wing opposition party, UMP, (among others) has plans to delay its formal enactment. There has also been public protests in Paris and Lyon, with violent clashed between protesters and police.

Legal recognition of same-sex marriage is a political, social, religious, human rights and civil rights issue around the world. Debates often center on whether same-sex couples should be allowed marriage, or if the sperate but equal principle of civil unions is adequate. More than an emotional issue, the rights of homosexual individuals are connected to concrete issues such as financial (ability to file joint taxes), legal protections (inheritance and hospital visitation rights) and are basic freedoms.

Countries with Same-Sex Marriage

Argentina
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
France (Pending - under review by the Constitutional court before final validation)
Iceland
Netherlands
New Zealand (same-sex marriage will become law in August 2013)
Norway
Portugal
Spain
South Africa
Sweden
Uruguay (General Assembly passed a bill on April 10th, 2013 to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples and the president has announced his intention to sign it)

In addition, several sub-national jurisdictions allow same-sex couples to marry including parts of Brazil, Mexico, and the United States of America. Bills allowing legal recognition of same-sex marriage have also been proposed, are pending, or have passed in Andorra, Colombia, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Nepal, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. A bit bizarrely, Australia recognizes same-sex marriages only if one partner has had gender reassignment therapy.

Watch New Zealand's MP Maurice Williamson speak about MP Louisa Wall's Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill. It passed, making same-sex marriage legal in New Zealand on August 19th, 2013. New Zealand is the first Asia-Pacific county to legalize same-sex marriage.

New Zealand continued to impress with the announcement of the votes affirming the Definition of Marriage Amendment, followed by singing of "Pokarekare ana". A Maori love song, it is unofficially New Zealand's second national anthem.

To find more about civil rights in different corners of the globe, go to GayCivilRights.com where you can find an impressive list of civil rights organizations around the world.

LGBT Rights Worldwide

As mentioned above, progress is uneven and many places are still struggling with the decision to recognize homosexual's rights to marry, adopt, and even exist. At a vote of 53 to 42, a same-sex marriage motion was just defeated in Northern Ireland's Assembly. Sinn Fein assembly member Bronwyn McGahan stated,

"MLAs, regardless of religious belief, represent every section of our community, including our LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) members and this motion is about ensuring marriage equality for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation...What churches do is a matter for churches but the state needs to treat everyone with equality."

Even more severe, anti-LGBT laws include: sodomy laws penalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity with fines, jail terms, or the death penalty, anti-'lesbianism' laws, and higher ages of consent for same-sex activity. Though the United Nations Human Rights Council has passed a resolution recognizing LGBT rights, there are many countries that still do not protect even these basic freedoms.

There are more than 70 countries (82 if you include political entities such as Gaza/Palestine, the Turkish-controlled northern portion of Cyprus, and Indonesia) where criminal laws exist against sexual activity by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people (LGBTIs).

Africa

Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burundi
Cameroon
Comoros
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Malawi (enforcement of law suspended)
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Sao Tome
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Asia & the Middle East

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
India (enforcement of law suspended)
Iran
Iraq (no law against homosexual acts, but homophobic violence is unchecked and self-appointed sharia judges reportedly have imposed sentences for homosexual behavior)
Kuwait
Lebanon
Malaysia
Maldives
Myanmar
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine/Gaza Strip
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Syria
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Yemen

Americas

Antigua & Barbuda
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
St Kitts & Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago

Oceania

Cook Islands
Indonesia (Aceh Province and South Sumatra)
Kirbati
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu

Europe

Northern Cyprus
Russia (several cities and regions have laws that prohibit discussion of homosexuality in the presence of minors)

For complete listing of rights and restrictions, Wikipedia provides a complete LGBT rights by country or territory.

Posts about Being Gay Abroad

Expat bloggers are great at sharing their triumphs and tribulations of life abroad. Here are some great gay bloggers to check out.

Perking the Pansies and Surviving the Expats in Turkey's post, "Gay Marriage"
Travels of Adam's "My Gay Travels" site
A Change Of Underwear's post "Are you gay, or Italian? ... Or both?"
Deutschland über Elvis's travel posts "Where is he gay today?"

Have a blog to share? Add it to the BlogExpat directory and leave a comment.

Expat Twitter Round-Up: April 29th, 2013

Expat News

@insidersabroad
3 Tips for Successfully Moving Abroad with Children http://insidersabroad.com/spain/blogs/expat-blog/posts/3-tips-for-successfully-moving-abroad-with-children #expat #tips by @familyinspain

@mindthegap_bbca
10 Things to Do in Your First Week as an Expat in America http://www.bbcamerica.com/mind-the-gap/2013/04/23/10-things-you-should-in-your-first-week-as-an-expat-in-america/ by @RuthMargolis

@ABC
The Millennials That Want to See the World http://abcn.ws/10mKr1G

@movemeabroad
Is moving abroad the right choice for your kids? http://www.movemeabroad.com/2011/06/is-moving-abroad-the-right-choice-for-your-kids/

@RealityAbroad
An expat's view of home - Pt 1 http://bit.ly/Z6JgrF & Pt 2 http://bit.ly/11FgHBd #RATW #expats #travel

@jeffsteiner
In my latest Podcast I talk with an accountant who specializes in expat Americans and their tax reporting - http://j-s.me/ng

@expatexplorer
Find out what’s on our Expat Bucket list! http://t.co/03bAvhsoq0

@Gawker
How I Escaped North Korea - North Korean defector living in NYC taking questions : http://gaw.kr/kwc7Spl

@AnneEgros
What Can We Learn About American Culture From Captain America ? http://t.co/UUJeTCAl26 #intercultural #expat #American #Culture

@BBC_Magazine
The Great British class calculator: What class are you? http://bbc.in/12acLLV

@GaijinPot
How to get an English teaching job in Japan by the Rhyming Gaijin (@Rhyminggaijin) http://youtu.be/2l15-Wa3naA

@theexpatpartner
NEW POST - The Ex-Pat Partner: what happens if you really don't want to go? http://t.co/RmJUJoY5Jf #expat #expatpartner #trailingspouse

@xoJanedotcom
What I've Learned Since Picking Up and Moving to America From London http://jane.io/11fpgB8

Tweets from our Featured Bloggers

@SauteedHappyFam
Expat in Korea
How NOT To Learn Korean http://www.sauteedhappyfamily.com/2013/04/how-not-to-learn-korean.html

@amotherlife
Expat in New York
The New Couch Came and Someone’s Been Furniture Shopping~Harlem Style http://www.amotherlife.com/the-new-couch-came-and-someones-been-furniture-shoppingharlem-style/#more-8565

@DannyZ24
Expat in Oss, Netherlands
Probably my most embarrassing yet most awesome Dutch grocery store experience. http://goo.gl/0npTp #Netherlands #expat

@chasingheartbts
Expat in Berlin, Germany
weekend http://goo.gl/fb/R5QEb

@gaelleguesdon
Expat in Melbourne
Photo: Sydney vs San Francisco? Really? How do they compare? Is it just me? Take a look for yourself and... http://tmblr.co/ZI0TAwjoUGRi

@gmcguireinrome
Expat in Rome, Italy
New Post on gillian's lists: Tourist Trinkets {Sardegna} http://www.gillianslists.com/2013/04/tourist-trinkets-sardegna.html?spref=tw

@emmaceara
Expat in Buenos Aires
My blog post on learning a language http://emmalouadventure.blogspot.com/2013/04/language-learning-tips.html?spref=tw

@ktayd13
Expat in Viña del Mar, Chile
Thoughts on the Word "Expat" http://wp.me/p3cx6o-6x

@lanamarie83
Expat in Roeselare, Belgium
Snowy Salzburg, Austria and a gondola ride! A great way to spend a weekend! http://livelifelikeabestseller.blogspot.com/2013/03/salzburg-austria-gondola-ride.html?spref=tw

@SelenaThePlaces
Expat in Bermondsey, United Kingdom
How the London Marathon inspired me. Oh, the places we will go: London Marathon 2013 http://www.selenatheplaces.com/2013/04/london-marathon-2013.html?spref=tw

@loquacious7
Expat in St. Petersburg, Russia
Affordable Medical Care in Russia 2013 http://t.co/t7r2hRqAEo

@Momofthreeunder
Expat in the Netherlands
Queen's Day In The Netherlands (new post): Going Orange! http://t.co/bdAauMAQLb #expat #whatsthefuss #netherlands #royalty

@MyBeautifulAir
Expat in Buenos Aires
Sometimes, if you’re lucky and unlucky, you fall in love. I didn't fall in love. I fell in mate. http://fb.me/1gbsPAI3h

@elizabethjoss
Traveler/Expat in Spain
Barcelona's Crystal Paradise ~ Cristalljoia http://wp.me/p23IO0-eW

You can follow our news on Twitter with: @EasyExpat
Blog news and interviews of expat bloggers are also on Twitter: @BlogExpat

You can now find us also on Expatsradio.com with our weekly programme talking about expat tweets.