Expat News - EasyExpat blog

Infograph: Expat Population of the World

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:58 +0100

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

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:51:52 +0100

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

@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.

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.

List your social networks in your Easy Expat profile

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:38:37 +0100

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

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:06:25 +0100

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

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:58:52 +0100

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

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:18:13 +0100

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

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:04:58 +0100

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.

An Introduction to the Move to America

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:44:29 +0100

In a new series, we will be following the story of future expat Molly as she 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.

My name is Molly and I am a soon-to-be UK expat to the US. I have my sights set on that move as without it I will not get to be with my husband (US citizen) and have the life I have waited so long for. It has been a very arduous time apart that has been filled with delays, form filling, evidence gathering and maintaining a long distance relationship.

We received approval for our spousal petition back in April 2012 and have been completing the last forms with the National Visa Center since August of the same year. There are still a few stages to get through (we have another form to finish submitting which leads to a medical and embassy interview). My husband and I do not know when we will finally get to be together as there is a minor delay in getting hold of one specific piece of information. We hope it will only be a few more months ... although experience has taught us not to focus too much on an expected date.

During all the waiting, I have been looking at and figuring out all the things I need to know/do for the move. This has proved quite a list and I hope to write some articles on these expat topics to share my experiences with others. Future articles will cover:

Financial Advice - What to sort out before the move and prepare for when finally in the US
Credit Issues - How to build it up as an unknown credit quantity in the US
Successful Networking - How to find or build a expat community
Discovering and Understanding Differences – Finding out how to navigate life within my new community
Homesickness – A personal story of how to cope with it and maintain relationships with family and friends back home

There may well be other ideas as I experience the build up to the final move. Have a suggestion for an article you would like to see? Leave a comment!

The first article in our series is Expat Health Insurance - the how, what and why!

Follow along with more of Molly’s adventures on her blog, www.themovetoamerica.wordpress.com, and leave a comment or question. Find other expat bloggers in the US or abroad in the BlogExpat Directory and find the best for you to move abroad in our comprehensive Expat City Guides.

Expat Twitter Round-Up: April 22nd, 2013

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:11:02 +0100

Expat News

@moveguides
#Forex Focus: We're in a world full of strong dollars. Which country is doing best? http://ow.ly/jTu5U #expat

@EarthDayNetwork
The #FaceOfClimate photo display looks amazing! Check it out: http://bit.ly/Y7Xtm1 #EarthDay

@BellaKay
#Expat dilemma: How much do you do for uninvited houseguests? My Telegraph - Expat: http://bit.ly/11AtjJH #Dubai

@thedailybeast
Meet the Stalinist, Putin-loving American expat taking over Russia's radio waves http://thebea.st/103TGUy

@SabineFep
Working On The Go - Tips On Working On Your Online Business While Travelling - #expat http://bit.ly/Xxdtxr

@ExpatChild
How to prepare your child to handle an emergency http://p.ost.im/p/dCGXQu #expat

@Gadling
Picture Perfect: Why Bolivians Insist Upon Flawless US Dollars http://bit.ly/Zebcef #travel

@MarginalBounds
Supporting Your Digital Nomad Lifestyle http://t.co/uadp4Xh9Cc #travel #ttot #expat #lp #rtw #culture

@wifeinasuitcase
Intercultural Blog Carnival: Expat Support: What We Need, and How to Deliver It http://ow.ly/k8laF Proud to be part of this

@TheAtlantic
Mapping the Cheapest Cities for Living the Expat Life http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2013/04/mapping-cheapest-cities-itinerant-expats/5248/

@list25
The 25 Most Beautiful Skylines in the World http://list25.com/the-25-most-beautiful-skylines-in-the-world/

@DisplacedNation
If something God-awful happens to you in your adopted country, what do you do? This #expat had a novel solution: http://ow.ly/kcY7n

@AmandavMulligen
Multicultural, multilingual: how to share it all with your children - an interview with Britt Breu http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2013/04/sharing-our-roots-interview-with-britt.html?spref=tw #expat

@expatexplorer
Do you struggle to pack the perfect carry-on bag? Maybe we can help: http://expatexplorer.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/whats-in-your-suitcase.html

@expathub
5 common #US stereotypes- following on from our guest post for @LostInPond http://t.co/scHgBa6lfE #expat #travel #emigrate

Tweets from our Featured Bloggers

@LostInPond
Expat in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Terrorism In Britain And The United States: Thoughts From a British Expat #bostonmarathonbombing http://lostinthepond.blogspot.com/2013/04/terrorism-in-britain-and-united-states.html

@MoreThingsJapan
Expat in Kumejima-cho, Okinawa
However, people who found my site searching for #goya you've come to the right place http://morethingsjapanese.com/goya-the-bitter-melon/

@SaraLouiseLPV
Expat in Alpes de Haute-Provence, France
Life of late in The LPV http://bit.ly/108yCfn

@nothmngwysspain
Expat in Valencia, Spain
New blog post on Not Hemingway's #Spain... "Azulejomanía: Images of #Sevilla Through Tile Art" - http://nothemingwaysspain.blogspot.com.es/2013/04/azulejomania-images-of-sevilla-through.html

@Comme1francaise
French expert
13 phrases to use with your French boyfriend http://tinyurl.com/bbcjxuo #expat #France

@RobinJGraham
Expat in Andalucia, Spain
http://su.pr/2K0qed Chilling out in the year's first heat.............. #sanlucar #andalucia #spain #travel #expat #manzanilla

@RussellVJWard
Expat in Sydney, Australia
When do you decide to stay? Is it at Ten Years and Counting | In Search of a Life Less Ordinary http://t.co/RDzQvY7ZJY #expats #travel

@myneonlullaby
Expat in Taiwan
Boston, the city that shaped me. http://wp.me/p2ERzP-VE

@maremmatuscany
Expat in Grosseto, Italy
Now that Spring has FINALLY arrived! http://fb.me/2F6QdpD8v

@piaklancar
Expat in Germany
Bye bye France. I like you, but am really happy I don't have to become your resident. Sorry. http://www.joiedevieblog.eu/munich-here-we-come

@WagonersAbroad
Expat in Almuñécar, Spain
American Family of 4 Living Abroad Budget in Spain- Actual Spend (Months 5,6 & 7) http://wp.me/p2nUYz-1j7 #TTOT #FamilyTravel #Spain

@nat_high
Expat in Doha, Qatar
What am I doing with a stranger's passport? On sponsorship, domestic help and class: http://wp.me/p2vTww-e9 #Qatar #expat #kafala

@love2feed
Expat in London, United Kingdom
our top 5 pintxos guide in San Sebastian http://wp.me/p2dith-i7 #lacuchara #afuegonegro #bordaberri #zeruko #gandarias

@madreislena
Expat in Islas Canarias
The legend at the Heart of a Canarian Village: Vi la Flor de Chasna | Islandmomma http://islandmomma.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/the-legend-at-the-heart-of-a-canarian-village-vi-la-flor-de-chasna/ #Tenerife

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.

Expat Fear: the Situation in Korea

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:53:43 +0100

Since mid-February, the rumblings of danger from Democratic People's Republic of Korea have grown from the usual wariness to all-out panic by some media sources.

"Bomb North Korea, Before It's Too Late" - An Op-Ed by an Austin, Texas Professor
"Pentagon Finds Nuclear Strides by North Korea" - New York Times
"N. Korea Lashes Out Anew Over Protest in Seoul" - Time World

The panic is not all that surprising considering North Korea's own statements and ultimatum. Via the state media service Korean Central News Agency,

"The world is in a festive mood on the auspicious Day of the Sun. It is only the south Korean puppet forces who hurled a group of anti-communist gangsters into a rally against the DPRK in the heart of Seoul in broad daylight at which they set fire to the portraits, the symbols of its supreme dignity."

Not exactly comforting words for it's southern neighbor and public enemy. No "final peaceful settlement" has ever been fully achieved between the two sides and these kind of statements paired with the ramping up of their missile systems are right to raise alarm. However, it is still thoroughly unclear what exactly should be done about the latest threats.

Amid all this speculation and fear, the question arises about expats that are choosing to stay and live in South Korea. It seems clear that the most aggressive reports of North Korea's capabilities are exaggerated, but are expats in South Korea living in fear?

Expat bloggers, Dan and Vanessa from Sautéed Happy Family, have written several posts on the subject, and in a word - no, they aren't afraid. A young couple that left behind the American dream, they have begun life abroad in South Korea to teach English, travel, and share their wild shenanigans with us. In their post, "OMG! Will North Korea Attack?" they answer,

"...for non-military citizens or expats like us, nothing has changed. Dozens of people still fill coffee shops, children go to school just the same, families go hiking, not even any warnings on loud speakers or evacuation drills."

This is an important note for people outside of the country to remember. The media's business is not just to report world happenings, but to sell news. While we rely on reporters and experts to keep us informed, their analysis may offer a wildly different view than those that are supposedly directly affected. Dan and Vanessa have fielded questions from friends, family, and even an English speaking newspaper in Moscow. They understand the repercussions better than most as targets of North Korea's threats. They describe in their post, "Same As Usual: South of North Korea",

"Bombing Seoul would be disastrous for North Korea. For better or worse, South Korea and the US would shower Pyongyang, and that would end the status quo for the North Korean elite....

Life in South Korea hasn't changed since we arrived here a year and a half ago. Kim Jong Il died, Kim Jong Un took power, North Korea continued the threats of the last several decade...Not that there isn't sufficient risk. Sure, if the cousins to the North decided to attack, we'd be in some serious doo-doo, but after so long with empty threats and intense military presence in the South, what can you do, right?

I've probably mentioned this before, but every South Korean man at some point between the age of 18-ish and 35-ish is required to serve two years in the military. The thought of possible war is, technically, a whole lot more frightening for them. In fact, if war were to happen, every single Korean male under the age of 45 could be called upon to die for the South. That includes our boss Joshua, our friends Joe, Joey, Hoon, Kevin..."

Safety in South Korea and Abroad

Most expats in South Korea appear to agree with Dan and Vanessa about the current safety level. The official word from the U.S. Embassy is that despite current political tensions with North Korea, there is no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats to U.S. citizens or facilities in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

The truth is, it can be easy to fixate on problems overseas, but there are issues of safety everywhere...some painfully close to home. Fear in the aftermath of the bombings at the Boston Marathon again confirm the unfortunate truth that nowhere is absolutely safe. Be aware, be prepared, and live the life you want to live.

Emergency Plans

Even with the minimal risk, it is always best to have a plan. As we have previously written about for expat evacuation and disasters abroad, it is necessary for all people to have an emergency plan.

Emergency Plan

Government systems provide a detailed system of alarms, signals, emergency broadcasting, and planned evacuation routes. Contact your nearest government office to find out your city's plan. Be aware of potential threats and emergency resources with EasyExpat Guides section on "Emergency".
Embassies and consulates also have a plan for expats in the country. Find embassies with EasyExpat Guides section on "Consulate".
Create a personal safety plan of supplies, escape routes, and emergency contacts and meet-up points. Have back-up documentation of documents like passports, visas, property deeds, health certificates, proof of vaccines, prescriptions, and education certificates. It's easy to store digital copies in a portable drive or in a safe place online which can save you a lot of trouble in the case of an emergency.

For more about life in South Korea, follow Dan and Vanessa's blog, Sautéed Happy Family, and other expat bloggers in Korea.

Have a story to share or a way that you deal with fear? Leave it in the comments below.